As a uni student, every day is a learning journey, a quest to pursue knowledge. Sure, there’s a lot to be gleaned from readings, lectures and tutorials, but not all learning has to be textbook based.
While you’re taking a breather from the books, why not pursue a different type of knowledge and be inspired by the perspectives of thought leaders from various fields? From inspirational topics to motivational speeches, here’s a selection of five diverse Ted Talks that you need to watch now:
“The Power of Introverts” by Susan Cain
In our society, being outspoken and sociable are highly prized traits while being introverted is often viewed as a flaw that should be hidden. In this talk, Susan Cain petitions for a change to this fallacy. She asks for introverts to build on their strengths instead of conforming to societal pressures and norms, and for everyone else to stop forcing introverts to come out of their shells just because we live in a world that’s been built for extroverts.
“How to Speak So That Other People Want to Listen”by Julian Treasure
Regardless of the career you’re pursuing, being an effective speaker is a positive attribute. From vocal exercises to tips on how to speak with empathy, sound consultant Julian Treasure shares how to speak powerfully and effectively to be heard and make a change in this world.
“Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Lee Duckworth
A high flying consultant who left her job to become a teacher then a psychologist, Angela Lee Duckworth started to explore what made people successful. What emerged to be a predictor of success wasn’t high IQ, good looks or social intelligence, but ‘Grit’. What exactly is it? It’s about having the stamina and motivation to pursue your passion day in and day out, and working really hard to make that future you dream of a reality. Watch her explain her theory of ‘grit’ and how it can be a predictor of success.
“All It Takes is 10 Mindful Minutes” by Andy Puddicombe
In this age when your senses are constantly being bombarded by technology—texts, emails, social media updates, TV and more—switching off and not doing anything for 10 minutes seems almost impossible. Or is it? Let mindfulness expert Andy Puddicombe explain why refreshing your mind for just 10 minutes a day and simply being mindful during this quiet time can prevent a burnout as well as deeply impact your life.
“Try Something New For 30 Days” by Matt Cutts
When was the last time you took up a new sport or did something out of the ordinary? Most of us settle into a life that’s rather monotonous and predictable, where the most exciting part of our week is possibly a visit to a new restaurant. Instead of staying in our comfort zones, technologist Matt Cutts suggests that we try something new for 30 days to break out of our one-dimensional existence, and live a truly full and enriching life.
