What should I do with my life? | Charlie Parker | TEDxHeriotWattUniversity

This film producer chose to pursue his one true-calling, even when all odds were against him. Charlie Parker may have not taken the conventional route, but he has certainly never let that cap his ambition. Time and again, he has been the most honest version of himself and has chosen to listen to his inner voice as a narrative to his journey.
Charlie is the Founder and Managing Director of a creative video agency, Broken Blonde. After establishing the company in Edinburgh it has quickly gained a reputation not only for it’s quality but as well as it’s charisma. Charlie’s credits include co-writing “M.U.F.F” (starring Daniel Sloss and Tom Stade) which is to be released end of 2015, “Tough Times Make Monkeys Eat Red Peppers” the Documentary (which has been reviewed by Scottish Author and Film-maker, Irvine Welsh) .
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@subswithnovideos-ef6ck]

The crowd sounds like they were high schoolers who were forced to come watch a presentation in the auditorium.

[@inum400]

Even high schoolers would laugh at this

[@blackham7]

Sounds like? I couldnt even hear the crowd..

[@The_Marmot_Community]

yea true ;)

[@victorsvidss]

Keep this man at 420 likes

[@Godl_Damon]

Your name have 1000 subscribers but have only 51. Why this????

[@ItsKgan]

I actually thought he was funny, but this crowd was pretty cruel.

[@Kempshaw]

How are they cruel because they didn't laugh? Laughing isn't an action you voluntarily choose to undertake or not, it is a natural reaction that can only be elicited by satisfying ones sense of humor. There is no animosity being displayed by "not laughing".

[@Kempshaw]

You can make laughing sounds, but its not a real authentic laugh when you force it. And people can hear the difference.

[@MegaPianogenius]

he was very nervous and the audience felt it

[@LabRat6619]

We are British not American here. Very different

[@carlottathefriendlyperson7710]

I agree. Possible that the audience noise was edited out or something of the sort.

[@Accyber]

These kinds of crowds are the reason why people are uncomfortable with public speaking lol

[@jarofpickles4057]

@David French Listen and learn? The majority of the people in the audience of these talks are almost always older. Besides, I'd argue that being able to present a boring, long-winded topic with some humor shows that the person presenting it actually has knowledge on the topic rather than them just saying what they practiced beforehand.

[@mahesh23343]

The mics used by speakers in the talks are of higher qualities. They cancel a lot of noise coming from the crowd and hence we can't listen to the crowd's laughter. :)

[@S-Mania]

@@elijahwilliams9173 Wish i was in the audience. I would laugh WAY more than all them put together. Just replace the whole crowd with myself and I'm rofling by the end of it. I laugh at basically anything. Anyone wanna join me?

[@BigBullyJack]

These crowds were sharpening their sword cause he insulted ironman, they hate him 3000.

[@pawsnotclaws2772]

Accyber lol ikr I thought he was pretty funny

[@olivia2925]

When he said "you're gonna die in 2 weeks" I felt relief for not having to decide what I want to do with my life. That just shows how much I'm struggling with this question but also how much it means to me😭😭

[@kintsugi587]

Omg same !! I told myself finally I can relax

[@QuantumNetwork]

I just said my girlfriend, idk what else bro lmao

[@operator5546]

Whenever I ask this question of death from myself I feel like let me have a mike and speak out myself from the brazil's largest stage.

[@MatchaRam3n]

I feel relief that life is ending soon but before it ends, I would use up my savings and travel to as many places as I can 😂

[@d0sxxgaming94]

It the world was ending in 2 weeks I would be content and I think I would feel normal again. I have been wanting to kill myself because I don’t know what I want to do with my life. If my parents weren’t so good to be I would be already 6 feet under . I feel dead already not having any purpose . Sitting at home everyday without being happy with any job I can get hired for

[@hippie9537]

this crowd SUCKS. Hes feeding you GOLD

[@dontclickonlikedvideos.4781]

You never thought maybe they just wanted to learn?

[@S-Mania]

@@dontclickonlikedvideos.4781 Doesnt stop you from laughing and having fun while doing so

[@attorneyinvestor3941]

The speaker sucks and his topic has been talk about many times.

[@10arcs4]

The microphone they are using is super high quality and cancels out almost all noise

[@armedinsurgent347]

Just shut up 🤦🏻‍♂️ not everyone has the same humour and they were there to gain knowledge not have a laugh

[@chocoflavoredcookies5649]

wow what a tough crowd not even one guy who decides to give him a pitty chuckle

[@jonasc1221]

Sometimes people just want to listen and learn. I hope the speaking know that. Just cause people don't chuckle doesn't mean they're not entertained.

[@ejfunny]

Jonas Charif yeah i actually like it when the crowd is quiet because it shows interest, rather than people giving a standing ovation every 5 minutes

[@corgikun2579]

I missed where it says this is a stand up and not a proper talk

[@Cevezz0]

It does not have to be a stand up to laugh at a joke. Why not make a proper talk a little bit funny? Makes everything easier to digest.

[@Kuryoku]

I think it had to do with his delivery. I enjoyed the words, but the delivery could have created the environment to promote laughter.

[@rajeshpadamsey7503]

very well said and good humor. The crowd probably skipped lunch

[@Alexander-jm1oi]

He didn't do proper stops in the first jokes and he was speaking too fast.

[@swigswag3337]

you can't hear the crowd bc of the mic and stuff. the crowd is responsive, this is just a 2D video.

[@omgitsaidsyay]

I like how the next video is "stop searching for your passion"

[@pasawala]

woah really the next video is a "stop searching for your passion"... I laughed so hard hahahhahah

[@alihamdani6605]

haha I have the reverse, it's the prior video in my recommendation

[@annagt86]

Same lol

[@quarter-lifecrisis5127]

lmao same

[@greatwavefan397]

_uSe SyNtHeSis!_

[@jimmyreyz4363]

I get so frustrated because I know I can be amazing at something. only I have no clue what it is! I hate not knowing what I should be doing.

