The Power to Design a Life You Love | Hassan Akmal | TEDxColumbiaUniversity

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A TRIBUTE TO KOBE BRYANT - Our society is obsessed with success, but is success everything? We have all asked ourselves, “What is the Purpose of Life?” Is it happiness, success, or freedom? Embedded in that question is the key to fulfillment and well-lived life.
"We all need a purpose greater than ourselves," says professor and writer, Hassan Akmal, the author of How to be a Career Mastermind™: Discover 7 "YOU Matter" Lenses for a Life of Purpose, Impact, and Meaningful Work. He escaped from being taken hostage in Afghanistan at the age of 28 and now speaks all over the world as an academic and former professional athlete.
Learn more about how developing a Career and Life Vision helps you see what exists around us and within us, with a panoramic lens, as Akmal offers five powerful secrets for Career and Life Mastery - and they may surprise you!
This talk was recorded live on March 27, 2021 -About the Speaker: Hassan Akmal, MBA, MPH, is an American career and life mastery consultant, author, professor, thought leader, philanthropist, and former professional tennis player and athlete ambassador to the U.S. He is best known for his Amazon best-selling book: How to be a Career Mastermind™: Discover 7 “YOU Matter” Lenses for a Life of Purpose, Impact, and Meaningful Work and humanitarian work dedicated to Forced Migration & Health.
After over a decade as a senior leader in career services, he served as the inaugural executive director of industry relations & career strategies at Columbia University, spearheading the opening of their award-winning Career Design Lab. In 2018, he served on the NACE “Future of We” - Advisory Think Tank Committee and on many other prominent boards globally.
Akmal became the executive director of the UCLA Career Center in February 2020 and is currently leading an ambitious reimagination of career and professional development for the university. | #KobeBryant #MambaMentality #CareerandLifeMastery 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

[@talipozkaya9763]

Work hard in silence, let your success be the noise

[@BRAWLSTARSTIKTOKVIDEOLARI]

You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching, love like you’ll never be hurt, Sing like there’s nobody listening, and live like its heaven on earth

[@danielarose9885]

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[@danielarose9885]

W•H•A•T•S•A•P•√ +=1= 9= 4 =9 =3= 1 =7 =1= 4= 2= 1.

[@vivianpatgreen]

heard that line too many times

[@thezoeriley]

agree, old line

[@vivianpatgreen]

@@thezoeriley yep

[@Mndi8]

5:58 Master mind code. Reverse engineer from your passion, master them into a skill to solve others problem. Transform agony into purpose 🎉

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Thank you for all of the love and kind words. This was definitely the most challenging speech I have ever had to deliver live. I put my heart into it! I’m so pleased it is resonating with you all. Much appreciated!🙏🏽

[@leihavi8907]

You speak from the heart! I'm lost in life for a while but your message gave me clarity. Thank you! ❤

[@Blickafram]

I gave a reply.

[@gaberoyalll]

People need you now more then ever ! Thank you for your amazing performance!! ❤ hugs 🤗

[@alysiasouder2228]

Why was this the most challenging speech you've given?

[@artcreation0173]

Cheers to your amazingly impressive talk! "It's not about sights, but insights" hit me hard. I'll never forget your precious talk.

[@Lovelyfriendscasper]

Whatever you are, be a good one

[@danielarose9885]

W•H•A•T•S•A•P•√ +=1= 9= 4 =9 =3= 1 =7 =1= 4= 2= 1.

[@dylandavis6385]

Hhhhhhhhhhhhhhh😉ttd

[@williammaldonado6132]

Absolutely!!

[@ogretmenfan2434]

You can waste your lives drawing lines. Or you can live your life crossing them❤️❤️❤️

[@efebulbul8823]

The quality of this video is sooooo good

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@ardacelik9191]

I love this TEDx thing! Is all about minimalism, living a simple life with less, and being happy without fear and worries.

[@oguzhanerim9361]

Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Conquer fear with mindset, perspective, and courage.

[@DeniseSkinner68DeniseSkinner68]

noone can loe one until you can love yourself in the way god sees and loves you

[@clairewu4921]

Repair the wounds with golden lines. What a inspiring and encouraging talk!

[@eric-tran]

love that bit too.

