How Falling Behind Can Get You Ahead | David Epstein | TEDxManchester

“Jack of all trades, master of none,” the saying goes. But it is culturally telling that we have chopped off the ending: “…but oftentimes better than master of one.”
In a society hyperfocused on headstarts, we are told to choose our paths early, focus narrowly, and start racking up our 10,000 hours of deliberate practice. But a mountain of research shows that, among people who end up fulfilled and successful, early specialization is the exception, not the rule.
Winding paths and mental meandering can be sources of power, not disadvantages, but we rarely hear those stories. David is trying to change this.
Follow David on @DavidEpstein David Epstein is the author of the #1 New York Times best seller Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, and of the best seller The Sports Gene.
He was previously a reporter at ProPublica, where his investigations spanned drug cartels to poor medical practices. Prior to that, David was a senior writer at Sports Illustrated, where he wrote or co-wrote many of the magazine’s most high-profile stories, including the 2009 revelation that Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez had used steroids.
David has master’s degrees in environmental science and journalism. He has worked as an ecology researcher in the Arctic, studied geology and astronomy in the Sonoran Desert, and blithely signed up to work on the D-deck of a seismic research vessel shortly after it had been attacked by pirates. He has benefitted from a winding career. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@hmfoot]

When thinking about life,remember this;No amount of guilt can solve the past,and no amount of anxiety can change the future

[@juliannurse5120]

Well said.

[@leoncrystal1508]

HM “no amount of time ever bought a second of time”. It hit me when I saw your comment

[@hmfoot]

@@leoncrystal1508 why say that

[@destinynj2013]

dope mantra, man. 👏🏽👏🏽

[@psychologynerd7280]

Anxiety alters performance don't you think? That may change the future.

[@alfonsodacullo3040]

the pain of getting left behind is real.

[@cocodesuplex547]

The pain and suffering of getting ahead is real

[@ravirajyaguru5905]

Feeling that pain since past 2 years.

[@AAsiri-pu1ss]

alfonso dacullo if you only make a big deal of it. It’s just in your mind .

[@millerrepin4452]

the feeling of feeling is a real feeling that you feel

[@cakatikaggarwal2618]

Yesss .. it iss

[@Aced_Dreamer]

Being a generalist at the start really makes you feel like you're falling behind. True talk

[@melnjada2]

I'm 30 and still feel like one but mostly when I compare myself to others.

[@DomCOuano]

for real for real.

[@mikebarillet8666]

Definitely a late game build

[@goshikasaravana]

Yep very true

[@HB448]

Always feel like your not putting enough focus into one thing or the other

[@EJartistry]

32 still living with my parents .. broke .. rethinking my career and my entire life.. Wish me luck and send me prayers 🙏🏼

[@___m.r.i.m.a916]

Wish you luck 💗💗💗

[@dvsnkROCKY]

I'm also in a similar condition. Pray God as he's the only saviour for all of us & he will guide you.

[@marlonecampbell1750]

Not luck but a vision of your best self.

[@EJartistry]

@@marlonecampbell1750 yes, thank you 🙏🏻

[@Pharmmay]

Best wishes

[@faithblamon1700]

As a 27 year old first year medical student, I loved hearing this. I’m finding that my “late start” has given me many advantages. I definitely feel the slowness and frustrations that you mentioned. However, I have found that I’m better at strategy and knowing how to approach different problems. Thanks for this talk

[@VisualJoey]

I have figured out this head start after I dropped out two times. I then started a new education and felt behind. Shortly after I realized I was ahead in many different ways. My doubt, curiosity and uncertainty were put into a power. I focussed on those things and that got me really far. However, I lost this ‘touch’ and fell back. This video and your comment made me think about focussing on how to approach new interests and corporate them into my life as it is - pushing me forward step by step, even if they are into a different direction - instead of leaning towards making big steps into the right direction.

[@faithblamon1700]

@@VisualJoey I’m happy to hear my comment contributed to you. It is absolutely about taking things step by step. I like how you put that into perspective. Frustration is inevitable but we are not defined by our failures or shortcomings. It is the lessons we learn and what we do next that matters. You got this and I’m sure your journey/story will inspire people in a similar situation! Wishing you the best

[@faithblamon1700]

@@hyrum_abiff4325 thank you! Wishing you the same!

[@nicolasrivera3422]

Hey dude, by reading your comment I got a lot of motivation, Im also have 27 years old, and recently in the past six months I started to learn how to code (web development), and sometimes I fell that I came too late to try to get a job into the tech industry. Sorry about my bad english. Im learnig it too. I hope you to get success in your way.

[@faithblamon1700]

@@nicolasrivera3422 Congratulations Nicolás on your new journey to coding! I’m happy my comment helped to give you motivation. I am sure you will do great and be successful! Wishing you the best and thank you!

[@Theloveinabubble]

As a med student, I always felt bad for liking to learn other things besides medicine (languages,photography,writing) because my classmates were so hiperfocused on studying nothing more than medicine. Of course they graduated earlier than me, but I mastered two more languages, which gives me the posisibility to specialize in a different country from mine, so,maybe it wasn't wasted time

[@becomingdoctorkal]

WOW!!! 😍this is my dream to learn more languages!! how did you manage with a difficult workload??

[@luisinha154]

stopppp this is literally how I feel

[@user-ug6kk5ux5q]

The same thing I felt as a Computer Science student. I love a lot of things like philosophy, literature, painting, bodybuilding, psihology etc; I love to socialize and travel to see the world. I m also an adrenaline junky. So I feel so constrained by the field I chose ( even tho I rlly loved informatics ), because I feel like I can't keep up when all the people around me spend minimum 10 hours per day in the front of the computer...and that s all they do and speak about

[@tomasbeltran04050]

hey, would you mind sharing your experience financing those extra years it took you to graduate? I feel inspired by this way of life, but I'm afraid of staying unproductive for longer

[@rvscape]

@@user-ug6kk5ux5q how are you doing now? I'm a CS student and I'm feeling so anxious because like you, I like spending time doing a lot of other things in addition to CS. Meanwhile it feels like other CS students are spending all their time studying, learning code just overall being really competitive and trying really hard. It makes me feel really bad.

[@nora-dq9mo]

Finally someone who doesn't tell you to go find your passion to be happy, just do what makes you happy constantly and eventually there will be a way. Thank you!

[@christopherhernandez3909]

thecirculada exactly 🙂

[@olu4740]

That wasn't the point of the video lmao,

[@TR0LLREIGN]

How did you get THAT message from this video? :D The point is to try a lot of things so that you find something that you like and you're good at. Doing what makes you happy "constantly" sounds like never leaving your comfort zone and never growing.

[@nora-dq9mo]

@@TR0LLREIGN personally, what makes me happy is learning new skills and trying new things all the time, sometimes new hobbies or sports or instruments. That's the way I fou different things that I love to do. To me, my pass is learning and discovery, which is why the comment makes sense to me :D I don't have one thing that makes me happy in my comfort zone, discovery outside of it is my passion. Now it makes sense?

[@LKRaider]

thecirculada - search for happiness is a futile endeavor sold by the entertainment media to enslave you to their products. Grow up and face the problems of society and help us overcome our limitations as human beings. Only that will give you freedom and growth of spirit.

[@justicecrying]

It's so weird that when I look back I see so many wrong decisions in my life but without them I would not have achieved what I have today.

[@realdavebob]

Yes! 👏👏

[@billapink5783]

exactly!!

[@anjalimaind9191]

Me too

[@eze007]

same goes with me

[@elle12390]

This

[@batimix666]

Man I almost cried, I’ve always wished that my parent had put me in one specific sport or career-like hobby because I struggled with excellence while wanting it so bad. Now I look back to what I’ve been through and what I learned and it’s really cool to manage different stuff and integrate it. I look forward to the future with a lot of enthusiasm.

[@Lojgtyjo]

Those type of kids were limited whereas we are limitless

[@nihilisticnirvana]

Same!! I did a lot of different things but never specialized- for years i felt like i wasted my parent's money :/

[@hollyworldent5977]

@@Lojgtyjoif you end up doing anything (talking to myself)

[@ellecrescent9834]

We’re so mean to ourselves. We think that if we haven’t achieved much by 30 we are not worthy. What nonsense. Being alive is being alive, no matter how many years you have lived.