[@_ZiXin_]

Jimmy Reyz same..i never have a passion in life

[@thisisntallowed9560]

You don't know what you like or what you're good at? Cause you might not be good at what you like..

[@thisisntallowed9560]

And I'm really good at math but I don't like it that much

[@-._.-KRiS-._.-]

Kaepora Gaebora I'm not good at math and I don't like it much...but! I LOVE doing things like editing (audio and video) and coding that all deal with math indirectly. Try exploring things like graphic design, architecture, computer coding, various engineering fields, etc. and see if they spark an interest. All those things deal with math but aren't solely focus on it so you have a solid starting point if you're already good at math!

[@SM-xl7vs]

Jimmy Reyz OMG that’s so me😢😢😢

[@RMGringo2122]

Great lecture, but what a horrible crowd

[@Ren-cw7iv]

Exactly what I was thinking XD

[@sigmabb8473]

astheravencrows May be the crowd is asian

[@TheRonno999]

sigma bb thats fucking racist mate

[@VictorGarcia-si8wy]

Maybe the microphone did not pick up the crowd very well :(

[@NoR3m0rs3]

its a TED talk not a concert

[@savanahstrange]

How did no one even giggle at him?! If I was in the audience, my random chuckles would definitely be heard. He did a great job! Very personal and relatable. Loved it

[@terryp8762]

There was a lot of laughter but the audience wasn't recorded very well.

[@mouhiazeck]

@@terryp8762 Yeah, in the beginning he said "someone said yes" but I didn't hear anything

[@mouhiazeck]

@@ancientheart5838 t.

[@Kim-zs7oi]

Im 16. I fear the future so much. Almost everyday someone asks me, “what do you want to be?” Or “what are you doing after high school?” and I answer with a laugh a “I don’t know don’t ask me.” From afar just brushing it off, but really that question sticks with me, filling my head and distracting me for the rest of the day.I ask myself it all the time. I beat myself up over it. That question makes me want to just end it all. Because I really don’t know what I want to be. You see I’m not good at anything. I haven’t found my “gift.” I’m not outstanding at anything and I’m not exactly terrible at anything. I guess you Could say I’m a jack of all trades and master of none. What do I like? I like a lot of things. I like photography, videography, drums, guitars, pianos, instruments in general, travelling, designing, laughing, volleyball, badminton, soccer, basketball, learning languages, writing, reading. I enjoy so many things and each one equally. Dreams I’ve had include wanting to be a lawyer an actress a model a princess a an entrepreneur a successful sports player a drummer for a band a traveller a writer a director a doctor a dentist a chiropractor a KZbinr. I don’t even know any more. I hate this. I don’t know what I’m saying. I just get so down sometimes about this. Like really down. Usually it’s just saddening but sometimes I lay in bed at night and cry. I cry like the type where it gets so hard to bloody breathe. The type where I’m rocking myself to calm down, with my hand over my mouth so no one can hear me. I watch videos about my purpose, my dream, what I want to be. I cry so hard that eventually i run out of tears to cry. I’m so lost. I’m so scared. This year is a very important year. I am year 12. This means it is my second to last year in high school. The grades I get from this year will be the focus of universities. I’m doing physics biology chemistry maths and english. I gave up art and history because of my fear. I’m taking all the sciences just to make sure I have something to fall back on in the future. But I don’t enjoy the sciences at all. I don’t enjoy maths. And I kind of like English. I don’t know why I’m ranting. It’s just .... I guess I’m hoping that maybe some angel will find this or maybe my guardian angel might reply. Maybe the answer might come up in a reply. I don’t know. I’m running out of time. I am really really scared. I don’t know if I can do this.

[@onlyhuman5669]

Hey I hope I'm not too late and from this comment, I'm guessing you're Indian and if so, I am too. I get where you're coming from and I'm kinda stuck in the same situation as you, for eg I took pcmb just because I'm good at it but I still don't enjoy it. Since you seem to enjoy almost everything, I would consider that an asset, you have a wide range of opportunities, don't put yourself down, you have had a taste of several fields and still can't get enough of it. I also feel that you wouldn't be satisfied with a 9-5 desk job. All I know is, if you're willing to invest your life into something that you think is worthwhile, you can mould yourself into any shape you want. You need to find something that you can look back during the last days of your life, and you still think it was a good decision to devote your time to it, but you also enjoy the process of it. In my case, I love helping others and want to do something that'll make this world a better place and me, a better human, so I currently am on the search for jobs that serve this purpose and then choose a college degree based off of this. I know I'll die peacefully if I know I've had a good impact on this planet. I would suggest to you, instead of trying to find a passion, see if you can devote your time to the service of humanity. Again, my advice may be wrong, I'm still in the same position as you, I'm just writing this as a way to see clearly through my own thoughts. Hope this helped. Peace.

[@cary1056]

I know where you're coming from. We're in the same boat, although I don't have anything I like.

[@anika5469]

this is exactly how i feel, all my dreams are too hard to achieve and i don’t think i’m good at anything

[@salma-zm9pr]

I’m so sorry you feel this way. I’ve spent the entire last week crying about not knowing myself, wishing I could’ve had something that was mine, that I was talented at, that I could have a goal towards. But I have nothing and no one. It’s so painful, I’m so sorry you don’t know. I had a meeting with my guidance counselor today about career and I have to set up a meeting with my parents about my career and college and setting up my resume, when I don’t even know who I am or what I want. It’s so exhausting and scary and painful I wish it could stop. I hope that something changes for you.