[@labonimaira9167]

4ho

[@gabekilljoy]

awesome.

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

We are all KINTSUGI 🙏🏽. Thank you!

[@samanthasmith8036]

Brilliant

[@cob9834]

I’m impressed almost every sentence he spoke would make a great T-shirt or greeting card

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

“Where focus goes, energy flows.. 😉

[@hawaallysa695]

Hate harden the heart but love soften the it

[@hawaallysa695]

Energy flows where focus goes

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

“Where focus goes, energy flows.”

[@SolomonSage]

This guy gets it

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

We all learn from each other!

[@dannya5076]

this is an incredible watch

[@AriseFx21]

I feel like I have tried everything, I’m not giving up now or ever, but it would feel nice if someone could tell me from their experience that after having tried what they believed was everything, that something out of that everything worked, and it was just a matter of patience and waiting for it to come together.

[@ElizabethEkedoro]

Dear @FearFX21, This may be 7 months late but thought to write you and I really hope you see it because better late than never, right? For 5 years, I pursued my dream of studying medicine in the university, because I believed it was the only way I could save lives. Yet, circumstances led me down a different academic road-a hard reality to accept and a very hard pill to swallow. Post-graduation, I dipped my toes into various fields: tailoring, paint production, hair-braiding, bead making, coaching children in gymnastics, dabbling in coding, graphics design, data analytics, videography, etc. I've been called a "Jack of all trades" more times than I can count, with friends teasing that I'd conquer the world with my diverse skills. One day, I learnt about Cybersecurity after a friend fell victim to a phishing Scam (a means hackers use to trick unsuspecting victims to divulge sensitive information) and lost all her money. My curiosity got piqued, and as with all other skills I had tried and learnt, I started learning more about Cybersecurity. In 2023, I took the bold leap to pursue Cybersecurity full-time, this move helped me discover a newfound purpose akin to my initial desire to save lives through medicine. Now I work as a Security Operations Center Analyst (the defensive aspect of Cybersecurity) and there's a deep sense of fulfillment I have/feel with regards to safeguarding individuals and organizations from cyber threats, ensuring their hard-earned money don't get stolen by cyber criminals or hackers. While I may be in the nascent stages of my cybersecurity career, I can say I've found a calling that resonates with me and my desire to save lives. I've found "something out of everything" that's working. I'm glad I was patient enough to keep exploring and waiting for it to come together. My journey is proof that if we persevere something will work out for us. I wish you the same success in finding your own path that brings you fulfillment and purpose. Keep exploring, and may you find what truly works for you. 💜 & 💡

[@nemesisoyuncu3310]

The hard days are what make you stronger 🥰🥰🥰

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Adversity builds character🙏🏽.

[@roysmallian2889]

Hassan Akmal. Seems to know everything that is important. Does not look like a tennis champ. But all the more extraordinary, Bravo.

[@samanthasmith8036]

He was when he was younger; a top junior, National Indoors Team Champion, NCAA Team Finalist, pro tennis player, and used to practice with so many top pros at UCLA. I saw him on the court with Sampras practicing once and another time training with a French player (forget his name) on the court next to Agassi and Brad Gilbert during a pro tournament years ago. He was super talented, beautiful one-handed backhand, and a power player. He won the fastest serve contest. 140 mph!!!

[@sweandy1172]

When someone loves you, the way they talk about you is different. You feel safe and comfortable.

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

When it is true love. Love is not blind-people are blind.

[@safderjang7163]

8

[@safderjang7163]

@@CareerandLifeMastery 0

[@safderjang7163]

8

[@safderjang7163]

8

This is one of the best TedTalks ever!

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Thank you! 🙏🏽

[@samanthasmith8036]

Incredible talk! My favorite

[@screentomake7206]

I wish I heard this in my late 30s.... it might have made a nice difference in my life. But, I am alive! There is still time.

[@786MQJ]

Thoughtful! Love each word of wisdom!

[@yoshikarp6432]

hassan akmal of indian and muslim heritage ....a great role model ...thank you , 🤲 bless.

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Thanks so much🙏🏽

[@Cutebutnotpetable]

Beautiful message, Hassan. Thank you for walking the talk.