[@elizabete6327]

💚

[@lexpox329]

I'm aiming to achieve something by the time I am 50, I'm 33 now. I have a basic plan of advancing to be a VP of operations in a healthcare system in the US. I want to help make healthcare a transparent, competitive enterprise that truly serves the customer's(patient implies you only interact with healthcare when are sick) interests above profits. We have so many "nonprofit" hospitals that somehow still charge enormous amounts of money. I want to change that. Maybe I'm naive and I'll learn one day that it can't be done. Or maybe I will succeed in slowing making healthcare better and cheaper in my country. I wouldn't be in the place I am today if I didn't take a more meandering path.

[@nihilisticnirvana]

I'm only 15 and I still feel so bad edit: i'm sixteen now, i transferred to a school full of high achieving kids and my impostor syndrome kicked it. i feel 10x worse.

[@aBrownWitch]

♥️

[@catchingfeelings2691]

I’m not mean but the society pressured us to be mean to ourselves or else we’re considered as unacceptable.

[@KrisSamuel]

As someone with ADHD, who has struggled her whole life to sustain the focus necessary to specialize, as someone who's always worked hard but still felt "behind"... This is so encouraging.

[@mejithintom1]

Exactly my feeling!!

[@biomutarist6832]

Keep going, you'll make it ;)

[@jimjs5672]

Exactly how I feel....I hope you're rocking it Kris.

[@emmchen1101]

Kris is an interesting name for a girl. I like it. Where is it from?

[@Scoobiekittydoo]

T-T YOU DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH I NEEDED TO HEAR THIS 🤧 ADHD can make the smartest person in the world feel the stupidest of the world. Choosing a major has been so hard becuase I've never felt like I've specialized in anything in particular, but rather I've managed to finish everything just on time but this talk gives me hope I'll be just fine ^^ you will too!

[@amoghskulkarni]

30 and just dropped out of my PhD in my 6th year because it wasn't fulfilling, and now just utterly confused and disheartened about the future. Thanks TEDx for this comforting and reassuring talk. The future might not be as bleak as I am supposing it to be.

[@mushrifsaidin]

Hey man I'm 29 and just failed my PhD too. Dropped out because it wasn't what I was looking for plus other personal reasons. Just dropping in to say you're not alone and that our lives are just beginning. Best of luck out there buddy!

[@Ascientistsjourney]

I am 20. 😅. In my undergrad. 😁. Thinking of pursuing a PhD further and watching people dropping out of it. 🙂

[@briandepalma7252]

How are you doing now Amogh bhaiya?

[@johndwhite1972]

The person who developed eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) was getting her PhD in English literature. Then she had an insight that took her in a completely different direction. She left that program and got her PhD in psychology instead.

[@joao3547]

@@johndwhite1972 her insight was probably that she could trick people into thinking that EMDR is a real thing that works lol

[@joinmeforasmile4464]

''Too many people run too fast in the wrong direction and end up regretting it. So why the rush?'' - I forgot who said this to me but although I kept this in mind all these years, I ended up making the same mistake.. edit: For some reason, people have been commenting on this more often lately, so I'd just like to clarify something. I no longer share the same mindset with my past self. I've become much more grateful for where I am and appreciative of the little things; and I no longer believe in making the right/wrong choice. I now believe that everything's a matter of perspective and in making the most out of any given situation. There's always something positive to be found if you're willing to look for it. Thank you all for taking the time to read my comment and sharing your own opinions with me! 🌸 I've read through them all and I appreciate it. Stay safe and have a great day!

[@jennifergersch9126]

We have so much risk aversion in our society. Never rush in foolishly, but know that with a bit of cushion, you can take a leap at any time.

[@kookiecastro8452]

because you focus on the thought

[@kookiecastro8452]

@@jennifergersch9126 cushion on what?

[@aendyr4472]

Uhmm...it's very similar to what's written in "Tuesday's with Morrie"

[@Miranda-uf7xb]

Wonderful advice!!!! Thank u for sharing this!

[@topixomar6132]

Very inspiring. Immediately made me think of "Not all who wander are lost".

[@Cookeat-1111]

Gone through the comment section I literally want all the luck and success from the bottom of my heart to all those people who are living their life. I am 20 yrs old and I thought that I left behind everyone and overthinking all the time. I am literally shocked seeing so many comments who starts college at 25, 30 🤯. You guys are real heros. I am just blowed up 😐.

[@TakiGosc427]

I'm also 20 yrs old and feel left behind. Hope you will find your path in life.

[@nipun5006]

​@@TakiGosc427Me too bro. I feel so lost like everyone I see of my age they are so smart, doing something or the other. And here I am with zero skills, my parents invested so much money on me and I am just wasting my life. I am still not cleared but I will. I promise. I am not a quitter. Can I get your insta dude just to connect?

[@Hodgepodge02]

21, same place. Very discouraged.

[@SS-lp8fu]

My Cent here, I'm a software engineer. I have never been good in mathematics (just enough to get good grades), Have a less than average memorizing capability and have been above average student at school. Nothing much remarkable about my abilities. I have focused very much on learning as much as i can. Be in linguistics, genetics , bio chemistry , history, physics, meditation, eastern methods, cooking, pottery . The list goes on. I have been able to adapt to almost any environment very easily which stresses most of people. I have been made to handle things i have no idea about or almost never heard of. But amazingly , I'm pretty successful in what ever i do. I never say NO to any challenge. I think once you learn so much stuff your mind figures out something for you. The solutions come out of common sense ,like natural flow of water. My whole input here is , learn as much as you can. The more diversified input you give to your mind, more amazed you would be with results.

[@MubashirAR]

A software engineer myself. I've been generalizing for a while now (I'm fairly early in my career) and what I've noticed is the more I generalize, the easier it becomes for me to understand concepts that many very good engineers even find difficult. It has really broadened my thinking. I feel like there are concepts that are easier understood if you learn other things, and then bring that knowledge to something your currently focusing on.

[@drakesmith471]

I think your input was very insightful and I liked it. Your interests sound a large amount like mine. Eastern methods and pottery aren’t there, more so cause I don’t have access to the latter and the first one I don’t know if that includes meditation (which I should do). Diverse interests I’ll say that and I don’t think I’ve ever seen that exact combo in anyone else. I think it’s neat to find someone with like interests. I have a specific career interest but hobby interest and sort of life goal stuff that derives from it has gotten me called scatter brained by a few people, however I have been complimented on that by a person and I like their way of looking at it. I just liked those cause I liked it and I just felt I should have a goal to live my life like I’m living many, so live to the fullest is my thought. My friend said that by having diverse interests though it can add a depth to the color in a person and it makes them interesting. I like to think so, I think you will too. Qué interesante.

[@johnathonsensing8162]

Wish I could say the same. I like to research the paranormal and the unknown, here and abroad across the world. This is not helping me in life at any typical job. I'm terrible at math and I can't remember people's names, only faces. I dropped out and got my GED. Tried a online collage to get In homeland security. Back when we still had AOL dial up internet. To try and find out who was really responsible for 911.. My grandfather and father were both firefighters. I grew up around trauma and stress.. I can work and deal with on the fly problem solving. I like to say Mc.Guyvor the issues without blinking an eye while most would say I'm crazy for helping.. I can't work with typical people because I'm a free thinker and stubborn when people try to change my thoughts. This has in no way helped me get jobs. When I did try I made it on a local fire departments hiring list multiple times but never was hired.. discovered many different types of fraud in the multiple works places I've been. Each time I won by my theories of the truth that prove wrong doing. I've learned to fly a Cessna 152 but I have no flight log. All the money spent was like it never happened. I'm a jack of all trades but always on paper a master of none. What should someone that doesn't like the system we are slaves to be part of it and be happy? How do we find what we like when the system says give me money we will never have? The people I meet seem to have a different out look on perception in our everyday. I want them to know just as much as I want to know the truth of the unknown around us. If you were to ask me, "what I want to do in life"? All I can say I don't know.. I'm too scattered brained to reside to one thing or another. You guys with the computer programming abilities, my hat is off to you.. you have been there and done it.

[@mushrifsaidin]

@@johnathonsensing8162 You should give daytrading a go, it helped a fellow scatter brain like me get the income I need to continue on my diverse journey of trying a lot of things in this world. Best of luck there friend!

[@johnathonsensing8162]

@@mushrifsaidin Thank you sir. I've been researching the market and looking into new technologies on the arisen.

[@klake4773]

"A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one." One of the few sayings that I really love hearing but a lot of people don't know fully.

[@Reypstraptor4269]

I would have to disagree with this quote to an extend.First of all where does it say you cant be a master of multiple things.Even if you can be a master of just one thing but you are able to teach it to other people thats batter than a jack of all trades who cant teach nothing of real value.

