TEDTalks showcase ideas from every walk of life — the entrepreneur who has saved lives with his genius ideas, the author making a wave with her new storytelling, or a young woman talking about mental health. TEDTalks are an excellent way to learn a new perspective of life, in 20 minutes or less. They are a powerful, free tool that I think everyone should utilize.

Beginning in 1984, TED was created by Harry Marks and Richard Saul Wurman, with the purpose being to spread ideas. The description that best describes the organization is “TED is a global community, welcoming people from every discipline and culture who seek a deeper understanding of the world”, which is on TED’s mission statement. 

These are my favorite TEDTalks, that have, in some shape or form, changed my perspective on life. I highly recommend them!

“The Danger of a Single Story” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

This Talk really opened my eyes to the “single stories” we hear every day, whether it’s from the news, literature, etc. These forms of media that readily share the “single stories” cause people to wrongly form assumptions and stereotypes on groups of people. I urge everyone to watch this and try to eliminate the influence of the “single story” from your life. Instead, we need to hear from diverse viewpoints in order for us to “regain a kind of paradise”.

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

Though filled with humor, stick-figure drawings, and silly anecdotes, Tim Urban shares an important message on how we (as we are all procrastinators) need to take control back of our lives to avoid “long-term procrastination”, which prevents people not only from ever achieving their dreams but also from ever starting to pursue them. We don’t want to be caught in a feedback loop of a constant cycle of cramming and procrastination. Instead, we should be enjoying life, not worrying about deadlines or other pressures!

“Looks aren’t everything. Believe me, I’m a model” by Cameron Russell

I love how open and honest Cameron Russell was with the audience. She says that a big reason why she’s a model is because of luck, due to her being born and looking like the “ideal beauty” standard. Especially in this day and age, when media enforces a beauty standard on everyone, it’s important to note that what we see online is not always the truth. The models we see are not even the true versions of themselves, which was proven by Russell when she showed pictures of her, the REAL her, such as showing when she had a sleepover with her friends, or played on the soccer team. Her modeling photos are just fabrications of what people deem the beauty standard.