I’ve talked about The Defining Decade on the blog before and I still love that book. So much so that I’m tempted to read it again (already) to hopefully catch things I may have missed the first time and to help kick my butt into high gear where I’m slacking.
I may or may not have mentioned that after finishing the book, I emailed the author. I was so moved and inspired and I needed to share my story with her, but more important, I needed to say thank you. And I did. And she responded within the hour. I couldn’t believe it.
While her email response is something that I find very personal, one thing she mentioned was that she was working on a Ted Talk and I found myself already looking forward to hearing what she had to say.
The Ted Talk is out and getting quite the reaction from the twenty-somethings. There have people who disagree, people saying it makes them feel bad about themselves and where they are, people who agree, and people who say the ones who agree are the ones who are already settled in their careers and married.
Well let me say, I’m not settled in my career, I’m not married (or even dating someone), I’m back living at home, and while I’m working on each of these things, I’m the one Meg is talking to. I’m her audience. And personally, I find her motivating. I find her message comforting and more along the lines of “you’re not alone, don’t give up, and keep pushing towards your goals.” I know we can’t all feel that way but I found myself wishing her Ted Talk was longer so I could get even more guidance.
But we all have our own opinions, take a moment to watch and share yours:
This both scared me (or reminded me that I can’t have kids any old time in my life) and got me excited because I have made one of those defining decisions recently…hopefully for the best! 🙂
I’m 30 and don’t have kids yet, we aren’t even ready yet. I agree. Live now, God will plan the rest. My thoughts. Thanks for sharing this Katie!
I’ve been seeing this video all over the place the last week, but this is the first time I’ve watched it. To be honest, it scared me. I’m 27, and while I feel like I have a pretty good handle on what I want to do, where I want to be, and who I want to be with.. I do NOT have it all figured out. I loved this line: “Claiming your 20s is one of the simplest yet most transformative things you can do for work, for love, for your happiness..” but I agree with some of the other comments on here that just because you don’t have it all figured out in your 20s doesn’t mean you won’t. I think this is a great TED Talk because it really made me think.. about my life and what I would like to accomplish, as well as what it means to be a “20-something.”
we are off to check out the video!! thanks for sharing it sounds like something we need to be reminded of 🙂
Wow! Great article and video! Really made me think, as I turn 30 this year. I agree that in our 20s, we should think, plan, and work towards long-term goals of career, family (if so desired), and personal development, but I don’t think we should feel bad if those goals don’t happen by 30 (or any specific timeline). Rather, I think we should think about what we want out of life (which is different for everyone!) and set ourselves up for later success (whenever it comes). I had two big moments my 20’s. I realized my first job out of college wasn’t a good fit for me and I was unhappy. I was so disappointed, as I thought that was my “path”, and I didn’t know where to go next. I decided to leave the job (which was scary) and go to grad school to pursue marketing, and am now much happier in that field. Last year, I was tired of struggling with fitness and I didn’t feel fulfilled in my personal life, so I started running (the rest is history!). At 29, have I accomplished all I want to accomplish? Of course not!! It’s a journey and there’s still a long way to go. No matter what age you are, I don’t think it’s ever too late to pursue your dreams, but I think this is saying it’s never too early, either. 🙂
I saw this TED Talk for the first time last week and although I think it is inspirational, I find some issues with it. Yes, having a career is important but should it be the end all be all of a “successful” life? I think it is more important that we find what we LOVE to do and are passionate about in our 20’s and then figure out how to turn that into a career. And what if a 20-something doesn’t want to settle-down and get married? Do marriage and kids define a successful, happy life? For some, yes but for others, no. We only have one life to live and if we are solely focused on getting to that “successful finish line,” I think we’re going to miss out on a lot of fun in not only our 20’s but also in our 30’s and 40’s. Just my thoughts! 🙂
I totally agree with this!!