[@lukelim5094]

@@Reypstraptor4269 i was a struggling audio engineer and musician for a few years. In my youthful naive mind i thought i wanna be a musician and be in the music industry. I had people telling me i was a jack of all trade and master of none before. But then i start looking and delving into cameras as well with concepts and cables being the same. For a period i was wavering between being a musician or be someone that earn money using cameras. Then covid happens and i lean whole way into multicam live stream events and photography and videography So right now I am very good at photography, videography and live stream events. Have a thriving busniess and learning everyday about how to run a busniess. If i had been idiotic and said i should focus on being a gigging drummer i would have suffer greatly Most of my musician friends hardly do music gigs these days and kinda suffer even now. But every single experience have contributed to me being very very good at events running and taking photos and video. There is a difference between being a simple jack of all trade that touch and go. And someone who uses all their experience to focus and inspire their crafts. Difference being are you there to link your inspirations together

[@saynotohookups]

@@Reypstraptor4269 Look at some of the great minds of history. Some were great at many things and knew numerous languages.

[@mrknarf4438]

According to Wikipedia, this isn't the original quote, only a more recent variation: ------------ In modern times, the phrase with the "master of none" element is sometimes expanded into a less unflattering couplet by adding a second line: "but oftentimes better than master of one" (or variants thereof), with some writers saying that such a couplet is the "original" version with the second line having been dropped, although there are no known instances of this second line dated to before the twenty-first century.

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

I didn't know the full saying, and I love it!

[@nileshkujur8025]

In India, we are always told to run in life with our head down. But no one told us to stop, walk, and wander. Just walk and wander, you will be great.

[@sachinpatil7005]

I can understand

[@heinzgilbert]

What is the meaning of this quote? Why would you run with head down? Is'nt that a formula of getting bumped?

[@ksrajavel]

@@heinzgilbert To not focus on anything other than career.

[@jennifergersch9126]

The French have a word, "flaneur," meaning a wanderer, often in urban settings. Never be afraid to meander around a different corner; you never know what you'll discover.

[@gauravgautam8674]

@@jennifergersch9126 thank you so much bud, I hope we can connect and share some these kinds of ideas.

[@vellavoila]

I started college at 27, graduated at 31. I'm 32 now and I've been switching career 5 times since I graduated high school. I clearly have a different path than most people but I kind of proud of who I am today. Thank you for this!

[@cse_antonysun_1523]

"She is only 104,we don't know what's next",GREAT WORDS😂😂

[@asg2149]

"SLOW BUT STEADY WIN'S THE RACE".This quote is always in my head ✨

[@LiliumPetal]

“A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.”

[@tiwongemtonga]

Word!

[@Ray2311us]

Often times... when are those? Haven t experienced it once

[@LiliumPetal]

@@Ray2311us This is the actual quote, people just leave off the second half. When you're trying to do something other than your field of expertise, when you're able to pull from multiple pools of different knowledge to work on a single project, when you're able to get a well-paying job outside your desired field in order to pay the rent, etc etc

[@MD_1992]

@@Ray2311us those often times the jack would be better than the master would be in almost every trade except the ONE trade that the master has "mastered"

[@LiliumPetal]

@@Nevarek_ A bit of an over-acceptance of the idea I feel. Just as it is beneficial to be a Jack of All Trades in the accumulation of skills, so too is it beneficial to do the same with ideas. You mischaracterize much of this crisis and present an overly individualistic take to its ramifications in my opinion. While yes you are responsible for yourself, there also a great many things that lie outside of someone's control, this crisis as an example. Many will be faced with circumstances outside of their control as a result of these things going on in the world, and they will be like a person struck by lightening. They can do all they can to avoid its danger, to minimize the risk to themselves, but in the end they have no control over the bolt and may still be struck by it. I agree that accumulating skills is a good way to expand your resume and have other opportunities lined up in case you should need/want to venture them, however in the case of a total shutdown like this, many people who are adaptive and skilled in varying things will still find themselves out of a job due to no fault of their own, but rather the fault of the situation. In an economic situation such as this, the job supply has plummeted while the demand has skyrocketed, as a result there aren't enough jobs to go around and people will inevitably be left without work to support themselves. It is in these cases that I find support to be necessary and beneficial to not only individuals but also the economy and the nation/world as a whole. Without strong social welfare support in place through blanket programs such as Social Security and the like, people will fail to make ends meet. They will be evicted for not being able to pay rent, they will be forced to go hungry, and many will die, and none of it their fault or due to a lack of adaptability on their part.

[@laurieberry162]

I am a 54 year old single woman: not by choice. I am getting my second book published. I started college in my forties. Although I worked for thirty years. I feel like the latest bloomer. But I believe that VC Andrews, or Virginia Andrews, she started writing much older than me and a best seller. I wanted to be an author since high school. My parents didn’t have much money to help me get through college. These people who he mentions are not as late as myself. I know that I am bright. But I like the story of the 54 year old. I got a college degree. I have failed many times at becoming an author. I am not happy or satisfied with myself. I expect that if I live to be 85, there is going to be around 30 books authored by myself.

[@Muskan-jr5ps]

21 and will start college again in a new field after dropping out of med school in the 3rd year. This is what I needed.

[@UmbralMxx]

You're good, i'm 23 and also about to start over

[@Muskan-jr5ps]

@@UmbralMxx all the very best !! Hope this time it’ll be fulfilling enough :D

[@daniellaurin9566]

Wtf med school at 21 are you a child prodigy or do you mean pre med.

[@Muskan-jr5ps]

@@daniellaurin9566 I'm from India and here we start med school soon after high school, have to just clear a national level entrance exam somewhat like MCAT.

[@daniellaurin9566]

@@Muskan-jr5ps oh interesting, I will look at this on my own terms. Thanks.

[@Itsmoremi]

One of the best ted talks I’ve seen in a while

[@muhdshahmee]

About the damn time

[@FitThruCancer]

Disruptive Bee Same here!

[@jacobcarrico1999]

Late reply here... but I also find it so impressive that one can deliver a speech this well too!! Amazing Ted Talk but I am just also amazed at how “ready” he was at this time. Lol!! Can’t get over it. Cheers

[@jazmishap]

Same

[@dunnperfect8567]

He just gave a summary of Outliers

[@avivagodfrey]

This is coming at a time in my life when I really needed it. Six colleges, eight majors, and only halfway at most through my learning journey. My degree can't even address all the skills I've accumulated. My father was upset at the thought that I would be a "lifetime learner" - but I finally found something I believe I can do for the rest of my life and never get tired of. Feels like sweet validation instead of "You're behind on life, you're a failure."

[@wheeloflife17]

Goodluck Aviva. I am also fighting my own battle. Never give up on what you believe in. It can take time but surely it will work out. Stay safe. Whole lotta love 👍❤️

[@oliviawronski6387]

Congrats on hanging in there. You'll find your own direction, and it will lead you into the most amazing and unexpected places. Yep. 3rd major in. I've felt I was wandering around stupidly, and only recently really coming to terms with the fact my path isn't and can't be linear. It's often now that I know some random tidbit about something that is actually useful and relevant, and it comes from just bumbling around and smashing facefirst into walls for years.

[@abhishekvarshney7695]

Aviva Godfrey what have you finally found ?

[@avivagodfrey]

@@abhishekvarshney7695 Teaching university. I always knew I couldn't handle K12, but I was hired as a lab instructor while working on my undergrad and realized that teaching university students was possibly one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had. I'm almost done with an MFA in Creative Writing now, and I plan to use that as a springboard for a second series of degrees in Japanese. ovo Ultimate goal: teach university-level Japanese courses!

[@abhishekvarshney7695]

Aviva Godfrey i wish you all the very best for well lived life 🌸

[@ltthelattegirl]

“We never really hear developmental stories, do we? We don’t hear the research that found a Nobel Laureate scientist is 22 times more likely to have a hobby outside of work as our typical scientist.” Great talk.

[@nothingiseverperfect]

These are what make TedTalks good. Data driven hypothesis, focusing on a single idea, and how it can help you in your life. Not just motivational ramblings to make people feel good about themselves.

[@pppp67567]

Absolutely agree.

[@bachxuanvu]

Yeah I come here, knowingly that I wanna feel good. Got inspired to work on what I want to do now, or build something towards a near future that I know I can reach. Less dreaming and fantasizing, just get to work.

