Welcome feedback on my recent TEDx talk

[CyberJJJ]

Recently, I had the opportunity to give a TEDx talk. It’s something I’ve been working toward for a while, and more importantly, something I’ve been thinking about for much longer.

The talk centers on a simple idea:
That we may have misunderstood what “calling” really is—and in doing so, we sometimes aim at the wrong things.

Here’s the link if you’d be open to watching it:


If you do take a few minutes to watch, I’d genuinely value your perspective. Not just whether you liked it—but what resonated, what didn’t, or what felt worth thinking more about.

And if it brings someone else to mind who might find it meaningful, feel free to pass it along.

Either way, I appreciate you.

 

[JEFF420]

I'm not religious but it spoke to me. I'm a young professional with a PhD that struggles with what my identity is. Haven't really liked myself until I started weaving them all together as a man. Thanks and cheers.

 

[Cyclonepride]

You're a good speaker, and I'm a sucker for this type of thing. I figure if I can come up with one good idea, or one new way to look at things, it's worthwhile.

I suppose I did always assume that my calling was work related (and therefore, my accomplishments), though as I've gotten older, I've realized that a calling doesn't have to be just one thing, and could be as simple as providing a great life for my pups.

 

[CyberJJJ]

You're a good speaker, and I'm a sucker for this type of thing. I figure if I can come up with one good idea, or one new way to look at things, it's worthwhile.

I suppose I did always assume that my calling was work related (and therefore, my accomplishments), though as I've gotten older, I've realized that a calling doesn't have to be just one thing, and could be as simple as providing a great life for my pups.

For me you just defined the difference between a career and a calling!

 

[CyberJJJ]

You're a good speaker, and I'm a sucker for this type of thing. I figure if I can come up with one good idea, or one new way to look at things, it's worthwhile.

I suppose I did always assume that my calling was work related (and therefore, my accomplishments), though as I've gotten older, I've realized that a calling doesn't have to be just one thing, and could be as simple as providing a great life for my pups.

Thanks. I am normally a bit more animated, but the TEDx format is short on time, so this was mostly a memorized speech which I don't do in my keynotes. Thanks for watching!

 

[Tailg8er]

I was too distracted by your super long pants to get anything from that.


Just kidding - wanted to make sure all the comments in here weren't just sunshine & roses! I liked how you used real-world examples to illustrate each topic to bring them to life. The part about aligning work/life instead of balancing resonated the most with me.

 

[CyberJJJ]

I was too distracted by your super long pants to get anything from that.


Just kidding - wanted to make sure all the comments in here weren't just sunshine & roses! I liked how you used real-world examples to illustrate each topic to bring them to life. The part about aligning work/life instead of balancing resonated the most with me.

That is hilarious as that was the first thing my wife said when she saw this video this afternoon! As the old saying goes, "He who can't laugh at himself, leaves the work to others!" Thanks for all the feedback.

 

[thisISnextyear]

That is hilarious as that was the first thing my wife said when she saw this video this afternoon! As the old saying goes, "He who can't laugh at himself, leaves the work to others!" Thanks for all the feedback.

You delivered better than Prohm ever did in those pants!!!

 

[CyberJJJ]

You delivered better than Prohm ever did in those pants!!!

OK, now it's getting personal!

 

[cycloneworld]

Really cool, thanks for sharing. It resonates with me because I’ve been thinking about several of your topics along with “what’s next” as I hit my mid 40s.

Really agree with your “connection” theme. Personally, I hate the term “work life balance” like it has to be one or the other. Instead, I’ve tried intertwine my work and life together (which includes setting healthy boundaries for me). Feels like for me, I’ve found a good work life balance and have great connections with friends and family but those other connections with community, faith, higher purpose…I’m not there yet. And maybe I don’t need to be.

To be contrary and ask your opinion - Why do we have to have a calling? Part of me feels that’s a crazy intense pressure we put on ourselves. Like if we don’t find it, we are a failure. Or if we find it later in life, we’ve wasted the majority of our time here. Or maybe it doesn’t have to be some grand calling. Is retiring at 50 to play video games all day ok? Because that doesn’t feel like a calling. Yet it might be someone’s life long goal.

 

[CyberJJJ]

Really cool, thanks for sharing. It resonates with me because I’ve been thinking about several of your topics along with “what’s next” as I hit my mid 40s.

Really agree with your “connection” theme. Personally, I hate the term “work life balance” like it has to be one or the other. Instead, I’ve tried intertwine my work and life together (which includes setting healthy boundaries for me). Feels like for me, I’ve found a good work life balance and have great connections with friends and family but those other connections with community, faith, higher purpose…I’m not there yet. And maybe I don’t need to be.

To be contrary and ask your opinion - Why do we have to have a calling? Part of me feels that’s a crazy intense pressure we put on ourselves. Like if we don’t find it, we are a failure. Or if we find it later in life, we’ve wasted the majority of our time here. Or maybe it doesn’t have to be some grand calling. Is retiring at 50 to play video games all day ok? Because that doesn’t feel like a calling. Yet it might be someone’s life long goal.

