05 Dec How to Get Invited to Speak at TEDx (and get 40,147 views in 5 days)
“I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.”
– Thomas Jefferson
I have the quote above engraved on a silver cup that my parents gave me for Christmas ten years ago. It’s been on my desk ever since.
Last month you all made a dream of mine come true.
I was invited to stand on the TEDx stage in San Francisco and give a talk on our core message and purpose at Live Your Legend: How to Find & Do Work You Love.
Five days ago that video was published on YouTube.
As of this morning it had 40,147 views, 447 comments, 1,010 likes, and 15 dislikes. 😉 [Update – August 2014: nearly 1,700,000 views!]
One of the members of the TEDx community wrote to me yesterday and said our talk was the #1 trending TEDx talk on YouTube.
On top of that, 1,801 people joined our community here – Welcome to the adventure!
I am still pinching myself as I write this…
So I thought it’d be a worthwhile exercise (both for me and for all of you) to recap exactly how this dream came true and maybe sort out what was blind luck and what might have been luck that was a little more in our control – because with any dream becoming reality, there’s a lot of both.
Because more often than not, when things like this happen to people, the world tends to like to dismiss it as, “Oh, he just got lucky,” or, “Of course they got to speak and their talk got a ton of traction. Look at the size of his following!” and on and on.
But we must be very careful not to confuse the type of luck we can control with the type that’s plain dumb…
How to Get Invited to Speak at TEDx (and get over 40,000 views in 5 days):
Here is the order of how things happened…
3 years ago: I discovered the TED organization and quickly fell in love. I proceeded to watch nearly a TED talk a day on my iPad on the bus ride to work.
I also wrote down a 10-year/lifetime goal and dream: To give a TED talk.
2 years ago: I started to investigate how I might attend or even speak at an event one day.
1.5 years ago: My friend Rob sent me an email with a link to the application to become a member of the TEDx San Francisco group. I immediately applied.
A week later: I attended a Founder’s Circle dinner put on by a good friend of mine. Across from me at the table was a woman by the name of Taylor.
We enjoyed our chat, so a week later we set up a tea date at Samovar. During our discussion I learned her obsession with getting like-minded passionate people together. In fact, tonight I’m going to one of her LoveSpring dinner parties where Tim Ferriss will be cooking for us and teaching us about The 4-Hour Chef . These ladies know how to provide an experience!.
I also learned that she and her friend Christine were the founders of TEDxSanFrancisco. I had to smile at the coincidence.
She told me about their two upcoming events on Rethinking Higher Education and How to Start a Revolution. I immediately bought two tickets for each.
After attending the events, I was so inspired that I wrote blog posts on each. Our community at Live Your Legend absolutely had to hear about this stuff. The articles were: The Birth of Self-Guided Education and How to Lead a Revolution.
1 year ago: I put on my list to “mention to the Live Your Legend community that I want to speak at a TED-related event to see if any of our Living Legends (That’s you!) might be able to help out.” A few months later I decided this wasn’t the best year to try for that, so I never ended up writing about it.
Then the dots started to connect…
11 months ago: I was asked to speak at Taylor and Christine’s LoveSpring dinner party (the same one Tim’s speaking at tonight). I was honored and terrified. I also saw it as my first best chance to show some passionate folks how much I cared about our message here.
10 months ago: I practiced for 7.5 hrs straight and then ‘naturally’ gave my talk at LoveSpring on How to Make the Impossible Your New Normal. 😉 It went pretty well, and I met some fun new friends, including Kunal, a top-ranked coach and health professional who happened to be cooking the delicious vegetarian Indian meal that night. He also turned out to be one of the TEDxSF curators.
5 months ago: I entered a contest to be chosen to speak at the World Domination Summit in Portland on How to Connect with Anyone and Do Work You Love. I was chosen and gave my most proud talk to date.
4 months ago: I hosted our first ever Live Your Legend LIVE event at Samovar Tea Lounge, where I spoke on Doing Work that Mattered, and got the chance to spend the evening with over one hundred of you. As a result, we created a private Facebook Group for everyone to continue the conversation and stay accountable.
