I worked in the Information Technology industry for over 30 years. I managed people traveled to other countries and made good money. One day I walked into work and said out of the blue "this is my last day." They pleaded for me to stay or at least give 2 weeks notice but I knew that morning I was driving to work that it was my last day. So now I have a small farm and raise some crops and lots of chickens. I wake up when I wake up and do the work I want. It took lots of years and balls to just one day say this isn't what makes me tick. I am not sure this farm is what it is either but I sure am happier.
Roger Leo I hope your chickens and crops are happy too, show them that you are the person who quit the job to give those animals a nice life. My grandmother had a farm too, she loved every second of it, every morning she looked for eggs and her animals, she don't even needed a alarm ;), i was happy everytime i spend time at her farm, everything looked so peaceful, working with nature is beautiful. We need more people like u. Thanks for having the guts quiting your job and do the thing you like to do. (I apologize for my english not my native language)
Roger Leo This is a great lesson! "I am not sure this farm is what it (makes me tick) is either but I sure am happier." I've always had the fear of not doing what I originally was supposed to do and thus stayed where I am, unhappy. Doing something better is way better than staying where we are, even if we are not sure!
Roger Leo That's laudable. But would you have been able to have bought the farm (literally, not figuratively) and quit if you hadn't put that time in? I'm assuming you had savings - some kind of financial means to get to where you are, even if modest. It's great to retire from work to do something you prefer, but for people starting out, who have nothing - or who have debts - it's not possible to just decide to leave a job and live off the land. That's homelessness.
This is amazing. She's doing 3 complicated performances together. Most people are worried about just telling their story properly on stage. She's juggling, dancing, telling a complex story, and it all works like the inside of a Swiss watch - precise and perfect.
Hello @TheCarlEffect I thought to do a check up since your last comment, it's been 5 years now! I am currently working with Dianna and she has helped me a lot. Have you been able to make your dreams come true, following her advices and spirit? How do you feel? How is life?
My mother has pictures of me when I was 5, dressing up and performing skits that I wrote. I grew up wanting to be an actor and a writer. 3 years of college to get my theatre degree, I was plagued with the idea of conformity. All my friends were getting married having babies and working different kinds of 9 to 5 jobs. I began to feel very worthless and soon depression kicked in. I thought that this is what I need to do to be successful. This shows me that all I need to do is believe in myself and keep going no matter what anybody tells me. I graduate next semester and I plan on going to a professional voice over workshop. I don't plan on stopping.
Please do not ever stop! If you've watched some of my videos...You'll see there are ups and down. facebook.com/photo.php?v=10154486062445293&l=570656936918680942 I spent the last 30 days seeing a dream so close...but the dream keeps being written. keep writing your story my love!!! I'm sure you're amazing! dd
NEVER STOP! Even my friends are laughin at me cause they think i can't get a art-job as concept-artist/illustrator, i practice/study drawing everyday 4-8 hours by myself (they don't even know, and ask me why i don't want to party everytime with them). I go trough this just to complete my dream. People who think you don't have a job and doing nothing expect your "Hobby", those people will never find theyr own passion. It's hard WORK for yourself cause you need to navigate, expirienced yourself and find yourself as a person, that's the hard work for a human to not let yourself down, never stop with you passion, in the future you will reach your goal. I apologize for my bad english, it's not my native language
IZanagi Iza: Yes! It is HARD work to stick to what you believe in. The rest of the world is the biggest distraction away from getting to Know YOU! I am proud of your determination to stick to what you love and what you believe in...It is the work-effort that you invest in yourself that will leave you with an elevated Self-Esteem that will result in the feelings you will call HAPPINESS at the end of the day. Some people 'work' in jobs that will NEVER give them that feeling of HAPPINESS...well...simply because they have never committed themselves to finding out what they truly want and desire....STICK TO IT!!!
Creating your own paradigm takes a lot of detaching from the societal matrix of expectations. It's an intricate web, but its your attitude in how you weave it.... I appreciate the dialogue going on here....
I totally get this! I picked up my guitar 6 years ago and listened to all those naysayers. It's too hard to learn, you will quit after a couple of weeks, you will never be a star! etc. I didn't listen to any of this bullshit. I took lessons and persevered my passion of music and guitar with a vengeance. I am in my very first rock n' roll band at the ripe young age of 50. I am living MY dream and having so much fun playing with others and learning along the way. Never say never. Never give up on your dream. I will be playing until I can't anymore. I just have to look at my guitar and feel the pure bliss that it gives me.
When it comes to guitar, there sadly is ALOT of naysayers and haters, that is so sad, music is so beautiful, specially guitar music, so yeah, keep at it! Screw those musical killers! Thank you for not quiting!
This brought tears to my eyes as I'm at the same phase of my life - feeling like I need to find and follow my dreams but terrified of doing so. Thank you Dianna for inspiring me so beautifully. I will never forget this story.
So... she was a talented child with supportive parents, mental stability, a good education, a respectable job and great attention to detail. That's *all you need* to start following your dreams.
We all have different circumstances. Just because it may look like someone has it easier than someone else, they may not. We don't know all the struggles that others have to face because sometimes they're hidden.
justice2016 No, it's wonderful she can work doing what she's passionate about, and she's good at it. I dislike how she overlooks her own privileges and insists that dreams are solely what brought her success. In reality success is largely dependent on circumstances & social status.
