5 Motivational TED Talks to Help Start Your Week

Looking for some insight? Advice? Monday motivation? TED has you covered - especially now that they've started posting all of their talks online, for everyone to watch. Here's 5 amazing videos to get you started on your TED Talk binge.

1. The power of vulnerability, Brené Brown

"The Power of Vulnerability" is one of the top five TED talks of all time, and for a good reason. Brene studies human connection and, in this speech, discusses insight from her research that sent her on a journey of self-discovery. It’s funny, it’s insightful, and most importantly, it makes you want to embrace and study your feelings rather than push them away.

2. An interview with the founders of Black Lives Matter

The founders of one of the greatest movements of our time, Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, Opal Tometi, sit down with Mia Birdsong and discuss the importance of Black Lives Matter, and how a social media post is now changing lives and fighting racism across the globe.

3. The power of introverts, Susan Cain

In today’s society, where being extroverted and social is not only encouraged, but perhaps also forced onto people from a young age, being an introvert can be considered shameful. In this TED Talk, Susan Cain discusses this mentality and explains why introverts should, in fact, be encouraged and celebrated.

4. The happy secret to better work, Shawn Achor

Does hard work equal happiness? In this talk for TEDxBloomington, psychologist Shawn Achor proves why the answer to that question is “no,” and explains how instead, happiness inspires productivity.

5. How to speak so that people want to listen, Julian Treasure

If you’ve ever wanted to learn the keys to powerful and captivating speaking, this is the TED talk for you. In this presentation, sound expert Julian Treasure demonstrates some handy vocal exercises and offers insight on speaking with empathy.