How 3 words will change your life | Johanna Feick | TEDxTwenteU

Summary

The speaker shares a personal journey of overcoming societal expectations and self-doubt to live a life true to oneself. From feeling like an outsider in a small German town to pursuing dreams of travel and career success, the narrative highlights the importance of asking 'how can I?' rather than 'why can't I?'. The speaker emphasizes the power of action over mindset change, advocating for setting goals, researching, planning, and taking daily steps towards them. The message encourages viewers to challenge their fears and live authentically, embracing the growth that comes from stepping out of one's comfort zone.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Living life true to oneself is a common regret among the elderly, highlighting the importance of not conforming to others' expectations.
• 🚫 The speaker's upbringing in a small German town was marked by feelings of being an outsider, which fueled their determination to pursue their dreams.
• 💭 The realization that one's life can be shaped by self-imposed limitations led the speaker to challenge these beliefs and take control of their own destiny.
• 🌱 A pivotal moment in a small forest during springtime sparked an epiphany for the speaker, prompting a shift in mindset towards pursuing personal dreams.
• 🌍 The decision to travel to South Korea at 19, despite language barriers and limited funds, exemplifies the speaker's courage to step out of their comfort zone.
• 🛂 Overcoming initial doubts and proving oneself capable of achieving goals, even without a proven track record, is a central theme of the speaker's journey.
• 🔍 The process of achieving dreams involves researching, planning, and taking actionable steps, as demonstrated by the speaker's preparation for their travels.
• 💡 The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the 'why' behind one's desires, as advocated by Simon Sinek, to gain clarity and motivation.
• 🚀 Taking action, despite fear and uncertainty, is portrayed as the catalyst for change and personal growth in the speaker's narrative.
• 🏃‍♂️ The speaker suggests that breaking down goals into smaller, achievable milestones and daily actions is a practical approach to realizing larger ambitions.
• 💪 The fear of regret for not living authentically should motivate individuals to confront their fears and pursue their passions, according to the speaker's experience.

Q & A

What is one of the top regrets of the elderly according to the book 'The Top Five Regrets of the Dying'?

Not living life true to oneself is one of the top regrets of the elderly.

What was the speaker's childhood like in the small town in Germany?

The speaker was considered an outsider and a misfit in the small town, with dreams that were seen as ridiculous and offensive by the community.

What was the turning point for the speaker that led to a change in their mindset?

The turning point was an epiphany experienced in a small forest surrounded by flower petals, where the speaker decided not to be confined by others' expectations.

What steps did the speaker take to realize their dream of traveling the world?

The speaker researched visa requirements, cost of living, and airplane tickets, made a plan, and executed it, eventually traveling to South Korea, Thailand, and Japan.

How did the speaker's experience in South Korea impact their life?

The experience in South Korea allowed the speaker to prove their self-doubts wrong, gain confidence, and ultimately return to Germany with motivation to pursue their dreams.

What is the importance of understanding 'why' behind our desires according to the speaker?

Understanding 'why' behind our desires is crucial as it helps us identify our true motivations and align our actions with our core values.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of asking 'how' instead of focusing on 'why'?

The speaker emphasizes asking 'how' because it shifts the focus from the fear of failure to finding actionable steps towards achieving our goals.

What is the role of action in personal growth according to the speaker?

Action is essential in personal growth as it equals motivation and represents active change, allowing individuals to move beyond self-doubt and towards their goals.

How did the speaker approach starting their first company despite having no prior knowledge or experience?

The speaker approached starting their first company by researching extensively, learning from others' experiences, and breaking down the process into actionable steps.

What advice does the speaker give to overcome the fear of taking the first step towards a goal?

The speaker advises to not let fear dictate one's life and to take the first step, as the courage shown will not be regretted, unlike the regret of not living life true to oneself.