Neil Pasricha: The 3 A's of awesome

www.ted.com Neil Pasricha's blog 1000 Awesome Things savors life's simple pleasures, from free refills to clean sheets. In this heartfelt talk from TEDxToronto, he reveals the 3 secrets (all starting with A) to leading a life that's truly awesome.
TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes. Featured speakers have included Al Gore on climate change, Philippe Starck on design, Jill Bolte Taylor on observing her own stroke, Nicholas Negroponte on One Laptop per Child, Jane Goodall on chimpanzees, Bill Gates on malaria and mosquitoes, Pattie Maes on the "Sixth Sense" wearable tech, and "Lost" producer JJ Abrams on the allure of mystery. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design, and TEDTalks cover these topics as well as science, business, development and the arts. Closed captions and translated subtitles in a variety of languages are now available on TED.com, at www.ted.com/tra.... Watch a highlight reel of the Top 10 TEDTalks at www.ted.com/ind...

[@nerdpiggy]

I remember getting the Book of Awesome as a gift when I was in middle school, maybe even elementary school. I have it to this day and I've read and reread it to the point that its corners are worn and torn on every other page. It was always my go-to whenever I was feeling down, but recently it's been collecting dust on my shelf for a year or two. I think it's time that I open it up again and remind myself why I love Neil Pasricha so much. I'm so proud of him for having the opportunity to do a Ted talk. The experience must be pretty awesome.

[@maxvo1227]

I had the pleasure of going to university with Neil. So proud of all that he has achieved... he is truly Awesome!

[@jeffjacksonboxing]

The most insightful part in this talk is at 16.49 - "You will never be as young as you are right now." Utterly insightful and timeless sentence. Truly inspirational!

[@NoMansLandProduction]

I've been fortunate enough to realize most of what Neil said in this talk on my own, but the last point he made always gets to me, to the point of bringing me to tears. We are impermanent, and soon everything and everyone we know and love will be gone.

[@ajaysharma3672]

So inspiring. One of favorite ted talk video. How many people have watch this video again and again ?

[@missrebeccakirstein]

I read his books over and over again!

[@Psypomp]

I was on the verge of tears several times during this short talk. Great guy.

[@alwaysamy4]

This is by far my favorite Ted Talk. It is so simple yet so profound. Awesome! I want to read/hear everything he has to say. Halfway through I had to go outside and look at the grass and vines and listen to the trees blowing in the beeeze. 👏🏼❤️

[@radhika2826]

This talk was recommended to me by my mom who saw Neil Pasricha live. It comes at a time where I have created a lot of darkness around myself despite there being so much to be thankful for. Thank you for opening my eyes to the 3A's

[@ryaneden1187]

People who hit the thumbs down on this video must be the people who need this message the most. #PositivityWins

[@joshuaberge956]

This is Awesome! I remember my daughter's middle school teacher-Mr. Hanks- always had his kids create their own Book of Awesome based on Neil's.

[@amiraboussaada4126]

So touching and so true, the takeaway is that awesomeness is every where just embrase it. If your inside heart is not tickling, happy and satisfied about here and now then, you'll never be. And when bad things happen, just take your courage in both hands and "face the future with new sober eyes"

[@briansmobile1]

I LOVE IT! And I will add that 12:27 Gratitude doesn't start with "A" or it would be the fourth A of awesome.

[@EllyKlein]

This TED Talk is almost 10 years old and still one of the greatest TED Talks of all time. It’s warm, funny, honest and inspiring. Neil, you are a true delight. I would have been beaming with pride if I were your parents, and I thought it was so beautiful the way you took the time to honour them. Whenever someone asks for TED Talk recommendations, yours is always first on my list. ❤️

[@xcrusaderofhope5903]

Man I love this video so much. It's crazy to me how throughout this whole video that guy didn't shed one tear 🥺. You cold tell that he was trying to hold it back 😣😔

[@sandk75]

Found this video, it seems, when I needed to hear Neil's message and was willing to take it in. What an awesome way to view life and to live it, eff this feeling of sadness and self imposed gloom...its Friday and the new awesome journey starts today.

[@claudiabandini2309]

I wish I could like it a hundred thousand times!!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@Crazee108]

Wow... when he mentioned the three A's... I was amazed. I don't want to toot my own horn, but I'm 22 and I like to see the world through a child's eyes, choose my attitude and be authentic in what i do... =) feels great! I'm grateful that he's able to share this wonderful perspective on life. thankyou ted.

[@jigentopiwala948]

Wisdom shared in the simplest possible form! ❤️✨

[@JayJayAbels]

One of the BEST talks I've seen from TED. Beyond inspirational. I've seen a few people in the comments below exclaim that this was "boring". Maybe you're too young to have experienced any real adversity yet. Or maybe you simply lack the attention span to listen for a lengthy period of time. Either way - you've missed out on a real gem of a speech and one day when life catches up with you... you'll be searching for the very things that made this video and talk... possible.

[@mimozapreka8987]

Thank you for your life story. It is very Beautiful to listen to you and realize that the life goes on no matter what. You are such a great man, I admire you. Very inspired talk.

