In a day and age where overwork is expected and money is the only thing that matters, it’s no wonder you’re feeling apathetic towards your career. From the hilarious to the relatable, I find that TED talks are a quick and reliable way to instantly inspire. If your career has left you feeling flat, these five short videos will reignite your spark.
1. The Happy Secret to Better Work – Shawn Achor
Topics: Happiness, productivity, better work, success, positivity, positive psychology, stress, wellness.
Watch it for: Laughs and an insight into the importance of positive psychology.
What is success? And what is its connection to happiness? With his background as a psychologist, Achor explains why normal is merely average, how your view of the world shapes your reality, why happiness is the best productivity tool and how you can train your brain to become more positive. Truly motivating!
2. What Makes You Come Alive – Sean Aiken
Topics: Lost, identifying your gift, finding your passion, enjoying your job, fulfilment, making a difference.
Watch it for: A reminder why it’s important to pursue your passions.
Aiken worked 52 jobs in one year to gain insight into different industries and meet people from all walks of life. What’s your gift? What can you contribute to the world? A career is only one way to pursue your passion, but the world needs your gifts. Let this talk inspire you to find your purpose.
3. How to Find and Do Work You Love – Scott Dinsmore
Topics: Enjoying your job, finding your passion, making a difference, understanding yourself, self-worth, decision making, success.
Watch it for: A reality check.
What job are you doing? Why are you doing it? What matters to you? What’s holding you back? Dinsmore discusses the three-part framework he developed to understand himself and find out what he was passionate about. He also discusses what you need to succeed. (Hint: it’s not what you think.) In the 21st Century, we are, actually, only limited by our imagination. This practical video will urge you to take action.
4. How to Make Work-Life Balance Work – Nigel Marsh
Topics: Work-life balance, balance, fulfilment, thoughtfulness, quality time, responsibility, relationships.
Watch it for: Information on how to achieve balance.
What is a balanced life? What’s the point of it? Whose responsibility is it to design one? Marsh frankly discusses how his experience as a workaholic changed when he discovered the four criteria that are critical to work-life balance and outlines what you need to do to achieve it. This TED talk will help you to re-evaluate your priorities and begin to change your view of success.
5. How to Future-Proof Your Career – Dorie Clark
Topics: Career security, future, change, uncertainty, options, opportunities, portfolio career, diversifying your income.
Watch it for: Inspiration on achieving the “impossible”.
How do we prepare for an uncertain future? Can we truly achieve job security? Clark believes that the only option is to develop a portfolio career, anchored on four steps. Not only will this reduce financial risk and increase your income, but it will also provide you with new skills and open you up to more opportunities. I challenge you not to be inspired by this presentation!
While happiness can increase productivity, a balanced life can improve your relationship with others, and while you can future-proof your career, none of this matters unless you enjoy what you do. If you get anything from this article, I hope you will be inspired to evaluate and improve your professional life. Then you can also inspire others.
What’s your biggest take away from these videos? Let me know in the comments below. If you know anyone who you think would benefit from this article, share it! For more advice and recommendations, follow me on Instagram and Pinterest or subscribe to empoweredmillennialgirl.com to receive new posts every week by email.
Until next time!
Grace x