[@dimitra7628]

As a 27 year old who is finally pursuing their love of acting and standup comedy instead of going to grad school, this has given me hope.

[@GarviHere]

27 year old software dev turning 3d animator here! Wishing you luck!

[@joelansere8743]

Wish y’all the best

[@dimitra7628]

@bob jones funny you ask, I’ve been making funny videos on IG and I just started performing standup at open mics a couple weeks ago!!

[@AFireBirdPhoenix]

I am 28,I want to learn acting and act in movies and series.

[@mackprime6975]

Moral of the story: Don’t be afraid to hyper-specialize in adaptability

[@oganyayloglu5560]

criminally underrated comment

[@godschildren9332]

pin this

[@Tubeytime]

This supposes that adaptability can be taught, is there any evidence backing this up?

[@OFFICALMENOFCULTURE]

He wasn't pointing to adaptability at all.... He was pointing to the issue that choosing something too soon could be detrimental, especially if you havent tried other things that you may enjoy more and may be way better at. 10,000 hours on something when there was something even better for you is a shame. :)

[@oganyayloglu5560]

@@OFFICALMENOFCULTURE realize that pushing things to its logical conclusion, trying out many things instead of focusing on something early on is, ultimately, specializing in adaptability. Being a jack of all trades. This way, when you find something you enjoy, you might have an advantage as opposed to what is generally believed. If someone has tried more things than you, a.k.a hyper-specialized in adaptability, they might have the upper hand.

[@brooklyn8227]

As someone feeling incredibly behind and under so much pressure to hurry up like time is running out (at 28 years of age), this video was wonderful to hear. Thank you!

[@dogloveralok600]

Same age ....same feelin

[@emyf9197]

same here.. It's insane how time just seems like it's on speed mode nowadays. relatives around my age have gotten married in same YEAR of last summer.. and ppl even younger as well getting married or having kids and I'm like still on entry level job that I don't get a full time yet. and now I'm losing the interest in the field I'm working at which used to be my passion. I have applied for studies in marketing and sales and hopefully I get in bcuz the job market here where I live is pretty terrible and it's not like I have powerful friends or references in my advantage..

[@emyf9197]

@Saint Ratus yes, but I or anybody needs stability and that is a full time job. Especially now that we all are going through with this inflation phase which God knows how long it will last.

[@doloressheff1754]

At 28 I felt old. At 62 I feel I’m just getting warmed up!

[@dipalikhodke7926]

How did it go ?

[@heba.]

I'm so glad I watched this because I'm a person who likes doing lots of different things, but most people have discouraged me saying that I should stick to one path and not many.. It just doesn't work for me; I like combining many ideas into one and learning different subjects and not delve into just one. Thanks for inspiring me to keep going!

[@ganibattlebeard]

or maybe people tell you to focus because ur getting distracted while theyre trying to teach you one specific thing

[@excelsior8682]

@@ganibattlebeard are you projecting? Lol

[@ProHater1]

@@ganibattlebeard sounds to me like the teacher might want to try learning how to keep the attention of the student, unless of course the teacher believes they have a bad student

[@Native722]

Me 2 i like combining things and informatio. some say im all over the place

[@pi2053]

Same

[@AmandaSbarros]

I just figured out that I have ADHD, and I was failing because I was afraid I couldn't deal with the future. Now, I'm taking meds and I'm really studying and doing research to understand how my brain works and how I can help myself without thinking about others this time. I feel ready to grow!!!! I'm 19, and thinking about college before was a nightmare, thinking about driving was a nightmare so I just self sabotage all of it. But this time, I'm ready!!! I'll study to get into college nex year (as a 20years old), I'm gonna take my driving exam tomorrow and I feel ready, I feel ready to grow!!!!!! I'm so proud of myself bc all of those years I as so afraid. Thank you so much for this lecture ♥️

[@MarjaZoch]

“In a wicked world, that is increasingly short sighted” FANTASTIC 👏🏻 this is so inspirational and helpful as a parent

[@rodrickoftaokingdom1557]

This is really inspiring, I've studied art, Martial Arts, massage therapy and became proficient in a few languages and am still finding my way, I will I tell you, I will

[@AJSchnell]

Basically; don’t be in a rush to go to college because “it’s what society says to do” it’s okay to fall back for a little bit and really figure out what it is that you want to do. Now that you have graduated from HS, you have plenty of free time to find new hobbies and different jobs. I’m 21, I went to college for 18months and decided it wasn’t for me. Fast forward to now and I’ve tried serving aka; waiter, I’ve worked in the tree industry cutting down old dead trees and learning how the machine equipment works, I’ve worked laying tiles which is very meticulous and must pay extremely close attention to detail. What’s important is that you try a multitude of things in order to find what you truly want to do in life. Now all of my friends that I graduated with, they all have over 100k in debt while I will be able to pay off all of my student loan debt in less than a year. You don’t have to go into college right away after school, It’s okay to fall back and try different things. As long as you’re truly trying to figure out what you want to do... you will be just fine in the long haul.

[@Ray2311us]

Schnell Yes, I have decided to become a business man. Nothing else, because nothing else give me money 💰

[@wisegirl9462]

Inspired

[@neo_aliaga]

@@Ray2311us Wise choice, friend. Starting a business is the best way to reach financial freedom. Props to you! 😁

[@kryos1465]

Thank you for this advice

[@AJSchnell]

@@samanthachurch If you haven’t been trying out different ideas in your adolescence then you’ve been wasting time, and that’s on you.

[@zenithevangelinehermit]

I'm turning 27 in the next 4 days.. And I wasn't really happy because life didn't go the way I wanted it.. Needed to watch this talk.. ❤

[@TheOutlawMan]

The Late Specializers concept hit me really hard. Went through security, retail and hospitality, warehousing and logistics, ultimately to becoming a firefighter-emt. The last one is the only time I've ever felt accomplished at work, and proud of my job.

[@TheGreyKitchen]

It’s so crazy when you get recommended something you actually needed to hear!!! 🤯Amaxing Ted 👏

[@Jikooking365]

Girl, RIGHT???🤷🏾‍♀️🤯

[@GameToony]

Thank you for an amazing speech. The topic of career specialisation has been swirling around my mind a lot recently as I'm coming to the point of choosing a university course to study. I have always jumped around in interests and I sometimes get frustrated with myself that I cannot stick to one hobby. I invest myself fully in one field and convince myself this is what I am meant to do until I burn out and switch to an entirely different subject. It started with maths, then I tried animation, rowing to cycling, chess, psychology, literature and philosophy etc. I sometimes worry that I cannot devote myself to one subject. I feel pressured to specialise in one thing, to the point where if I currently focus on maths, I feel like I shouldn't enjoy the arts. We are all multi-dimensional people. This speech has compelled me to believe that success can come from broad interests, not hyper-specialisation. I am really glad you did this speech. You chose a new perspective and managed to articulate yourself eloquently backed up with great research.

[@abhishekvarshney7695]

AbelCain last line 💕 💯

[@andrewwoan]

Great story! It hits personally too, I try to convince myself something is good for me but then I switch over to something else.

[@jennifergersch9126]

Why not dual major? Or take on a minor?

[@sylphe18]

I tried environmental science. It is the best generalist study! Math/physics/chems, and a bit of all natural sciences really. Here in NL, environmental science also have courses related to spatial planning, investment decision tools, policy-making and a bit psychology/ethics. In my elective courses I learned languages. You learn about (and perhaps special later on) water, air, soil, industries. Unfortunately it is difficult to choose a job after graduation because I feel like they want you to focus on one specialty and I am afraid that if I do that then all the things I learned get stagnated. If later I want to switch to a different specialty within envtal science (ex. From policy-making to something more technical) then my professional experience is back to zero.

[@markmelon3529]

My friend, you might have ADHD

[@belljoe]

Success depends on the actions or steps you take to achieve it. Building wealth involves developing good habits like regularly putting money away in intervals for solid investments. Financial management is a crucial topic that most tend to shy away from, and ends up haunting them in the near future.., I pray that anyone who reads this will be successful in life!!

[@Robertgriffinne]

Starting early is simply the best way of getting ahead to build wealth , investing remains a priority . I learnt from my last year's experience , I am able to build a suitable life beause I invested early ahead this time .

[@ivankagel9949]

The rich Invest in alternative income streams that are independent of the government should be the top priority for everyone right now. especially given the global economic crisis we are currently experiencing. Stocks, gold, silver, and virtual currencies are still attractive investments at the moment...

