What we’re about
Tired of small talk and craving conversations that actually matter?
The Bethesda TED Talk Discussion Group is a welcoming community for curious minds who want to grow, learn, and connect. Each session, we watch a short TED Talk on personal growth, learning, or big ideas about how we live and work. Then, we dive into thoughtful conversation, sharing perspectives, asking meaningful questions, and exploring how these ideas can shape our lives.
Our mission is to create a sense of community where ideas spark connection, and conversations leave you feeling inspired and fulfilled.
If you’re looking for a place to meet thoughtful people and stretch your mind, join us. Let’s explore personal growth, one conversation at a time.
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To ensure a positive experience for all participants, we have three ground rules for TED talk discussion events:
- Step up and step back: If you've been talking a lot, step back and listen; if you've been quiet, step up and share your perspective or ask questions.
- Listen to understand, not to respond.
- Show respect for others and embrace diverse viewpoints.
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If you have a ted-talk video in mind that you’d like to discuss or host, feel free to message me. Here is a great Ted Talk list to choose from:
https://www.youtube.com/@TED/videos
If you are want some great book recommendations, check out my Weekly Newsletter: https://paradigmshiftwilliam.substack.com/
Notes: This discussion club will always be free and will never accept any fundraising, sponsorship, or advertising.
Upcoming events
2
Be Your Future Self Now by Ben Hardy
Panera Bread, 7201 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD, USNew Location: We will meet at Panera Bread (Bethesda) (7201 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814)
Why most people struggle when it comes to losing weight or getting rid of bad habits? Is there a chance to get unstuck from unnecessary fallbacks and permanently change our bad habits? In this TEDxTalk, Benjamin shares the secret on how making a radical change is not only possible but required to live a life of integrity, meaning, and purpose.
Please watch this 17-min video before joining the discussion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vj-91dMvQQoIf more than 7 people join the discussion, we will break out into smaller groups. (max 7 people per group)
------------------------------------- Lasting change comes from shifting our identity, not relying on short-term goals or willpower. How can we start aligning our daily actions with the identity we want to grow into rather than the one we currently hold?
- Our input—what we listen to, read, and consume—directly rewires our beliefs and behaviors. What changes in input could we experiment with to better shape the outlook we want to live from?
- Bold investments in our future self help anchor us to a new identity. What is one meaningful way we could invest in our future self this month to reinforce who we want to become?
- Transformational change often comes from “point of no return” commitments that make going back impossible. What could we do to create our own point of no return in an area where we’ve been stuck?
- 100% commitment eliminates decision fatigue because the choice is already made. Where in our lives would it be powerful to stop hovering at 98% and make a full 100% commitment?
- A vivid, long-term vision of our future self helps us act in alignment today. How can we create a clearer picture of our best future self so that it guides our present decisions?
- Confidence is built after we take action, not before. What bold step could we take this week that might generate the confidence we’ve been waiting for?
- Cutting off old options frees mental energy for pursuing the life we want. Which options or habits could we decisively remove so that our energy is fully aligned with our chosen direction?
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To provide an enjoyable experience for fellow participants, here are three ground rules during discussion events:
- Step up and step back. (If you feel that you’ve been talking too much, step back to listen more. If you feel that you’ve been relatively quiet, step up to share your perspective or ask a question)
- Listen to understand, not to respond.
- Be open-minded and value differences.
- Max 7 people per group.
30 attendees
Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator
Panera Bread, 7201 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, MD, USLocation: We will meet at Panera Bread (Bethesda) (7201 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814)
Tim Urban knows that procrastination doesn't make sense, but he's never been able to shake his habit of waiting until the last minute to get things done. In this hilarious and insightful talk, Urban takes us on a journey through YouTube binges, Wikipedia rabbit holes and bouts of staring out the window -- and encourages us to think harder about what we're really procrastinating on, before we run out of time.
Please watch this 14-min video before joining the discussion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arj7oStGLkUIf more than 7 people join the discussion, we will break out into smaller groups. (max 7 people per group)
------------------------------------- Our brains juggle a Rational Decision-Maker and an Instant Gratification Monkey, who often wins in the short term. How can we structure our daily routines so the Rational Decision-Maker has more opportunities to take the wheel?
- The Dark Playground feels like leisure, but it’s weighed down by guilt and dread. What strategies can we use to transform unearned leisure into satisfying, restorative downtime?
- The Panic Monster wakes up only when deadlines or consequences loom, jolting us into action.How can we intentionally create external triggers or accountability systems to summon our own Panic Monsters earlier?
- Deadline-based procrastination eventually forces productivity, but often through unhealthy last-minute sprints. What steps can we take to replace frantic bursts of work with steadier, healthier progress?
- Without deadlines, important life projects can remain untouched forever. How can we introduce self-imposed structures to keep momentum on long-term goals?
- Many people feel regret not from failure, but from never starting meaningful pursuits. How can we reduce the gap between our intentions and our first small steps of action?
- Everyone procrastinates in some form, especially with non-deadline areas of life. How can we build group practices that help us collectively notice and counteract subtle forms of procrastination?
- A “Life Calendar” reminds us that our time is finite and shrinking. How can we regularly remind ourselves of life’s limited time in a way that inspires urgency without creating paralyzing pressure?
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To provide an enjoyable experience for fellow participants, here are three ground rules during discussion events:
- Step up and step back. (If you feel that you’ve been talking too much, step back to listen more. If you feel that you’ve been relatively quiet, step up to share your perspective or ask a question)
- Listen to understand, not to respond.
- Be open-minded and value differences.
- Max 7 people per group.
14 attendees
Past events
73
