Stop Chasing Purpose and Focus on Wellness | Chloe Hakim-Moore | TEDxMemphis

Summary

In this TEDx Memphis talk, the speaker shares her journey through a quarter-life crisis, exploring the intersection of personal wellness and societal challenges. She discusses the prevalence of anxiety among Millennials and the struggle to find purpose in a world marked by rapid change and persistent inequalities. The speaker advocates for a shift from chasing purpose to cultivating personal wellness, suggesting that inner peace and health are the keys to making a meaningful impact on the world. Through her own experiences with anxiety and depression, she emphasizes the importance of self-care and the power of being present and healthy in the face of life's challenges.

Takeaways

• 😌 The speaker, having recently turned 26, reflects on her 'quarter life crisis', a period of introspection similar to a midlife crisis but occurring at a younger age.
• 🌐 Millennials face unique challenges such as diagnosed anxiety disorders, persistent inequalities, and the urgency of climate change, which contribute to their crisis.
• 💡 The speaker suggests that the pursuit of purpose might be misleading and instead proposes focusing on personal wellness as a path to fulfillment.
• 👵 A childhood memory of the speaker's grandmother in Trinidad and Tobago sparked an early existential crisis about aging and mortality.
• 🏫 Despite being involved in numerous activities and taking on leadership roles in college, the speaker felt a sense of disconnection and questioned the cost of pursuing purpose.
• 🌴 A trip to Trinidad and Tobago for a research project reignited feelings of unease, culminating in a panic attack that forced a reevaluation of personal well-being.
• 😢 The speaker acknowledges undergoing therapy to confront and process personal challenges, including a breakup and health scares, which were previously unaddressed.
• 🌼 Developing a wellness routine that includes physical, mental, emotional, and social health became a priority, with the speaker emphasizing the importance of self-care.
• 🏆 Despite personal hardships, 2019 was a year of professional and personal achievements, including running a funded program and being named in Forbes' 30 under 30.
• 🌍 The speaker concludes by encouraging the audience to cultivate personal wellness as a foundation for contributing positively to the world and finding inner peace.

Q & A

What is a quarter life crisis?

A quarter life crisis is a period of uncertainty and introspection that occurs around the age of 25, similar to a midlife crisis but earlier in life. It involves questioning one's identity, how time is spent, and what one wants to achieve in terms of family, career, health, and other life aspects.

Why is anxiety a significant issue among Millennials according to the speaker?

According to the speaker, one in three Millennials have a diagnosed anxiety disorder, which is a key element of any crisis. This is particularly relevant as Millennials are navigating a world with unprecedented challenges such as climate change and persistent inequalities.

What is the speaker's theory on the relationship between pursuing purpose and feeling stuck?

The speaker suggests that the relentless pursuit of purpose might keep people stuck because it can lead to an endless cycle of chasing external goals. Instead, she believes focusing on personal wellness can provide the answers and fulfillment that people are seeking.

How did the speaker's childhood experience with her grandmother influence her life perspective?

The speaker's realization of her grandmother's mortality at a young age led her to an existential crisis. This experience shaped her approach to life, prompting her to love her loved ones deeply, strive to be a good person, and pursue her purpose.

What was the turning point for the speaker in recognizing her need for self-care?

The turning point was during a harvest festival in Trinidad when the speaker had a panic attack. This intense emotional experience made her realize that she needed to address her mental health and prioritize her wellness.

Why did the speaker decide to seek therapy?

The speaker decided to seek therapy after experiencing a panic attack and realizing that she had been avoiding dealing with her emotions and personal issues, such as heartbreak and anxiety.

What does the speaker suggest as the first step towards personal wellness?

The speaker suggests that the first step towards personal wellness is to make oneself a priority and develop a wellness routine that includes adequate sleep, hydration, exercise, therapy, and taking time for oneself.

How did the speaker's understanding of wellness evolve over time?

The speaker's understanding of wellness evolved from a focus on external achievements to a realization that true wellness involves managing the internal and external aspects of life in a way that creates harmony and peace with oneself and the world.

What was the significance of 2019 for the speaker?

2019 was a significant year for the speaker as it was marked by both professional success, such as getting her program funded and being named in Forbes' 30 under 30, and personal challenges, including debilitating anxiety and the loss of loved ones.

What is the speaker's final message regarding personal change and its impact on the world?

The speaker's final message is that to create a better world, one must start with self-improvement and cultivating personal wellness. By achieving peace and fulfillment within oneself, one can positively influence the world around them.