[@deanwinchester6979]

Hi. I know how you feel all too well. I am now in my 2nd year of uni studying law, and have realised (or I say I’ve realised while I’ve been suppressing my feelings the whole time) that being a lawyer is not for me. 9 to 5 desk job is not for me. The money is good, but I’m a creative creator and adventurer and lover. I always knew what I wanted deep down but opinions made me choose something else. At some point, hearing people’s opinions start to sound like your own thoughts. My advice is, don’t listen to the world. Don’t do what the world says is right. Don’t do what others think is the better choice. If no one in the world existed, or if you were a nobody and could do anything ever, what would you do? I found that I would be an actor. It’s been my goal my whole life, but somewhere along growing up it turned into a “dream”, and I slowly found myself conforming and doing what others thought was right and would give their nod of approval towards. Here I am now, 2 years in and deciding that no, I’m going to do what I want. What makes me happy. Don’t lose touch with yourself. Don’t become Someone the world says you should be ie having a science/ good degree to fall back on. Deep down, I have a feeling you know what it is you truly, really want, but the noise from world and the expectations of others have drowned it out. And have hope, no matter what you do and choose - if you do follow the path you really want - you will find yourself and get on the path you are meant to be on. It’s not like if you choose drama, it’s over for you and you will be homeless. But don’t let the decision make itself. Don’t wait till the last moment to choose. I did that and truly regret it. Well actually, I don’t. Because I needed to see how unhappy I would be where I am now, to remember how happy I used to be chasing my original goal. So I’m going back to it, and being true to myself and nobody else. I hope this helps you. The answer you’re looking for really is deep within you, you just have to shut out the other voices to hear it. Have faith, no matter what you do, you will be okay. Don’t worry too much. Worrying is crippling, it will be easier for you to just choose and overcome every obstacle as it passes. God bless you.

[@MarcoSanderCoaching]

If you guys want something practical then do this - 1. Write down all your interests. 2. Research and take action on each interest per week. So one interest for each week. 3. Journal your feelings everyday about that interest. 4. Then decide to choose one and fully focus on it!

[@collinsosei9346]

Thank you Sir

[@elperroreggae]

I like what he says, but I still truly don't know what I'd miss the most

[@samuellyngdoh5317]

Hey it's a celeb. I now listen to your music dude

[@jordanmchighlander9365]

I had a hard time with that scenario too. Something I did was ask myself "If I could have total and complete mastery of three skills of my choice, what would they be?" My choices were art (specifically sketching, illustration, and digital illustration), writing (In a variety of genres), and the ability to make trance music. Then I went back to the scenario you mentioned: "What will I miss the most?" For each one, I missed being able to use my skills, experiences, and imagination to connect with people.

[@jessicalove6914]

Same

[@ff_m3570]

The only thing i would miss is my family. I’m not that scared of dying 😂

[@leonarduxis12]

I'm not sure if this will help, this worked with me. Try to think about what you'll regret.

[@sushmitakhole5198]

"It isn't that I lacked ambition . I had plenty of gunpowder in my bones to burn the world ten times over. It is that I lacked the spark . And that was my greatest worry - that the fire in me would never roar because it never found a reason to." This is my life situation right now ! It sucks 😥

[@Autonomous_Don]

But you’re so lack luster None of this is true for you

[@earthtomiguel]

And now?

[@lyricalcereal420]

This guy is so nice and smart, I wish the crowd showed more respect towards him

[@Klissaura]

No he’s not but he is a good speaker

[@ArjanTV]

I think they showed respect by not laughing when he says anything smart or sad... i saw others they said something very deep or sad and these clowns keep laughing for no reason lol

[@justinhart7172]

But he knew what he wanted all along. His doubt stopped him. That's different then not knowing what you want

[@vitalnutrients744]

he didn't know that his explanation for NOT becoming a farmer is worse than the explanation for BECOMING a farmer

[@Kshesho]

Not necessarily. You could THINK you don't know what you want, but the answer could be hidden in your mind, and you just don't have the key to it yet.

[@edibleresource7753]

I think he's saying that when you listen to this inner voice thing; you find what you like to do, and you should do more of that and get more involved with that.

[@songster_2k03]

I know exactly what you want. You want to know what you want. Your welcome. Follow your dream on knowing what you want. Jk just have patience, do different activities, is it music you love, singing, or becoming a pilot, a designer, a baker, a chef, an engineer, a scientist, an acter, a person that speaks publically about certain things, have your own library, a zoo keeper, farmer, horseback riding, an inventor, someone who sells vehicles, make videos on youtube about the video games you're playing, shoe designer, a husband, a father, an olympic runner, an olympic athlete, personal trainer, nutritioner, someone who tells the news, there are so many options. Try more than 1.

[@samanthalidster3838]

Ish. He just noticed there was reoccurring theme in his imaginary scenario. So you could do the same and you notice that you might not have a specific career but reoccurring want for something creative and could add up to you wanting to do something that seems unrealistic but is really what you want to do but have self beliefs that have stopped you from realising it. Unless you literally have no clue how you would spend any money but chances you'll he able to answer something.

[@conniekai]

sometimes i'm so confused with my life, and with surrounded with uncertainty

[@astronautrocks]

John Kang I completely agree

[@simpleforthesimple]

Life can be so confusing, I made a video called 23 and clueless, check it out! I made it to give a bit of clarity to life! :)

[@XxS1l3nTxa1Mx]

John Kang I agree

[@keeganbennett3425]

not alone bud

[@keeganbennett3425]

pm me and lets talk

[@oneperson5760]

I thought I wanted to be a 'successful career woman' because that's what everyone expected of me. But then I fell in love and quit college and became a wife and mother. Some were disappointed in me that I chose that path. I am very happy with this and now feel I am changing the world by raising good people, who will in turn make more good people to populate the world. At the age of 47, I still don't know 'what I want to be' as a career, but that no longer matters because I have been and still am a good mother, and I look forward to helping my grandchildren til I die. I have other non-mother work that takes up my time, but that's just busywork.

[@delonweird6500]

The thing that truly matters is you being happy no matter what people expect of you✨

[@GrubKiller436]

These are the happiest people alive. I'm 25, single, and I wish I could be a father and/or just live in a village being a wise elder teacher of a small community. Maybe I want to be a counselor of elementary, middle, or high school.

[@beautybegum1665]

The most rewarding job in the world is being a mum- you can't replace the hugs the laughter and the smiles or the goodnight kisses.

