Happy Saturday everyone! I’ve been trying post some fun, more affordable shopping items on Saturdays, but I’m trying to not buy anything during the month of January and I don’t want to tempt myself at all.
I did want to put out a little request for you though. I’ve been working on revamping my morning routine to try to really maximize my day. Actually, it’s partly my actual morning routine and tweaking things I do throughout the day too. (I have a Youtube video with some of what I have been incorporating into my daily routine coming up next week, so stay tuned for that!)
After I get out of bed and take the dogs on their first walk of the day, I used to sit down at my desk and immediately start working. Instead of hopping right into my inbox, I’ve been trying to watch or listen to or read something inspirational or educational. It’s usually a 20-minute (max) investment of time, but I always feel so much more motivated! I’m really enjoying this new part of my routine so I’m committing to making it stick.
More often than not, it’s a TED Talk or a video on Youtube, but I would love your recommendations too. I had a bunch queued up for the first couple weeks and I’m realizing now just how quickly I go through the list when I’m doing it every day.
Have you read an amazing article recently that opened your eyes to something? Or maybe you have a favorite TED Talk? Or an inspirational video you turn to when you’re having a bad day? Leave it in the comment! Hopefully, I’ll be sharing some of my favorites from the week in my On My Radar posts.
Two of my favorites so far: this article with public speaking tips you can take away from Oprah’s Golden Globes speech and this TED Talk about the benefits of deep brain sleep.
I’ve started listening to podcasts I find motivational/inspirational on my commute in the morning, and so far I’ve really loved Oprah’s SuperSoul Sunday podcasts (I think it’s actually a show on her tv station, so you could also watch the episodes instead of listening to the podcast version!) They run about 30 minutes or so, but I usually listen to about 15-20 at at time. Really looking forward to hearing your other recommendations, and what other people recommend!
There’s a TED talk by Danielle Feinberg on the magic of Pixar and how they mix artistry with science and technology. It’s fascinating how much goes into every little detail of such visually stunning, not to mention wonderful, movies.
Meghan, the word “Pixar” caught my attention and I watched the video. I loved it so much, I’ve always been fascinated by what goes into making animation movies and Danielle explained it so well.
You may have mentioned this before, but my forever favorite TED talk is “If I Should Have a Daughter…”, by Sarah Kay. Looking forward to the YouTube video!
Yes! My favourite one as well
I was going to suggest this one as well — as my favorite!!
I find this too! It really affects my day in a positive way to watch or listen to something interesting or motivational very early. I’m a mom of 2, so not a lot of spare time but I listen to podcasts or watch YouTube on my iPad while putting on my makeup. My recommendation for you in Glambition Radio, by Ali Brown. It’s interviews with women who are at the top of their game in many different fields. I love hearing from strong successful business women talking about what sets them on fire and how they achieve what they do in the world. Try listening to the JJ Virgin interview (the more recent one), about how she wrote Miracle Mindset.
Happy Saturday Carly! 🙂
As popular as TED Talks are, I’ve never actually watched a full one! I’ve watched snippets of many before and I think it’s time I really settled into listening to them now. 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
I love TED talks and you just reminded me with this post how much I miss listening to it. I think the last one I’ve listened to was about procrastination called ‘the kind of the procrastinator’ or something like that – but Im not quite sure. These days I got into podcasts – some BBC News (to stay up to date with international affairs), The Minimalists (to motivate the inner minimalist) and some French learning podcasts. I’m also on a hunt for some new things to listen to so I’d love to see a list of your favourites from TED or anywhere else. Have a great day!
With kindness
This is my favorite TED Talk! It’s by Tim Urban from Wait But Why
Carly: I love listening to audio of inspirational poetry every morning as I make breakfast and as I walk to class. My favorite poet is Maya Angelou. Her readings of “I Rise” and “On the Pulse Of Morning” always start my morning off right.
I wish I had something amazing to recommend! I’m definitely going to be checking the recs from other people for some inspiration, though! That sounds like a great way to start your day!
I hope you’re having a lovely weekend!
Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.com
brene Brown the power of vulnerability!
Yes, this one is great!
I second Oprah’s podcast! They are a little bit more manageable than TED Talks and I always come away with a nugget of wisdom for everyday life. I especially loved the Shonda Rhimes episode!
Hi Carly, I love listening to motivational podcasts! My favorites are Lewis Howes’ School of Greatness (Lewis is the best!) and Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations!
-Olga
http://www.littlethingsolga.com/
This past summer I sumbled upon the podcast Body Mind Musings by Maddy Moon. I highly recommend if you’re looking for inspiration to have a positive mindset throughout the day. Maddy covers so many topics!
