TED Talks to prepare you for a successful 2024

"The Puzzle of Motivation" by Dan Pink (2009):

There is discipline and there is motivation, but what is likely to push us to work and carry out our tasks diligently? it is the reward and the gains that may follow that motivate us to work hard. Dan Pink emphasizes this in his talk, he challenges the conventional belief that external rewards, such as bonuses or promotions, are the primary motivators for success. He thereby introduces the concept of intrinsic motivation, which is driven by autonomy, mastery, and purpose. This concept is particularly relevant in 2024 as we navigate a changing work landscape, where individuals seek more fulfilling and meaningful career experiences. It is more beneficial to do things for your own sake and not because you will be rewarded or punished. This is one problem that a lot of schools miss out on. Children are trained to be disciplined to avoid being punished and this is transferred into their adult lives and that is where you find people not pulling their weight to work hard because they feel like there is no one to punish them, they see no reason they have to be disciplined. He iterates that understanding and harnessing intrinsic motivation will enable us to tap into our passions and drive, leading to greater satisfaction and success and this is something that everyone needs.

"How Great Leaders Inspire Action" by Simon Sinek (2009):

We all strive to be great leaders and for you to be seen as one, you have to be someone who influences and inspires people, for you to do that people have to believe in what you do. This talk which was done some years bust bust is still relevant in this day and age, Simon Sinek explores the power of inspiring leadership and emphasizes the importance of starting with 'why" when it comes to driving success. This is about gaining the trust of people wherever you find yourself. He applies this in the work environment by saying that if you hire people who you think can do the job, yes they will do it but they will work for the money, such workers are likely not to work toward the mission and vision of the organization, however, if you hire people you inspire and people who believe what you believe, they will work for you in sweat and blood. In 2024, as we continue to face challenges and uncertainty, the ability to inspire and motivate others is crucial.

Those who start with "why" have the ability to inspire others

When you connect with the deeper purpose and values behind your actions, you can create a sense of purpose within your team or organization. Inspire action through a clear sense of why, and when you do that you you can foster loyalty, and collaboration, and ultimately achieve greater success.

"The Happy Secret to Better Work" by Shawn Achor (2011):

This talk shares insights on positive psychology and the impact of happiness on work performance. He shares what I have been preaching, changing the way we approach things and why we should focus on the good part of every situation. In 2024, as we strive for success, it's important to prioritize well-being and cultivate a positive mindset. It is believed that the dopamine that is released when you are happy cannot only make you happy but open all the learning centers for you to adapt to the world. He also shares some ways that can enable you to stay positive which I will be sharing and expanding in my next article. This talk serves as a reminder that success is not just about achieving goals, but also about finding joy and fulfillment along the way.

"The Art of Mindfulness" by Andy Puddicombe (2012):

Andy Puddicombe takes the audience on a journey of mindfulness, guiding them through a short meditation session. Meditation is something that I personally do when I feel like my mind is saturated. As the world becomes increasingly fast-paced and demanding, practicing mindfulness can be a powerful tool for success. It is a good practice to cultivate present-moment awareness and develop a non-judgmental mindset to enhance focus, reduce stress, and make better decisions. I encourage you to watch it in more detail to tap out more on how to be mindful and aware of your environment.

"How to Make Stress Your Friend" by Kelly McGonigal (2013): In his talk, Kelly McGonigal discusses the research on stress and challenges the common view that stress is always harmful, can you imagine this? Tell me you do not believe that stress is harmful because we all believe that most of our headaches and tiredness emanate from stress. What she is trying to say is that when you change your mind about stress, it changes the way your body reacts to stress. How you think about stress matters a lot. In 2024, as we continue to navigate a complex and unpredictable world, understanding how to reframe our mindset around stress can lead to better health and success. This particular talk has taught me how to use stress in my favour when it comes to my social life and work life.

"The Power of Introverts" by Susan Cain (2012): People have a very strange way they perceive introverts. They feel they are weird people who hate the world and that they are sad people just because they do what they do. Introverts are high-performing individuals who need alone time once in a while to recharge. Susan Cain celebrates introverts and highlights the unique strengths they possess in a world that often values extroversion. In 2024, as workplaces become more diverse and collaborative, it's important to recognize and appreciate the contributions of introverts. This talk encourages individuals to tap into their introverted nature, recharge as needed, and leverage their unique strengths to thrive in various professional settings. We have to debunk the conviction that introverts are shy, shyness is the fear of being judged by the society, and believe, a lot of introverts do not even care what people think about them, they are nonconformists and they are just living their lives. We cannot always be ourselves in every environment, nonetheless, we can learn to still do our best in a way that will not go against our personal values.

These TED Talks provide valuable insights and perspectives that have shaped my mindset and approach to how to live in 2024 which will be filled with connecting with people and working with them. Life is an endless lesson that requires endless learning. If you carefully reflect on their messages and digest them, you can adapt and apply these ideas to your own personal and professional aspirations.

Enjoy this abstract image I put here.