[@Rogelio_007]

A good mother is far more important than a "job" or "career" A good mother is a calling.

[@tamaraesther7765]

i wonder why people don't get paid if they are raising babies. its a very valuable thing in society. i think the government should pay stay at home parents

[@theoneandonly9293]

I'm stuck too... I'm 23 yrs old and I have no idea. I'm on my 3rd yr of college and just taking classes to take them. I need to pick something but also needs a good pay. I dont want to be that person that hates their job but gets paid very well. Its hard to balance the two out :/ very lost.

[@viktorthevictor6240]

Just remember that you're not alone

[@GilesFunnell]

I'm 23 also and have no idea what I'm going to do.

[@RetardedBatman]

im 23 and Im right there with you buddy. currently working a factory job that I hate but it pays very well. working on my hopes and dreams almost every night after work. i think this is a very normal, very common phase of growing up. these are the years that separate the winners from the losers. if you'd like my advice, remove pay from the equation for now and just figure out what you want to be doing with your time. that said, my advice could be wrong. Im just as lost and confused as you are. best of luck friend, I wish you well.

[@UptightDookie]

I'm 23, finished university last year and had no idea what I wanted to do. Now I teach English to kindergarten kids in China. It's a lot of fun. I'd recommend it if you want a fun job that pays well and gives you some time to work stuff out!

[@Surfingonearth]

@@UptightDookie how you get the work visa mate? I mean aren't the gov being strict now with the policy that you gotta have at least 2 years post-graduation relevant work experience in order to be granted the visa?

[@vitocorleone1462]

Was he rehearsing, or were there actually people there

[@tdub6542]

Rihhtt 6

[@porkerpete7722]

He had me laughing, but I think the vibe of that talk was supposed to be serious. And the audience had to act as such.

[@qk611]

it's so sad how a child who will be an Ironman can turn into an adult who thinks to be a farmer is a dream.

[@idtapthat12321]

What's wrong with being a farmer? >.>

[@qk611]

gyashaa nothing wrong, I would love to be a farmer, but the point is from ironman -> farmer and ironman is defo a much much bigger dream, my point is how our dreams can shrink so much which is the point of the vid.

[@Sphankslol]

all dreams are equal my dude the only way to measure the extravagance of one's dream is how passionate they are about what they want to pursue.

[@OHALLohall]

Q K you explained it better than this guy did

[@katelyn1782]

@@qk611 Don't think ironman is a much bigger dream, it's much more boring and stressing to work in the fields than to control and play with your powers.

[@InfiniteSlasher]

Age 26, jobless, not much for skills, out of college, no direction of where to go. People ask me similar stuff to: "who are you?" My answer is always *I don't know*. That pisses me off because it's like my "inner voice + inner doubt" are both saying "We don't know either lolbye" at the same time...

[@tommyjongen]

Exact same situation here :(

[@atolm1]

stop by a career center/onestop and do an interest assessment

[@Iucebowel]

That's very good because you literally have no diploma/certification pressuring you into any field. *The world is your playground*

[@marfufu3525]

I feel that comment. Got my bachelor's agree a few months ago but I know working in this field won't make me happy. But I also have no particular talents or interests that could help find a direction. It is so frustrating

[@Warnerboyz31]

@Ever who are you?

[@mxb3ar69]

I want to live in a plains surrounded by mountains in my cabin. Living off my farm and reading on the grass with the warm sun shining on me

[@shanereynolds2236]

Great minds think alike

[@eddiewtong213]

A guy in Somalia watched this video. Now he has the motivation to become a pirate.

[@djkhaledtouchedmefunny]

that guy is me. Now i´m a happy pirate.

[@elperroreggae]

Just because one's Somalian doesn't mean he's a pirate, I mean I'm pirate but not because I'm Somalian

[@sdprz7893]

Reading this as a somalian made it funnier

[@AWISECROW]

Software pirate? Ah, gotcha

[@jijo5721]

WTF!!!😂😂😂

[@jlghfe36]

I just don't know what I want to do... I feel I have the potential to do anything, but what use is that if I don't know what to do.

[@mr.k4311]

James Gabbitus Exactly!!

[@rishikadembani8807]

Same! Only if i knew!

[@lucygrace9692]

just ask yourself that what you want to do when you don't have to worry for money

[@leldepoklikajeva1377]

Same

[@sushmitakhole5198]

So relatable man....I feel the same !!

[@federicoheller397]

"At what point did 4 year old Iron Man became maybe a farmer?", I loved that phrase... maybe the perfect summary for the talk (and a good alternative title, too)

[@KV-tf2rq]

I’m so lost in this life

[@emotovlogs6795]

Gone Music 🧖‍♀️

[@KV-tf2rq]

Oh Yeah yeah Idk what you mean by that

[@alen-commentnazi8774]

Indulge in mountain biking young one

[@KV-tf2rq]

Alen C gotta street bike instead

[@Different-Level]

@@KV-tf2rq motorbikes are the way

[@biancacanas8091]

I wanted to become a polyglot since i was a child. Chinese was my priority. After 3 years of korean my passion is slowly fading because i struggle with it. This talk reminded me that I’m the one stopping myself from doing this. I speak 3 languages. Two of those had to be learnt. I will be a translator and i will work in immigration. Its what i love. Thank you. ❤️ Im 21 btw

[@darkcnotion]

did your Korean passion went away?

[@allmydreamscametofateaway7714]

@@darkcnotion why

[@Nuriyya91]

You will, Bianca. You can do it girl

[@crappyaccount]

What do you speak

[@julicaminos2922]

No way!! I feel the same way about the german language and i'm studying to be a translator as well!

