TEDx: The Dream for So Many People Around the World!

Happy Sunday, everyone! I recently had the incredible opportunity to share my ideas at a TEDx Salford University event. It was a journey filled with growth, self-discovery, and valuable lessons. One week since the event, I want to share seven of those lessons with you, hoping they might inspire and resonate with your own experiences.

1️⃣ Faith

Having faith in your idea and trust in your concept; the most powerful story you will ever tell will always come from your heart! I knew exactly what I wanted my TEDx talk to be based on and, admittedly, it took me time to get to my final script. But, when I reached my destination I felt content, connected to myself and my words and I felt comfortable. Being in alignment with your idea will make it relatable, accessible and inclusive.

2️⃣ Embracing Procrastination

Procrastination is real, and it’s something we all face. When preparing for my TEDx talk, I felt immense pressure. To manage this, I broke down my preparation into small, manageable steps. This approach helped me absorb my message and deliver it in a precise, impactful manner. Remember, it’s normal to procrastinate, but breaking tasks down can make them more approachable.

3️⃣ Relieving Pressure

After a few sleepless nights, I made a conscious decision to take the pressure off myself. Life is too short to be overwhelmed by stress, especially when given a beautiful opportunity to connect and share. I reminded myself that it’s okay if things don’t go perfectly—it’s all part of the journey. By shifting my mindset to enjoy the process of writing, rehearsing, and preparing, I found that the pressure lifted. During the Q&A section of my talk, I emphasised the importance of reflecting on achievements and celebrating wins. This change in perspective allowed me to enjoy every moment of the experience.

4️⃣ Overcoming Nerves

Almost everyone feels nervous, even if they don’t show it. The key is to dive in and get started. Whether it’s developing an idea, rehearsing a dance performance, or preparing a speech, once you begin, you’ll find your flow. The process becomes much easier, and the nerves start to fade away.

5️⃣ Avoiding Comparisons

I used to compare myself to others constantly, which is a natural but unhealthy habit. A significant realization during my TEDx journey was that no one can be me. No one else has my personality, my journey, or my authenticity. This understanding brought me immense peace and a sense of closure. I now feel more confident in my personal development and growth.

6️⃣ Enjoy the process

I know, I know! “Enjoy the process!” – We hear this a lot these days. I often get fixated on the final destination, with distractions, panic, and constantly rushing during the process. For me, this phrase means being mindful, slowing down, and remembering to breathe (this always helps!).

7️⃣ Reflection

Similar to the point above, I always move straight onto the next project without deeply reflecting on the journey, outcome, and, more importantly, enjoying the moment and achievement! Celebrating those wins, big or small, is a part of my routine that I am actively trying to incorporate. That doesn’t always mean a huge celebration, but even a nice herbal chai and a good book on my Kindle would be perfect!

Blogging these lessons is not just for sharing with you but also for my future self. I hope to look back on these insights and continue to grow and learn from them.

Lots of love,