قوة اللامتوقع | Attlaal Abu Sanad | TEDxKAU

Summary

In this inspiring talk, the speaker emphasizes the importance of perseverance, creativity, and embracing the unexpected when turning ideas into reality. She reflects on the challenges of pursuing a vision, especially when faced with obstacles like lack of resources or time. Using her experience as an oncology consultant, she shares how a simple idea—virtual support groups for women with breast cancer—grew unexpectedly into a successful and impactful initiative. Despite early doubts, the project expanded internationally and was recognized for its innovation. The speaker encourages the audience to remain focused on their efforts, regardless of immediate results, and to trust in the power of unexpected outcomes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ideas can come from daily challenges, whether at work or in personal relationships.
• 😀 The planning stage for an idea often focuses more on obstacles than on positive results.
• 😀 It's easy to feel discouraged when resources, time, or energy seem limited, causing us to give up on ideas.
• 😀 We often experience regret or envy when we see others implement and succeed with ideas we abandoned.
• 😀 Success requires creativity, planning, and sometimes overcoming obstacles, but we often overlook the importance of the unexpected.
• 😀 The power of the unexpected is crucial—success often comes from surprising opportunities and results.
• 😀 Just as a seed needs the right conditions to grow, ideas need time, nurturing, and patience to bloom.
• 😀 Success is about consistent effort over time, rather than expecting immediate results.
• 😀 The right idea at the right time can lead to success, even if the future path or results are uncertain.
• 😀 Najiya, a virtual support group for women battling breast cancer, began as a simple idea and grew into an unexpected success with wide-reaching impact.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the transcript?

The main theme revolves around the concept of unexpected success. It discusses how ideas often face challenges and obstacles, but with persistence and belief in the potential of the idea, success can be achieved in unexpected ways.

How does the speaker describe the planning phase of an idea?

The speaker describes the planning phase as a time when the human brain tends to focus on the obstacles rather than the positive outcomes, often leading to self-doubt and the abandonment of the idea.

What is the 'unexpected factor' the speaker refers to?

The 'unexpected factor' refers to the unpredictable elements in life that can play a significant role in the success of an idea. It's about allowing space for the unforeseen to influence outcomes positively.

What analogy does the speaker use to explain the process of an idea growing?

The speaker uses the analogy of planting a seed. Just as it takes time for a seed to grow into a fruit-bearing tree, an idea may take years to show results, requiring patience and hard work.

How does the speaker emphasize persistence despite challenges?

The speaker emphasizes persistence by explaining that while immediate results may not be visible, consistent effort and faith in the process will eventually lead to growth, much like a farmer who continues working even if they cannot immediately see the fruits of their labor.

What is the significance of the speaker's personal experience with Najiya?

The speaker’s experience with Najiya highlights how an idea that began with simple intentions faced obstacles but evolved into something much larger, eventually crossing borders and receiving recognition. It shows how the power of persistence and the unexpected led to success.

How does the virtual support group concept come into play?

The virtual support group was introduced as a solution to challenges like women not disclosing their identities or being unable to attend physical support groups. It proved to be an effective platform for connecting women from different regions and backgrounds.

Why does the speaker suggest not expecting immediate results?

The speaker suggests not expecting immediate results because success often takes time to materialize, and the journey toward achieving an idea involves gradual progress, not instant gratification.

What was the surprising outcome of the virtual support group?

The unexpected outcome was that the virtual support group, which started small, expanded beyond borders, reaching women from various countries, including the UAE, Yemen, and Egypt. This global reach was something neither the speaker nor the participants had anticipated.

How does the speaker reflect on the success of Najiya?

The speaker reflects on the success of Najiya by pointing out that no one expected it to succeed, yet it grew, won accolades, and was nominated for prestigious awards. This reflects the power of persistence and embracing the unexpected.