[@ReadingAllDayLong]

Whenever I get asked what I want to do with my life, what I want to become; I always say I don't know. Not because there isn't anything I want to become, but because I don't know anything I want to become that sounds reasonable. My dream isn't some grant thing that's hard to achieve. I want to be an author. But I never tell people that, because all my life all I've ever been told when I do express that dream is how hard it's going to be and how I need something else to support myself. Even when in reality it isn't, I still feel like it's an impossible thing, because I've listened to people who tell's me it might not be possible. I've started to fight back against those doubts, and I feel much lighter already. I won't let people, intentionally or not, tell me that something is too hard or unrealistic, when I want it. I want to give my best shot at it, and that should be all that matters.

[@llolgp1236]

Same for music; hang in there.

[@Hihopelessromantics]

I love writing and all its stressful complexities. I wanted to be a novelist. Now I don’t know if I can even achieve stability of any kind. Best of luck in your dreams from the bottom of my heart.

[@evilherojoseph]

Maybe your answer is that you don't know because you cant get a concrete answer because you see in yourself in different aspects of yourself. Maybe that is your cue to be an author of fiction, taking a different perspective every time through a different character.

[@SuperLollipopsweet]

Hey, I do't know if this might help you but amazon has an option where you can upload your books and they will print it for you. After finishing a book or even while writing I think it would be a good idea to promote it on social media through little pov in reels or TikTok. The power of social media marketing is huge.. wishing you strength to not give up and a lot of creativity! 🫶🏻

[@Nina-zu7cq]

I can't believe that when I visualized what I needed to do before I died, cooking and baking were the most important to me.

[@sstar62]

Pastry chef?

[@dannysze8183]

I quit my architect job and work on my childhood dream to be a portrait painter. Off course, I got a lot of part time side hustles to support me financially. However, fullfilling your childhood dream is one of the biggest achievement in life.

[@malus7452]

My childhood dream was to become an architect. But then I threw it out because of the stress and unemployment rates among architects in my country. This video got me thinking about my future since I’m 18 now with no career prospects and plans whatsoever.

[@oronk60]

I feel so bad for this guy. It's as if the crowd goes deaf when he tells a joke.

[@user-ow9tx2qf4l]

"What do you want to be?" *Me: dead*

[@carissa4551]

mood

[@Imran_khan000.]

Same answer AHAHAHAHAHA

[@dankishrogue5711]

knee slapper

[@antonio-ry9tc]

Alexis i say that all the time but i really dont think it. Im just lost...

[@Zeljia]

you’ll get there one day! as will everyone else!

[@sabrinacaflisch3769]

I want to be a filmmaker. A writer. Or no, I don't "want" that. I'm GOING to create stories and bring them to life by movies or books. Or maybe even BOTH. I can do it. It won't be easy. I'm from Switzerland, English isn't my mothertongue, so the way to true success is heavy. But you know what. I'll take that way anyway! And you can too!

[@a1124z1]

YES

[@kalmanaartamana3001]

PERIODT!

[@msbmmc]

This is the kind of mentality everyone needs! It's so hard and even more so when people don't know what they want to do, but the idea is to keep trying and being positive about it so when it doesn't work out, we don't stop trying something else.

[@kooolkidninjamaster]

Become an accountant. A filmmaker needs to know how to budget. It will help more

[@mortennnnn]

The problem why we don’t know what we want to be is because of our schoolsystem. It doesn’t let you discover and help to find your passion you are born with.

[@WarsmithGoz]

Am I the only guy who won't miss anything if the world would end in 2 weeks or would regret anything if I die? So tell me, how can I chase a dream that never existed.

[@OpheliaSHolmes]

Two Face Mimic Maybe you gotta go and find it? That's what I'm trying. The problem is knowing where to look.

[@masviva4866]

who needs a dream !

[@Dennell_Mount_and_Blade]

Litterally everyone has dreams.

[@mithunanna6429]

Dennis no I don't have one.

[@GT-tj1qg]

Think about all the pizza you would miss.

[@kylep120]

I want to live in a van down by the river.

[@fattyboycage9336]

It’s ol Matt Foley

[@100leagues]

Look forward to it

[@Mike-gk5iu]

Vegabond

[@JoeBarron1027]

same

[@jwplaysbass]

EEEEHHLLLL YEAAAHHH MAN

[@sarius363]

I don’t care about the crowd. This guy is amazing. He is so right and it affected my life :)

[@viictoriia444]

I low key wanna be a writer, but I’m too scared to write because I know it’ll be cringy...but when I do try to write a really short story I accidentally write like 7 pages when I wanted it to be like 2-3. I also read like 1-2 hours a day I’m obsessed. And it’s funny really because when I was in kindergarten/first grade I wrote books for my teacher and she was my number one supporter. Then she retired the next year, but to this day she’s still my favorite teacher😂😂😂

[@kaquinn8971]

Writing gets better with practice, and first drafts are usually crummy. That's what editing is for. If you want to write, write. And read lots of books about writing too.

[@j.oan.n.e]

Go for it writing is so rewarding and seeing my story come to life is beyond amazing

[@PaddyBcummins]

You can definitely do it. To me ending up writing more sounds like a good thing. Getting carried away positively in the moment. Go for it.

[@nadialabushanab3732]

Chase that dream & life will find a place how you'll fit in

[@Selyidar]

What kind of books do you like to read? Research the niche. Write a novel that follows the tropes. Better, write a series. Find beta-readers, get their opinion. Edit it, find a good designer, make great covers. Self-publish it. I've been in self-publishing for 3 years.

[@Useernaamee]

I didn't know I was in this video 😯

[@theyoutuber8702]

😂😂😂

[@jordanmchighlander9365]

Wassup Inner Voice!

[@ebiisland1682]

“Forget about it!” Inner voice: Yes Outer voice: No Inner Italian mafia voice: Forgeeed aboud id~

[@giuSE2004]

lmao

[@shrestha6452]

🤣🤣🤣

[@ericrenquist6494]

The story about him as a teenager not knowing what he wanted to do was great. It's so relatable. I wish he would tell the full thing.

[@cnaber9827]

Oh my, how powerful this talk is. The picture of the inner voice and inner doubt really moved something in me. Wow. Thank you so much, Mr Parker!