[@JustJobeMY]

It touches me when people are appreciative of things in life like this, instead of always mistakingly giving credit to some god or another.

[@sarachacko9279]

Thank you for this beautiful talk. It helped me through a very dark night. All of it rings so true.

[@feefriz]

This was very inspirational...but easier said than done. I don't mean to sound pessimistic but when you're faced with difficulties for a prolonged period of time, you can force a smile and force yourself to be aware and force your focus on positivity but sooner or later, you're going to fall right back where you started. Admit it, you know it's the truth.

[@muhhammadmonir1790]

i don't know why i have tears in my eyes at this moment : )

[@Angeltears2431]

This lead me to making a list of all the little things that make me happy...it's a rewarding experience

[@georjaclay]

Neil...you've done an Awesome thing by bringing this out of your dark clouds. Thank you.

[@antoniazhang8768]

My favorite TED so far, Awesome!!

[@Alex_ADEdge]

Thankyou Neil Pasricha, one of the best TED talks Ive watched in a while.

[@claudees]

One of the nicest videos i've ever seen. Thanks for sharing those choicest thoughts. If each and every person thought in this direction then this world would be a nice place to dwell. Thanks once again.

[@NoRefundsXD]

Beautiful TedTalk. One of my absolute favourites. Thank you, Neil, for being awesome.

[@stevenc2514]

You commented 7 years ago

[@maxding4645]

@@stevenc2514 you commented 9 months ago

[@stevenc2514]

@@maxding4645 yo

[@dallan7736]

EVERYTHING IS AWESOME!

[@ffuimaonofaagu]

Very inspiring, one of my favorite TED talks by far!

[@YottaFlop]

It's because of videos like this that i subscribed @TEDtalksDirector channel, there is so much you can learn watching them, this guy is just another great example of that. And about the lows of life, theres this phrase i once saw somewere but unfortunatly i cant remember were or who wrote it but it just glued to my mind wich is: Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional. And to @jiopjiop and anyone else who wants to see another great video from TEDtalksDirector check the main video in my channel

[@chirleywilchenski5738]

Amei... nosso prazo de validade é muito curto, são poucos os que chegam aos 100 anos, temos que viver melhor, precisamos aprender a viver.

[@rex1371]

A truly awesome ted talk.

[@NeuroNotes]

I enjoyed this video. " Attitude, Awareness, Authenticity" Anyone who can handle 'bottom of the sea' pressures of life will 'get' this video. Nothing cliche about it...!

[@TKStoddart]

A great talk. The last minute or two make up for all the autobiography at the start. Thanks for posting.

[@jimmaculate5]

I thought the Rosie Grier part was a joke! Brought tears.

[@kinsmed]

It feels like Neil is holding off an immense sadness, but has found a tangible lifeline that is in desperate need by many.

[@spacedtime6597]

That guy is Awesome!

[@gspahr]

The wait was long, but it was worth it, what an inspiring speech!

[@SaniyaCanada]

THANK YOU, Neil! Absolutely brilliant & just after the disastrous fed election, exactly what I needed!

[@feefriz]

@MonsuerLePlague Agreed. Good opinion. However, there are people who don't cling to the pain on purpose. It just happens. They try whatever they can to change their situation but the darkness pulls them back no matter what they do. It's to the point where the pressure from others to pick himself up causes John to become even more hopeless. I think happiness can truly happens when you know there is someone who loves you for life. People would be happier if they just learned to love and not hate.

[@BasemTaha]

all you have is 100 years, it is a great quote!

[@aoutsky]

Linebacker dude needlepointing is wholesome af.

[@triforcelink]

@a2dli Its ALL about the attitude. There isn't a single problem until you convince yourself that it's a problem. If you think life sucks, then it does, because that's how you choose to view it.

[@veganchaatparty]

Super Awesome!! Super thanks!! Really Amazing!! Thank you!!!

[@thealuminumfoiled]

just finished his book. it was amazing :)

[@acajudi100]

I love sharing my 77 years of wisdom for free, because I was raised to work for an income and do not beg, but help non beggars.

[@postcard9889]

I can't thank you enough, but... THANK YOU!

[@ElDeclan]

Easily one of the best TEDtalks ever.

[@andrewlibby6511]

No

[@ssips720]

best talk ever

[@ssips720]

@RectulThreat i just like his genuineness it was a simple story.. but it was a good delivery

[@purplewildflower]

This is one of my favorite TedTalks episode.

[@Vimat15]

Such a Great Speech

[@Seannyskillz]

so basically just be positive, regardless of all the bs in life.

[@mooxim]

yet another ted goes into my faves

[@sileb13]

Wow... Just, wow.

[@OptimusPrimal1337]

@kinsmed I wouldn't call it sadness. I think he still has grief from his past, and he's still in the process of "moving on". He seemed to have the most difficulty and be the least eloquent ("really, really", "really, really") when he was talking about his personal struggles.

