The most successful people all over the world have three things in common: mindset, grit, and resilience. More often than not, talent is overrated. Research shows us that mindset is actually the true driver of success.
These qualities aren’t inborn; they can be learned. In this blog post, we’ll explore seven inspiring TED Talks that offer practical strategies for developing those key traits.
1. Crossing the ditch: James Castrission
Lessons learned from some of the most hostile environments can be applied to any difficult situation and anybody who wants to achieve something out of the ordinary.
In this TED talk, James Castrission shares challenges he faced during his world-record-breaking expedition, Crossing the Ditch. He reveals that the most crucial factor in overcoming obstacles and achieving extraordinary things was ‘mindset’. Being aware that growth can be uncomfortable, he inspires people to step away from what they know so they can move closer to a mindset of constant growth.
2. The power of yet | Carol Dweck
In this talk, Carol teaches the value of a growth mindset, which embraces challenges and learning as opportunities for growth. She also ties the development of a growth mindset with the importance of praising effort and process over innate ability, fostering a culture of learning that fuels long-term success.
3. Grit: the power of passion and perseverance | Angela Lee Duckworth
Angela Duckworth and her research team discovered that the secret to outstanding achievement is not talent but a special blend of passion and persistence called “grit”. She thoroughly explains how the biggest determiner for long-term success is not something we are born with but rather a learned behaviour.
Angela also highlights the importance of developing a growth mindset alongside grit, as this allows individuals to persist through challenges and setbacks on their path towards achieving long-term goals.
4. Master your Mindset, Overcome Self-Deception, Change your Life | Shadé Zahrai
Shadé Zahrai shares the concept of inner deceivers, self-limiting beliefs that hold us back from exploring our potential. She identifies five common archetypes of inner decievers: the classic judge, victimizer, misguided protector, ringmaster, and the loud neglector. Shadé talks about how they can lead to burnout, particularly for busy executives who wear “busy” as a badge of honor.
5. Secrets of a Champion Mindset | Molly Fletcher
Molly Fletcher, a former top sports agent, shares the key trait of game changers who maximize their potential—and it’s not talent but moreso the ‘drive’. The difference between those who choose to go big and those who choose to play it safe is their drive that overcomes complacency.
6. Getting stuck in the negatives (and how to get unstuck) | Alison Ledgerwood
Do you often dwell on failures? How long does it take for you to move past it? Alison Ledgerwood talks about how the negatives tend to stick longer in our thoughts and how we can get unstuck from that by training our minds to look on the bright side.
7. The three secrets of resilient people | Lucy Hone
Another significant factor of long-term success is resilience, the ability to bounce back from setbacks. In this TED talk, Lucy Hone shares three key strategies of building resilience:
Resilient people get that shit happens
- “Adversity doesn’t discriminate.” – Lucy Hone
- Progress isn’t linear. Embracing challenges as opportunities to learn and adapt is essential for moving forward.
Resilient people are really good at choosing carefully where they select their attention.
- Lucy emphasises the importance of directing your attention towards your response to situations, aligning with the concept of “E+R=O” (Event + Response = Outcome).
- She also shares that resilient people acknowledge negative experiences but also actively seek out the positive—finding things to be grateful for, even in difficult times.
Resilient people ask themselves “Is what I’m doing helping or harming me”
- Asking this question, puts you back in the driver’s seat which then allows you to reflect and get a control of your decision-making.
To truly foster growth and drive businesses forward, successful organisations constantly need to develop both the collective and individual mindsets of their teams.
By incorporating the insights from these inspiring TED Talks, you can develop a growth mindset, unwavering grit, and strong resilience.