[@rannyorton]

I thought about investing in the financial market, I heard that people make millions if you know the tricks of the trade, but I lack good knowledge and a strategy to outperform the market and generate good yields. I have $160,000 but it's hard to bite the bullet and do it.

[@dawsondanny990]

Having an investment advisor is the best way to go. Based on a direct encounter with a CFP named Kate Elizabeth Amdall, I can say with certainty that their skills are excellent. She helped raise over $580,000 in 18 months from an initially stagnant portfolio of $150,000

[@rannyorton]

Fantastic! can u share more details?

[@shan_alriel]

I really needed to hear this, I even cried hearing the stories he told one by one about famous people falling behind. I come from a low income background, right now my family doesn't even know if we'll even have food for the next month but from I was little, I love to draw so much that I want to get into animation. So I'm taking a gap year right now after high school to prepare myself and I thought I might be selfish that I even considered something like animation, while most of my peers are already in college and majoring in things like medical science or technology but I see that everybody's life pace are different. Hopefully I don't come to regret my decision later.

[@rgseven6557]

Hey man, you got this. I can totally relate to what you are feeling. Anyway you dont have to feel selfish for choosing animation since you have such a passion for it. Everyone has a different path my friend. Wishing u best of luck.

[@ann4714]

we're the same. I love making art and come from a low income background. I wanted to take art school in college too but decided that it shouldn't be my focus since i can be really good at making art pieces by myself, self-taught. So i took on a humanities related degree in college, while also making art on my free time and practicing different mediums from pencils to paint to pottery, to crochet to cartooning to realism. I did this because my college degree now can likely get me into a job right after i graduate, but my other skills can likely propel me to be more productive later on in life. But I'm not telling you to not pursue animation. It's really really really great! But as the video suggests, doing multiple things and not focusing on one thing can get people ahead in later life.

[@alexwatson7068]

I’m turning 27 in a month and am still half a year out from finishing my bachelors degree in music composition and computer science. I needed this.

[@tjss9393]

that's awesome! maybe electronic music could be your next adventure :)

[@Scrungge]

Good luck man you got this

[@muticere]

As someone with ADHD I can attest to this trend of, as I get older, the things I'm good at and the things I am interested are much more narrowed down. Seriously, being in your late teens/early 20s with ADHD is extremely overwhelming. Not only do you have the normal endless possibilities feelings of a NT person, but you also have the ADHD brain that makes you think you have to do all of your different ideas. Now I'm in my late 30s, I struggled to find meaning and stability all my life up until about 2-3 years ago when I sort of settled into a rhythm of life for myself. It also helps that around that time I was finally diagnosed with ADHD so I could then learn and apply the right coping strategies and occasional medication. Now I look at what I like and what I want to do and see 3-4 clear trajectories instead of dozens like I used to. This video has really helped me, too. It's good to have some assurance that I'm not too late, I can still find the meaning I want out of life.

[@inspira.]

What is NT person?

[@InvisibleThought]

@@inspira. neurotypical person; aka “normal”.

[@akosuakoranteng3327]

So true!

[@teenytinytoons]

recently diagnosed in my late 30's with ADHD. life has been so hard and i feel so lost, but everyone believes in me so much and my potential. i'm constantly told how smart i am, yet i currently have no path in life.

[@trollponch]

@@inspira. NeuroTypical; Its kind of a new concept, but now NeuroDiversity is slowly becoming a thing and now, the "normal" people are considered Neuro-typical brains and a lot of people with different mental conditions, structures and patterns are slowly being recognized, understood, and normalized (just like all this gender moves that has being going around lately, is kind of the equivalent but for brains instead of genders). Some examples of neurodiversity could be ADHD, ASD, Tourette, Dislexia, etc. So now a lot of people with, for example, ADHD brains (me being one of them) can finally live without constantly thinking there is something wrong with ourselves and without overwhelming ourselves with anxiety and depression every week (as in unconscious auto-sabotage). Because now we can see and understand, that it is NOT our fault to be the way we are. We just weren't aware... nor were we treated (much less rised) properly about it. and now that we are aware (and diagnosed!) we can deal with it and learn how to live with it instead of against it. Maybe even use it to our advantage.

[@H3Y0o]

When I was younger, I went through a boot camp course to teach us on the mindset of being a successful person. I remembered clearly, on the first day, when the host asked us why are we here. Some kid just replied that they are here because they want to ace their academic examinations. The host simply knocked his head on the whiteboard for a few times, contemplating on how to translate the message. It took me a few decades to finally understand that, it's not getting education scoring and being a money-making machine that will get you far. Sure, money is an essential basic to survival in this economy, but it's not everything, even if you make the most money in this world, it is pointless if you have no idea what you are doing in your life. Successful people don't go for top scores in their academic results nor do they go for the money. Even if they do, that's because they know what they want. It's just a pawn in their chess, and it's not everything. The whole point is simple; They just do what they love and they just keep on doing that. This is true success, so what even if you enjoy doing the most redundant and the most insignificant things in life unlike your neighbor who is getting married and moving out being a top-notch lawyer or something else while you are still hiding in you mum's basement.. Take your time, quality over quantity, be yourself, stop comparing and don't follow everybody else' footstep. That's the whole lesson that took me decades to learn while fortunate people in this era can learn within a 14min video.

[@ova-da-munny]

I'm really sorry but as a practicing lawyer that does love their job very much, I feel personally offended by this comment 😂 Can the society stop job-shaming us for a while seriously? 😂🥲

[@deependranetwork]

Learnt 🙏❤️🙏

[@brianagndalang1296]

As a 22 year old who graduated from college last June 2021, and now it's almost a year that I still have no full time work or job to sustain myself. This message is heartwarming and I felt reassured for hearing this. Thank you so much for this wonderful talk, TEDx! 😊

[@NeoInTheMatrix680]

Good luck 😊

[@kevinsamson1693]

What was your major ?

[@aliyahjoelle5366]

Oh my God, this is so reassuring. I could cry right now. I needed to hear this as a 2nd-year college student with several interests and shaky goals at best.

[@almightytreegod]

I’m almost 40, I’ve been a videographer and editor, musician, database admin, I built a float spa, learned acoustics and audio engineering, and now I’ve been dabbling in woodworking/machining and 3D printing. My day job for the last 9 years has been doing tech support and I kinda hate it, but it definitely pays the bills and I’m worried to try anything else at this point as an actual job… but then again maybe I should. Thanks, this is inspiring!

[@Abeer11]

Just do it

[@joelansere8743]

You got this!

[@TaxingIsThieving]

Why did you stop being a videographer

[@akashsinghsharma5817]

I have always been intrested in very different domains like engineering, pure science (physics), clinical psychology and arts, I was always told that you are gonna fail, there is no need for different knowledge as I am an engineering graduate and wanna be teacher and entrepreneur (starting own ventures). Well, Thank you for this ted talk. Lot of respect from India. 🇮🇳

[@bradleylatham8184]

Congratulations my friend. Im 43 and this TED talk just solved my depression because I don't have a degree ...yet.

[@jennifergersch9126]

Have you thought about architecture or industrial design?

[@SivaKumar-AoT]

Woww ! I too have very similar interest like you sir !! I have interest in physics, maths, drawing, history , teaching , english literature, physical sports and meditation!

[@akashsinghsharma5817]

@@jennifergersch9126 design yes, as I am an mechanical engineer. I can't say about architecture.

[@akashsinghsharma5817]

@@SivaKumar-AoT that's so nice man. Good luck. Infact I too have started meditation and gym recently.

[@kundaliniairport]

I went to acting school, never finished it. Dropped out of University for a teaching certificate in literature and education, started Physiotherapy, never finished it, Ayurvedic studies, guess what .. Yoga, arts, language school uncompleted. This talk is very encouraging and inspirational ... I'm 53 years old.

[@angelafayesims1563]

Me too💪🙌😊💯🤣🙏

[@SanctifiedLady]

52 1/2 hated not finishing so I finished what I started and I hate everything. We are in the same spot after all. I can’t say finishing all that meant anything if I’m not interested in any of it right now. All the best🙏🏽

[@justyourlocalrat_]

I went to Georgia Tech for about a year before dropping out. So many people hyped up that school because of status and because it's easier to get a higher paying job right after graduation. I felt so behind when I dropped out, but here I am now a year later and all of a sudden I feel miles ahead of people my age. I tried a bunch of different things (and still am), and I actually found a few specific things I REALLY enjoy doing. I started seeking help from experts (therapist, vocal/songwriting teacher, political organizers, artists), and now the things I'm doing are on a whole other level. I thought I was giving up the 'safe' path when I dropped out, but I ended up discovering this path was a million times safer in the long-run.