[@theokoustas]

@chashathaway I agree with what your concept is however what hes also pointing out is attitude.. If your faced with a problem or negative things, then your attitude has to be positive over it, where you solve this problem or face the fact that that horrible "thing" is true and get on with your life. When you say we also have positive things, attitude plays a role there to. He is basically trying to say to us to appreciate more. Appreciate the simple things in life with a passion.

[@missinglew]

Powerful message

[@catface789]

Your dad sounds awesome... Great talk...

[@briansmobile1]

I LOVE IT!

[@peratorres5969]

Excelentes reflexiones

[@hanumantrawat8023]

enjoy every tiny moment, keep the part of your child alive! pathway to 3 As.

[@olgapawlik474]

right, im buying this book

[@rackslap]

I cried.

[@borderlinebuddhist]

he has inspired me to start a blog!

[@jiopjiop]

finally an interesting TEDtalk!!

[@chashathaway]

I don't think he's talking about "forcing" smiles. I think he's talking about looking for opportunities to smile, and then taking them. Negative things won't just blow away, it's true, but neither will positive things. We are constantly surrounded by horrible things, and we're constantly surrounded by beautiful, life-changing things. It's hard, no doubt, to ignore the negative things when they scream at you, but the beautiful things are still there, ready to give you joy, if you'll let them.

[@continuingevolution]

@MaladaptiveCatalyst well put...very well put

[@iviewthetube]

@Crazee108 Hey Crazee, don't be crazy! Did you notice how part of Niel's talk was similar to Carl Sagan's video Pale Blue Dot? I think it is an excellent message worth repeating. This was a great talk.

[@warwicklambert33]

Thanks!

[@poetsgarden1]

Yes the simple things, the moments...I like to call them "ecstatic moments" looking for the extra ordinary from the mundane...

[@R4ndomWords]

I love how all of these new tedtalks are awestruck by the wonders of global trade and capitalism, though they never call it out that way.

[@MonsuerLePlague]

@SexyRaww That may be your truth, but I live a similar mantra to Neil's. If you live your life, clinging to all the hurt and all the pain, you will extinguish yourself in it.

[@dylanlawless1]

Well done

[@jaymontgomery-ART]

Inspiring!!

[@t3tsuyaguy1]

@idiallin He didn't set out to sell books. He just posted a blog. I think people find in him an excuse to look on the bright side of things. That's what's selling his book.

[@Monse13lol]

My intermediate algebra teacher shows us a ted talk once a week

[@eragonlover1]

@SexyRaww I don't think he's talking about becoming successful via positive thinking. He's just talking about being happier where you are, so that even if you don't become as successful as you'd like, you have a happier life anyway.

[@luluoshiro6314]

AWESOME!

[@Lygre]

Great talk =) Very inspiring.

[@stevenc2514]

You commented this 9 years ago

[@iviewthetube]

@Crazee108 No worries sweetheart. How did you like the Pale Blue Dot?

[@wickedinsight]

Treasure the love you receive above all. It will survive long after your good health has vanished. -Og Mandino

[@Convergencey]

Great video.

[@Crazee108]

@johnnysamoa1 Mmmm I don't think being "Aware" - is something ppl are, well...aware of sometimes. To see the world for the first time, is to appreciate things to it's fullest degree. Even if it IS common sense, the way he delivered the message made all the difference. =)

[@wearebladers]

That was freaking awesome

[@LudicrousTachyon]

@kiddhitta While these things may not be possible at the moment, how can you be sure that these things won't ever be possible in the future. My original post, through the use of the word 'until', implies that we currently do not have these things. Then again I may have falsely extended, "but we are all going to die eventually," to mean that it won't ever be possible. Although, the question still remains, how do you know that it won't be possible before we die?

[@dvdragon]

It's like RAIINNNN on your wedding day its some good advice when you've already paid!

[@PeaceHopeLove2012]

Truly Awesome..... :)

[@MD0K]

Awesome

[@MindDetox]

this is amazing!!! wowwwwww

[@Crazee108]

@sam00011000 Well hes more talking about individual happiness I think you kinda missed his point. =/ he's saying not to take the simple things in your OWN life for granted. Sure there are negative things in THE WORLD, but in regards to your own life, smile when you see a rainbow, no harm is done and you're made a little bit happier. he was just telling his story - things that makes HIM happy, in the hopes that others may adopt it and make it their own, not just blindly follow and agree w/ it.

[@TomBardacky]

needle point for men. Thank you rosey grier

[@happydavelove7]

Grandiose

[@TranPhuong-qt4cw]

rất ý nghĩa...thanks

[@dangvu2022]

awesome

[@Crazee108]

@310sucks well in regards to the lotto - you gotta be in it to win it right? so why not give it a try?

[@TwitchATwitchArt]

I'm really jealous of my pet hamster. He's found true love, and his hamster girlfriend looks like a super model. The funny thing is, she used to be my hamster wife. I'm so bummed. If only I could have joined Hamster Dating Masters (Google it!!!) before he did. I'm going to give this a try, and I suggest you do too before you end up like me, alone and hamsterless.

[@allisonfrantz8327]

You dirty liar....