Did you have a good New Year's Eve celebration last night? Good. Now it's time to get down to work.
Remember that New Year's resolution you set for yourself while you were downing, I mean, sipping on champagne last night? Well now it's time to make good on your word and actually stick to it. You know, new year, new you and all that jazz?
However, as we all know, that's easier said than done. A few weeks into the new year, you're probably going to be tempted to call it quits and try again next year. But it doesn't have to be that way. All you need is a little motivation, a good, swift kick in the pants to keep you on track in 2015.
While friends, family and a life coach are all helpful, you can't always summon them on demand when you need a little something something to prevent you from abandoning your resolution this year. Luckily, hundreds of TED Talks are at your disposal 24/7. These speeches from some of the brightest minds in areas of expertise ranging from literature to science to marketing will not only motivate you to complete your New Year's resolution this year but also keep you inspired well beyond 2015.
1. "Your Elusive Creative Genius" - Elizabeth Gilbert
With nine million views, this TED Talk from the best-selling author of Eat, Pray, Love is one of the most-watched TED Talks of all time and for good reason. In it, Elizabeth Gilbert speaks about how we all have the power of "genius" and how you can unlock yours. Keep this talk in mind the next time you doubt yourself.
2. "How Great Leaders Inspire Action" - Simon Sinek
If you don't just want to cause change in 2015 but want to inspire others to do so, you're definitely going to want to check out leadership expert Simon Sinek's talk on how to make that happen.
3. "Where Good Ideas Come From" - Steven Johnson
Do you want to find more inspiration this year? Writer Steven Johnson's TED Talk will tell you where to look.
4. "The Puzzle of Motivation" - Dan Pink
Career analyst Dan Pink examines how our traditional system of rewards may not be the best way to motivate others, which will help you successfully accomplish your goals and inspire others to do the same.
5. "The Surprising Science of Happiness" - Dan Gilbert
You would think that not getting what you want would make you unhappy. However, this might not actually be the case, according to psychologist Dan Gilbert, who discusses how you can still find happiness in the middle of disappointment. This might be a good one to watch to remain positive even if your New Year's resolution doesn't work out as planned.
6. "The Happy Secret to Better Work" - Shawn Achor
Productivity is thought to make us happy, but psychologist Shawn Achor argues it's the other way around. His TED Talk will help you get the right attitude to make your New Year's resolution a success.
7. "The Power of Believing That You Can Improve" - Carol Dweck
Psychologist Carol Dweck will teach you how to train your brain to help you achieve.
8. "How to Make Stress Your Friend" - Kelly McGonigal
When you're trying to balance work, responsibilities at home and your social life, it can be difficult to find the time to stick to your New Year's resolution. All of that is just a bit overwhelming, isn't it? But don't let your stress debilitate you. Watch this TED Talk from health psychologist Kelly McGonigal and learn how to use it to your advantage.
9. "The Key to Success? Grit" - Angela Lee Duckworth
Psychologist Angela Lee Duckworth discusses her theory of "grit" as a predictor of success in this TED Talk. If you have "grit," it may be something that can help you do anything.
10. "Keep Your Goals to Yourself" - Derek Sivers
What may be the best way to accomplish your New Year's resolution? Don't tell anyone about it. At least that's what entrepreneur Derek Sivers says in this TED Talk.
11. "Never, Ever Give Up" - Diana Nyad
If you're thinking about giving up on your New Year's resolution, you should drop everything and watch this TED Talk from Diana Nyad. Nyad famously became the first person to swim 103 miles from Cuba to Florida without a protective cage on Sept. 3, 2013 — and she was 64 years old at the time. So when she tells you not to give up, you better listen.
12. "Why Dieting Doesn't Usually Work" - Sandra Aamodt
One of the most popular New Year's resolutions every year is to lose weight or eat healthier. If that's your goal heading in to 2015, dieting might not be the way to go, according to neuroscientist and science writer Sandra Aamodt. In this TED Talk, Aamodt offers alternatives to living a healthy lifestyle.
13. "8 Secrets of Succes" - Richard St. John
This three-and-a-half-minute TED Talk is super short, but it still packs a punch. Marketer Richard St. John is sure to give you a quick dose of motivation.
Image: TEDx Somerville / Flickr