[@franceszapata951]

My father always chides me by saying "I got my PhD when I was 29." I'm 33 and plan to do a PhD soon. Sometimes I feel like a failure because I didn't follow my dad's path. But watching this TED Talk has reminded me that I don't regret getting a Certificate in Disability Studies or two MAs: one in Literature and the other on ELA with a concentration on ESL. I absolutely love all of these fields!

[@michaelecastillo1]

That’s a terrible thing to say to anyone. Let alone your own child. That’s great that he’s proud of something he did when he was 29 but the world is a completely different place now so his comparing his past to your present is completely irrelevant. And i’m just guessing here, but it seems like he’s insecure about that career path he chose. And seeing your confidence to choose a different path has obviously made him fearful of being proved wrong. Take it as a huge compliment. You’re doing great!

[@mushrifsaidin]

29 and just failed my PhD. Got a new lease on life and it's just starting for me. Wish me luck.

[@realdavebob]

I’m 24 and had a craniotomy for a brain tumor and my body’s drawing me back to college. Wishing you the best

[@solidsnake9898]

Good luck!

[@lecomtedeneuch9994]

You got this my G !

[@neoblackcyptron]

As an electrical engineering student who ended up in application development writing mobile apps, to creating KZbin cartoons to finally getting into a maths intensive AI robotics masters program. I agree 100 percent with this Ted talk. The meandering life learnings really do complement future skills Big time. I know I wouldn’t understand half the things I can do today were it not for the totally unrelated things I did in the past. The ability to learn and use obscure stuff really shapes the mind. Learning to learn is the most important skill. Once a person gets that, they can grasp and distill anything you apply it quickly and generate results.

[@orbitalmechanics3756]

You will also realise at some point that learning to ask the right questions is more important than learning to learn.

[@Abeer11]

Hows your masters going? I work in IT and I want to switch to AI and neuroscience but my fears are holding me down

[@neoblackcyptron]

@@Abeer11 It's going really well, currently in the top GPAs in my class. I learnt a lot and currently I am focused on ML/DL and Reinforcement Learning, i am planning to segue into Robotics to be able to put practical use of all the methodologies. AS far as I see, MAchine Learning or Robotics has the greatest amount of jobs after graduation to immediately put to use a degree in AI/ML/Robotics. That or it is going into the research route as a Phd.

[@neoblackcyptron]

@@Abeer11 Make sure your understanding of probabilty and calculus is good, atleast with the basics, most AI atleast from what I have learnt is probability/expectation + optimization methodologies packaged in a way to make these agents do stuff in as optimal a fashion as possible. Robotics involves controls and some linear algebra, i guess that will be enough to be relevant in the real world.

[@Abeer11]

@@neoblackcyptron thats amazing. Glad to hear its going well. How was the transition from EE to AI? I am not good at math yet and i have minimal knowledge in programming. I am trying to build the confidence to restart my education after being in the IT field for over 11 years 😔

[@shepard267]

bro you just solved my anxiety over the past 4 years in college.

[@TylerDurden-td2yg]

The talk is about how falling behind CAN get you ahead. It´s not even close to a guarantee

[@shepard267]

@@TylerDurden-td2yg that's good enough for a chance, nothing in this world is a guarantee

[@TylerDurden-td2yg]

@@shepard267 Of course it is and it´s true. But "just solved my anxiety" seemed very odd to me in this context.

[@shepard267]

@@TylerDurden-td2yg well i was anxious that i kept falling behind during my college years. Seeing this video made me realize i might be anxious for nothing knowing the fact that it might not be so bad after all. I think i gotta rephrase my words though

[@qazedc3]

Right I wish I saw this when I still in college

[@jamesbradford870]

I'm nearing 33, I've dropped out of school 22 times in too many majors to count, held multiple jobs in several different fields, and dabbled in just about everything I could get my hands on. Let's see if this argument holds up. So far, the only that has remained constant in my life is music. Everything else has been an absolute catastrophe. Currently I'm attending a coding bootcamp in hopes to somehow integrate all the lateral thinking I've learned over the course of my life and apply it in the music technology/audio software world. This will be my last attempt; if I fail I'm taking a warehouse job and going back to music for good. For anyone struggling with chaotic ADHD and extreme late-bloomerism out there you are not alone.

[@cheekyyum]

Incredibly simple, crisp and one of the most powerful words to tell you "It's ok, get up and start all over again"!

[@jessicabeca1234]

I graduated from civil Engineering in 2019 at 21, since than I’ve been doing nothing with my life because I don’t have any interest in it. I’m dealing with extreme depression, anxiety and guilt for not knowing what I want to do with my life and not working. I really can’t see myself working on something I don’t like.

[@doc_tray]

u'll get over it.. hope u stay happy

[@mandeep3.14]

Damn, sorry to hear that dude. I hope you take it a step at a time and get to the light at the end x ✊🏼

[@carrietale]

My cousin also got a civil engineering degree. (Both parents are engineers, and they steered her toward it for the money and the prestige.) She hated it. A few years ago she became a nurse, and she absolutely loves it. It fits her personality so much better, and she seems happy for the first time- even as a kid she always seemed stressed out! I hope you can find your equivalent fulfilling career, but more importantly, I hope you're able to find happiness and worth outside of work.

[@jessicabeca1234]

@@carrietale thank you for this, it really motivates me in my pursuit of new career. I made up my mind, and I’m changing my career to do something I like lest I die of depression.

[@divakark1]

Woah! first time i'm watching a TED talk that is ACTUALLY useful and helpful to people. The speech was perfect. There are quite a LOT of examples like this that are often not talked about at all. Adam scott's book - 'How to fail at everything and still succeed in life' tells a very similar tale. Sometimes it's ok to be behind, not being able to 'pick' a single career. Thanks for this speech.

[@ravigarlay8666]

I enrolled into a world class institute this year. I am on the edge with my marks. They are so low compared to my peers. Because i spent all of my time on exploring different fields, Such as music, literature , writing and filming. I never had the chance to do any of these in my previous institues(both school and college) because they were not as much established. At some level, i dont regret this, because i know that i have given much input to myself than i would have if i had just studied. Thanks for taking my experience and giving it the right analysis.

[@nadstunes77]

As a late starter aged 25 when I started college and continued to post grad, I spent many years watching sooo many school leavers pushed into courses just because their parents expected it. It upset me that a lot of these kids were wasting their time and money in courses that either did not suit them or that they had little interest. They treated it like an extension of school and lacked the maturity on so many levels to understand fully, the industries they wanted to work in. I remember thinking that most would benefit from a bit of life/work experience and some time to explore what makes them tick before embarking on any career path that basically starts with accumulating debt, this is essentially the reality for most students, mistakes are expensive and some only get one chance to get it right.

[@JulieHiltbrunner]

This makes me feel so much better about my various pursuits! I have been narrowing it done now that I’m 50.

[@bloglifenguyen3028]

The feeling of left behind is not easy. I keep questioning myself about my intention, my motivation doo I try to learn new thing or I'm just wasted my time playing around as I see my friend whose specialized became more success

[@andrefecteau]

Jim Rohn said it well..."you must accumulate many skills until a unique talent emerges"...

[@Alwayssjuicy]

I have had about 20 jobs from the age of 18-24, my resume only says 4 lol, but I've gained so much knowledge and insights through all of my jobs. I also have a lot of interest in many different things. To most this kind of way of being seems unfavorable because people associate you with not being consistent or starting one thing and not finishing it. During an interview I said I'm a jack of all trades.. and the interviewer said "but master of none" and rolled his eyes, but then I proceeded with telling him," but better than a master of one" and walked away from a small minded individual who couldn't see the endless possibilities and skills I've obtained through different jobs/industries. Do what makes you happy and live a life that makes sense to you. I'm 25 now and yet to find what I love as I love so many things. I have loved the life I've lived so far doing what makes me happy. Trusting the process and you should too!

[@siphomudenda9674]

As a serial job hoper I can relate

[@rationalthinker9541]

😊why not try forex trading....

[@AyeBeeG]

Someone’s got some issues that that gloss over. Js

[@emyf9197]

In America it's easier to get minimum wage jobs (altho terrible job policies) but in Sweden u gotta have degree in everything! even as a janitor they'll ask if u are certified 🤦‍♂ unless u have someone who hands u in a job.. but I would tip u to subscribe to self made millenial channel here on KZbin. she works in HR and has recruited ppl and interviewed ppl etc she gives the best tips on how to write resumes and what to say n not to say on interviews etc it worked a lot for me and many others. good luck

[@onaenae165]

Why does it say 4?

