11 Ted Talks That Inspire Change
Some of the most inspiring TED Talks that will inspire you to act and do something amazing today.
Living my best life and being the best version of myself makes me wonder. What or who has inspired me to make a change or at the very least, has made me think?
If you have internet access you’ve most likely seen one or at the very least heard about one. We’re talking about TED Talks.
Seriously amazing thoughts, ideas and inspiration in 18 minutes or less.
[Tweet “Check out the list of amazing TED Talks! #motivation @sweatpink #tedtalks #inspiration”]
TED and I get together often. When I’m cooking, running on the treadmill or working out on the elliptical or simply sitting and absorbing the information shared.
With a slogan of ideas worth spreading, TED is a global community, welcoming people from every discipline and culture who seek and share a deeper understanding of the world.
TED believes passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and, ultimately, the world.
TED.com, is a clearinghouse of free knowledge from the world’s most inspired thinkers — and a community of curious souls.
My introduction to Ted Talks, and the most inspiring to me personally, was Brene Brown, author of The Gifts of Imperfection, I Thought It Was Just Me and Daring Greatly.
Brene Brown: The Power of Vulnerabilty
Quotes:
Want to be happy? Stop trying to be perfect.
We have to be women we want our daughters to be.
Tony Robbins: Why We Do What We Do
Quote:
Change your internal representation – your belief about what’s possible.
Jamie Oliver: Teach Every Child About Food
Quote:
Every child should be taught to cook in school, not just talk about nutrition all day. Good food can be made in 15 minutes. This could be the first generation where the kids teach the parents.
Steve Jobs: How To Live Before You Die
Quote:
The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.
Neil Pasricha: The 3 A’s of Awesome
Quote:
The 3 A’s of awesome. Attitude, Awareness and Authenticity.
Martin Hagger – Inside the Mind of Champion Athletes
Quote:
Make your mental preparation as high a priority as your physical preparation.
How you view yourself will boost or diminish your confidence. GREATNESS IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER.
Dr. Ivan Joseph – The Skill of Self Confidence
Quote:
I am the captain of my own ship and master of my own fate.
Simon Sinek: How Great Leaders Inspire Action
Quote:
Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress; working hard for something we love is called passion.
AJ Jacobs: How Healthy Living Nearly Killed Me
Quote:
You’ve got to seize serendipity. A random thing that might seem small, you’ve got to grab it and follow it for a while.
Christopher McDougall – Were We Born To Run?
Quote:
I received the best advice for running I ever heard. You’re not going to win so just relax. If it feels like work you’re running too hard.
Rip Esselstyn: Plant-Strong and Healthy Living
Quote:
Eat plant-strong!
I would love to chat.
Do you watch/listen to TED Talks? Which one will you watch first?
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I love Brene Brown, just finished one of her books, and have another one on the way. I also love Ted talks so thanks for some more for me to watch!!
Hi Erin, which one of Brene Brown’s books did you read? She has so many good ones.
I read Daring Greatly but also just got her other ones in the mail yesterday so I’ll be reading those soon as well!
Erin, The Gifts of Imperfection is one of my all time favorite books. If you read it let me know what you think 🙂
Now I want to read it again. It’s THAT good!
wow! i think i could spend hours listening to all these! i need to go send martin hagger TED talk to my husband stat!
I love TED Talks too. That is where I found Brene Brown and I LOVE HER WORK. Every single one of her books is a good read. I just saw that TED Talks is on Netflix so even though I catch some every so often on my computer I may also have to check them out on Netflix when I can too.
I had no idea Ted Talks are on Netflix too. Brene Brown is such an amazing woman, speaker and author. It was my search for more info on her that I found Ted Talks several years ago.
I just recently discovered Ted Talks a few months ago. I love watching them while I run on the treadmill! Of course, I’m always looking for the ones about healthy living!
Hi Melanie, do you have any favorites you recommend I watch?
Ah thanks for sharing. I LOVE TEDtalks! A favorite that is not listed about is Sheryl Sanberg’s “Why We Have Too Few Women Leaders”. http://www.ted.com/talks/sheryl_sandberg_why_we_have_too_few_women_leaders
Brene Brown is also one of my favorite ones!
Thanks for the recommendation Hayley! Brene Brown is such an amazing woman, speaker and author. Have you read any of her books?
I have read Daring Greatly and The Gifts of Imperfection and really enjoyed both!
I’ve never really listened to podcasts or Ted talks. Looks like I am missing a ton. All of these messages are so positive. Now just to find time to listen to them!
