The CHAOS that ensues from entering a new year often serves as a catalyst for people to embark on new journeys and expectations for themselves. Setting goals via New Year’s resolutions is easy; staying consistent throughout the year is the real struggle. If you feel disappointed in your current progress and have fallen off the path before Valentine’s Day comes around, this curated TEDxAsburyPark motivational video playlist is for you.
Sebastian Terry’s: 100 Things – What’s on Your List?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flFsEaFiHdk&feature=youtube
“You can do what you want, you just have to know what it is you’re passionate about.” -Sabastian Terry
Sebastian Terry is a previous TEDxAsburyPark speaker as well as an inspirationalist. After losing a close friend, Terry took on a list of 100 things he wanted to complete to find the purpose of his life. This led to the creation of 100Things.com, Sebastian’s website that allows him to help others find their life purpose through a list of ambitions.
If you find yourself lacking the motivation to follow your resolutions, or find that you have too much you want to do, watch Sebastian’s Talk and maybe even create a list of “things” for yourself. You may find it helps your goals and resolutions seem more organized and possible to complete.
Amanda Crowell: 3 reasons you aren’t doing what you say you will do
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWp87GXDvEk
“At the heart of success is not talent — it’s effort.” -Amanda Crowell
Cognitive psychologist Amanda Crowell discusses “defensive failure” in her TEDxHarrisburg Talk. She explains how defensive failure must be turned into productive failure, and how that will help you solve the problems you struggle with the most. Crowell uses her weight as an example of turning failures into successes.
If you face failure while trying to conquer your New Year’s resolutions, remember that failure is one part of the journey to victory. Use any failures as a reason to improve yourself, instead of an excuse to give up.
Reggie Rivers: If you want to achieve your goals, don’t focus on them
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2PP3p4_4R8
“If you want to achieve your goals, you have to focus on the behaviors that are the building blocks that get you to your goals.” -Reggie Rivers
Former Denver Broncos running back Reggie Rivers discusses goals and behaviors in his TEDxCrestmoorParkED Talk. He focuses on the reality of goals, and how focusing on what one cannot control will lead to failed results. The reality of reaching goals is that they are not met unless action is taken; Rivers uses the example of asking a girl to date him when he was in sixth grade, and how he made it possible.
Instead of depending on goals, he suggests working on one’s behaviors and intentions, such as making small decisions to eat healthier instead of dreaming of an end weight, to reach their objectives. This reality makes keeping long-term resolutions much easier.
Ben Freeberg: Get Started
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2H-qHeTTqE&feature=youtu.be
“Finding out more about yourself and learning what you like is an incredible life-long journey…” -Ben Freeberg
In his TEDxAsburyPark Talk, Ben Freeberg speaks about his battle with cancer and how it inspired him to begin something completely new to him: stand-up comedy. He explains that embarking on something so large was possible by just getting started, and how doing something miniscule every day can lead to larger results.
Even when dealt a difficult hand in life, sticking to one’s goals is still incredibly important for self-growth, and Ben is a prime example of that. As challenges begin to face you in the midst of your resolutions, that does not mean you have to give them up; sometimes it means simply starting small. Even when the going gets tough, making small steps is better than not moving at all.
BJ Fogg: Forget big change, start with a tiny habit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdKUJxjn-R8
”When you know how to create tiny habits, you can change your life forever.” -BJ Fogg
Stanford University professor BJ Fogg discusses behavior in his TEDxFremont Talk. He emphasizes the importance of setting small goals and treating them like large victories. With the use of his own behavior grid and an interactive activity, he shows how small behaviors are what it takes to make large changes in one’s life, and what it takes to do just that.
Tiny habits and behaviors are at the root of long-term changes. To make a large resolution more possible, start off that goal by changing a small behavior and make it part of your everyday life until it becomes a habit; it increases the chance of success and makes it seem more possible than when you started.
TEDx Talks are an incredible source for motivation and inspiration. In whatever path of life, you will often find there is a Talk to which you can relate; stopping at New Year’s resolutions is not necessary! If you would like to see any more TEDxAsburyPark Talks, check out last year’s TEDxAsburyPark show, PASSION, or come to our one of our live events this year! More information can be found at www.TEDxAsburyPark.com.