My co-worker and I had a running bet. We both hated our jobs and each put up $500 to the first one to quit. I still text him every now and then and ask how the old job is treating him, same as always he would reply. I think every year that you don't follow your passion, the thicker the career skin grows. Every year this skin grows thicker and thicker, encapsulating all your hopes, dreams and ambitions. Until one year, you just give in. You accept your position in the world and throw in the towel, you are an (_____) and that is what you will be until you retire. "Well, at least I'll have my retirement years, that will be fun." I hate to tell people to quit their job to follow their passions, but quit your jobs and follow your passions! The more people who do, the more people will get the needed encouragement to do the same. It's not about luck, it's about breaking through the fear. I have fear everyday, I don't know if my new business venture will work out, but at least I'm going to give it a shot. I'd be more disappointed if I didn't try at all vs failing. I listened to an audiobook "30 Lessons for Living" a few weeks before I quit. You need to read it. This guy interviewed 100s of elderly people and asked them what they would do differently. One of the questions was about a career change. "Spending 2000 hours a year at a job you hate is a waste of life," is how one of them replied. The consensus of most was to just find something else, anything else. Don't live in misery.
Jason Ray AMEN Jason....We are kept in our FEAR that success looks only 1 way. We are the definition of our own success...Do you feel successful? Is success a milestone or is a forever attitude that we must remind ourselves every day. Life is about LIVING it...not waiting until you retire to be old enough to hopefully remember what you did.....Don't Wait any Longer to BE YOU!
Everything cool, but first follow your passion and then quit your job! Money doesn't grow on trees... Just a broke ass student point of view. Lol, good luck!
Jason Ray thanks, now im in dilemma of failing my new biz and quitting my current job. hope your recommendation help me :). i work in japan largest cg company but i feel not happy at all. hope this turn what i wanted to.
Keep posting them, or whatever you decide. Get offline too. Back to the basics. Real life, real people. Lots of paid Trolls on the internet. They hate themselves not your poems. Offline, you're in control. "World"
Bravo!! Have been thinking changing my career, but at age of 35, with a steady income, these thoughts seem to be unrealistic and naive... Until I saw this video. Really inspiring! If she could quit a job in medical industry and enter a clown school, even did street performance for 2 years, my dream is not ridiculous at all! "I used to think to chase my dream is selfish. But I realized, when you pursue your happiness, you inspire other people to do the same" well said!
Im a mechanical engineer too and i hate my job. Since i was a kid i always saw myself being in a band. Thank you very much for this inspiring talk. I may still be working as an engineer but this makes me want to strive to someday live my dream. As of this moment I am in a metal band and we are doing well locally but i do it in my spare time. Thank you very much
Dianna David, after watching your TEDx talk, you have truly changed my life. After so many years doing what everyone else wanted or expected of me (also as a son of immigrant parents with high expectations), to finally follow my dreams and passion of becoming a graphic designer and writer. Thank you.
I'm an artist and my parents (just like every other spazzed out person) would spout things like, "Art will never give you money." or, "No, be a doctor... at least that will support your family." In the end, all of that changes when you dream. Keep dreaming... because in your dreams, it reaches to the impossible without the impossible.
I really needed this. Thank you dian you are an inspiration. I decided to transfer schools after 2 years of being alone and unhappy there and people are telling me to stay. I currently am a student at montclair state university. it's one of the top schools in the country and I'm leaving to go closer to home to Philadelphia University. My major is fashion design with a contraction in entrepreneurship and international business. I want to have my own fashion company for celebrating real diverse beauty and a couple boutiques. I don't care how crazy it seems to leave to a top school for a degree in something risky. I am designer and an artist. Watching this helped me know I'm right and everyone else is wrong.
After you leave any institute...it's about the Institutions and Intentions you constitute in the Character and Consistency you contribute to the world thereafter. Plus, if you go about it with utmost respect, appreciation, joy and inspired building, you'll be getting to wherever you have to go with your BEST SELF...not some victim preaching, in debt, ego bragging, ivy league elbow rubbing individual entitle for the position they hold because of the $$ they put in front of the work and character it takes to build that value within....My LIFE IS MY SCHOOL and I AM THE BEST STUDENT IN IT! So ARE YOU!!!!
I had the pleasure of meeting Diana recently, she is the real deal! So talented and passionate and lovely. She is a Change Maker and thank you Dianna for this beautiful talk.
I thought this was one of the better inspirational speeches of TEDx and she was entertaining, so why are there so many negative comments? The negative folks should learn from her because she kept positive throughout her journey and was finally able to make it.
I know this sounds weird, but its nice to hear from an Asian in entertainment. You don't get to hear enough advice from others in the same field that understand the monumental cultural expectations that go behind living to the moment your parents approve of your life.
Ice Dragon Thank you Ice Dragon. It's true...our nationality has been seen as the typical Engineers, Doctors and Scientist who fail to be recognized for speaking from the heart. But when we let the Clown inside of us free...we're in fact Frickin' Multi-Talented, Caring, Reliable, Innovative, Loveable, Creative and so much FUN to Be with.....OH YOU WAIT....This is just the beginning of all those Left Brained 'Asian' who are freeing themselves to the RIGHT side to deliver F.U.N = Freedom Unleashed NOW - in this world...........We're coming....
I found myself having the ball in Canada that would be surrounded by the English environment which I love as a Japanese English learner. Be myself and have a persistence what I wanna do would be the key to be happier this is what I learned from her.
Dianna! Your as inspiring as always! Thank you for touching my soul and impacting my life direction. Your one of the few who started me on my own journey towards exceptional. Seeing & hearing your story always gives me the snap to keep on snapping. Your amazing so keep on being amazing!
wow i am so moved by this Dianna David! Thank you for sharing yourself so generously. this reminded me of a young person who has inspired me over these past few months i have known them
This is wonderful. I am graduating from law school and have decided that I am not going to pursue a legal career. My next step? Figuring out exactly WHAT my dreams are haha. Time to talk to my 5 year old self!
Rusha hi, mind sharing how's your life now? i am currently on the same stage as you 2 years ago, just graduated, provided with 2 choices, doing the life what makes my parent proud or just do what ive been desperately wanted to do since elementary.
