Life Lessons From TED Talks In 2014

Thank you TED for trying very hard to make us better peopleIllustration by Alex Coll

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by Jess Commons |
Published on

If you really struggle with exercise, it’s totally not your fault

THANK YOU social psychologist Emily Balcetis for letting us know that perception is subjective, ie. what seems like NBD to one person, might be the biggest, scariest thing in the whole world to another. According to Emily’s research, less fit people literally SAW the finish line of a race as being further away and therefore a less achievable goal. So TAKE THAT FITNESS FANATICS.

** Just because you’re shy, doesn’t mean you don't have a purpose**

Introverts totally know the struggle of always being the quiet one in a conversation so h/t to writer Kare Anderson for sharing that pointing out that each one of us is better at doing something than anybody else. Despite her shyness, Kare used her skills to become an ‘opportunity maker’ for others, something we should all be doing more of.

Being down on your looks isn’t helping anyone, least of all you

According to Meaghan Ramsey, 10,000 people a month Google ‘Am I ugly’? Hey, it’s not our fault we feel pressure to look a certain way, that’s down to unrealistic expectations the media puts on us. BUT what we need to look at is how it’s affecting our and Meaghan goes on to explain how disappointment with our looks is stopping us achieving in our lives and careers and how kissing the mirror might be your key to getting back on track.

** How to speak powerfully**

Ever feel like you’re talking and no-one’s listening? Julian Treasure’s excellent talk gives a few super handy tips and tricks to make your audience (or mates) sit up and take notice of the (maybe) valuable things you’re saying including talking ‘from your chest’, staying away from complaining and treating your voice like an instrument. Includes fun warm up exercises.

** How one tiny thing can change the world**

We’ve spoken about Myriam Sidibe’s excellent talk on how something as little as a bar of soap could save up to 600,000 lives each year. You are like, ten million times more powerful than a bar of soap so just think about what you could do.

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Follow Jess on Twitter @Jess_Commons

Illustration: Alex Coll

This article originally appeared on The Debrief.

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