3 months ago: I spoke at a UC Davis MBA Value Investing class about The Passionate Work Framework and how to do work that embodied who you are.
Some things happen by chance. Others happened because you decided to take the chance.
2.5 months ago: One of the members of our Facebook group, Stephen Yeh, posted a comment asking if anyone was going to the San Francisco TEDx event on The Pursuit of Passion. My first thought was,”How in the hell did I not know about this in my own town?!” And my second thought was, “Damn, I would have loved to speak at this.” I would be lying if I told you I wasn’t a bit disappointed at missing what surely seemed like my best shot at speaking at one of these things.
That same day: I wrote my friends at TEDxSF and asked if they were putting on the event. They said no, but that they knew who was and would be happy to introduce me. Kunal (whom I met when I spoke at LoveSpring in February – and was the mastermind behind the TEDxSF UCSF Global Health event I attended last month) kindly gave me an email introduction to Darius John Mirshahzadeh (sounds official I know!). Kunal also recommended me as a speaker, despite having their lineup picked like six or nine months prior.
That same week: Professors Rush and Taylor at the UC Davis MBA program happened to email Darius as well, after seeing his TEDx event online, and suggested me as a speaker. They included a link to my 1-hour talk to their MBA class on The Passionate Work Framework – thankfully they had it on video!
The next week: Darius responded with a warm message saying how great it was to meet me and that he was watching my Davis talk as he wrote. He said he wish we would have met earlier as he would have wanted me to speak at his event – and that he’d still love for me to attend as a spectator.
Another twinge of disappointment hit me. Then I went and bought my ticket.
2 months ago: I get an email from Darius and his partner Summer letting me know that one of the speakers had to cancel and that while they already had an alternate, they’d like me to be their second alternate just in case there was another cancelation. I saw the odds as about 1% that there would be another cancelation within three weeks of the event.
After a lot of thought, I had planned to say, “Thanks, but no thanks,” because we were launching How to Connect With Anyone two days before the TEDx event, and I know how crazy launches can go. Preparing to give a TEDx talk when there was a 90% chance I wouldn’t actually be needed was not a proposition I was up for – especially given our launch timing. They said I might not even know until the day before! I didn’t think my body could take that.
A week later: Summer called me to say another speaker had to cancel and that they were 95% sure they’d need me, if I’d be willing to do it on such short notice. I started to get nervous.
The Wednesday before the event: I get a call that they absolutely need me if I’m up for it. The event is in 6 days. I say yes.
The Perfect Storm Begins.
And I proceed to panic.
Then I got my sh*t together and realized that if I could absolutely nail this message and this talk, we could legitimatly have a shot at changing the world in a way I’ve always dreamed.
I saw this as the most 80/20 opportunity of my year, if not my life. A few painful days of continuous whiteboard sessions and prep could result in literally years of impact.
The whiteboard session to go from 60 minutes to 18. I started to hate this timer!
Five days before: I get a 2-hour speaking training from Summer, which turned out to be incredibly helpful. First formal speaking coaching I’ve had, other than Toastmasters and totally dissecting the book Resonate by Nancy Duarte (thanks for that one Corbett!).
For the next 3 days: I studied and watched my top ten most inspiring TED talks on repeat, including Simon Sinek, Jonathan Fields, Tony Robbins, Brené Brown, Jamie Oliver, Steve Jobs and Elizabeth Gilbert. I also studied the most viewed talks on TED, many of which were given by these people.
2 days before: I bought a badass speaking shirt from a European shop in Union Square (huge confidence booster!).
The two days leading up to the talk: I pounded my head against the table trying to take my usual 1-hour talk and “trim” it down to 18 minutes. After going through it over 23 times, I was still at 20 minutes.
The night before: I gave the talk to my wife Chelsea. I came in at 21 minutes. Not good.
She gave me a few (very good) ideas on what to pull out. Then she went to bed. I went back to work.