Good for you for realizing this early! I’ve been an attorney for 14 years, and while I’m grateful for my education, skills and experience, I know my career limits my self expression and freedom. Be bold and brave and listen to that inner voice before “should-haves” consume you.
Thank you this is one of my Favorite videos I ever seen. I just bought a Piano After watched this video, and Start my dreams. I noticed I have ears to make covers and create notes. Thank you because people like you makes the world better.
How shockingly prophetic. I studied mechanical engineering! (And I would rather be a martial arts instructor) I also failed in my mechanical engineering career in Texas. And I have Oriental parents!
danpt2000 I do not subscribe to that politically correct lingual convention that people are "Asian" and things are "Oriental". Eastern Russians and Indians (from India) are geographically Asian, but they are not genetically Oriental. Referring to the ethnicity as "Oriental" is far more descriptive and accurate.
perfectsplit You subscribe to the White people's definition of Easterners. Never have I heard a White person regard themselves as Yang Gui, aka "Pale Ghost" which is how Chinese used to Call people of Europeeeon Decent.
Hello @Tiny_Cricket I thought to do a check up since your last comment, it's been 4 years now. I am currently working with Dianna and she has helped me a lot. Have you been able to make your dreams come true? How do you feel? How is your life?
The most truthful discoveries actually happen at age 5, also for me. I was fascinated by the music teacher in kindergarten(age 5, before primary school). I clearly remember how she played the piano and I wanted to play it too, I wanted to create sound - music just by doing such a simple, but hard movement by touching the keys of the piano. After 3 years I joined the music school, after 4 years of playing the piano I realised that guitar is much more interesting and portable. Now I'm still learning the guitar and enjoying every moment of discovering the world of music.
I have never before been so moved by a TedTalk. My 5- year young self is going to a piano just about now. Thank you, Dianna David for your resonance and wisdom. It got to me in that suspended moment kind of way!
Diana, your talk is so great! You deliver a message of happiness and hope. It's a joy for me to hear you speaking and to see you moving as you do. I wish you stay forever young. I'm know fighting to fully live my dreams, and you message fill me with courage. Thanks you
I am stuck at my job as a real estate agents for 5 years now.. Started to hate it on my 4th year.. Money pays when it does but i no longer have a passion for it.. I did it for the money (big mistake).. So i put it aside (not quit) n started uploading game trailer on youtube.. Happiest i been in a long time. I took jim carrey speech bout doing we love for a chance and never regret it.. Though im not earning enough yet to quit my job i hoped one day i can.. Life's too short to be cartering other people.. Time to carter myself for a change
Really inspiring, I laughed & cried. Great that you are helping young people. As someone who changed career after 30 yrs pen pushing behind a desk to work as support worker & train to be a cousellor. I now love working with real people in the voluntary-charity sector. Wish you every success in yr life. Thank youx
I loved it! I know this message oh so very well. It does take courage, commitment and authenticity for one to not be ashamed of WHO THEY ARE! Thanks for the powerful message!
This was wonderful! Truly the performing arts aspect to this talk I felt really added such a wonderful dynamic to the story Dianna was telling and I felt like it truly did it justice, I know that was the point but this is one of the best ways I've seen it done in a long time. It came across to me, that she seemed to take just a pinch of salt with the performing so that it beautifully illustrated the point and the crossroads she felt during her life - that it (her mimicry) didn't take itself too seriously and so come across as trite or cliched. Thank you, I really enjoyed watching this and a great message therein!
Loved it! Congratulations on following your heart! So happy for you! I just realized a passion of mine as well. I graduated from Massage therapy school at 52!!! You are never too old to learn something new :-))
She looked up the types of Grants that can be applied for in her area. I think she said Vancouver and she applied. I'm sure she double checked if she qualified and figured out for which ones. But just google it for your area and see if you qualify for anything. From what I have seen grants tend to work with businesses better than individuals but I think it's possible to create a business around a single individual. Hope that helps at least a bit Mr. Lawrence.
In 2015, I quit my job as an Higher Education Administration Assistant. I've since then , started a Holistic Health & Beauty blog, went back to school to study nutrition and I am a Reiki practitioner. I'm still not where I ultimately want to be, but the journey is sweet and I'm happier !
For the last couple of years now i've wanted to create music, but I've been discouraging myself and slacking on it. After I watched this, I asked my mom what I wanted to be when I was 5. She told me that ever since I was little that I told her that wanted to become a singer. I remember singing ALL the time when I was young but never telling my parents that I wanted to sing. Now thinking about it, I guess this is my destiny so I have to work for it.
That's really true in Filipino Culture. Life is hard here in the PH and the government adds injury because its really corrupt here. For me, parents pass on this ideal way of thinking about your future (High Grades = Successful Carrer = Rich and can Provide future Family) which is FALSE. My Dad discouraged me to take Fine Arts and take Architecture (but I know that I'm really BAD at Math and Analytical stuff) but I really made him realize that this is my happiness, now I have to prove him Art will get you everywhere (with the right people, mindset and choices also a LOT OF PRACTICE)
Crying while listening and working on my "red ball". This hit really close to home, wow. Thank you. I´m also an engineer, with an itch, and I have always thought I was selfish for pursuing it instead of just working with my degree. I will be sharing your video far and wide for others. You are amazing.
It such a dichotomy as to how in essence we insult anybody who has a 9-5 job. "I hated the job , is this all Im going to do with my life", they say. As a motivational speaker there must be a better way than to put down way more than half of the world. I am "following my dreams" so to speak, so I don't have a conventional job, but try to stay away from such forms of contempt to that type of work.
+Jason Rouleau the point is she was talking from her own experience. She never talked down on the option saying it wasnt cool, she just said it wasnt for her nor what she really wanted to do.
Don't live your life in misery. Follow your heart. Wherever you choose. Don't let other people except you, of what not your are, but to tell you, who you are. You are Who You Choose To Be It's not cringy. She tells a story of her life, and explain it. Some people explain things differently.
