The myth of self-discovery: Emily Warren at TEDxClaremontColleges

PhD student Emily Warren talks about the myth of "finding oneself" and how a dedication to grit & tolerance will lead to true happiness in our work and lives.
About TEDx:

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized

Credits:
Editor -- Ian St. Lawrence and Jacqueline Legazcue
Camera crew -- Jacqueline Legazcue, Sam Jones, and Ted Neckar

[FindingYourSerenity]

Self discovery changed my life. Through discovering myself I found out that I had ADHD at 27 years old after suffering every single day. I got medication that changed my life. In these last few weeks I found out that I have many mild autistic traits and that I probably am autistic and now I feel for the first time that I truly know myself.

[watamala]

I love this talk, “pay attention to who you are and what you’re doing that path will never lead you astray”.

[tomdjhill]

She's talking about what everyone talks about when they talk about finding themselves. Live in the moment etc. Go find yourself etc. It seems her confusion is semantic. She assumes that everyone 'looks out there', that our true selves are 'out there'. Basically she is saying that finding yourself is a myth, but here's how to really find

[LizafromWhere]

Why is it that some people are instantly likable, whereas others like this lady, the first 30 seconds rule kicks in; from her micro movements to valley girl inflections, to smugness, to privileged person problems I couldn't make it past the first few minutes.

[aamirafzal]

Finding yourself is never a myth. And I personally believe that 'you' only actualize when you find your true self. There could be on self-discovery but it has never ever been a myth nor it would be. Life comes with all those twist and turns. And you only achieve greatness when you actually find who you are and what's your 'why.'

[stuart-simplyonepercent]

Yes we should 100% live in the moment, but as many of us know from going deep within, we have finally found the freedom to be ourselves again. Life is not just about grit, we have an amazing & infinite amount of love & compassion within us, so much so that once you truly feel it's all encompassing presence there is no going back to this way of thinking. The materialistic view of self winning in this world through grit and dominating presence suddenly becomes very clear to those who are finally becoming more and more enlightened. Our inner being is constantly evolving, once we connect with it our lives have the potential to literally change before our very eyes. Love and peace to all x.

[georgitns]

So profound and real to hear that from a person who is being honest to themselves. You are a beautiful human being, thank you for sharing.

[francismausley]

It pays to be "spiritual-centered"... "The more we search for ourselves, the less likely we are to find ourselves; and the more we search for God, and to serve our fellow-men, the more profoundly will we become acquainted with ourselves, and the more inwardly assured. This is one of the great spiritual laws of life." ~ Shoghi Effendi, Baha'i Faith

[starustable]

Beautiful message. It is not about doing but being. We are human beings not human doings. we must be aware to observ ourselves whithout any effort like relaxation.

[angelamerkel]

Has this woman every thought about that self-discovery can lead to more self confidence? I took me some self reflection to see that a lot what i did in my life was mainly to impress others. Then only i was able to find confidence in being myself rather than being 'a version of myself'.

[midastouch]

There's so much inside us to be discovered in only a lifetime, hence we must never cease from exploration...

[LucidSunset]

So much negativity. It's wasn't terrible. I got the message. Stop focusing on finding yourself and you just might find yourself.

[brethahuncho]

I understand what shes saying. There's a group of people that are perpetual " I need to find myself" women usually suffer the most from this but what shes saying if you guys would start from openness you'd see. that finding yourself isnt a thing its about being conscious of who you are and becoming more self aware the more you acquire about yourself the more self aware because knowing yourself requires research and ive watch these same ppl say this i need to find myself not inquire about them selves at all and act like one day it will strike them over the head.

[QueSeraSeraBelle]

Very touching Ted talk. She was definitely being honest and it was felt :) A woman truly in touch with her feelings. Beautiful.

[lnevinan]

Agree, she has said that we look out and not inward enough. So meaning we should look for who we are. The concept of finding ourselves is to look inward. There is no correct definition of what we should be, other than what we feel. So yes she has basically found herself. 

[disarchitected]

Sounds like growing up... I wish I saw this when I was 19.

[ecsancho]

Good message overall but I feel Emily has her philosophies mixed up. Being yourself in the present moment and taking full control of our bodies physiology is part of the notion of "finding yourself". Finding yourself is about finding that desire that drives you, you have passion for, something you believe in wholeheartedly thus our work becomes enjoyable every step of the way. Momentum builds and the energy to do your work becomes more readily available. Basically all Emily shared was her life experience on how she found herself.

[suemitchel-runow]

I love her realization...and it's reminder. I thought people got over trying to find themselves after the 70's but it seems never really found the present either. Most people found Target, Costco and Outlet Malls.

[transformwithmenow]

Wow. Thank you so much it completely makes sense! I’m enjoying my life so much more being in the moment I hear you I did the whole “finding myself ” escapism I would call it 😊 when we all have what we desire and need within and finding it only when being still. Thanks you much love 💕❤️💕❤️💕

[MixMediaMasters]

WOW!! TEDS TALKS💖😻 this is really inspiring, this would really help me and keep me going 💪