There is nothing worse than a wasted talent. That might be the motto of Larry Smith, economics professor at the University of Waterloo in Canada, who tries to coach his students in choosing the right career or starting a business. His TED talk from 2011 entitled Why you will fail to have a great career may be a great inspiration not only for young workers and entrepreneurs.
Smith opens this frank and very entertaining speech simply by stating that "people looking for good jobs are going to fail." If we want to achieve something, we have to want a great career. However, our own prejudices and fears prevent us following our dreams. According to Smith, the main problem is the belief that when we seek our passion without ultimately finding it, we will feel "like idiots". Therefore, we often do not start seeking our passion at all.
Most common career excuses
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I'll wait for some good luck. If it does not come, I will content myself with a good career.
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I'm not a genius who could follow their dream.
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I'm not a freak who is following their dream.
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More than success, I value human relationships (being a good partner, friend, parent, etc.).
What will you respond when your child comes to you and says: "I have a dream and I want to follow it."? You should certainly not say: "I had a dream, but I was afraid to make it come true." Or "I once had a dream, but then you were born." You should say: "I have my dream. Go for it as I did. "
Do you agree with Larry Smith?
You can view the video at http://www.ted.com/talks/larry_smith_why_you_will_fail_to_have_a_great_career
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