You made me think about my childhood. I loved visiting new places and I still do. It gives me happiness like nothing else. When I was young around 8 years old, I went to new city on my own without anyone's assistance. I picked aerospace engineering over journalism. now I'm 20 and I don't have as much guts as I did when I was 8. Now I let's other's views effect my decision.
This was transpiring to me. In soooooo many ways it was my own story. After being diagnosed with illness and disability, I had to rediscover who my authentic self was. I have LIVED my own version of Diana's story. I would love for her to speak to students at the university I'm associated with. Diana... please holla back. Would love to share and listen more. How inspirational you are!!!!! Thx!
Moving and very well said. Makes me think harder than I already am... On a side note, anyone else pickup on the intentional accident mastery demonstration towards the end.
Dianna David Thanks! Tends to be one of my strong points. I also can vouch for the mistakes comment...its a very difficult but necessary part of life. It can illicit many emotions but if you can learn from each of them then you'll be better suited to handle tomorrow. Also...thanks for the personal reply! Cheers!
I loved this talk! Thank you, Dianna, for sharing your heart, and your experiences with us. I have taken a long break from performing, musically, and just picked up my guitar, for the first time in years. When I was five years old, I loved singing and entertaining. I see it's time to look at the ways to make music a part of my narrative, again. Thank you for the encouragement!
Since i was a little girl i always wanted to be a model, and when i was 13 i finally made it! But by some reason i stoped, this video was really inspiring, thinking of going back to my dream! :)
Sol Laborde Your dream is always there for you to live it. As long as it feels good to you...you are the Subject of your Artistry. Falling in Love with myself over and over and over again has been the masterpiece of my life. I hope you see new beauty you've never seen before. Enjoy the reflection and appreciate the connection to your soul's essence!
I could relate and put myself into her shoes with everything she said. This was so inspiring and it makes you want to work harder for your dream and I wanna remember that.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
I worked in the Information Technology industry for over 30 years. I managed people traveled to other countries and made good money. One day I walked into work and said out of the blue "this is my last day." They pleaded for me to stay or at least give 2 weeks notice but I knew that morning I was driving to work that it was my last day. So now I have a small farm and raise some crops and lots of chickens. I wake up when I wake up and do the work I want. It took lots of years and balls to just one day say this isn't what makes me tick. I am not sure this farm is what it is either but I sure am happier.
Roger Leo I hope your chickens and crops are happy too, show them that you are the person who quit the job to give those animals a nice life.
My grandmother had a farm too, she loved every second of it, every morning she looked for eggs and her animals, she don't even needed a alarm ;), i was happy everytime i spend time at her farm, everything looked so peaceful, working with nature is beautiful. We need more people like u. Thanks for having the guts quiting your job and do the thing you like to do.
(I apologize for my english not my native language)
I wish I could do that, quit my current job that is.
How is the farming thing going? Do you have a gardening background or something?
Roger Leo This is a great lesson! "I am not sure this farm is what it (makes me tick) is either but I sure am happier." I've always had the fear of not doing what I originally was supposed to do and thus stayed where I am, unhappy. Doing something better is way better than staying where we are, even if we are not sure!
Roger Leo I'm so happy to read your story Roger :) Good luck!
Roger Leo That's laudable. But would you have been able to have bought the farm (literally, not figuratively) and quit if you hadn't put that time in? I'm assuming you had savings - some kind of financial means to get to where you are, even if modest. It's great to retire from work to do something you prefer, but for people starting out, who have nothing - or who have debts - it's not possible to just decide to leave a job and live off the land. That's homelessness.
This is amazing. She's doing 3 complicated performances together. Most people are worried about just telling their story properly on stage. She's juggling, dancing, telling a complex story, and it all works like the inside of a Swiss watch - precise and perfect.
She's so expressive and vulnerable that I can't help but trust her!
Hello @TheCarlEffect I thought to do a check up since your last comment, it's been 5 years now! I am currently working with Dianna and she has helped me a lot. Have you been able to make your dreams come true, following her advices and spirit? How do you feel? How is life?
My mother has pictures of me when I was 5, dressing up and performing skits that I wrote. I grew up wanting to be an actor and a writer. 3 years of college to get my theatre degree, I was plagued with the idea of conformity. All my friends were getting married having babies and working different kinds of 9 to 5 jobs. I began to feel very worthless and soon depression kicked in. I thought that this is what I need to do to be successful. This shows me that all I need to do is believe in myself and keep going no matter what anybody tells me. I graduate next semester and I plan on going to a professional voice over workshop. I don't plan on stopping.
Please do not ever stop! If you've watched some of my videos...You'll see there are ups and down.
facebook.com/photo.php?v=10154486062445293&l=570656936918680942
I spent the last 30 days seeing a dream so close...but the dream keeps being written.
keep writing your story my love!!! I'm sure you're amazing!
dd
Yes! Get it girl! I dream of being a professional voice actor and no one in my family takes me seriously.
NEVER STOP! Even my friends are laughin at me cause they think i can't get a art-job as concept-artist/illustrator, i practice/study drawing everyday 4-8 hours by myself (they don't even know, and ask me why i don't want to party everytime with them). I go trough this just to complete my dream. People who think you don't have a job and doing nothing expect your "Hobby", those people will never find theyr own passion. It's hard WORK for yourself cause you need to navigate, expirienced yourself and find yourself as a person, that's the hard work for a human to not let yourself down, never stop with you passion, in the future you will reach your goal. I apologize for my bad english, it's not my native language
IZanagi Iza: Yes! It is HARD work to stick to what you believe in. The rest of the world is the biggest distraction away from getting to Know YOU! I am proud of your determination to stick to what you love and what you believe in...It is the work-effort that you invest in yourself that will leave you with an elevated Self-Esteem that will result in the feelings you will call HAPPINESS at the end of the day. Some people 'work' in jobs that will NEVER give them that feeling of HAPPINESS...well...simply because they have never committed themselves to finding out what they truly want and desire....STICK TO IT!!!