I have also started listening to a few podcasts whenever I get a chance. Oprah’s super soul is probably my favourite but I also really enjoy Happier with Gretchen Rubin. TedTalk wise, my favourite is also the Sarah Kay one.. Just love her poetry. There is also one by Robert Waldinger about what make a good life. It was a longitudinal busy on happiness. Very interesting
I learn something new every time I log on to Swiss Miss. Tina has lots of interesting things to share, and usually one thing leads to another and before I know it, I’ve watched 3 You Tube videos.
I saved a list of my favorite TED Talks!
I’m 17: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OkOQhXhsIE
Own your face: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbxinUJcLGg
The power of introverts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0KYU2j0TM4
How to gain control of your time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3kNlFMXslo
The wait is sexy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zw7AXwnb8M
Looks aren’t everything. Believe me, I’m a model https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KM4Xe6Dlp0Y
Why you should define your fears instead of your goals https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5J6jAC6XxAI
Carly,
I absolutely love Ted Talks! Here are some of my favorites:
Love No Matter What
Why 30 is Not the New 20
The Transformative Power of Classical Music
The Price of Shame
How Great Leaders Inspire Action
Happy watching!
Sarah
This is my all time favorite ted talk: https://youtu.be/P3fIZuW9P_M
I totally think it applies to everyone whether they’re in a relationship or not!
Tori
http://www.mooretori.com
Watch this one by Andrew Stanton –
https://www.ted.com/talks/andrew_stanton_the_clues_to_a_great_story
Then follow it up with this video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxtEj6YqGuA
Francis turns 3 today!
Goeffrey Canada – Enough is Enough
Shawn Achor – The Happy Secret to Better Work
Simon Sinek – How Great Leaders Inspire Action
All of these are my go-to TEDtalks when I’m feeling down, overwhelmed, sad, frustrated… basically any negative feelings. lol
I listen to a daily motivational Podcast called “Increase Your Impact” by Justin Su’a. He is a Mental Performance and Leadership Coach in the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Browns Organizations. The Podcasts are great because the content is powerful and the are typically only 3-5 minutes. Perfect to listen to as you are making your coffee/walking the dogs.
I just read a fascinating TED article about how sales encourage us to spend more money, and how the sale mentality can affect our overall happiness! I know I’m guilty of buying things just because they’re on sale! https://ideas.ted.com/who-doesnt-love-sales-theres-just-one-problem-they-lead-us-to-make-dumb-choices/?utm_campaign=social&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_content=ideas-blog&utm_term=social-science
This isn’t a TED Talk but I love the rendition of David Foster Wallace’s “This is Water” commencement speech at Kenyon. This is the abridged video: https://vimeo.com/188418265
And this is the full version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CrOL-ydFMI
(The abridged version is much more inspirational but the full version is quite something)
Elizabeth smarts ted talk is just astonishing hearing her experience and hearing Erin noelles story talking about her boyfriend pass away is so real and inspiring how many people have viewed and reached out to support her. She really looks like you too Carly and her strength is really worth featuring
I’ve DMed with erin before- such a sad story but she was so eloquent. Very impressed with her.
I love TED talks, being an ESL teacher they are very useful for me because I play them in class and then we do activities about them. I’ve really seen this short which is adorable and moving at the same time. I don’t want to give much away so here’s the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8pZV5enryk
Hi Carly,
I’ve been reading Simple Abundance: A Day Book of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach every morning just to get me thinking about things and prompt myself to write a journal entry on maybe what I read or whatever is on my mind. It is nice because it is just one short passage for each day and it gives you something to think about. This book may be a bit older (first edition 1995) and maybe not for my age group (I’m 20, sophomore in college) but there seems to always be a little something I can take away from it. It has been a great addition to my morning routine since mid-December. (I started my “new years” resolution early like you did with working out, love doing it that way!)
Best,
Grace
https://www.handsfreemama.com/2017/12/08/am-i-invisible-the-pain-relieving-response-to-being-rejected-or-excluded/
I just read this today and loved the message!
Last month I binged Refinery 29’s series on youtube called Try Living With Lucie [here’s the link for season one of that ‘show’ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJEQBmLpTgd8kXw3J3xrAmUCXb0zsL52x ]. One of their video producers, Lucie Fink, changes or focuses on one thing for 5 days [like, 5 days with of no waste living, 5 days of borrowing someone else’s morning routine]. Not exactly mind breaking, but I’ve always felt that the little things you do can be the most inspirational, and really make up your life. Lucie Fink also had a 15 minute TedX talk!
I also just watched this today, it’s a youtuber/influencer named Rachel Nguyen. She just created a video about ‘New Year New Me’ which are always inspiring, but was especially cool https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVMjy36dOkk&t=0s
I love youtube as a platform for every day inspiration.
