If your life is your biggest project, why not design it? | Ayse Birsel | TEDxCannes

Summary

In her inspiring talk, the speaker likens life to a design project, highlighting the need for creativity in navigating constraints such as money and circumstance. She shares her personal journey, detailing how the economic crash prompted her to deconstruct and reconstruct her life based on her core values. By embracing a playful mindset, she encourages individuals to envision and design their lives authentically. The message is clear: anyone can become the designer of their own life, fostering resilience and creativity in a rapidly changing world. Ultimately, she invites the audience to live their lives fully and original, aligned with their true selves.

Takeaways

• 😀 Life is a design project, filled with constraints that we must navigate to achieve our desires.
• 😀 Finding harmony between what we want and what we need is essential for creating value in our lives.
• 😀 Deconstruction allows us to break down our lives and reevaluate what we want to keep, change, or discard.
• 😀 Playful exploration and creativity can help us approach life's challenges with an open mind.
• 😀 Identifying personal values is crucial; these values serve as the foundation for decision-making and life direction.
• 😀 Heroes and role models can inspire us and help connect us to our own values and aspirations.
• 😀 Visualization is key; imagining the life we want can help us manifest it into reality.
• 😀 In a rapidly changing world, individuals must create their own roadmaps instead of relying on traditional paths.
• 😀 Resilience and adaptability are vital skills in navigating life's unexpected challenges.
• 😀 Everyone has the potential to design their life; applying design thinking principles can lead to a fulfilling and original life.

Q & A

What is described as our biggest project?

Our life is described as our biggest project.

How does the speaker compare life to a design project?

Life is likened to a design project because it is full of constraints such as money, age, location, and circumstances.

What is the significance of finding a balance between what we want and what we need?

Finding a balance between desires and necessities is crucial for creating value and leading a fulfilling life.

What personal experience does the speaker share regarding their career?

The speaker shares that their career flourished until the economic crash in 2008, which led to a reassessment of their life and work.

What does the speaker mean by 'deconstruction' in life design?

Deconstruction refers to breaking down one's life to identify which elements to keep, change, or discard, allowing for a fresh perspective.

What role do values play in the reconstruction phase of designing life?

Values serve as the foundation for reconstructing life, guiding decisions on what to prioritize and how to align one's life with personal beliefs.

How does the speaker suggest we approach challenges in life?

The speaker suggests approaching challenges creatively and playfully, as this mindset fosters exploration and innovation.

What is the importance of visualization in designing one's life?

Visualization helps in clarifying and shaping the life one desires, making it more tangible and achievable.

Who does the speaker identify as their hero and why?

The speaker identifies Rowena Reed Kostellow as a hero for her unique teaching methods and for connecting them to their values.

What is the speaker's message to parents regarding the future of their children?

The speaker encourages parents to share creative problem-solving skills with their children, emphasizing that there are no fixed roadmaps for the future.