[@cob9834]

I can see that you have a great side hustle

[@ozanozi7924]

This was the most interesting ted talk I’ve listened to

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Thank you!

[@madim8846]

This is inspirational. A minimalist life is a chaos free life.

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Thanks so much!!

[@yagmurozturk3780]

Wow - best Ted talk I've ever viewed.

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Too kind, thank you!

[@oyunhesab6091]

Do what you feel in your heart to be right - for you’ll be criticized anyway

[@danielarose9885]

Thanks for your comment. If you'd like to make huge money Investing in cryptocurrency with little capital I will refer you to Garry Williams T. For more guidance.

[@danielarose9885]

W•H•A•T•S•A•P•√ +=1= 9= 4 =9 =3= 1 =7 =1= 4= 2= 1.

[@angelariley5403]

Yes, making your living through something you love, can never be called work. - A retired illustrator, still loving it ♥︎

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Amazing, living your calling, purpose, and labor of love! Congratulations on aligning your freedom.

[@autumn399]

May i know how can i get started as an illustrator? How to be successful in it?

[@DeniseSkinner68DeniseSkinner68]

i agree we must never stop soul searching within us we can become abetter us a better us makes a bettre world

[@DeniseSkinner68DeniseSkinner68]

keep incouraging those whom need encouragement thank you for encouriging me

[@JamesThompson-xn2jv]

I listen to TEDx while working or while relaxing. I dont really pick what topics are covered after the first. I just let what plays, play. When this video began to play, I stopped everything I was doing to listen and really hear what was being said. Thank you.

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Thank you so much for the kind words🙏🏽

[@JamesThompson-xn2jv]

@@CareerandLifeMastery you don't even realize how powerful your words were for me. Again, thank you!

[@Enes-iu4mw]

I now tried a new hypothesis: It was possible that I was more in charge of my happiness than I was allowing myself to be❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@nareshkumar-mw8uj]

Which hipbonsis

[@tubaxdem1r5]

I feel I got to hear this every day.

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

🙏🏽 Thank you and my pleasure! Happy it resonated!

[@yvonnehyatt8353]

This is one of TEDx best Talk. Thanks

[@filizsenturk4499]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU YOU EXACTLY SPEECHED WHAT I WANTED TO MAINTAIN IN LIFE .SELF HEALING WAS MY GOAL TO GET TO SUCCESS AND I STARTED HEALING MYSELF AFTER 3O YEARS OF BAD MARRIAGE. I RELEASED AND ALLWAYS WAS CONFUSED IN LIFE AND SAID TO MYSELF WHAT DO YOU WANT IN LIFE ? FIRSTLY FIND MY WAY OUT BY BEING STABLE .I HAVE DEVELOPING MYSELF TO EVERYTHING WE NEED TO KNOW AND UNDERSTAND WHAT WE EXPECT IN LIFE HOW MUCH WE KNOW ABOUT SCIENCE AND OTHER SUBJECTS .THATS HOW FAR AND FAST WE CAN FIND OURSELVES AND BE BALANCED IN NATURE.

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Thank you so much!🙏🏽

[@herseydahil1263]

I have suffered from depression and anxiety since I was 13, I am now 26 and have only recently discovered that the only thing that truly makes me relaxed is getting put into nature and exploring. Luckily I live beside forestry and fields so I go for a walk and explore every day I can. I really resonated with this talk! Thanks!

[@maxinemoore8119]

Still trying to narrow my love for one thing cause there several things that love to do.

[@maxinemoore8119]

I can listen to him over and over again

[@maxinemoore8119]

He is the best cause he make it plain.

[@ryanyan9633]

More people need to see this.

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Thank you 🙏🏽.

[@ahmetoztiftik3760]

That part about too much choice really hit home with me. I want to do too many things and I constantly feel overwhelmed so I don't do anything...

[@tonyg_fgc8152]

I highly suggest you watch Dr. K's "Unlocking motivation". I felt the same way and he talks about this very thing, wanting to do a lot, but being unable to do so. He's a psychiatrist so you can be sure you are gonna be helped by his video. Check the other one about executive dysfunction if you are interested. Hope I helped :)

[@golamsarowar2962]

Watching this for the first time is both inspiring and confusing because I feel overwhelmed with the amount of important information I want to remember. Will definitely need to watch it again.