The morning of the talk: I show up at the de Young Museum and meet one of the speakers, Larry Jacobson, in the parking lot, who excitedly tells me that ever since he quit his corporate job to spend seven years sailing around the globe, he’s been a professional speaker. I’m immediately intimidated, but his friendly energy still managed to calm my nerves.
Two hours before the talk: I walk in the front of the museum with Larry and I notice him saying hi and hugging ten or so different people. I innocently ask who they all are. He tells me they’re the other speakers (I hadn’t had time to review all the bios on such short notice).
I then smile and say, “Oh, cool. So how do you guys all know each other?”
Larry smiles and says “Oh, we all met a few months ago at the intensive two-day speaking workshop we all attended, courtesy of TEDx, to prep for our talks.”
Six days ago I found out I was giving this talk. Then I’m told I’m the first speaker in the lineup. I’m going on stage in less than two hours. And I’m just told the rest of these guys have been working with speaking coaches for months.
Are you kidding me?!
If I wasn’t nervous before, now looked like a pretty good time to start panicking.
20 minutes before the talk: I walk around the park outside the museum, jumping up and down, taking deep breaths and listening to my “Inspire Me” playlist including songs from MC Yogi, Taylor Swift, Slumdog Millionaire, Orishas, the musicals Wicked & RENT, Pitbull and the World Cup 2010 theme song. Don’t ask about the music selection – it just works for me. 🙂
After that session in the park, I felt invincible.
Then I stood on stage, the nerves were replaced with passion, and a dream unfolded in front of my eyes…all 17 minutes and 53 seconds of it…
(Can’t see the video or are reading this in email? Click here to watch.)
The rest of the day: I felt on top of the world. I also drank a couple more beers at the after party than planned.
The “green room” a few minutes after leaving the stage.
The next three days: I celebrated
The two who have always made the impossible possible: Mom and Dad
Time to Control What We Can
For the two weeks after that: Now it was time to get to work. I saw this as probably the best chance in the history of my life to get our message out to the world. I planned to do everything in my power to make that happen.
I emailed everyone I knew who might be able to give me guidance on how to get the word out on a YouTube video. I emailed at least 50 people and had over a dozen different conversations. I mentioned it on LYL and asked you all to get ready to support our message when the time came.
I also specifically studied which TEDx speakers managed to get featured on TED. I tried to see if there were any consistencies.
Fortunately, Simon Sinek, who’s become a friend over the years, happens to have one of the top 5 most popular TED talks of all time. And it was given at a tiny TEDx event in Puget Sound.
Thankfully, despite being deep in a wormhole finishing up his next book, he was able to shoot me a quick email.
His advice was my favorite. I don’t think he’ll mind me sharing it since it’s empowering for anyone looking to get their message heard…
“Keep talking about it. Over and over and over to everyone you meet. Don’t worry about if it gets picked up by TED or not. If the talk is good, then people will share it. The more you are out there banging the drum, the more people will look for you and your work and will find it and share it. These things spread not because of what we do, but because of the things others do. My talk only spread because people emailed it to their friends and colleagues. Certainly not because of my Rolodex – that was exhausted in about 10 min.Remember, I spoke at a TEDx and have never even been invited to speak on the main TED stage…and probably won’t ever be invited. Be the champion for your message and preach, preach, preach.”
After reading that, I decided I was going to bang the drum as loud and as often as possible.
I also spent another combined eight man hours (at least) between my dad, a few trusted friends and me, to figure out the best title and summary for the talk. You would not believe how many titles we went through. Easily over 50. Funny to see we came back to the most basic and clear message of all: How to Find & Do Work You Love. Huge thanks to Jonathan Fields for helping shed light on what you’d think would be the obvious!
Five days ago: The talk went live.
I nervously watched and felt an insane pride fill my body as the video finished and I realized I had delivered the talk almost exactly as I had dreamed (other than saying “shit” in the first few minutes and my mic flying off my head halfway through…).
I then began to beat the drum as often and as loud as I could. I actually have a little handmade djembe drum I picked up in Morocco that I’ve been beating a little bit too, just for fun.
I sent a post out to all 19,500 of you the next morning at about 7am PST – because emails are much more likely to be read first thing in the morning than late at night, when my talk actually went live.