Deborah that’s one of the best things about TED, all are only 18 minutes or less!
DEfinitely will be listening to these. I have seen so many post TED talks and just have not gotten around to watching any! I have been needing a bit of motivation and inspiration lately so thanks for the list!
Hi Patty, pick a topic. The passion and energy of the speaker will definitely motivate 🙂
Happy to share!
How have I never heard of TED? Thanks for sharing…I’m definitely going to check it out now!! 🙂
TED is awesome Karen. So many topics to choose from, great info, passion and the best part, they’re all 18 minutes or less.
Let me know which ones you listen to 🙂
I LOVE Ted Talks and I just watched the one by Brene Brown on Vulnerability right before I moved to Scotland — I REALLY liked it and hold her wisdom near to my heart often! So many amazing talks — thanks for sharing all of these with us! Go TED!! 🙂
Happy to share Erin. Have you read any of Brene Brown’s books? Amazing stuff! After reading her books my search for more about and by Brene is how I found Ted Talks. I would love to know about any favorites you recommend watching. #fitfamlove xoxo
I have not really gotten into TED talks, but what a great concept and this is an excellent collection of them.Thanks for sharing them and introducing me to a great way to listen to them–working out or cleaning!
Hi Joli. So nice to meet you. With an open mind to the all that is possible, pick one to watch and let me know what you think. Amazing stuff! #fitfamlove xoxo
I have heard of TED talks, but never listened to one (with my knowledge). I clearly need get on board! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Artney. With an open mind to the all that is possible, pick one to watch and let me know what you think. I have a feeling you’re going to like it. #fitfamlove xoxo
love TED talks!! great list, thanks for sharing!
Hi Mar. Do you have any favorites you’d recommend watching? I’m always looking for more. Amazing stuff!
Thanks for the list of great ted talks. I love the one by Tony Robbins. I would love to attend a live event one day, but I know it is really pricy. Great list thanks.
Hi Henry. Attending a live Ted Talk would be amazing! It would be worth the price to bask in the knowledge and passion in real life. Enjoy!
I had just seen the link on there “The Most Popular Talks of All Time”. Looks like a great place to start! Thank you for these suggestions Jill!!
Happy to share Diane! Let me know what you think if you watch any of them. Was it your blog that listed Ted Talk podcasts? If it was thank you! I had no idea. #fitfamlove xoxo
I think you’d love Amy Cutty’s power pose Ted talk! Thanks for this interesting post, Jill!
Hi Courtney. I’ve never heard of Amy Cutty. What is the topic of her talk? I’m always looking for recommendation if you have any others you’d like to share. Thanks so much!
#fitfamlove xoxo
I misspelled her name – but here it is. It’s great! http://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are?language=en#t-1232779
Thanks for this awesome collection of TED talks! I haven’t listened to any in a while, but with my current commute, I can finish two a day! :D!
Hi farrah. Driving to work is how I started listening to Ted Talks. Great way to commute! Do you have any favorites you’d recommend I watch?
I wish, Jill! :[ It’s been so long since I’ve listened to one that I can’t remember what I’ve listened to in the past!
Thanks anyway. Keep me in mind if you start listening again and come across any great ones 🙂
I have a feeling I”m going to be obsessed – thank you Jill for sharing this with me!!
I’m betting you will be Sam! I’d love to know what you think of any you decide to watch. Happy to share the good stuff 🙂
#fitfamlove xoxo
TED talks are great! Thanks for sharing these!
Happy to share Michele! Do you have any favorites you’d recommend I watch? I’m always looking for new ones. Thanks so much.
I have listened to some of the TED talks and they are very interesting! My husband and I have listened to “do schools kill creativity?” and another one about the importance of your body language/posture. There are so many to choose from! Next I will have to listen to the “Were We Born To Run?” podcast!
Hi Amy. Both of those are on my to watch list. Probably this weekend. I always open to recommendations if you have any favorites 🙂 #fitfamlove xoxo
These look like some incredibly inspiring talks! Jamie Oliver’s and Neil Pasricha’s look especially interesting. I listen to podcasts on health and fitness and business, but I don’t like to listen to the same person too long….I tend to skip around. 🙂
Hi Kate. That’s the beauty of Ted Talks. 18 minutes or less!
I seriously LOVE TedTalks! I’ve seen a few of these but I’ll be watching the rest you posted! My favourite ones are of course ones that have to do with fitness/running 😉
Enjoy Carmy! Do you have any favorites you’d recommend I watch? Always looking for more. #fitfamlove xoxo
My fav is “Are athletes really getting faster, better, stronger?”