Creating your own paradigm takes a lot of detaching from the societal matrix of expectations. It's an intricate web, but its your attitude in how you weave it....
I appreciate the dialogue going on here....
I totally get this! I picked up my guitar 6 years ago and listened to all those naysayers. It's too hard to learn, you will quit after a couple of weeks, you will never be a star! etc. I didn't listen to any of this bullshit. I took lessons and persevered my passion of music and guitar with a vengeance. I am in my very first rock n' roll band at the ripe young age of 50. I am living MY dream and having so much fun playing with others and learning along the way. Never say never. Never give up on your dream. I will be playing until I can't anymore. I just have to look at my guitar and feel the pure bliss that it gives me.
You don't have to be a star. You just have to be yourself. Gl
+licksnkicks
Thank you for your info ...there is still hope for me
+Zoch Buppet Don't give up! Go after your dreams. It's so worth it!
+MrSpongejoe My secret weapon is my passion! It keeps me motivated and loving every minute that I play! I am, I would obsessed!
When it comes to guitar, there sadly is ALOT of naysayers and haters, that is so sad, music is so beautiful, specially guitar music, so yeah, keep at it! Screw those musical killers! Thank you for not quiting!
This brought tears to my eyes as I'm at the same phase of my life - feeling like I need to find and follow my dreams but terrified of doing so. Thank you Dianna for inspiring me so beautifully. I will never forget this story.
So... she was a talented child with supportive parents, mental stability, a good education, a respectable job and great attention to detail. That's *all you need* to start following your dreams.
So simple...
We all have different circumstances. Just because it may look like someone has it easier than someone else, they may not. We don't know all the struggles that others have to face because sometimes they're hidden.
You already understand everyone has different circumstances. It shouldn't be difficult to recognise that her circumstances are privileged ones.
+Imogen n Okay, yes she is privileged, but I feel like your are discrediting her work because she had better circumstances.
justice2016 No, it's wonderful she can work doing what she's passionate about, and she's good at it.
I dislike how she overlooks her own privileges and insists that dreams are solely what brought her success. In reality success is largely dependent on circumstances & social status.
My co-worker and I had a running bet. We both hated our jobs and each put up $500 to the first one to quit.
I still text him every now and then and ask how the old job is treating him, same as always he would reply.
I think every year that you don't follow your passion, the thicker the career skin grows. Every year this skin grows thicker and thicker, encapsulating all your hopes, dreams and ambitions. Until one year, you just give in. You accept your position in the world and throw in the towel, you are an (_____) and that is what you will be until you retire. "Well, at least I'll have my retirement years, that will be fun."
I hate to tell people to quit their job to follow their passions, but quit your jobs and follow your passions! The more people who do, the more people will get the needed encouragement to do the same. It's not about luck, it's about breaking through the fear. I have fear everyday, I don't know if my new business venture will work out, but at least I'm going to give it a shot. I'd be more disappointed if I didn't try at all vs failing.
I listened to an audiobook "30 Lessons for Living" a few weeks before I quit. You need to read it. This guy interviewed 100s of elderly people and asked them what they would do differently. One of the questions was about a career change. "Spending 2000 hours a year at a job you hate is a waste of life," is how one of them replied. The consensus of most was to just find something else, anything else. Don't live in misery.
Jason Ray AMEN Jason....We are kept in our FEAR that success looks only 1 way. We are the definition of our own success...Do you feel successful? Is success a milestone or is a forever attitude that we must remind ourselves every day. Life is about LIVING it...not waiting until you retire to be old enough to hopefully remember what you did.....Don't Wait any Longer to BE YOU!
Jason Ray yuppp
Everything cool, but first follow your passion and then quit your job! Money doesn't grow on trees... Just a broke ass student point of view. Lol, good luck!
ZosiaSamosiaOo That is why you are still where you are
Jason Ray thanks, now im in dilemma of failing my new biz and quitting my current job. hope your recommendation help me :). i work in japan largest cg company but i feel not happy at all. hope this turn what i wanted to.
I do poetry. Everyone hates my poems but I post them everywhere everyday.
+Chris Girard Lol where
This is a great poem.
Chris Girard
Keep posting them, or whatever you decide. Get offline too. Back to the basics. Real life, real people.
Lots of paid Trolls on the internet. They hate themselves not your poems. Offline, you're in control. "World"
Wait, you can get paid to be a troll? You sir have just given me my life's calling!
Woah! She looks like an awesome person to hang out with!
Great personality
Great performer and an amazing talent!
One of a kind! ☺😉😉😉😉
This was absolutely stunning AND inspirational. Also loved how genuine she sounded and how fluent her movements were.
fuck.... i didnt want her to stop... loved every second of her talking... really really inspiring
Bravo!! Have been thinking changing my career, but at age of 35, with a steady income, these thoughts seem to be unrealistic and naive... Until I saw this video. Really inspiring! If she could quit a job in medical industry and enter a clown school, even did street performance for 2 years, my dream is not ridiculous at all!
"I used to think to chase my dream is selfish. But I realized, when you pursue your happiness, you inspire other people to do the same" well said!
How do you feel now ?
I'm 33 and feel like how you did at age 35.
Im a mechanical engineer too and i hate my job. Since i was a kid i always saw myself being in a band. Thank you very much for this inspiring talk. I may still be working as an engineer but this makes me want to strive to someday live my dream. As of this moment I am in a metal band and we are doing well locally but i do it in my spare time. Thank you very much
I could only smile and cry. Thank you Dianna. This is very profound.
miss your magic hands Archie...next time....on my back!!