Last Saturday morning (1.5 days after talk went live): It had around 3,400 views
Sunday morning: 7,400 views
Sunday night: Over 14,000 views
Monday morning: 28,000 views
Monday morning (5 minutes after seeing the last number): I refresh my screen a dozen times making sure it’s right…
Then people started to come out of the woodwork to support the message.
In the last few days, articles have been written and messages sent by Jonathan Fields, ThinkTraffic, ZenHabits, Passive Panda, Tiny Buddha, The Possibility of Today, Keith Ferrazzi, Brian Johnson, Lewis Howes, David Siteman Garland, Jason Gracia, Scott Fox, Natalie Sisson, Jim Cathcart and Chip Conley, just to name a few – and it looks like more will be published later this week and next.
I was blown away by their support. Most of these people had almost zero notice about when the talk would go live (because I didn’t either), yet they scrambled to write blog posts and newsletters within days. Jonathan even wrote and published his within hours of me emailing him!
And yes, these people are all my friends, and I’m grateful for their friendship and support.
But I don’t think they would have done what they did just because I was their friend and I asked nicely.
I specifically only asked that they help share the message if they genuinely believe it’s a message that will help people and if it’s something they’d be excited to share even if they didn’t know me. That was my goal in giving the talk. To create something that people felt they had to tell others about – not for me, but for themselves and their desire to help others.
They did it because they believed in the message.
Because in one way or another, we all share the same belief about how we want to help the world. Our “whys” are aligned.
And there are plenty more people I haven’t heard back from (yet): Warren Buffett, Tony Robbins, Taylor Swift, Seth Godin, Gary Vaynerchuk and lots more…
If you are buddies with any of these folks, please pass the talk along to them!
Also, as a result of the past few days, a few fun things have happened. One came in the form of a phone call yesterday where I was asked to be in a T.V. show where entrepreneurs compete with each other for different prizes.
That was definitely a first! 🙂
Tuesday morning: 34,000 views
Wednesday morning (the day I first published this post): 41,147 views
[update] Thursday morning (today): 58,450 views
Holy. Shit.
Our message is really starting to get heard…
[update] Monday night, December 17, 2012: 100,464 views
The Power of Doing the Work – and reaching over 40,000 hearts in 5 days.
In the last few days a lot of people have asked me, “How the hell did you get so many views in such a short amount of time?”
I tell them I’m not really sure how it happened. And to be honest, I could have never expected or planned on this. I mean, just last week my long shot goal was 15,000.
So who knows what crazy things came together to make this reality.
But I wonder if spending 30 hours sending emails to friends in the past 4 days had anything to do with it?
Perhaps. And perhaps not.
It’s quite possible that no one in TEDx history has spent as much time planning, strategizing and pounding the pavement trying to get their passionate message out to the world. Who knows? And I’m almost certain no one spent that much time figuring out a damn name for their talk!
“Of course, it was impossible to connect the dots looking forward when I was in college. But it was very, very clear looking backwards ten years later. Again, you can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.”
– Steve Jobs, Stanford Commencement Speech, June 12, 2005
It is our responsibility to put ourselves in a situation where luck is more likely to happen.
I tell you this full story with the hopes of showing you how serendipity plays its part.
On one hand, it seems like blind luck to get offered to speak at the perfect event on the perfect topic just days before the event. On the other hand, I’ve been acting in a way that’s congruent with that dream for quite some time.
On one hand, it’s easy to dismiss things that happen to others as them being “fortunate” or “privileged” and figure out some excuse to dismiss you from thinking it’s possible for you to work your face off and do the same.
But instead, you could make an altogether different decision.
You could see someone’s luck and let it serve as inspiration and motivation for you to figure out what might be in your control to allow you a shot at experiencing the same.
Then when you see possibility, work your ass off to control everything in your power to make it real. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t. But at least you did all you could. That is the most powerful habit of them all (and we actually talked about it in last week’s post: Controlling What You Can Control).
I can’t control whether the head TED guys decide the video is worth featuring on the main TED site, but we can do everything in our power to make the talk incredibly tough for them to ignore.