I’m a big fan of TedTalks. I’ve seen a couple that you posted, but I’ll definitely be adding the rest to my list to listen to this week!
I’m not surprised you’re a fan Jen. I’d love to know about any that you recommend! #fitfamlove xoxo
I’ve never seen TED Talks before, but I’m definitely intrigued!
Hi Kathryn, with an open mind to the all that is possible, pick one to watch and let me know what you think. I have a feeling you’re going to like it. #fitfamlove xoxo
First off, I actually started tearing up while reading through the Ted talk headlines and quotes. Jill, I LOVE Ted Talks!!! They can really change your life. These amazing people encapsulate one powerful idea so well, that it sticks. I recently listened to one about the key to success, is doing things even when you’re not in the mood for them…like getting out of bed without snooze! lol. I can’t wait to listen to these!!!!!! I have never given that many exclamations. I just know the power of these things, and yesterday, I was thumbing through, and the titles didn’t appeal to me. THANK YOU! #fitfamloveandhugs lol
Jess, Ted Talks deserve tons of exclamations! I kind of had a feeling you would be a TT fan. When you come across a great one let me know. Amazing stuff! Love and hugs? Gotta love the #fitfam xoxo
Great suggestions! My favorite TED Talk is “Everyday Leadership” by Drew Dudley. It provides a great prospective on how we likely change people’s lives without even realizing it.
Hi Mandy, I definitely need to check out your suggestion! It sounds like it goes hand in hand with my belief that things happen for a reason and people come into our lives for a reason. Thanks for sharing! #fitfamlove xoxo
I need to get on the TED talk train. I am so behind!
Hop aboard Suz! The ride is amazing! #fitfamlove xoxo
THANK YOU THANK YOU for this list. I love TED talks and there are some on here I definitely want to watch. I’ve seen the Simon Sinek one at leadership team meetings at work. I also posted about a cool one a sleep a few weeks ago and I loved one with Diana Nyad. Again, thanks for sharing, I’ll be coming back to this post for sure.
Hi Kelli. Diana Nyad? No way! I should have known. She was a guest speaker at blogfest last year and so so amazing. The will people have to never give up is beyond amazing! I’m definitely checking out the sleep one. I get so excited about stuff like this 🙂
#fitfamlove xoxo
I have SO much information/ted talks/research articles to read, I sometimes become overwhelmed! but in a good way, I want to learn so much to be the best version of myself xoxo
You and me both friend. So much great information. That’s one of the reasons I love research. A love of learning, improving and growing. #fitfamlove xoxo
I knew about Ted talks but somehow didn’t realize they were easily available to watch on podcasts! I should have known in this day and age. Looking forward to checking some of these out.
Hi Julie. I had no idea about the podcast. I’m more of a You Tube fan for Ted Talks. And I love they’re all 18 minutes or less 🙂
#fitfamlove xoxo
Love this, thanks for sharing! I’ve seen the Simon Sinek one and really liked it and can’t wait to watch the Jamie Oliver one. I love his movement and passion for better health through cooking, etc. Definitely saving this for later!
Hi Danielle,
Jamie is so so amazing. A few years ago my son asked for the Food Revolution cookbook and for several years he would pick 1 recipe a week to make for the family. I will never forget it 🙂 He and I have been following Jamie’s revolution ever since.
I’d love to know what you think about it if you watch 🙂 #fitfamlove xoxo
Some good ideas going on here, never seen TED talks . . . but obviously I should!
It’s really an amazing concept Jennifer. And I love the every talk is 18 minutes or less. Although, they did let Tony Robbins extend a few seconds because he ended with a cliffhanger statement. Cool stuff!
Let me know if you watch and what you think 🙂 #fitfamlove xoxo
This is one of the podcasts on my list! I will be moving it to the top now! I liked the quote about stress and passion 🙂 Nice!
A few of you introduced me to TT podcasts. I had no idea. Another great reason to love the #fitfam!
Have an awesome day Mary Beth xoxo
You won’t believe it, Jill, but I was checking some TED talks a little while ago.
They are holding a Women summit over here soon, but I will not be able to join because of my condition. Next time for sure though.
I will surely be watching your suggestions! Thanks for sharing.
Happy to share Debbie! I would love love to attend a live Ted Talk. Let me know what you think of the talks to you decide to watch. I’m so happy we’re getting to know each other. The beauty of blogging 🙂
#fitfamlove xoxo