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Maybe that cup of coffee first thing on Monday morning didn’t do the trick, or perhaps you’re hitting a roadblock getting started on that new project you had planned. If you’re feeling a little down or a little sluggish, and need some motivation to get going, there’s a lot of inspirational content out there.
Whether you’re looking for creative inspiration, to get yourself out of a professional rut, or just for some uplifting words of wisdom, there are amazing speeches that can help achieve your goal. Check out some of the greatest motivational speeches of all time.
1. Steve Jobs: Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish (2005)
Apple Founder Steve Jobs spoke at the 2005 Stanford University commencement ceremony, delivering his most famous, motivational speech of all time. Jobs, who never graduated college himself, shares his life experience and his journey of overcoming great adversity to go on to lead what is perhaps the most influential company in recent history.
Jobs’ story is an example that no matter what obstacles you may be facing, there is always the opportunity to come out stronger and better than ever before on the other side.
2. Demarjay Smith: Inspires the World (2016)
12-year-old Demarjay Smith has become an internet superstar, despite his young age. Smith aspires to be a professional athlete, and videos began to circulate of him encouraging his friends and viewers to be the best versions of themselves that they can be.
“I have to fight for what I want,” Smith says, “Because what you want won’t fight for you.”
Ellen DeGeneres took notice of Smith’s energizing speeches, and he was a featured guest on the show. If you need a kick-start to hit the gym or chase your dreams, Demarjay Smith’s speech can provide that little boost you need.
3. Nancy Etcoff: Happiness and Its Surprises (TED Talk, 2004)
Cognitive researcher Nancy Etcoff gave what has been deemed one of the best TED Talks of all time in 2004, according to the inventor of TED Talks himself, Chris Anderson. The speech, “Happiness and Its Surprises” lasts just under fifteen minutes and is the perfect motivational speech for when you’re feeling blue.
It’s also an all-around great listen, where Etcoff explains that the root of happiness is ancient; one that cannot be solved by modern medicine. In fact, according to Etcoff, the answer to happiness is nature and the “basic pleasures of life.”
There are many, many motivational speeches out there, and some of the best may be the ones that are little known. The most important thing to remember is that motivation and inspiration can be found anywhere.
From a famous CEO to a 12-year-old boy, to a cognitive researcher, there is motivation everywhere, if you look for it.
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