But [sorry this post is so damn long lol] I’ve also read Gretchin Rubin’s books [The Happiness Project, The 4 Tendencies, Better Than Before], and she’s all about changing habits and behaviors… super inspirational and motivating. If you haven’t heard of the 4 Tendencies, here’s the online personality quiz: https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3706759/Gretchen-Rubin-s-Quiz-The-Four-Tendencies
After you read about it, it’s fun to think about your family and friends and what tendency they are. Plus, Gretchin writes about using your tendency to better influence your habits and behaviors.
Ok, I’m done 😛
I love Lucie’s videos!
Also, sorry, I know this isn’t exactly related, but have you listened to the podcast ‘Gilmore Guys’? I saw in your recently read books post you mentioned Gilmore Girls. They’re awesome! The first half of season 1 podcasts were a little rough while they were getting on their feet, but I’m hooked. I like to listen to them on my way to work in the a.m.
There’s an amazing this American life podcast called Batman that talks about how blindness is a social construct! So interesting and so inspiring.
My all-time favorite TED Talk is by Benjamin Zander, called, “The Transformative Power of Classical Music.” I heard it for the first time in high school, so it’s fairly old, but it is absolutely amazing! I highly recommend watching that one and just absorbing what he says for 20 minutes. It’s very moving.
https://www.ted.com/talks/benjamin_zander_on_music_and_passion
J.K. Rowling’s Harvard Commencement speech is so amazing. I also love listening to interviews with Kobe Bryant – even if you are not a basketball fan, his work ethic and drive to succeed is inspiring. And then I love listening to podcasts, This American Life, RadioLab, Code Switch, and At Home With are my current favorites.
Hi Carly! Not a TED Talk, exactly, but Steve Jobs gave a graduation commencement speech at Stanford University in 2005, and as of today, it’s still my favorite speech that I’ve ever heard given.
Hi Carly!
A great start to any day is to listen to NPR’s podcast “Up First”, it gives you the latest news domestically and internationally and is a quick way to get the 411/stay informed on current news.
Other great podcasts (that aren’t daily) for staying on top of news and learning about interesting trends/events: Planet Money, Freakonomics, and the Hidden Brain
– Olivia
How have I never heard of that podcast before?! Sounds great– thank you!
Brene Brown’s “The Power of Vulnerability” is exceptional. I saw her do this same talk live at another venue and it was life-changing of me- as are all of her books. I’m such a fan! Her interview with Oprah on Oprah’s Super Soul Podcast is really fantastic as well.
I’m doing a no spend January too, and it is seriously difficult! My favorite TED talk is by Joe Smith : how to use one paper towel. It might seem silly but it’s seriously changed my life.
Work has been slow, so during my spare moments, I’ve been reading transcripts of TED Talks! (I feel self-conscious about watching videos at work haha…) Just as I do when I find blog posts I like, I share them via Twitter and quote a part of it I find particularly inspiring. -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s
I LOVE the TED talk by Simon Sinek about getting to why: https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action
If you haven’t listened to Brene Brown Ted Talks or read any of her books I’d highly recommend!!!
My final assignment for my senior year economics course was to write and deliver our own TED talks. It was such a reflective experience for us, with topics ranging wildly. This post reminded me of it!
Hi Carly!
Where is your Georgetown print from?
xo,
Franny
It’s a pennant that’s framed.
My mom showed me a TED Talk by Brene Brown, The Power of Vulnerability, and it was pretty amazing. I found it very relatable to my own life and think others would too!
Carly- this is a great one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBHjUVFhFjA
I met Claudia through a women’s leadership organization and she is excellent! Would love to hear what you think about her message.
Not particularly inspiring, but highly educational: The ‘In Our Time’ Podcast by BBC (available on Spotify). They invite specialized university professors and talk about a different subject every week. Mary Queen of Scots, the invention of Antibiotics, the ice age, ancient civilizations, the life and works of Jane Austen… A little random, but oh so interesting! I always listen to this when I clean my room or fold laundry!
I too am a huge TED Talk fan, and I am sure you already know about the TED Radio Hour podcast. I enjoy it for car trips because it is a little longer and links several TED Talks together. However, what I wanted to bring to your attention is Intelligence Squared Debates. They are a bit lengthy, and I actually prefer watching them versus listening…but they remind me of TED Talks on steroids because they provide a healthy debate with educated, knowledgeable and robust commentators about valuable topics, which usually we need to hear more than one side to in order to be educated about the topic. They range from political debates, things like GMOs to modern love (check out last night’s debate where the motion was, “Swipe Left: Dating Apps Have Killed Romance”).