Dianna David, after watching your TEDx talk, you have truly changed my life. After so many years doing what everyone else wanted or expected of me (also as a son of immigrant parents with high expectations), to finally follow my dreams and passion of becoming a graphic designer and writer. Thank you.
So nice to find someone who is truly celebrating being herself, being who she loves, thank you for performing your story
"Mistakes are magical ~ and just roll with it." Damn, that's beautiful.
I'm an artist and my parents (just like every other spazzed out person) would spout things like, "Art will never give you money." or, "No, be a doctor... at least that will support your family." In the end, all of that changes when you dream. Keep dreaming... because in your dreams, it reaches to the impossible without the impossible.
Experienced the same. Sadly 'art' has a poor image financially.
I am a Gamer. I do nothing :D expect playing Video games
+warlod cw Can we make money playing video games?
powerful Dianna, what a joy to watch. Bravo!
One of the best Ted Talks I have seen!!! I LOVE her message and individuality!
I really needed this. Thank you dian you are an inspiration. I decided to transfer schools after 2 years of being alone and unhappy there and people are telling me to stay. I currently am a student at montclair state university. it's one of the top schools in the country and I'm leaving to go closer to home to Philadelphia University. My major is fashion design with a contraction in entrepreneurship and international business. I want to have my own fashion company for celebrating real diverse beauty and a couple boutiques. I don't care how crazy it seems to leave to a top school for a degree in something risky. I am designer and an artist. Watching this helped me know I'm right and everyone else is wrong.
Nya Bobien You Can do it!
i want to also leave nursing school to follow my passion for fashion
After you leave any institute...it's about the Institutions and Intentions you constitute in the Character and Consistency you contribute to the world thereafter. Plus, if you go about it with utmost respect, appreciation, joy and inspired building, you'll be getting to wherever you have to go with your BEST SELF...not some victim preaching, in debt, ego bragging, ivy league elbow rubbing individual entitle for the position they hold because of the $$ they put in front of the work and character it takes to build that value within....My LIFE IS MY SCHOOL and I AM THE BEST STUDENT IN IT! So ARE YOU!!!!
I had the pleasure of meeting Diana recently, she is the real deal! So talented and passionate and lovely. She is a Change Maker and thank you Dianna for this beautiful talk.
I thought this was one of the better inspirational speeches of TEDx and she was entertaining, so why are there so many negative comments? The negative folks should learn from her because she kept positive throughout her journey and was finally able to make it.
I know this sounds weird, but its nice to hear from an Asian in entertainment. You don't get to hear enough advice from others in the same field that understand the monumental cultural expectations that go behind living to the moment your parents approve of your life.
Ice Dragon Thank you Ice Dragon. It's true...our nationality has been seen as the typical Engineers, Doctors and Scientist who fail to be recognized for speaking from the heart. But when we let the Clown inside of us free...we're in fact Frickin' Multi-Talented, Caring, Reliable, Innovative, Loveable, Creative and so much FUN to Be with.....OH YOU WAIT....This is just the beginning of all those Left Brained 'Asian' who are freeing themselves to the RIGHT side to deliver F.U.N = Freedom Unleashed NOW - in this world...........We're coming....
Dianna David I am from Europe, I have studied Computer Science and Engineering and I write poetry too.
So cool to see you expand both sides of your brain...Logic + Creativity is a Great Package!!!
Care to share some Poetry?
Dianna David Here it is one of my work
www.occupypoetry.net/i_broke
thank you for sharing
Wow! So Inspiring. Unique & different from others. Thank you for your sharing👏👏👏
First 3 minutes in, and this made me weirdly emotional. I love the message she’s spreading. Cheers to all the dreamers and go getters out there!
Thank you so much Dianna for sharing your story with the world. You are truly talented and so inspirational!
This made me cry. Thank you Dianna!
I found myself having the ball in Canada that would be surrounded by the English environment which I love as a Japanese English learner. Be myself and have a persistence what I wanna do would be the key to be happier this is what I learned from her.
Dianna! Your as inspiring as always! Thank you for touching my soul and impacting my life direction. Your one of the few who started me on my own journey towards exceptional. Seeing & hearing your story always gives me the snap to keep on snapping. Your amazing so keep on being amazing!
What an amazing woman.
wow i am so moved by this Dianna David! Thank you for sharing yourself so generously. this reminded me of a young person who has inspired me over these past few months i have known them
Diana David is one of the BEST motivational speaker I've seen so far. Not only inspiring but also entertaining. It helps that she's nice looking too.
This is wonderful. I am graduating from law school and have decided that I am not going to pursue a legal career. My next step? Figuring out exactly WHAT my dreams are haha. Time to talk to my 5 year old self!
Rusha hi, mind sharing how's your life now? i am currently on the same stage as you 2 years ago, just graduated, provided with 2 choices, doing the life what makes my parent proud or just do what ive been desperately wanted to do since elementary.
Good for you for realizing this early! I’ve been an attorney for 14 years, and while I’m grateful for my education, skills and experience, I know my career limits my self expression and freedom. Be bold and brave and listen to that inner voice before “should-haves” consume you.
Im a lawyer.. and yes i hope that someday i could just quit my job and open my own hobby-shop selling die-cast. FML
I just graduated law school and am having similar thoughts. Could just be bar prep stress, but I feel painfully unfulfilled.
Thank you this is one of my Favorite videos I ever seen. I just bought a Piano After watched this video, and Start my dreams. I noticed I have ears to make covers and create notes. Thank you because people like you makes the world better.
Love her sense of playfulness! Amazing and inspiring! You kick ass girl!
You are definitely one of the most UNIQUE and entertaining TEDx participants....love your vibrant 'JUST YOURS" Style...Thank you Dianna David :)
How shockingly prophetic. I studied mechanical engineering! (And I would rather be a martial arts instructor) I also failed in my mechanical engineering career in Texas. And I have Oriental parents!
