a woman presenting at a TED talk

10 Must-Watch tED Talks That Will Change Your Life

When you’re looking for a spark of inspiration or a push toward personal transformation, there’s no better place to turn than TED Talks.

Known for their powerful, thought-provoking presentations from the worlds best inspiring speakers, TED talks have helped millions of people gain new perspectives, build confidence, and take actionable steps toward improving their lives.

Whether you’re striving to develop new habits, overcome fear, or achieve your bold dreams, this is the ultimate list of 10 must-watch TED Talks that will change your life!

1. “The Power of Vulnerability” by Brené Brown

Brené Brown’s groundbreaking talk explores the connection between vulnerability and strength, something that she expands on throughout the incredible Daring Greatly.

By embracing vulnerability, we allow ourselves to connect more deeply with others and build resilience.

Brown’s insights on courage, empathy, and authenticity will leave you inspired to step outside your comfort zone and live a fuller, more meaningful life.

Daring Greatly by Brené Brown is an excellent resource to help you understand how to step outside your comfort zone without letting the fear of failure or the approval of others stop you. You can learn more about this powerful book by reading our summary of Daring Greatly.

daring greatly by brene brown

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2. “How Great Leaders Inspire Action” by Simon Sinek

Simon Sinek’s “Start With Why” concept is a game-changer for anyone looking to lead or create lasting impact.

This talk teaches you how to align your actions with your purpose, making it an essential listen for anyone seeking clarity and motivation to achieve their goals.

3. “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Lee Duckworth

Angela Lee Duckworth’s exploration of grit is a must-watch for anyone pursuing long-term goals.

Grit refers to the combination of passion and perseverance and is the “secret sauce” that helps the worlds biggest goal-chasers stay on track!

Learn how developing grit can help you stay motivated and overcome obstacles, no matter how challenging the journey!

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth explores how grit is the key to success, more than talent or intelligence. The book emphasizes that anyone can develop grit through deliberate practice, perseverance, and a strong sense of purpose.

grit the power of passion and perseverance

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4. “Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are” by Amy Cuddy

Amy Cuddy’s fascinating talk dives into how body language influences not only how others perceive us but also how we perceive ourselves.

In this talk, you will learn about “power poses” and how adopting confident body language can increase your self-esteem and performance in challenging situations.

5. “Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator” by Tim Urban

If procrastination has ever held you back, Tim Urban’s hilarious and insightful talk is for you!

He explores the psychology of procrastination and offers practical advice for overcoming the habit.

This must-watch TED talk will leave you both entertained and equipped to tackle your biggest projects!

6. “The Surprising Science of Happiness” by Dan Gilbert

In this thought-provoking presentation, Dan Gilbert explains how we can synthesize happiness even when things don’t go as planned.

This TED talk will challenge what you think you know about happiness and inspire you to find joy and contentment in unexpected places.

7. “What Makes a Good Life? Lessons from the Longest Study on Happiness” by Robert Waldinger

What truly leads to a fulfilling life? Robert Waldinger shares findings from a decades-long study on happiness, revealing that meaningful relationships are the key.

This TED talk encourages you to invest in your connections and prioritize the people who matter most.

8. “The Puzzle of Motivation” by Dan Pink

Dan Pink’s talk challenges what we think we know about motivation and its role in achieving our goals.

In this must-watch TED talk, you will learn how intrinsic motivation can be far more effective than external rewards.

9. “Do Schools Kill Creativity?” by Sir Ken Robinson

Sir Ken Robinson’s witty and profound talk explores how traditional education systems can stifle creativity.

His message inspires us to embrace creativity and pursue passions that bring us alive, regardless of societal norms or expectations.

This was a popular TED talk back when I was studying to become a teacher, so it holds a special place in my heart!

10. “Why We Do What We Do” by Tony Robbins

Tony Robbins’ famous TED talk dives into the emotional and psychological drivers behind our actions. He explains the importance of aligning your decisions with your core values and encourages you to take massive action to achieve your dreams.

How to Make the Most of These TED Talks

While watching these TED Talks can provide powerful insights and inspiration, the real transformation happens when you apply what you learn to your life.

Here are a few tips to get started:

  1. Reflect and journal: After watching each talk, take time to reflect on how the message resonates with you.

Write down key takeaways and actionable steps from each TED talk that you can implement in your own personal journal or bullet journal!

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a woman using nightly journal prompts before bed

  1. Set specific goals: Use the insights from these talks to set clear, achievable goals. For example, you might work on building grit, practicing vulnerability, or fostering stronger relationships.
  2. Share and discuss: Share your favorite talks with friends or family and discuss how the ideas can be applied in your lives. This not only reinforces your learning but also helps create a support system for your personal growth.
  3. Revisit and practice: Transformation is a journey, not a one-time event. Bookmark this page and revisit these talks from time to time and continue practicing the lessons they offer.

Start Changing Your Life Today!

TED Talks have the unique ability to spark change by challenging your beliefs and inspiring action.

These 10 must-watch TED talks that will change your life are powerful tools for personal growth and success. Whether you’re looking to build confidence or develop new habits, or you are just looking for some inspiration to dream bigger than ever before, the big ideas from these TED talks can help you unlock your potential and create a life you love!

Take the first step by watching one (or all!) of these talks today. My hope is that you can let the ideas resonate so that you are able to take action and witness the incredible impact they can have on your journey to a better, more fulfilling life!

Looking for more motivational resources? Check out this list of 10 books that changed my life!

Don’t forget to share this post with your friends and family on social media! If you know someone who could use some inspiration, this collection of the best TED talks that will change your life could be what they need!


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