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Thank you 🙏🏽

[@iselallamas777]

this is my 6th or so time LOL

[@happinessyogateacher]

Happiness leads to success. Happiness is the oxygen that fuels our internal fulfillment. Choose happiness as a place to begin. Be happy, breathe.

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Amén 🙏🏽

[@enesmut142]

When someone loves you, the way they talk about you is different. You feel safe and comfortable. 💓💓💓💓

[@thor3059]

This is one of the best videos I have ever watched!!

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

🙏🏽 Thank you and my pleasure! Happy it resonated!

[@kaanozbnc4710]

This is the most beautiful talk I have heard so far.

[@samanthasmith8036]

Amazing talk!

[@ertugrulkartal8919]

Lost is a place, too." Love that.

[@farjanayeasmin730]

The most important thing about this video is to let you know that you have the possibility to design your future. It means that only you can choose your dreams and goals, you have the power to decide about your life, if you think you need it you can change your lifestyle because you can do as many things as you think you can. It is important to take the advantages that life gives you to get far

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Exactly! Thank you 🙏🏽

[@kynaatlodhi]

GOLD!!!!!

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

🙏🏽

[@kartondanyaplanhersey7482]

If you believe it’ll work out, you’ll see opportunities. If you don’t believe it’ll work out, you’ll see obstacles❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@williammaldonado6132]

As always, Ted!! Thanks ✨️

[@jacksonl2160]

Great presentation! Came across this presentation and had such a positive learning from the Hassan.

[@cheianpangadrin]

Never loose hope,as long as your alive there is always possibility to success ISG🎀

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Absolutely! Look within yourself! Thank you 🙏🏽

[@akbarakbar7904]

This guy knows what he's doing. Nice job!

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Thank you so much🙏🏽

[@davidmora6502]

Calibration! Fantastic message, Hassan. Thank you.

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Life has calibration too! Thank you 🙏🏽 David!

[@tersduz6486]

Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions

[@danielarose9885]

Thanks for your comment. If you'd like to make huge money Investing in cryptocurrency with little capital I will refer you to Garry Williams T. For more guidance.

[@danielarose9885]

W•H•A•T•S•A•P•√ +=1= 9= 4 =9 =3= 1 =7 =1= 4= 2= 1.

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

You are the designer of your life.

[@ortayakarsk6939]

In my opinion, it is important to learn how to be happy and to learn to enjoy everyday life

[@acemihobici770]

I absolutely love her succinct message, non-confrontational delivery.

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Thank you 🙏🏽

[@gambo2246]

you mean "his".. He is a dude

[@kristinabliss]

@@gambo2246 So many comments either omit a gendered pronoun or say her/she, I am baffled!

[@hikmetakar8591]

Definitely listening to this again.

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Thanks!

[@RIJVANKADI]

Amazing... This is just what I needed in my life at this point.... I

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Thank you! Happy you enjoyed it!

[@UCSDCareerCenter]

Simply amazing. 10/10. Game changer. Akmal brings the X Factor!

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Thank you 🙏🏽

[@adsoyad9588]

A simple and wonderful actress who needs to be saluted❤

[@h3941]

I wish this guy could coach me especially in public speaking

[@samanthasmith8036]

Me too, he was soooooooo good! I don’t think he said umm even once. Wow

[@veganchaatparty]

Super super super awesome!! Super thanks for sharing!!!

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Thank you 🙏🏽

[@solcukemalist8355]

WOW!!! THAT FINAL CONCEPT WAS VERY SURPRISING!!!.... THANK YOU!!!....

[@onlineeducationnepal7842]

LETTING GO THE HATERS BRING MORE HAPPINESS

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Amén/Ameen🙏🏽

[@lotus3294]

Thank you for such a lovely talk. I was ' not knowing what to do ' before watching this , now have a clue to design a small part of my life.

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

You are welcome 🙏🏽.

[@ksackbirsark3552]

As long as we have inspired guys who love to develop like you,

[@dogamusmutlu347]

A simple and wonderful actress who needs to be saluted❤ and being happy without fear and worries.

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Thank you 🙏🏽

[@imranhossain-ot9nw]

He is speaking in such a way that it makes you feel like you can do anything! In love with her energy!

