Creating Your Identity Through the Method Acting Approach | Greg Bryk | TEDxQueensU

Summary

In this inspiring TEDx talk, the speaker reflects on the pivotal moments of self-discovery during university life and the transformative power of embracing one's identity as a creator. He shares his personal journey from playing football to acting, and the profound realization that led him to live a life of risk and adventure. The speaker encourages the audience to envision their ideal life, write it down, and actively become the person who can fulfill that vision, emphasizing the importance of creating one's own story before life's inevitable end.

Takeaways

• 🏠 The speaker feels a strong sense of familiarity and comfort at the university, akin to returning home after a long time.
• 🌟 The transition to adulthood and the future is both exciting and terrifying because of its uncertainty and unknown challenges.
• 🪞 Instead of asking 'Who am I?'—a question rooted in the past—people should ask 'Who do I want to be?', focusing on creating their future self.
• 🎭 The speaker shares a personal story of realizing they were living a life based on others' expectations and how they discovered their passion for acting.
• ⚖️ The speaker initially followed a path expected by others (becoming a lawyer) before discovering their true passion in acting, leading them to redefine their life.
• 🎓 A university drama professor helped the speaker see themselves as an artist, which was a pivotal moment in their journey to self-discovery.
• 🎬 The speaker emphasizes that life should be lived as a creative act, where one writes their own story and actively becomes the person they aspire to be.
• 💀 A powerful experience in a theater coffin led the speaker to realize the finality of life and the importance of living a life true to oneself, not just fulfilling others' expectations.
• 🚀 The speaker advocates for embracing risk, adventure, and self-discovery in life, rather than being confined by societal expectations.
• 📝 The speaker encourages the audience to envision their ideal life, write it down, and take actionable steps to become the person who can live that life.

Q & A

What is the speaker's main message in the speech?

The speaker's main message is to encourage individuals to take control of their lives by asking 'Who do I want to be?' rather than 'Who am I?' and to actively create and live the life they envision, rather than living by the expectations of others.

Why does the speaker advise against asking 'Who am I?'?

The speaker advises against asking 'Who am I?' because it is a question that ties you to the past, defined by others' expectations and perceptions. Instead, asking 'Who do I want to be?' allows for personal growth and creation of your own identity.

What significance does the speaker place on the concept of 'home' in the speech?

The speaker uses the concept of 'home' metaphorically to describe a place of comfort and familiarity that one leaves behind but still feels connected to. This symbolizes the personal journey and growth one undergoes after stepping out of their comfort zone.

How does the speaker's experience at university influence their perspective on life?

The speaker's university experience, including moments of self-reflection and an encounter with a professor who saw potential in them, was pivotal in shaping their perspective on life. It helped them realize the importance of creating their own path rather than following others' expectations.

What role does the speaker’s experience with acting play in their personal development?

Acting played a crucial role in the speaker’s personal development by allowing them to explore different identities and experiences, ultimately helping them discover who they wanted to be and how to live a life true to themselves.

Why did the speaker decide to quit playing football and pursue acting?

The speaker decided to quit playing football and pursue acting after a professor recognized their potential as an artist and actor. This opportunity allowed the speaker to explore a new path that felt more aligned with their true self.

What is the significance of the coffin scene in the speaker's story?

The coffin scene is significant because it represents the speaker’s confrontation with mortality and the realization that their life belongs to them alone. It symbolizes the decision to live a life of their own choosing, free from the expectations of others.

How did the character Jeremy Danvers influence the speaker's life?

The character Jeremy Danvers influenced the speaker by embodying qualities of strength, vulnerability, and integrity that the speaker admired and aspired to. The process of preparing for this role led the speaker to work on personal growth and become a better version of themselves.

What advice does the speaker give to the audience regarding their future?

The speaker advises the audience to get in front of a mirror, silence external voices, and ask themselves 'Who do I want to be?' They should then write down their vision for their life and take active steps to become the person who can live that life.

What does the speaker mean by saying 'all our stories are going to end in the same place'?

By saying 'all our stories are going to end in the same place,' the speaker is referring to the inevitability of death. This underscores the importance of living a life true to oneself, filling it with meaningful experiences and personal growth before it ends.