inspiration

TED Talks

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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

53 Comments

Kate

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!

Reply
Meaghan

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.

Reply
Gaby

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!

Reply
Robyn Puglia

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.

Reply
Ripple

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

Reply
Hillary Holton

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.

Reply
madeleine

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!

Reply
Katy

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!

Reply
Sharon

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

Reply
Jordana @WhiteCabana

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.

Reply
Katie

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

Reply
Sarah

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

Reply
Sara

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

Reply
Megan

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.

Reply
Kayla Michelle Pelletier

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

Reply
carly

I’ve DMed with erin before- such a sad story but she was so eloquent. Very impressed with her.

Reply
Grace

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

Reply
Ali Koch

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 😛

Reply
Ali Koch

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.

Reply
Charlotte

There’s an amazing this American life podcast called Batman that talks about how blindness is a social construct! So interesting and so inspiring.

Reply
Elena

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.

Reply
Sarah

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.

Reply
Olivia

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

Reply
Abby

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.

Reply
Hillary

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.

Reply
Audrey | Brunch at Audrey's

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

Reply
Olivia

If you haven’t listened to Brene Brown Ted Talks or read any of her books I’d highly recommend!!!

Reply
Alexan

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!

Reply
Audrey

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!

Reply
Arabella

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!

Reply
Jena

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”).

Reply