3 TED Talks to Help You Find the Next Best You

Every journey of self-discovery is unique, but chances are you’re probably interested in improving the future version of yourself — where you meet your potential and realize your aspirations. 

The good news: Your future self is waiting to be discovered — no matter where you are in your journey.

In this edition of Spark, we share tips from TED speakers that can help you make the most of your next step forward — whether it’s big or small.

Embrace the unknown

In his TED Talk, "You Don't Actually Know What Your Future Self Wants," journalist and podcast host Shankar Vedantam explains that because the future is unknown, you have the freedom to shape who you grow into. Here are his 3 tips for how to set yourself up for success:  

1. Stay curious: Engage with people and pursuits outside your day-to-day to expand your horizons.
2. Practice humility: Because your future self might hold different views, approach decisions and declarations with openness and flexibility.
3. Be brave: Your future self will possess strengths and wisdom you can’t imagine today. Take on challenges with the faith that you'll grow into them.

 Treat yourself with compassion

In "The Benefits of Not Being a Jerk to Yourself," meditation advocate Dan Harris emphasizes how the foundation for better relationships and personal growth starts from within. Here are his 3 tips to help you embrace self-love: 

1. Understand that it’s not selfish: Having your own back can make you better at loving other people.
2. Replace self-criticism with self-talk. Treat yourself with the same kindness and encouragement you’d offer a good friend.
3. Try a mindfulness practice: Harris recommends a practice called “loving kindness meditation” where you actively send positive thoughts to people in your life. To try it out: Envision someone in your life and repeat: "May you be happy, may you be safe, may you be healthy, may you live with ease." 

Know that you can start over at any time

In her TED Talk, "How to Discover Your Authentic Self — At Any Age," pop culture queen  Bevy Smith tells her personal story of on-and-off-again growth — and how she found her true authentic self and the work she was meant to do. Here are 2 tips if you’re finding yourself starting over:

1. Forget the clock: It took Bevy 55 years to truly discover who she is. “I’m a late bloomer. And that’s OK,” she explains. “Because I’m right on time. Because it gets greater later.” 
2. Focus on who you really are: To understand who that is, she says you should honestly ask yourself: “Who am I at my core?” “How am I being perceived?” “How would I like to be perceived?” 

Tell us in the comments: What is one area of your life you are investing in during 2024?

If you’re not sure — or if you just want to kick-start your next step — we invite you to join us at TEDNext on October 22-24 in Atlanta, Georgia.

This unique, first-of-its-kind event is dedicated to helping you build a future version of yourself that drives change at every level, from personal to global.