[@unknownwonknu2363]

I actually really appreciated this I realized the first thing that came to my mind was “I can’t cook anymore when I die, I can’t learn new recipes and make people happy with my food, food brings people together but how can I do this in such little time?” As well as “could I make the world a little better by joining the marines in the culinary field? And that’s where I think I realized that I want to be the first culinary artist marine from the Chicago area in Illinois.

[@AustinVarley]

You explained this so perfect! Thanks for the great points about when people are down about who they want to be and go against themselves. I'll remember this for next time!

[@nooneuknoww]

I just turned 15 and I think I've finally figured out exactly what I want to do with my life. I glad videos like these exist cause it's a hard question to find the answer 2

[@Sara-xp7ws]

So true..the most difficult part is knowing what you want to do...but when you know it, you can t have excuses...just go for that!

[@fullsun635]

When I did the visualization, I cried when I opened my eyes. Really brought me back to the main reason why I want to be a writer in the first place.

[@sourabhsingh3617]

Thanks Charlie, appreciate your story and the willingness to improve others. All the best with filmmaking.

[@MutedAlphaBehavior]

WOO! I love this. I'm a filmmaker and when he said his dream was film i got chills. this makes me so happy

[@emmasimak169]

Tbh, the only thing stopping me from pursuing my dream is the question of my existence and what the purpose of being here even is.

[@jeetparte9102]

Same

[@viktorthevictor6240]

@Emma Simak Pro tip, from someone who deals with this on the daily: Forget about it. Those thoughts you have about purpose? Run as far away from them as you possibly could. Don't ever dig even an inch deeper into it than you already are. You WILL regret it. Stop it now while you still can. Life is worthwhile, and you have a lot to offer the world. Don't ever question that. Good luck.

[@emmasimak169]

Viktor the victor thanks, I’ll take it into consideration. :)

[@belladhx-ss9xt]

Yea same

[@bardamoszecronstarog9499]

Emma Simak Please re-think the above statement. There is a profound purpose in life in serving others and being selfless. Islam teaches you the purpose of life. Because surely you, the world’s most complex sophisticated machine weren’t born without purpose. Everything holds some purpose doesn’t it? Even the most useless inventions might’ve been made simply to kill some boredom, meaning it had SOME purpose, then how come beings like us, who’re capable of so much, are just roaming around purposelessly confused and with more questions than answers? Are we just here to fulfill our whims and desires which we thought would fulfill the void inside of us, only to find out we’re still lost? I plead you to look into Islam for once with an open heart and no bias. I recommend someone named “Nouman Ali Khan” . Search for his video on purpose of life. We don’t have enough time, and certainly the time we have left isn’t to roam endlessly wherever the current takes us without asking questions like why am I here, and where am I to go? Am I just to wake up one day and go with the flow, copy everything on the TV from the hairstyle to the way of talking. Is there really no meaning in our existence as sophisticated beings when everything that we humans come up with once had, or still has a meaning. Please think. Ponder. Reflect

[@sab0914]

This literally made me cry. Thank you I needed this

[@malouvdmolen]

What if you wanted to be an artist an you became one, but you can not make a living out of it?

[@peterpehlivan157]

Having a plan B is a common tactic. Or study for a preferred career and practice art as a hobby.

[@tanner3285]

Peaceful Closure I know exactly how you feel. I'm 22 and I want to be a rockstar but they say the industry for new bands is dead so I don't know what to do now. I'm extremely depressed... and I don't feel like my life is worth living anymore. what do I do if I don't have my dream ya know? :( ....

[@Avaaaw]

Since you feel like you don't have anything to lose now that your dream is dead, why not trying to write music and start a band ? Are you catching the logic ? Go for you dreams ! You're feeling depressed because you didn't try ! If you try and it doesn't work, you won't feel depressed: the journey will teach you a lot of things and guide you towards a job that you''ll really enjoy (probably in the music industry)

[@Vitam1nsoulbeats]

If you guys have a passion in art you must learn how to expand your money in that field. Reach into different aspects and career research on art. There is also many ways to find jobs on social media for example checkout @sierato on Instagram. I don't know everything however I'm sure at is one of the hardest things to make a living off of.

[@thisisntallowed9560]

Having a dream and making a living out of it might be different?

[@TeeStache]

What I took out of this was that fear is one helluva motivational emotion.

[@ragibperwez]

I swear out of all the career advice vids this was something I loved to watch

[@topazi2198]

There are crowds that hysterically burst into tears when a guy names a little caricature Jeff, and then there's this crowd.

[@evilherojoseph]

Beware : if your gonna go chasing your inner voice because you don't want to die before at least trying, remember that on your way there people have stood next to you. If you take them for granted and never notice they were there, you will realize you will now die with a regret you can no longer make right : the chance to thank them and tell them how much you loved them. You might realise your dream might have included them, too, but because they were so good at supporting you, you could never tell. Be careful of not chasing your dream. Be careful of forgetting your loved ones behind while you are chasing your dream.

[@manon4213]

Surely one of the best Ted Talks I've watched so far. Thank you for this.

[@Phoenix-sj6tk]

as our parents said, " if your passion can pay bills then continue doing it, but if not. just stop it " and find a real job because life is abt survival ". before, that sounds BS for me, but I just lately realized that its true.

[@chimpodabananalover4031]

I'm applying to college to study business, get a job and then figure out what I want to do. That's sounds like a good plan

[@sstar62]

You don't have to stop your passion but you may have to get a job to keep indulging in it, until it makes you enough money to give up your job :-)

[@zinger6425]

Anyone watching this 2019 . This tedx talk was one of a kind.

[@ashleyzacahula5235]

As I did the mirror exercise, I went into this deep concentration of who I was on the other side of the mirror. I was dressed in business attire, somewhere in China, in a nice 5 star hotel. It made me tear a little because I’ve always wanted to be a business woman and travel and I forgot what my dream was all along. Now... it’s driving me crazy in not knowing what steps I need to take and that’s something for me to figure out. I have my B.A. that’s a start I guess! Thanks for this. Any suggestions/ advice are welcomed!