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Thank you so much 🙏🏽

[@Rigamorte]

should speak to himself about reaching a healthy weight.

[@yldrmkaraceper9932]

Great idea. Thanks

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Thanks!

[@hakanoz506]

This is actually a great talk, but I have to try the book as well. Hope to learn from it as I learned from this talk.

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

🙏🏽 Thank you and my pleasure! Happy it resonated!

[@hogewala2737]

Happiness leads to success. This is great thought. Enjoyed this and helpful way to reflect on my life goals

[@danielarose9885]

Thanks for your comment. If you'd like to make huge money Investing in cryptocurrency with little capital I will refer you to Garry Williams T. For more guidance.

[@danielarose9885]

W•H•A•T•S•A•P•√ +=1= 9= 4 =9 =3= 1 =7 =1= 4= 2= 1.

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Thank you! 🙏🏽 We had it backward.

[@yigitbey5712]

So many great ideas in one talk. Have to listen to it a few more times to get everything.

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

🙏🏽 Thank you and my pleasure! Happy it resonated!

[@TITAN_TENSURA]

Thanks, very cool info.... I recently experienced too many options

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

I appreciate you!

[@sherylcastro5688]

YES, THERE IS. For me, it is to serve & glorify God(OUR Heavenly Father) ☺️

[@roseadelepascal7916]

❤ I listen to that audio every morning walking.great motivation thank you

[@turkoss12]

Great talk and loved the illustrations!

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Thank you so much!🙏🏽

[@fatihsarac3888]

Everything you can imagine is real

[@danielarose9885]

Thanks for your comment. If you'd like to make huge money Investing in cryptocurrency with little capital I will refer you to Garry Williams T. For more guidance.

[@danielarose9885]

W•H•A•T•S•A•P•√ +=1= 9= 4 =9 =3= 1 =7 =1= 4= 2= 1.

[@oyunzaman3482]

One of the best lectures/speeches I've ever seen on the topic. Thank you!

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Thank you 🙏🏽

[@bahattinciftci5450]

I really enjoyed this conversation

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Thank youuuu

[@-crazed8389]

Probably the most helpful talk I've watched so far

[@andrewmunlin2115]

Such a beautiful speech

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

🙏🏽 Thank you and my pleasure! Happy it resonated!

[@lafjkjassjfasldlkjfdsfsak1182]

I am lucky to see this lecture now.

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Thank you 🙏🏽

[@aliciastarnes1920]

Beautiful message of freedom, Thanks for the motivation! Hassan, you're cool !!!

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Thank you so much Alicia!🙏🏽 You are too!

[@twitcholaylar6275]

Fantastic. Very helpful. I'm going to rewatch this video.

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@snackcool8949]

Yes, all of them are good, Indeed. Thanks!??

[@oyunmuhafizlari4612]

I am going to watch this video many times. I think it can help a lot to all people. Thank you.

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Thank you 🙏🏽

[@peterfu529]

Ted is good

[@meditateforwealth3060]

i have learn a lot from this video

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Thank you 🙏🏽

[@josephineespejo4387]

GOLD speech.....thank you.....

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

🙏🏽💫 thank you

[@robertpatrica4337]

This is one of the best Ted talks I've watched. Great talk right on point thank you for sharing your ideas.

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Thank you so much🙏🏽

[@konu-ikslarc1354]

This is so useful! Thanks!

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

🙏🏽 Thank you and my pleasure! Happy it resonated!

[@rinkygupta57]

Thank you!

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

You are 🙏🏽 welcome!

[@AlinkamalinkaPro]

Very interesting! Thanks for the motivation! Hassan, you're cool !!!!!!!!!!!

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Much appreciated! Thank you 🙏🏽.

[@reaxshdfan6243]

beautifully, and wittily in one (simple but very effective) presentation - awesome!

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Thank you so much!🙏🏽

[@lpsministv8461]

This is very simple, doable, and straightforward. Thank you.

[@CareerandLifeMastery]

Thank you so much, happy in resonated with you🙏🏽

[@정소연-d4n]

So impressive 👏

[@ChiefCedricJohnson]

Matthew 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

[@addvanceseo4420]

This is really helpful!!