Every generation has its own values, needs and wants. What do millennials want? If you look at the research, common features include opportunities to learn new things and improve, connection with people and causes, success and recognition, following their passion, making an impact and saving money. In this article, I’ve rounded up the 10 best TED talks for millennials that fall under these categories.

On Improvement

How to Stop Screwing Yourself Over – Mel Robbins

Watch it for: A simple trick to help you get anything you want.

One out of every three Americans (approximately 100 million people) feel dissatisfied with their lives. To address this, relationship expert and radio host, Mel Robbins explains how we can get out of our own way and achieve our goals. Hint: The problem isn’t lack of motivation or a lack of ideas. A vital TED talk for millennials who want to improve their lives.

On Connection

Should You Live For Your Resume… Or Your Eulogy? – David Brooks

Watch it for: The spiritual talk you didn’t know you needed.

How will we be remembered when we die? We live in a world that values competition, ambition and success, but will that give us a meaningful life? David Brooks discusses the opposing sides of our nature, the importance of relationships and how to develop a depth of character. A short, but meaningful TED talk for millennials.

Being Young and Making an Impact – Natalie Warne

Watch it for: Proof that age is just a number.

Natalie Warne was 17 when she watched the film, ‘Invisible Children’. This inspired her to take action and join the Kony 2012 movement. Together, she and a group of passionate individuals from around the world fought for a solution, with big results. This TED talk for millennials shows us that we can all make an impact.

The Power of Vulnerability – Brene Brown

Watch it for: The link between vulnerability and connection.

Connection is why we’re here; it’s what gives purpose to our lives. No one understands this more so than researcher and author, Brene Brown who studied vulnerability and its link to connection for more than six years. What separates those who have a sense of worthiness and those who don’t? Why do we struggle with vulnerability? This TED talk for millennials will blow your mind!

On Success

The Difference Between Winning and Succeeding – John Wooden

Watch it for: A simple discussion about true success.

John Wooden knows a thing or two about winning. He won ten NCAA national basketball championships in a 12-year period as head coach at UCLA, including seven in a row. Succeeding on the other hand, is a different matter. In this talk, John Wooden discusses his definition of success and how it came about. A TED talk for millennials who are playing the comparison game.

What Baby Boomers Can Learn From Millennials At Work and Vice Versa – Chip Conley

Watch it for: Advice on how to work better with other generations.

“For the first time ever, we have five generations in the workplace at the same time,” says entrepreneur Chip Conley. How can we work harmoniously with so much diversity? In this talk, he encourages us to embrace our differences and use it for the better. This TED talk is for millennials and Baby Boomers alike.

Eight Secrets of Success – Richard St. John

Watch it for: Two hours of tips condensed into a three-minute talk.

Want to know what all successful people have in common? Richard St. John gives a three-minute crash course on his findings over seven years. If you think success only happens to those who are smart or lucky, get ready to eat your hat! This TED talk is for all millennials with big dreams.

For more career focused TED talks, visit ‘5 Career Talks That Will Inspire You’.

On Passion

The Way We Think About Work is Broken – Barry Schwartz

 Watch it for: An interesting insight into traditional work.

Why do we work? Is it for a pay check, or is it because we find our work meaningful, engaging and challenging? Barry Schwartz looks at the origins of our idea of work and how human nature is designed by institutions. An interesting TED talk for millennials who believe in the importance of fulfilling work.

Do What You Love (No Excuses) – Gary Vaynerchuk

 Watch it for: A pep talk to pursue your dreams.

With his trademark take-no-crap attitude, Gary Vaynerchuk challenges us to question what we want and to fearlessly pursue it. He explains why this is the best time to start a business and how to be successful in a saturated market. He argues that we can do anything; the only thing stopping us is ourselves. An extremely motivating TED talk for millennials who want to make money online.

On Money

Three Psychological Tricks to Help You Save Money – Wendy De La Rosa

Watch it for: Practical saving tips.

Having trouble saving money? It might be to do with your environmental cues. With these three tricks, Wendy De La Rosa can help you save money easier than ever before. An essential TED talk for millennials who struggle to budget and like to eat out a little too much!

Millennials are generally highly educated, technologically savvy and ambitious individuals. As such, we want opportunities to learn and improve, desire connection with people and causes, want success and recognition, believe in following our passion and making an impact, and desperately want to save money. The above TED talks for millennials are essential viewing if you’re seeking inspiration and answers in your personal and professional life.

Which TED talk did you like best and why? Let me know in the comments below.

Until next time!

Grace x