[@ankansenapati3600]

Wow Dude 🌱

[@Jessica-dr4wf]

his story of achieving his dream sounds like such a miracle but yet it really happened...! *wipes emotional happy tears*

[@localmar5117]

Thanks. I really needed to make that decision, and you really helped me with that visualization stuff.

[@Sarah-ix2be]

Honestly one of the best TED talks I've listened to so far. Really put things into perspective for me :) amazing

[@holdena]

I have a big passion for graphic design, and I've received alot of praise for my work. I'd be happy living a life as a designer, but I have this feeling that I'm not going to live my life to the fullest, or give myself any legacy. The thought of living a quiet, content life, and dying for nobody outside of your close family to ever remember you had always scared me, and I feel like I'm falling into that trap. If anyone else has had feelings like this, I'd love to hear something to make this all clearer, thanks.

[@562tennis]

So, you want to make a bigger impact on the world? That's a good thing. Would you want to start your own company, or use your graphic design talents for a bigger cause?

[@carsontyler3203]

Since you love being a graphics designer, think of your work as your legacy. Make your work standout against the crowd and let your name be known. If you truly wish to be recognized then nothing can stop you. I had these feelings at one point as well, although I am still young, but I know the feeling of wanting to be known and letting others know my work. But then I realized that I preferred to be alone with the ones I love and the thought of living a quiet life didn't scare me anymore. Something that helped me to get past these feelings and not let them take over me, was to write down my accomplishments and the people I have positively affected over the years. No matter how small or how big of an act you do, anything positive will permanently affect that person. For me, my legacy will looking back on how many lives I have changed for the better. Marisa also raises an excellent point by suggesting you start your own company or use your talents for a greater cause. Good luck!

[@NIMMHATVRapBeats]

"dying for nobody outside of your close family to ever remember you " maybe that's the big issue in your thinking.. Maybe... You will find someone who is all it needs?

[@nickpastorino5370]

Don't focus on being remembered; instead, focus on doing work that will be remembered and your spirit will never die. Sounds cheesy, I know, but its true.

[@kreach3r]

What? That's amazing. What scares you is my goal in life. Finding and building a happy family which I can provide to through my job and living a content life is just what it should be. It's only you in the end. People are just blips in the whole existence.

[@coeurnoble2246]

I have severe untreated depression and over the years it caused a lot of damage, I lost my self esteem and every passion or intrest I've ever had growing up. It got worse and I'm no longer able to do basic and daily activities like showering, eating, taking care of myself in general. So in order for me to know what I want, I need to find and rebuild myself first which is a bit of a harder task more like a battle.

[@sstar62]

Hopefully your doctor is making sure you are getting professional help?

[@cossetteorehek1196]

Thank you so much for creating this video I feel the encouragement to achieve my goals. I am now going to create a journal of my inner voices wants so I can narrow down my path in life. Thank you.

[@salpivartivarian1615]

This is one of the best TED/TEDx talks I've seen in a while. and the comments are also worth reading. :)

[@pragyamandal6220]

You're such a great speaker. You portrayed everything. Visualizing is the key. Thank you so much

[@CyrusAnushirvanFaizi]

Well said! Well said! Really had a huge impact on me. But it truly matters how I want that impact to affect me

[@cannersamson7931]

Know i have the vision to get what i really want in life and turn it to reality! Thanks for your meaningful story bro!

[@NoyumiAo]

but but there are so many circumstances we actually have to consider when making these choices.... *sigh*

[@simpleforthesimple]

I guess it's learning what to focus on! I made a video called 23 and clueless, check it out! I made it to give a bit of clarity to life! :)

[@boqorka2868]

fair point

[@dushyantsurya2581]

Do this exercise daily, try to overcome the circumstances in your thoughts you'll know the answer soon enough

[@marcusward6235]

I'm going to be Spider-Man!

[@georgiaoshry9015]

Yeah like I would like to be a doctor- but that would depend on 3 exams which would determine if uni would accept me :/

[@TheBigJpimpin]

You made me realize what I want to be! Thank you Charlie!!

[@m7123]

خلاصة كلامه بالعربي : 1- وقف مع نفسك بصراحه قول وش الي يعجبك ووش تستمتع فيه لما تسويه 2 - لا تسمع لذيك الشخصية تعطيك اعذار تافهه توقفك عن حلمك هو كان له احلام من قبل لكنه تخلا عنها بعد ما حس انها صعبه و مشوارها طويل . لكن لما قرر انها ما يسمح للعذار توقفه قدر يحقق حلمه وصار يسوي افلام وكذا

[@ayo94563]

I remember prospecting this univerisity for a partnership! Love what they are doing there

[@eloisebrad5469]

Needed this today. Thanks.

[@jackaboyx3]

Wow this really helped me finding out what I want to do I'm just going into high school so I really have no plan for my future but I kind of really want to start my own studio and work on animation projects because I really like drawing and making music and making up stories and I feel like that's just the perfect thing for me but my inner doubt me otherwise. But thanks to this I can dismiss those thoughts, and even if that fails, I have other things I'm good at that I love doing!

[@mahindradrive9574]

Even if the crowd didnt then lets cheer up for him, he spoke really well.👏👏

[@sauravjyotimedhi]

The crowd were great. The talk was great. The connection was real.

[@MelissaKohar]

Like others, i also searching what my dream is. But watching many ted talk, i realise that waiting/deciding for the RIGHT dreams is the hard part. Becase nothing is right or wrong. I have a good career teaching kids but i do have a dream to learn more speaking skill with people, to have friends, and be a wonderful wife at home. The problem is i have to arrange my time, before i get carried away by the work.

[@garrisonboehl258]

I'm a freshman in high school and I have a passion for music. I decided to join band a little over 3 years ago and it has turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. I consider myself to be a fairly decent player, given how few years I've been practicing, but I still have many questions about getting/having a job in the music industry, most of which I still can't verbalize. I just hope this talk will help me make a decision and do what is best for me.