That is something you, me and so many folks we’ve never heard of, did together these past five days. I am forever grateful for your support. You make the impossible possible.
No matter what happens from today forward, this experience has been a tremendous victory.
A message has been heard.
We’ve helped a lot of people.
A dream has come true.
And as a result, many more likely will too.
One thing’s for sure. I won’t look back in a few years and say, “Damn! I wish I would have done more with that TEDx opportunity I had.”
Thank you, guys.
And to all of you new to our community – welcome to the family! Please say hello and tell us about yourself in the comments. I think you’ll feel at home here.
For now, I’m off to go send a few more emails…
-Scott
P.S. And if you haven’t watched the video yet, I think you’ll enjoy it. If it moves you, we’d be grateful if you shared it with those who need it most. Whether that’s through Facebook, Twitter, email or writing your own blog post to your own community with an embed of the video (which could save you from having to think up new content for a post this week :), it’s up to you. Anything you decide to do to help the cause, means the world to me and everyone else here.
Here’s the link to OUR talk at TEDx on How to Find & Do Work You Love.
I love seeing what we can do as a team!
Update: I recently did an interview on Bryan Kelly’s web show What The Speak, about my TEDx experience. He did a great job interviewing. Here it is:
Joe Cassandra
Posted at 11:52h, 05 DecemberWow Scott, your 10 year goal was to give a TED talk and you did it in 3…when you become obsessed with a goal nothing gets in your way.
Cheers to that!
Scott
Posted at 12:01h, 05 DecemberPretty surreal for sure! But the crazy thing is that I never actually took the specific steps to speak at TEDx. I had consciously decided to hold for for maybe next year or the next to try for it.
Funny how that goes…
Tom
Posted at 14:26h, 03 MarchHi Scott
Just wanted to drop you a quick message. Met a guy doing his phd on a technology project we’re working on. I really liked his energy and enthusiasm and thought he seemed like a special guy. He put me onto your stuff after a conversation we had about doing great things.
I’m in the early stages getting to where I want to be with my “why” so to speak. But I get your mindset instantly and see myself in you which is inspiring. Would like to get in touch more in future when I’ve climbed a little higher up the mental mountain I am climbing, and have a clearer view.
So thanks for shining like you are and hope to chat someday. Will keep reading your mail-shots when they come in. It’s a bit like you’re there in the background, chipping away at my head and saying “go on, do it, do more”. It works so keep going.
All the best, Tom
David
Posted at 12:09h, 05 DecemberI used to live that a life of quiet desperation while at Deloite’s competitor, PwC. But as I approach 30 as a self employed man, I now realize that’s how you spend your 20’s. Figuring things out, failing, and discovering how you want to spend your time by answering the question: “what is the best possible work you could be doing”…and if you’re not doing it, why not?
Scott
Posted at 13:08h, 05 DecemberThat’s what I’m talking about David. Huge congrats to you!!
Paige | Simple Mindfulness
Posted at 20:22h, 06 DecemberI know exactly what you’re talking about David! I spent 7 years at PWC (actually C&L) and left at 28 to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I drove across the country and trained horses, managed a dude ranch, worked with wolves and cougars, volunteered with amazing equine therapy programs and all kinds of other awesome experiences. With each one I learned a little more about where I did and didn’t want to go.
I find it hard to consider any experience a failure. Each one simply teaches me a little more.
At 45 I’d like to say that these experiences are definitely NOT confined to your 20’s. I see this as an awesome way to experience life at any age. You’ll never “figure it all out.” As soon as you think you do, everything changes and you start to question things you thought were “truth.”
I think we all need to ask ourselves those questions every morning when we wake up for the rest of our lives: “What is the best possible work you could be doing”…and if you’re not doing it, why not?
Bravo!
Scott
Posted at 18:18h, 07 DecemberWow. What an spot on comment Paige! Thanks for that. There is no failure. There is only learning. And it never ends.
Enough said!
Marc
Posted at 09:22h, 08 DecemberGood stuff. How do I connect with you?
