3 lessons on starting over | Matt Field | TEDxPrague

Summary

The speaker, a seasoned diplomat, shares three key lessons on starting fresh in life, drawn from his experiences living in multiple countries. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity, a growth mindset, and the idea of taking 'home' with you wherever you go. The first lesson highlights the value of curiosity in adapting to new cultures and environments. The second stresses believing in the ability to learn new skills and embrace challenges. Lastly, the third lesson is about carrying memories and traditions from all over the world to create a sense of home, no matter where life takes you.

Takeaways

• 😀 Curiosity is the most essential quality for a diplomat, as it encourages exploration, understanding, and connection with the world around us.
• 😀 Starting fresh in new environments, whether it's a rural village or a new country, can be challenging but is also an opportunity for growth and learning.
• 😀 A growth mindset is key to overcoming challenges and learning new skills. Believing you can learn is more important than relying on innate talent.
• 😀 Embracing effort and perseverance helps to build resilience and success, as opposed to praising talent or intelligence alone.
• 😀 The ability to learn new languages opens doors and fosters deeper connections with people in different cultures.
• 😀 Language is not just about words—it's about understanding culture and context. A single phrase in multiple languages can symbolize connection and learning.
• 😀 The concept of 'home' is fluid for those who frequently relocate. Home is not a fixed place, but the sum of relationships and memories carried with you.
• 😀 In a globalized world, the experiences of living in different countries shape who we are and help us find common ground with people everywhere.
• 😀 Small, personal actions like learning the local language or engaging with local culture create a deeper bond with the people in your environment.
• 😀 The world is both a complicated and beautiful place, full of opportunities to learn, grow, and explore—embrace the adventure of starting anew.

Q & A

What is the key quality that makes a fantastic ambassador, according to the speaker?

Curiosity is the key quality that makes a fantastic ambassador. It helps individuals explore the world, connect with people, and understand new environments and cultures.

How does the speaker describe their first experience in the Czech Republic?

The speaker describes their first experience in the Czech Republic as one of curiosity. They were enthusiastic, paid attention to details like the pronunciation of street names, and actively sought recommendations from locals, which led to a warm welcome.

What is the significance of the quote 'Be curious, not judgmental' in the context of the speaker’s experience?

The quote emphasizes the importance of approaching new experiences with an open mind and a willingness to learn rather than judging things that are unfamiliar or different.

What lesson does the speaker share about learning new skills?

The speaker stresses the importance of having a growth mindset, which means believing that you can learn and improve through effort and perseverance, rather than focusing on innate talent.

Why is the speaker critical of focusing on talent and intelligence?

The speaker argues that focusing too much on talent and intelligence can limit ambition and performance. Instead, recognizing effort and perseverance fosters a growth mindset and encourages learning new skills.

How does the speaker explain the importance of 'learning languages' in the context of their diplomatic life?

The speaker highlights learning languages as a key example of adopting a growth mindset. Despite not being a natural linguist, they immersed themselves in learning multiple languages, making mistakes along the way, and ultimately expanding their opportunities.

What personal anecdote does the speaker share about their son during the European Football Championships?

The speaker shares a moment when their young son expressed his support for Brazil in the European Football Championships, stating that he was 'half Brazilian' even though Brazil wasn’t playing. This highlights the concept of identity and how their family embraces diverse backgrounds.

What does the speaker mean when they say, 'home is wherever we are'?

The speaker explains that home is not tied to a physical location but rather the connections and memories one carries with them. For them, home is about creating a sense of belonging through relationships, traditions, and shared experiences, regardless of the place.

How does the speaker address the challenges of living a globe-trotting lifestyle?

The speaker acknowledges the challenges of frequently moving and starting over in different countries but emphasizes that by being curious, having a growth mindset, and taking home with them, they are able to adapt and find fulfillment in their lifestyle.

What are the three main lessons the speaker shares in the transcript?

The three main lessons are: 1) Be curious, 2) Believe you can learn, and 3) Take home with you. These lessons aim to help people adapt to new beginnings and overcome challenges in unfamiliar environments.