[@allmydreamscametofateaway7714]

Hey i know nothing about Music but i love music should i try ?

[@allinittoproductions2562]

I needed to see this. Thank you

[@BAglamdoll]

the lunch time punchline is sublime. made me crack up. wish he could hear me. brilliant message. altho i know what i love, i dont know what to make a profession of... watching videos like this are guiding me a bit more.

[@bas_dijkstra]

Great story and great speaker. This is one that definitely hits home. In my early 40's now, successful in my career, recognized in my field, but I can't stop asking 'is this really it?'. Time to do some soul searching using the tips from this talk..

[@niquil7800]

Same here, ben je er al achter? Jordan Peterson geeft als optie om gewoon te beginnen met je directe omgeving: Welke 1-5 dingen kan ik aan mezelf vriendelijk vragen om te doen die mijn leven morgen al ietsje beter maken? Ook het commentaar hierboven vond ik goed "If I could have total and complete mastery of three skills of my choice, what would they be?" Een andere goede was "Begin, het hoeft niet perfect te zijn. Begin zonder dat je alles al weet."

[@exleydragon231]

When I closed my eyes and crossed into that mirror, I imagined myself on a stage as a live producer in front of thousands. I can visually see a massive crowd jumping to the sounds of my EDM, and I mean i've always seen that since the start of 2016. That's why i've been an active producer for 2 years, in hopes to make that dream one day come true. And even though I chose to aim for a degree in psychology, another one of my past times, I have to remember, it doesn't take a degree to play on stage.

[@sarius363]

Do u have an update ? :)

[@markok0610]

a

[@isaleefenley]

Thank you, Charlie! I really enjoyed your talk.

[@cheskafdz]

Thank you for this wonderful speech sir. I need this right now and I think you really help me to listen to my inner voice and do what I'm passionate about and that is to make A BIG IMPACT TO THE WORLD AND BY THAT I MEAN SPREADING IMPORTANT MESSAGES TO PEOPLE'S WELLNESS AND WELL-BEING.

[@biba1baba2buba3]

The combination of his jokes and the crowd and his reaction was great... You know, I was picturing myself as a game programmer when you started that visualization thing but then it instantly went away when you said we'd die in 2 weeks in this scenario. All I could think of was missing my partner and family and how I'd just spend all my time with them... I have no clue what to do with this now, being a housewife is a luxury we probably couldn't afford... So I guess my dream is being rich enough to be a housewife.

[@savvy4122]

Okay, wow. Just discovered this video and THIS LITERALLY MADE ME REALIZE WHAT I REALLY WANT TO DO WITH MY LIFE!! Just... just like that. Like magic. That's crazy. For so long I've been trying to be a nurse, taking the college classes and going through the motions. But, I always have some sort of crisis where I doubt and rethink everything I'm doing, like, at least once a semester. I think this is because I never really wanted to be a nurse as badly as I've always wanted to be a writer or an artist, a storyteller. I've been dabbling in writing since I was a kid (I'm talking elementary school where I wanted to write my "life's story" lol), but writing is rocky and might not pay the bills-- so I turned to nursing. Enjoyable enough, but not as fun and exciting as getting a new story idea or finding the perfect character art on Pinterest that reflects a scene I created. So, just WOW. I'm so happy I watched this video. I don't know how, and I'm not sure how long or when exactly... but I want to tell a story just like the one's I've always loved. Thanks so much Charlie Parker. (':

[@sstar62]

Just self-publish your own books and sell on Amazon :-)

[@bella_ragazza_sempre]

You wrote this 3 years earlier I am not sure if you would see this but if you did see this please tell me what you doing rn?

[@stevenclark1973]

Brilliant. Well played for getting through that!

[@aryabhardwaj4141]

Thank you so much, You made a pile of anxiety feel better and motivated

[@cathat3831]

The crowd is harsh because he's using reddit light mode

[@masterchief5833]

Isnt light mode the popular version

[@isaacmorris5459]

@@masterchief5833 guys look, i found someone who doesn’t use reddit!

[@theonlylucyliu]

Damn, I usually zone out during ted talks even when I only listen with my eyes closed but this time, I was also playing a game with this video in the background and I stopped the game. I started focusing on this video and visualized myself and my future based on what he said by the end of the video... Something in my mind actually clicked. Thank you! I enjoyed this video so much... Crowd was kind of lame though.

[@atomicbigfoot8835]

I really needed this, thank you so much!

[@adrianapuga4949]

Needed this, have no idea what I wanna do with my life.

[@NamiBurger]

All i want to do with my life is live a simple and quiet existence, working a humble and modest job that pays decently, have someone i love to care for and care for me, and just be free to explore and learn and grow emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Unfortunately whenever i hear "what do you want to do with your life" i attach money or contribution or status to it, like others do aswell, and this stops me from expressing what i really want to do. I just want to be happy but i feel like i have to come up with a grand answer and plan and stick with it. ... if you asked me what i wanted to do or be when i was a kid, id say all sorts of things. Animator, dancer, treasure hunter, heck a model on a commercial selling cereal. But now i think about what will pay the bills, what will relieve my family from concern, what will be in demand.

[@theresa0]

I just dropped out of college. Partly it was because of self-doubt, but mostly it was because I felt unfulfilled. Normally I find TEDx Talks like these to be a bit much, but I liked the image of thinking: 'what would I miss'. Really useful for me now trying to figure out what I'm going to fill my time with now that I finally have the time to consider other options.

[@teufelhunden2764]

When I was 4 years old I wanted to be a musician. Now after 29 years later I want to do something that makes me happy.

[@second_second_]

I can relate to the "I want to be a small farmer" post. Secretly in my heart, I always wonder how beautiful I can see the world is, through being with nature instead of computers. But I realized that i'm already accustomed to my current lifestyle, that it might be hard to being a farmer or live together with nature now..