Big questions! Short answer is you don't have to have a calling. Some people focus on a job, others on a career and still others on calling. I would personally answer that from a faith-based perspective, but many don't share that view. Here is a paragraph from a book I have drafted that gives an outside "expert" opinion (not mine!):

"Most would like to do more than just survive. They want to make a difference. Many people think of mission or purpose in terms of their job search. Amy Wrzesniewski, professor at Yale University's School of Management, has researched meaning in work and found that people view their work as a job, a career, or a calling. A job is primarily about earning a paycheck, allowing them to do the things they enjoy outside of the office. A career is often associated with a longer-term vision with professional advancement and the associated standing. A calling is more about the alignment of the work with the person’s identity and a sense of purpose and meaning. Those with a calling work orientation are often the most satisfied with their professional situation; however, those with other work orientations may find their purpose outside of their job. Wrzesniewski says a calling doesn’t have to be a spiritual concept (Wrzesniewski), but for me it is."

 

[BWRhasnoAC]

I struggle with my own calling. I don't really find my worth through work even though I'm really good at what I do. I don't think about myself as a carpenter even though that's what I tell people for the sake of keeping conversation simple.

If I could be anything I'd be a traveler. I just love to learn and experience the great things that we have on this Earth. You can't take money with you when you die but I will take regret for missing all that I could have done while here.

The movie Into the Wild left an indelible mark on me the first time I saw it and I feel like that movie addresses what you're speaking to.

 

[cycloneworld]

Big questions! Short answer is you don't have to have a calling. Some people focus on a job, others on a career and still others on calling. I would personally answer that from a faith-based perspective, but many don't share that view. Here is a paragraph from a book I have drafted that gives an outside "expert" opinion (not mine!):

"Most would like to do more than just survive. They want to make a difference. Many people think of mission or purpose in terms of their job search. Amy Wrzesniewski, professor at Yale University's School of Management, has researched meaning in work and found that people view their work as a job, a career, or a calling. A job is primarily about earning a paycheck, allowing them to do the things they enjoy outside of the office. A career is often associated with a longer-term vision with professional advancement and the associated standing. A calling is more about the alignment of the work with the person’s identity and a sense of purpose and meaning. Those with a calling work orientation are often the most satisfied with their professional situation; however, those with other work orientations may find their purpose outside of their job. Wrzesniewski says a calling doesn’t have to be a spiritual concept (Wrzesniewski), but for me it is."

I like that. Maybe I’m putting too much emphasis on the word “calling” because it feels like a lot of pressure to find that, haha. For me, I’m very passionate about my work. I enjoy my job, love the work, and it’s more than just a career to me but given enough money, I wouldn’t choose to spend my financially free time doing this job. So maybe that isn’t a true calling by your definition. I don’t have ambition to some giant noble cause like curing cancer or don’t feel pressure to give back in some big way. I want to live a good life, do what I want, and support the people around me.

 

[CyberJJJ]

I struggle with my own calling. I don't really find my worth through work even though I'm really good at what I do. I don't think about myself as a carpenter even though that's what I tell people for the sake of keeping conversation simple.

If I could be anything I'd be a traveler. I just love to learn and experience the great things that we have on this Earth. You can't take money with you when you die but I will take regret for missing all that I could have done while here.

The movie Into the Wild left an indelible mark on me the first time I saw it and I feel like that movie addresses what you're speaking to.

Another way of approaching calling that many take is to look at their strengths. If you haven't done so, I highly recommend taking the CliftonStrengths Assessment from Gallup. I will place a link to it below. That starts with a focus on your strengths vs. your weaknesses. My top strength is maximizer, meaning I like working with people who are good and trying to help them get to excellence. I have adopted Susan Colantuono's definition of leadership: "Using the greatness in you to achieve and sustain extraordinary outcomes by engaging the greatness in others"

https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=20c8...mNvbS9jbGlmdG9uc3RyZW5ndGhzL2VuL2hvbWUuYXNweA

 

[Gonzo]

Good for you. I love me a good Ted Talk. Appreciate your points about myths 2 and 3 probably the most. Never thought about separating your calling from your career, they've always just kind of gone hand in hand. But it makes total sense. Interesting stuff.

I'm terrified of public speaking, so kudos to you. I could never do that.

 

[CyberJJJ]

My wife said "you are so serious" and I replied "because I was scared shitless!". I have spoken a lot publically, but usually speak extemporaneously from only a few words of notes in an outline. The TEDx format restricts time so this was more of a memorized speech than I am usually comfortable with.

 

[Gonzo]

My wife said "you are so serious" and I replied "because I was scared shitless!". I have spoken a lot publically, but usually speak extemporaneously from only a few words of notes in an outline. The TEDx format restricts time so this was more of a memorized speech than I am usually comfortable with.

Solid, natural delivery. Didn't come off like you had memorized a script or anything IMO.

 

[brentblum]

Awesome stuff! Thanks for sharing.

 

[CyberJJJ]

Solid, natural delivery. Didn't come off like you had memorized a script or anything IMO.

Thanks Gonzo

 

[CyberJJJ]

Awesome stuff! Thanks for sharing.

Thanks Brent.