[@tornedsky]

"there are as many ways to succeed as there are people." best quote i've heard in a while.

[@raguramsellakkannu7443]

My background has 'dabbler' written all over it and has cost me plenty of job interviews. struggling in a world where people are happy to be 'short-sighted'.. this speech is awesome, and to be honest, lifts up my spirits..

[@probinsyanonghilaw1861]

from a software engineer who got unemployed because pandemic blew it on me, this is so encouraging. im trying to re-learn the track again after losing my past job painfully, watching this gives me reasons to keep trying. thank you TedEx

[@TaxingIsThieving]

I thought software engineering would be safe

[@leoscareer]

72 yr old just starting college wish me life

[@HandsomeJigglypuff]

Good luck~!!!

[@Xponent-nb3he]

just turned 17 and I’ve already confirmed to myself it’s too late

[@asurich2559]

@@Xponent-nb3he I'm 18 and I've had similar thoughts. I didn't specialize into anything and the weight of self-doubt and feeling useless has been one the single worst things I've ever dealt with. Don't give up! Life is long and our paths in life are unique. You define how you succeed.

[@Xponent-nb3he]

@@asurich2559 I have friends my age that are already achieving great things and representing their countries in a range of different fields of competitions, and I'm still some average high school student that doesn't stand out at all. If by the time I finish high school and I'm still average I would get into an average university and live an average life, at that point I might as well not live at all. I know this all sounds depressing asf but I haven't given up yet, I have one more chance.

[@asurich2559]

@@Xponent-nb3he Your friends have had different beginnings and environments than you, and you do not just have one more chance. You have a whole life ahead of you. I too have friends who compete in different fields... So what? Their life hasn't been the same as mine, so the common denominator isn't my lack of capability or importance. Comparison of others is always unfair and inaccurate because everyone is different, both on an environmental and biological level. If you don't want to be whatever you consider to be average, don't be. Introspect and understand your motivations. Find others who can help you. One day at a time.

[@jeddym4531]

Wow. As an architecture student where talent and skills badly influence our grades and output, and having a head start in specializing a specific skill is admired but I am slow with it. I’m always frustrated with how I’m so left behind but I can’t stop with trying different things and different form of art. This made me accept my own pace and appreciate my own progress. Thank you

[@ChauNguyen-wd6fm]

As someone who was obsessed with specialisation but now running out of steam in 3rd year of university… I agree that getting a head start is not everything. I dropped all of my hobbies to focus on my grades and now I feel lost, as I don’t even remember my hobbies. However, each life leads a different role and I don’t think it’s necessary to undermine certain lifestyles. Some people become specialists and still contribute to society in meaningful ways. Some people are not specialist, but I find them preaching ideas without having researched enough to understand what they were talking about…

[@bmikkey14]

This is what I’ve been having on my mind as a nineteen year old. Everybody my age wants to achieve great things as quick as possible and I was unable to keep up with those unrealistic standards. I was dropped out of high school. I eventually finished my senior year but everyone around me graduated and are taking college classes. Since I fell back, I felt like I was not achieving anything. It took me a while to accept that but I’m kind of glad that I was dropped out of high since I would’ve probably still kept that unrealistic mindset. I feel patience is key and I’ll probably attend college later on in my twenties when I’m financially stable.

[@juliekrol]

"Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway." - Earl Nightingale

[@macdisciple]

My education was a mishmash of stops and starts in multiple disciplines and even at 40 years old I was way behind my peers. But at 60 years old I ended up way ahead because I am using all of them in a very unique way that not many can match.

[@patmebg3794]

Hello. Your story is like mine. I was looking for some encouragement because I have fallen behind my peers at 41. I'd love to hear how you were able to get back on top if you don't mind.

[@JuliaKimMurphy]

I had a marketing career for 10 years and at age 31 went back to uni to study law. I was at times the oldest person in the room in my class but my curiosity meant that I continue to learn at such a rapid pace that I outshone a lot of the young students and managed to build an exciting new career. Now my marketing experience and work across different sectors helps me shine in so many other aspects while working for an international law firm - such as client relationships and management - things that many lawyers struggle with. I am now learning to DJ because its something so different to my legal skills. Life can never be linear and specialising may give you a cushy job but is that really a life you want to have that is so limited to such a narrow path? Never attracted me!

[@chichisfurryfriendsshow]

Love this TED talk. So encouraging and helpful. As a 42 year old who has a law license and is not practicing law, has a music degree but is not singing professionally, who started a pet sitting business and shut it down and is now starting a podcast (and hoping I don’t quit this too) and also looking for a job, this gives me so much hope. I often compare myself to my brothers who seem to have their stuff and (finances!) together. Maybe my path is exactly what it is supposed to be. 🙏🏾

[@cha_varilla]

This is uplifting especially for me that I always blame myself for not choosing the right course during college since I don't know what I want to pursue but now I'm planning a career change. Thank you ❤

[@henryschnetler6863]

Certainly one of my top 10 TED talks, incredible interesting and applicable to the world we currently live in.

[@usernameunauthorised]

I am 37 and still don't know what to do with my life, and I am not very good at anything. This video made me feel a bit better.

[@hmmxbhrt]

So is me dude, im also 37, Completed Graduate at 23, left Phd at 26, Started 3 failed businesses by 34, now at 37 currently stay at home dad to my baby girl and learning Indian Classical Music and Sitar.. and still i dont know what to do with my life...

[@acts19ministries82]

Starting a PhD in Information Science at 60 yo after many successful years as an entrepreneur. Wonderful insight in this talk.

[@Abeer11]

Inspiring 🙂

[@Persuasion94]

I'm 27 and went into Computer Information Systems right out of high school... graduated and found it was not my passion by the end of it. Just been working normal jobs now with large college debts feeling like I'm suffocating and I'll never escape it. And I just feel like I'm getting too old now to do something great... but this has helped, very inspirational. Kinda puts things in perspective that even when you do get older, being behind is not always a bad thing. I just hope I find my calling soon. As someone who is a lover of many new hobbies and learning, I feel like maybe I could join this club of successful behinders.

[@juliekrol]

Age is a societial restraint. Whenever you want, go after what lights you up!

[@Marmer]

I would like to join a club like that. I'm looking for a job and need to pay my college debt too!

[@terrifictomm]

A wonderful pioneer in this idea is Barbara Sher. She wrote over a half dozen books telling people to do whatever interested them whenever it caught their fancy. I can't think offhand what she called them... Scanners, I think, but she encouraged them, encouraged me, encouraged us all, to follow our muse wherever it led for as long as it led us and just love our lives. I think she gave one TED talk that is wonderful. She was a unique and funny woman.

[@johnmariano47]

True. The individual with limited specialized knowledge gets a headstart with competition but is limited to the field and any newcomer who has diverse experience can come in and takeover. The individual with a range of experience draws similarities and patterns from the diverse knowledge he has acquired applicable to the task at hand with little to no modifications This is also the reason why companies hire people of diverse backgrounds for a particular position, or place different kinds of expertise in one research group to create an integration of a broad of ideas and come up with an original one (synergy). The Jack of all trades may not get the job done with flying colors but he gets the job done. And with just a little bit more time if he wants to make it so, it can be at par or far better compared to that of the specialist. Indeed, it is a wicked world. The path to solutions is not always a straight line. One has to find a way to learn in any means of the world outside of him. Thanks.

[@cse_antonysun_1523]

Wow. You spent much time typing this. Have a question-ARE YOU A BANK LOAN?

[@johnmariano47]

@@cse_antonysun_1523 I wish. I sort of did some thing like this before but ended up forgiving everybody.

[@iincisif8599]

@@cse_antonysun_1523 Dude we're all genius , why hiding in the shadow of someone who's known for his appearance ?

[@cse_antonysun_1523]

@@johnmariano47 I asked you if your A Bank LOAN as You have my INTEREST

[@johnmariano47]

@@cse_antonysun_1523 : ) Two exceptional traits of a jack of all trades are: resourcefulness- nothing is impossible and the optimism that there's no problem with no solution. If you just dig deep enough and not quit you'll find what you're looking for. Indeed, INTEREST is something you must have. The good thing is it comes from your own bank. You just have to keep the flow going and let the mind sharp of spotting swindlers of your time and energy.

