Self Motivation | Brendan Clark | TEDxYouth@BarnstableHS

Summary

In this inspiring talk, the speaker emphasizes the critical role of motivation in achieving success and effecting change. They argue that while motivation comes naturally for passions and interests, the true test is finding it in mundane or uninteresting tasks. The speaker suggests putting oneself in others' shoes to understand the value and appreciation of one's efforts, which can drive motivation. They share personal anecdotes about finding motivation in tasks like dressing well and attending town council meetings, highlighting that appreciation from others can be a powerful motivator. The talk concludes with a call to harness motivation to make a difference and change the way things are done.

Takeaways

• 🔑 Motivation is essential for effecting change and achieving goals.
• 📄 The difference between work done with and without motivation is evident.
• 🌟 Motivation is the driving force behind our daily activities.
• 🤔 Finding motivation in uninteresting tasks is a true test of one's determination.
• 👟 Personal interests like sports, drama, or music naturally inspire motivation.
• 👣 Motivation can be found in everything, even in tasks that don't initially interest us.
• 👟 Empathy, by putting oneself in another's shoes, can uncover motivation.
• 🙏 Appreciation from others for our efforts is a significant motivator.
• 📚 Even mundane tasks like filing papers can be motivated by considering their impact on others.
• 👔 Dressing well is not just for personal enjoyment but also for the appreciation it garners.
• 💪 Motivation is crucial for making a difference and bringing about change.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the speech?

The main topic of the speech is motivation and its importance in effecting change and achieving goals in various aspects of life.

Why does the speaker believe motivation is crucial?

The speaker believes motivation is crucial because it is the underlying factor that drives people to accomplish their tasks and make a difference in what they do.

How does the speaker differentiate between a paper written without motivation and one written with passion?

The speaker implies that a paper written with drive and passion will clearly be superior to one written without motivation, as the passion reflects in the quality and effort put into the work.

What does the speaker suggest as a method to find motivation in uninteresting tasks?

The speaker suggests putting oneself in someone else's shoes and considering how one's effort will be appreciated and help others, which can serve as a source of motivation.

Why does the speaker personally find motivation in attending town council meetings and reading budgets?

The speaker finds motivation in these activities because they believe that their effort and attention to such details are appreciated by others and contribute positively to the community.

What role does appreciation play in the speaker's motivation?

Appreciation plays a significant role in the speaker's motivation, as the recognition and thanks from others for their efforts are what inspire them to continue doing their best.

How does the speaker approach assignments given by teachers?

The speaker approaches assignments by considering the effort the teacher put into creating the assignment and the appreciation they will have for the work done, which motivates them to complete it well.

What example does the speaker give to illustrate finding motivation in mundane tasks?

The speaker gives the example of filing papers, suggesting that one should think about the help and the responsibility they are fulfilling for others, which can be a source of motivation.

Why does the speaker dress finely every day?

The speaker dresses finely not only because they enjoy it but primarily because they know people appreciate the extra time and effort they put into their appearance.

What is the speaker's final message about motivation?

The speaker's final message is that motivation is essential for achieving one's goals and making a difference. With motivation, one has the passion to effect change and improve the way things are done.

How does the speaker suggest we should tackle issues or tasks that we might initially find uninteresting?

The speaker suggests that we should look for the appreciation and the positive impact our efforts can have on others, which can serve as motivation to tackle even the most uninteresting tasks.