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8 talks to inspire TED Prize wishes

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TED Prize award - still-life. Photo: Dian Lofton/TED

The TED Prize trophy visualizes how winner’s wishes ripple out into the world. Designed by Tom Shannon (hear more about it in this TED Talk), it’s gravity-defying design is a symbol of the boldness of these wishes. Photo: Dian Lofton/TED

TED Prize winners turn ideas into world-changing projects, with $1 million in seed money and the TED community’s support. Beyond having a solid track record of making high-impact change in their communities and beyond, all prize winners must be capable of one thing: dreaming big.

Does this sound like you or someone you know?

This morning, we’re sharing eight motivating talks to stir your soul, pull your heartstrings, and move you to take courageous action. Why? Because nominates for the 2016 TED Prize are open through March 31, 2015. Whether you’re compelled by Brené Brown to be “powerfully vulnerable” and nominate yourself, or if you follow Barry Schwartz’s advice and surface another person’s “practical wisdom” by nominating a mentor or co-worker, it’s time to take a step toward a transformative wish for the world.

Elizabeth Gilbert: Your elusive creative genius Elizabeth Gilbert: Your elusive creative genius Elizabeth Gilbert: Your elusive creative genius
Elizabeth Gilbert’s talk from TED2009 inspires you to tap into your inherent creative genius. This, naturally, begs the question: is there the seed of a TED Prize wish in the work you already feel passionate about?
David Kelley: How to build your creative confidence David Kelley: How to build your creative confidence David Kelley: How to build your creative confidence
In spite of the messages we may receive, creativity is accessible to all of us. Turn to David Kelley’s advice from TED2012 to build creative confidence if you encounter any blocks as you develop a possible TED Prize wish.
Derek Sivers: How to start a movement Derek Sivers: How to start a movement Derek Sivers: How to start a movement
In this talk from TED2010, Derek Sivers uses humor to illustrate how movements begin — and the necessity of collaboration. Reminding us of the power of a movement’s courageous “first follower,” he speaks to the humility and team-building skills a TED Prize winner needs to make an impact.
Brené Brown: The power of vulnerability Brené Brown: The power of vulnerability Brene Brown: The power of vulnerability
A scholar of love, empathy and compassion, Brené Brown found that her research led her to a profound knowledge about the power of vulnerability. If you’re apprehensive about putting yourself out there and applying, watch Brown’s talk for some refreshing perspective.
Barry Schwartz: Our loss of wisdom Barry Schwartz: Our loss of wisdom Barry Schwartz: Our loss of wisdom
In a passionate argument about the limitations of bureaucracy and impractical rules, Barry Schwartz advises us to “appeal to virtue” as we work to improve the world. Schwartz’s talk from TED2009  speaks to what makes a good TED Prize winner — audacity, resilience and the ability to improvise based on practical knowledge.
Seth Godin: How to get your ideas to spread Seth Godin: How to get your ideas to spread Seth Godin: How to get your ideas to spread
In his TED2003 talk, Seth Godin explains why some of the ideas we might write off as odd or awful have more value than we give them credit for — because they just might stick with people. Watch this talk as you shape your TED Prize wish.
Simon Sinek: How great leaders inspire action Simon Sinek: How great leaders inspire action Simon Sinek: How great leaders inspire action
Simon Simek illustrates how true leaders inspire action in this talk from TEDxPugetSound. What helps the world’s greatest leaders stand out? Working, thinking and speaking from “the inside out.” Consider this lesson as you imagine  nominating yourself for the TED Prize. Ask yourself the question at the center of his talk: “Why?”
Adora Svitak: What adults can learn from kids Adora Svitak: What adults can learn from kids Adora Svitak: What adults can learn from kids
Adora Svitak, then 12, gives a provocative talk that suggests adults should adopt “childish” thinking to improve the world. Defining “childish” thinking as imaginative, hopeful and courageous, Svitak calls for adults to respect the power of young people’s ideas. So maybe ask yourself: What’s the wish for the world that your 10-year-old self would make?

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Note: This post originally ran in June of 2013. It was updated on March 5, 2015, with nominations for the 2016 TED Prize opened.