Be sure to bookmark this page on your web browser or mobile phone, because these TED Talks may come in handy when you need a dose of inspiration, or something to listen to as you’re stuck in the editing cave. ‘Cause Hope is here from Pepper, and I’m about to hit you with a slap of creative inspiration!
What the heck is TED?
Well, I think it goes without saying that TED Talks is one of the most brilliant ways to share information in our digital, modern age. Chris Anderson’s concept of spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks that are 18 minutes or less was a stroke of genius. Growing from a small event in Monterray, California before the birth of the worldwide web in 1984, TED has developed into a non-profit organization and global community that welcomes people from every discipline and culture who seek a deeper understanding of the world.
I think that’s something we can all get behind, especially as creatives like we are — who are searching for a way to cultivate our own connections in our own little pockets of time and space.
What’s a TED Moment?
I am a big ol’ TED Talks geek. I’ve watched more than a few videos and I listen to the daily updated podcast on my commute. Fun fact — I’ve even worked as an event planner for the TED Talks Conference which is based in Vancouver, Canada.
There’s a saying when working at a TED Conference of “a TED moment.” With hundreds of vendors and people moving about a convention centre and thousands of highly influential people having the most brilliant conversations you could ever imagine over a cup of coffee in this widely imagined, technology friendly space, it is said that “a TED moment” can happen. I’ve been lucky enough to have a few of these moments now – like seeing the TED stage in full effect with a real human standing on that red circle projecting his voice to a live, captive audience, or accidentally meeting Stephen Spielberg, or scouring arts and craft shops for hot glue for Adam Savage of Mythbusters on a time crunch – it’s hard to articulate the emotions, inspiration, and pure adrenaline that floods a human system when a TED moment hits you.
The GOOOOOD Stuff
So my hope – get it, Hope jokes?! – is that you will find your own TED moment by listening to one of these brilliant speakers tell their truths. Here’s a list that I’ve compiled of great TED Talks that will motivate and inspire you to, somehow create. This list of TED Talks might inspire you to keep working on a project, or to work on an aspect of your life. It might inspire you to start creating your life, to be more curious, or to ask more questions. It might give you the confidence you need to start whatever you want to do in your life.
#1 Seth Godin – How To Get Your Ideas To Spread
Too many choices. Too little time. Great point of view on the best way to spread your ideas and also and opportunity to be different.
#2 Adam Grant – The Surprising Habits of Original Thinkers
About embracing failure and finding the motivation to keep going, keep trying, and when it’s okay to procrastinate — all important parts of the creative process.
#3 Elizabeth Gilbert – Your Elusive Creative Genius
She didn’t just write “Eat, Pray, Love”. Elizabeth Gilbert lived that story travelling the world and feeling alone… Then went on to write many, many more incredible books to inspire her readers on the daily.
#4 Julie Burtstein – 4 Lessons in Creativity
Julie shares her point of view about the creative process. She explains the four lessons she has learned through the experience of other people. An open minded creative can find an opportunity to create everywhere. The secret? Through stories.
#5 Janet Echelman – Taking Imagination Seriously
An example that inspiration is really in everywhere. Be curious, explore and you never know where it can take you. (PS. She is one of my all time favourite contemporary artists. Look her up!)
#6 David Kelley – How To Build Your Creativity Confidence
We all hear this every day. “I’m just not that creative.” As creatives ourselves, we know that every one is creative. It is in our nature as humans. Sometimes, we just need a bit of confidence.
#7 Matt Cutts – Try Something New For 30 Days
Explore and try it, why not? What do you have to lose? What will you gain? Do it! Let’s see what happens.
#8 Elizabeth Gilbert – Success, Failure And The Drive To Keep Creating
Okay, one more from Elizabeth. She has provides a great example of perseverance. Find your passion, what you really want to do in your life and don’t care about the outcome, sometimes failure, sometimes success. Everything will be fine because you will do what you want to do.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=_waBFUg_oT8
#9 Marily Oppezzo – Want To Be More Creative? Go For A Walk
Our connection to the outdoors is often overlooked in a digitally focused world. Are you experiencing writers’ block? Do your eyes hurt from editing in Lightroom until 3am? Maybe it is time to take a break. Go for a walk.
#10 Manoush Zomorodi – How Boredom Can Lead To Your Most Brilliant Ideas
Still stuck on how to come up with a new way to pose your clients in an engagement session? Do some laundry. Wash the dishes. Yes, really. This TED Talk is about how your best ideas may strike when your brain is running on autopilot. Tune in below!
So there you have it! Curl up with a cup of tea and a blanket, or bring your phone with you into the kitchen while you prep dinner tonight.
Allow your brain to take a break. Listen. Enjoy. Have a TED Moment.
Hope Mikal
Project Manager/Virtual Assistant
Pepper – Your Badass Business BFF