No Asian American ever calls his/ her parents Oriental.
danpt2000 I do not subscribe to that politically correct lingual convention that people are "Asian" and things are "Oriental". Eastern Russians and Indians (from India) are geographically Asian, but they are not genetically Oriental. Referring to the ethnicity as "Oriental" is far more descriptive and accurate.
perfectsplit I think my sons would like to see this:)
***** Thats the White peoples definition. Asians do not refer to their parents as Oriental.
perfectsplit You subscribe to the White people's definition of Easterners. Never have I heard a White person regard themselves as Yang Gui, aka "Pale Ghost" which is how Chinese used to Call people of Europeeeon Decent.
17:32 You totally fooled us into believing that was a mistake.
This was so engaging, was totally engrossed in this fully.
Nobody is born a mistake, we make mistakes, but we're never born one! Congratulations on following your dreams!
I love your message Diana. Your message to follow your dreams is told with originality and spontaneity...I'm in the process of "finding my red ball"
It made me cry when I realized I'm the dream of my parents' come true too. It was very inspiring!
Dianna you are beautiful impressive amazing graceful courageous soul. Very inspiring. Thank you, bless you. All your dreams come true.
It's like she's doing one of those "Draw My Life" things but in action, not drawings.
Hello @Tiny_Cricket I thought to do a check up since your last comment, it's been 4 years now. I am currently working with Dianna and she has helped me a lot. Have you been able to make your dreams come true? How do you feel? How is your life?
The most truthful discoveries actually happen at age 5, also for me. I was fascinated by the music teacher in kindergarten(age 5, before primary school). I clearly remember how she played the piano and I wanted to play it too, I wanted to create sound - music just by doing such a simple, but hard movement by touching the keys of the piano. After 3 years I joined the music school, after 4 years of playing the piano I realised that guitar is much more interesting and portable. Now I'm still learning the guitar and enjoying every moment of discovering the world of music.
This girl is SO cool! Authenticity goes a long way. Ty
I have never before been so moved by a TedTalk. My 5- year young self is going to a piano just about now. Thank you, Dianna David for your resonance and wisdom. It got to me in that suspended moment kind of way!
I don't normally comment, but DAMN this was inspiring. She's so energetic and self actualized, it's really moving!!
Diana, your talk is so great! You deliver a message of happiness and hope. It's a joy for me to hear you speaking and to see you moving as you do. I wish you stay forever young.
I'm know fighting to fully live my dreams, and you message fill me with courage. Thanks you
I am stuck at my job as a real estate agents for 5 years now.. Started to hate it on my 4th year.. Money pays when it does but i no longer have a passion for it.. I did it for the money (big mistake).. So i put it aside (not quit) n started uploading game trailer on youtube.. Happiest i been in a long time. I took jim carrey speech bout doing we love for a chance and never regret it.. Though im not earning enough yet to quit my job i hoped one day i can.. Life's too short to be cartering other people.. Time to carter myself for a change
+YouNicIce thanks to you I discovered the jim carrey speech and I needed it so much now. Thank you!
Rouroud ayari hope you find whatever it is you're looking for..
***** merci :)
How are you doing now - 3 years later?
Really inspiring, I laughed & cried. Great that you are helping young people. As someone who changed career after 30 yrs pen pushing behind a desk to work as support worker & train to be a cousellor. I now love working with real people in the voluntary-charity sector. Wish you every success in yr life. Thank youx
I loved it! I know this message oh so very well. It does take courage, commitment and authenticity for one to not be ashamed of WHO THEY ARE! Thanks for the powerful message!
She is absolutely amazing! This is one of the most inspiring videos I have ever seen. What an artist she is! Chapeau, Ms David.
so proud of you my lovely mystic daughter
omgggg.. what an inspiration and amazing woman!!!!!
This was wonderful! Truly the performing arts aspect to this talk I felt really added such a wonderful dynamic to the story Dianna was telling and I felt like it truly did it justice, I know that was the point but this is one of the best ways I've seen it done in a long time. It came across to me, that she seemed to take just a pinch of salt with the performing so that it beautifully illustrated the point and the crossroads she felt during her life - that it (her mimicry) didn't take itself too seriously and so come across as trite or cliched.
Thank you, I really enjoyed watching this and a great message therein!
by the time this was finished I cannot tell you how much I love this woman. God bless her.
The 21st-century Charlie Chaplin
I know! Right? She's pretty too =)
for me, its an orange ball. I was in tears at the end of your speech, thank you.
Dianna David--you are a beautiful soul
When you're raised to be perfect, the mistakes are difficult. I'm going through something similar but I'm hoping to stick on
That was awesome. I plan on following my dreams and become a hollywood voice actor. And taking her advice. That speech was very encouraging!!
Hey! May I ask for an update of how you’ve been doing?
I have a friend who struggled with her parents because she wanted to be a doctor and they wanted her to be an artist! First ever! Great video!
Loved it! Congratulations on following your heart! So happy for you! I just realized a passion of mine as well. I graduated from Massage therapy school at 52!!! You are never too old to learn something new :-))
Love it
This is the best Ted talk I've ever seen!
This is inspiring for me because I also have a dream that my dad doesn't approve of.
what dream do you approve of? who's choice is it any ways?
same :(
Dianna David In the video you mentioned you received a grant and I am interested as to how you acquired it.
She looked up the types of Grants that can be applied for in her area. I think she said Vancouver and she applied. I'm sure she double checked if she qualified and figured out for which ones. But just google it for your area and see if you qualify for anything. From what I have seen grants tend to work with businesses better than individuals but I think it's possible to create a business around a single individual. Hope that helps at least a bit Mr. Lawrence.
tiana watts Thank you Ms. Watts. You seem electric.
