We spend a lot of time on this site discussing money and different factors impacting our financial health and the financial wellness of our loved ones.
We read books and blog posts on personal finance. And there are a lot of podcasts about money on our playlists too. Personal development and wellness are also topics we’re interested in. We enjoy learning about ways to improve our health and grow our wealth.
I recently watched a popular TED Talk* on changing behavior.
Whether you are working on paying down debt, saving more for retirement, trying healthier recipes, losing weight, or exercising more – it will likely require changing some behaviors.
Watching one TED Talk led to watching another… and another. ( Listening to them on 1.5x and taking 6 -12 minutes each.) The talks focused on motivation and mindsets – also important if you’re trying to achieve goals and build new habits.
*In case you haven’t heard of TED Talks, they are “short, powerful talks covering hundreds of topics. TED is a nonprofit that began in 1984. It was devoted to spreading ideas – from science to business to global issues.” You can browse the library of TED Talks here.
Below are six TED talks by women on changing behavior, motivation, and mindset with over 1 million views each.
6 Popular TED Talks By Women On Changing Behavior, Motivation, and Mindset
1. How To Stop Screwing Yourself Over by Mel Robbins. June 2011. Almost 21 million views.
“One-third of Americans feel dissatisfied with their lives.” So, what do you want and how do you get it? (And remember – these are YOUR wants, not someone else’s.)
Do you want to change careers or start a business? You can easily find information on how to do it but you may still get stuck. Listen to Mel to learn why breaking your routine is a must. She also shares different ways to force yourself to make a change and what that can do for your life.
2. Getting Stuck in Negatives (And How to Get Unstuck) by Alison Ledgerwood. June 2013. 4+ million views.
“I can’t get that pesky rejection out of my head.” Why do failures stick in our minds so much longer than success? If our view of the world tends to tilt toward the negative, what do we do? You have to work to see the upside.
In this talk, Alison shares simple things you can do to get unstuck, move forward and help others feel more positive too.
3. How To Motivate Yourself To Change Your Behavior by Tali Sharot. October 2014. 4+ million views.
How does fear impact our behavior? And what role can social incentives, rewards, and monitoring progress play in helping change your behavior?
If you’re struggling to stay motivated to meet your goals, this talk might help you better understand what’s holding you back.
4. Change Your Mindset, Change the Game by Dr. Alia Crum. October 2014. 2.5+ million views.
Is there a direct and immediate connection between our mindsets and our bodies? “Mindset plays a dramatic role in our health and well being.”
Are you stressed out about money? Worried about applying for a new job or negotiating your salary? According to Dr. Crum, our mindset about stress can determine our response. Can you reclaim the power of your mindset to make important changes in your life? It might not be as hard as you think.
5. Get Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable by Luvvie Ajayi. January 2018. 1.5+ million views.
You’ve probably heard about the importance of getting out of your comfort zone. But it’s still scary. According to Luvvie, “Fear has a concrete power that keeps us from doing and saying our purpose.”
In this talk, she shares three things that help people (especially women) feel more comfortable about “breaking our silence.” Maybe you have something to say in meetings at work, but you’re afraid to speak up? This talk might be for you.
6. Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are by Amy Cuddy. June 2012. 54+ million views.
Can changing our body language change how our life unfolds? Do we use body language to make judgments about others and do others judge us that way?
What about nonverbal expressions of power and dominance? Can it determine whether you are hired for a job? You’ve probably heard of “fake it until you make it.” You might wonder if it is crazy to try or whether it just might work. Watch Amy’s talk to learn some simple things you can do with your body to change your mind.
Have you watched any inspiring TED Talks? Feel free to share them in the comments.