[@ellenwang7310]

this saved my depression guys. I am a high schooler who speaks english, french and mandarin fluently, has interests in both stem and humanities, and have varying extracurriculars. I have been pressured by culture and college to pick and choose and limit myself to be a master in one, and that has made me super conflicted and depressed. This video saved me and made me realize I don't have to limit myself, but freely explore my interests without pressure instead.

[@charliecooper9794]

I've seen a lot of good TEDx talks, but I don't think I've ever seen one that has so drastically changed my outlook on my own life for the better as this one has. As a 24 year old who graduated from university 3 years ago and still has no idea what he wants out of life, it has been all too easy to convince myself that I've let my chances of success slip away. But hearing this talk, and reading these comments, I can see that not only am I not alone, but I am not in such a bad position. Biding one's time, acclimatising oneself to the world, can be more beneficial than diving in headfirst and committing to a path you don't necessarily know that you want to follow. Life is long enough to take the scenic route, and too short to waste time worrying about it.

[@andiuptown1711]

Also 24 and graduated 2020. Going back for a second bachelors degree next week. We’ll all figure it out eventually :)

[@charliecooper9794]

@@andiuptown1711 I wish you all the best in life.

[@andiuptown1711]

@@charliecooper9794 Same to you 💫

[@lolaritter7518]

I'm about to start my 4th year of university and I really want to change my degree. I've been agonising about changing courses since my 1st year but didn't have the courage to do so. Thank you for your speech.

[@ezgivarol5782]

I changed my degree in my third year. Actually, since my university does not allow it I dropped out prepared for the entrance exams again and got into another department. I graduated with honors, not on time but with a lot - and I mean a lot- of extra credits from different departments. I got a job immediately after graduation where I can use all that I’ve learned from all classes. I hope you will be very happy with your new degree.

[@jj-bu6yb]

I’m 30. Graduating this year. Wish me good Luck to find internship! God bless everyone

[@ira5861]

best of luck to you! :]

[@Nwakaego_]

Best of luck to you! It’ll work out for ya, don’t be too hard on yourself.

[@jj-bu6yb]

@@Nwakaego_ bless you!

[@donttrythisathome2690]

Bless bro/sis, bless

[@alondracorrea494]

Im 22 with only “almost” an Associates Degree in Science. I finish this winter. I lost a scholarship at 17 when I graduated due to several factors but mostly weed addiction. (Born in June didn’t skip a grade) had to pay out of pocket. Went through several substance addiction issues, learning to prioritize bills/family time, inflation, COVID, family issues, etc etc. You are on time! Just being here at this video shows you are interested or dedicated in understanding yourself and your betterment. I hope we all become successful!!!! And enjoy the ride.

[@idk6386]

Man....This is making me cry... I've always been pushed by people around me to pursue one career and to "find your passion as early as possible" but from all of the things I've been exposed to I have never felt this "passion" they're talking about. As I grew older I found it hard to keep up in certain subjects in my specialization. I started developing an inferiority complex because of it

[@jassipoop]

25 and I will start university this Fall... it will be 5 yrs of engineering. Been through so much, Pls pray for me 😢

[@abdul-muminmudasir5069]

May God grant you guidance and strength to navigate through the path successfully

[@jassipoop]

@@abdul-muminmudasir5069 thank you ♡ May God grant your heart's desires too

[@abdul-muminmudasir5069]

Ameen bro

[@kenconcepts]

True. After graduating from university I did some freelancing design work and was kind of hard getting clients, my peers were moving on some getting employed and some continuing their studies further. I told my self I am going to learn some industry standard softwares and I practices everyday and after a year I got into a competition and came first place for the best automotive designer in the competition in Africa. I never looked back and still practicing to be better each day even now. Hoping something will pop up. Push yourself beyond your limits, never sleep and stop watching TV.

[@lalamagbuhat2162]

Ohmyyy. This is easily one of my favorite TED Talks. Wonderfully narrated and presented. Thank you! Mabuhay!

[@alheyshaazalia2190]

This is HEALS me perfectly. I did 9 times tests for my Master's degree in my country 3 years ago, and guess what? I didn't pass one of them. Honestly, I always felt that my time bomb would be bombing, but it didn't. I love my resilience. Now I have two LoA from International University, wish me luck with my scholarship because it will be so expensive to study abroad.

[@Miri-ps3vj]

I’ve changed my major so many times over the last decade since high school graduation. I’ve been a full time student most of this time and working part time to pay for my studies. God willing I get to finally graduate with a bachelor degree, a minor and a certificate in May at nearly the age of 29. I had the choice of just taking the required classes, but I opted for a bigger challenge and I decided to complete my studies with a bang. And since coming back and choosing this major I decided to only get As from now. And I have been so far since fall 2021. Just worried about one class at the moment potentially being an A minus. But that’s all. I’m grateful for this video it makes me feel better about my broad knowledge and skills. This was refreshing to hear! Whoever is reading this, you got this! whatever it is you put your mind to you’ll get. Trust God and yourself in the process to get there one day

[@rronaldogabriel]

amen. i just finished my 1st semester and i was going to go for finance but now i changed to computer science. i am kinda of scared but im going to study hard and i think i am going to have to quit my job.

[@MilnaAlen]

Thank you. I feel lazy for not working on my thesis harder and having fallen behind on my studies. But like today I fell down a research rabbit hole and ended up reading a report about drug use in Finland. Last month I spent a few days learning about childhood emotional neglect after encountering it on tiktok. I'm building a pretty wide knowledge base, just not getting college credit for my 1 day research projects. Also since I'm no longer really learning that much in my thesis, just grinding to finish it, I'm really struggling with motivation. I'm naturally not a "finisher", more like I produce pretty great but patchworky work in short, intense bursts, then want to jump into something else when it's 80% done. Sadly that's not really appreciated in modern society.

[@learnerxyz9721]

Same here. Hope you don't feel too bad about it, and find connections to find purpose.

[@stellarae8257]

this is nice and reassuring for many reasons. i was always known for being the "smart girl" in k-12 but i was never super great at any one thing (at least not in my opinion). i got into UCLA and went for astrophysics, flunked out of calculus, switched to geography and environmental studies (partly out of interest, partly for health reasons) and like it for the most part but took time off from university because of my health again. i've decided i wanna be a teacher so i may go finish my geography degree so i can teach some form of social science for high school or middle school, or i may go change again to a natural science degree so i can teach some form of physical science instead. not 100% sure yet. anyways, doesnt matter much, but it warms my heart because in high school and especially in college, i am surrounded by people who are amazing specialists. i have friends who got in an internship to go study political science in washington dc and another friend who graduated early and has already worked with big companies for coding. so it can be really easy for me to just think that im broken or inadequate. but really, im not inadequate (no one is), i just know a bit about a lot of things instead of a lot about 1-2 things. it's cool because i get to be the person in the friend group who answers a bunch of questions about the world in general because i've studied the usual courses and have also been a dance teacher and a mathlete and first chair in band and orchestra and gone to science bowls and studied spanish and korean and won awards for essays and speeches i've written. and i like that about myself. i like that i know a bunch, even if it's not all concentrated in 1 area which makes it seem much more impressive :) we need both in the world, it's just nice to hear that people like me are actually needed and important because yeah, i normally just see aa lot of praise for people who are incredible in 1 area specifically :')

[@tiitpeeter]

As a 17 year old, this talk has given me some peace of mind. I've worried for a long time over the fact that I have many different hobbies (they've come and gone quite fast) and that I don't yet have a career path chosen out. Based on this talk, I guess it's actually somewhat good that I haven't committed myself to a certain path in life and that I'm gaining experiences in different fields. Thank you very much, Mr David Epstein 🙂

[@factspk373]

32 years old... still dont know what do to... but i have to start life and leave past behind.... this is only solution

[@unnamedmuse2080]

I love this video so much. As someone who’s been struggling and always feeling left behind all the time this video is really comforting and encouraging. I love how he delivered his speech and how thorough his presentation is. Thankyou for making my year! Yes, you made my whole year. I’ll comeback again once I feel unmotivated so that I will be reminded to trust the process no matter how long it takes.❤

[@dreamer7315]

At age 27 planning to start playing basketball professionally. Before this I worked in Hotels and Airlines. Always loved basketball but never tried to go after it but I am glad that at 25 years old I started to pursue my passion and it’s been two years and journey is difficult, challenging and exciting. It’s never too late. Trust God’s plan.