In 2015, I quit my job as an Higher Education Administration Assistant. I've since then , started a Holistic Health & Beauty blog, went back to school to study nutrition and I am a Reiki practitioner. I'm still not where I ultimately want to be, but the journey is sweet and I'm happier !
"i grew up in a tradition filipino family" MY LIFE RIGHT THERE
you are amazing! thank you for sharing with all of us and most of all for being true to yourself!!!!
For the last couple of years now i've wanted to create music, but I've been discouraging myself and slacking on it. After I watched this, I asked my mom what I wanted to be when I was 5. She told me that ever since I was little that I told her that wanted to become a singer. I remember singing ALL the time when I was young but never telling my parents that I wanted to sing. Now thinking about it, I guess this is my destiny so I have to work for it.
+Julian Costa Or just sing part time...
I feel the same thing! Keep going man
That's really true in Filipino Culture. Life is hard here in the PH and the government adds injury because its really corrupt here. For me, parents pass on this ideal way of thinking about your future (High Grades = Successful Carrer = Rich and can Provide future Family) which is FALSE.
My Dad discouraged me to take Fine Arts and take Architecture (but I know that I'm really BAD at Math and Analytical stuff)
but I really made him realize that this is my happiness, now I have to prove him Art will get you everywhere (with the right people, mindset and choices also a LOT OF PRACTICE)
I needed this so much! Thanks! AND YES I'VE GOT THE BALLS BABY!
Crying while listening and working on my "red ball". This hit really close to home, wow. Thank you. I´m also an engineer, with an itch, and I have always thought I was selfish for pursuing it instead of just working with my degree. I will be sharing your video far and wide for others. You are amazing.
It such a dichotomy as to how in essence we insult anybody who has a 9-5 job. "I hated the job , is this all Im going to do with my life", they say. As a motivational speaker there must be a better way than to put down way more than half of the world. I am "following my dreams" so to speak, so I don't have a conventional job, but try to stay away from such forms of contempt to that type of work.
+Jason Rouleau I agree. I always dreamt of being in an office from 9-5 and I managed to do so!
+Jason Rouleau the point is she was talking from her own experience. She never talked down on the option saying it wasnt cool, she just said it wasnt for her nor what she really wanted to do.
Who thumbs down this amazing video?! Her amazing and uplifting story?!
She is so beautiful!!.. and she looks really pretty as well
That...was...wonderful. Keep doing your thing, Dianna. You're amazing.
Don't live your life in misery.
Follow your heart. Wherever you choose. Don't let other people except you, of what not your are, but to tell you, who you are. You are Who You Choose To Be
It's not cringy. She tells a story of her life, and explain it.
Some people explain things differently.
I am enthralled by her art of story telling. The year is 2022 and you have inspired me.
she is unique and her performance is amaze me
You made me think about my childhood. I loved visiting new places and I still do. It gives me happiness like nothing else. When I was young around 8 years old, I went to new city on my own without anyone's assistance. I picked aerospace engineering over journalism. now I'm 20 and I don't have as much guts as I did when I was 8. Now I let's other's views effect my decision.
do something about it... don't be he fake horse
my red ball is music(guitar),Yoga learning...thank you Dianna you are not only Ball juggler but also good dancer and very beautiful...
Loved her confidence, her energy & her story. Well done Dianna.
she's so inspiring. love her energy!
Diana I really loved your play called take a closer look. You are extremely talented.
This video came at the right moment for me. It was a great speech and it made me tear up ^^' Thanks !
She is a lively and animated performer! I love the way she integrated the red ball into her speech! Well Done!
She is cute and smart, combined with passion, its a powerful tool!
This was transpiring to me. In soooooo many ways it was my own story. After being diagnosed with illness and disability, I had to rediscover who my authentic self was. I have LIVED my own version of Diana's story. I would love for her to speak to students at the university I'm associated with. Diana... please holla back. Would love to share and listen more. How inspirational you are!!!!! Thx!
Moving and very well said. Makes me think harder than I already am...
On a side note, anyone else pickup on the intentional accident mastery demonstration towards the end.
great eye!
you are a thinker...I can see. Making mistakes is not easy...it can actually make you cry. I know first hand.
Dianna David Thanks! Tends to be one of my strong points. I also can vouch for the mistakes comment...its a very difficult but necessary part of life. It can illicit many emotions but if you can learn from each of them then you'll be better suited to handle tomorrow. Also...thanks for the personal reply! Cheers!
I loved this talk! Thank you, Dianna, for sharing your heart, and your experiences with us. I have taken a long break from performing, musically, and just picked up my guitar, for the first time in years. When I was five years old, I loved singing and entertaining. I see it's time to look at the ways to make music a part of my narrative, again. Thank you for the encouragement!
Let's see you haters roll a ball with such skill and precision. Thank you for contributing your soul's intent. What a romantic story.
it gives me goosebumps thinking about how well she has to know that trick at the end behind the back to not mess it up the second time!
Passion...
Since i was a little girl i always wanted to be a model, and when i was 13 i finally made it! But by some reason i stoped, this video was really inspiring, thinking of going back to my dream! :)
Sol Laborde Your dream is always there for you to live it. As long as it feels good to you...you are the Subject of your Artistry. Falling in Love with myself over and over and over again has been the masterpiece of my life. I hope you see new beauty you've never seen before. Enjoy the reflection and appreciate the connection to your soul's essence!
I could relate and put myself into her shoes with everything she said. This was so inspiring and it makes you want to work harder for your dream and I wanna remember that.
Fantastic... Inspirational... Brilliant...
I cried as I was moved. Im proud to be Filipino just as you shout your roots to the world. Thank you for inspiring us.
I love unique ways of storytelling like this!!! Awesome message :)
I respect her so much for having the guts to be her pure, unadulterated self.