Stephanie Rogers
Posted at 21:58h, 08 DecemberGreat comments in this thread! I agree 100% that we are always learning and that our truth changes throughout our lives!
Paige, what are you doing now? I’m curious to know about your latest adventures. I’m still working in a corporate environment during the day and very much exploring my creativity and ways to bring joy to my life outside of the day job as well.
David >> Website Buddha
Posted at 00:39h, 11 December“Not confined to your 20’s”
Thanks for the heads up 🙂
Liz
Posted at 12:13h, 05 DecemberBravo Scott! Congratulations & thank you for laying this out for us. It goes to show just how important it is to start building relationships with people everywhere before you need them. You’ve worked so hard to surround yourself with the right community. That with your brilliance made this inevitable.
And that’s another thing I’d like to point out. There may have been some serendipity here but it’s not blind luck. It came to you because you were in the right mindset and you were ready for it. A lot of us could learn from that. I just recently put the practice into habit and it’s brought me a few opportunities I may not have had if I wasn’t in the right state of mind. You know what I’m talking about ;).
Much love for all that you do.
Liz
Scott
Posted at 13:09h, 05 DecemberYou have been one of the best examples of this that I’ve ever seen Liz. You have no idea the value you’ve added to LYL and How to Connect with Anyone this year. Thank you.
I cannot wait for you to share your big project with our whole community soon. The world needs it!
Jo Hodson
Posted at 12:20h, 05 DecemberWow….to both your video, but also this post. Your passion and perseverance shines through and that in itself is one of the most inspiring things I’ve come across in the last few weeks (and I do try and read/watch a lot of inspiring things!) Huge congratulations! I have already tweeted the vid and now will also tweet this post!
Scott
Posted at 13:09h, 05 DecemberThanks for this Jo. This is the stuff I live for. So glad to have you a part of it!
Rachel Denning
Posted at 12:32h, 05 DecemberThis is great! I love the story of how it all ‘fell into place’.
Any tips for this type of ‘networking’ when you live in ‘developing’ countries? 😉
Scott
Posted at 13:13h, 05 DecemberSure thing Rachel!
We cover this a lot in How to Connect with Anyone. But first step is finding a community that believes what you believe. Right here is a great place for that. So you have that box checked! But then find some online communities and forums (or just one really good and specific one) and start spending a lot of time there. Get to know people. Help them. Ask for help. That’s how I first met anyone online. I joined Leo’s blogging club long before I had ever met him. It made all the difference.
Our LYL Accountability and Action Facebook Group is a great place to start too. Comment on people’s things there. Set up meet ups and Skype dates. Anything goes!
Here’s the link: http://www.facebook.com/groups/liveyourlegendlive/
Vicki Flaherty
Posted at 12:32h, 05 DecemberYou are totally awesome and oh-so-inspiring! Thank you so much for sharing how it happened. I am regularly amazed by the power of personal connections. I have taken to heart the idea of surrounding myself with passionate people – thank you!
Scott
Posted at 13:13h, 05 DecemberThe people around you change EVERYTHING. There is no getting around that. Glad to have you in our corner Vicki!
Todd Kalhar
Posted at 12:42h, 05 DecemberI came across your talk by way of ZenHabits and it couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. I’m in a process of re-evaluating things in my life, what matters, and how I can truly make an impact in the world that resonates with who I am and want to be.
Love the talk, the site and the thought you’ve put into all of this.
Thanks for finding what moves you and sharing so that you can move others!
Scott
Posted at 13:14h, 05 DecemberWelcome to the family! And the adventure :). Sounds like perfect timing. There is a lot of fun to come. So glad Leo pointed you our way!
Joel Zaslofsky
Posted at 12:42h, 05 DecemberIs it possible for your recap of how you got the TEDx invite, the actual talk, and the aftershocks to be almost as exciting as the talk itself? I think you just pulled it off.
A second and third congrats to you Scott and a big kudos to everyone who helped you get into the position you are now! As we know, nobody ever does something big by themselves.
It’s time for me to really get serious about laying the groundwork for my own future TEDx talk. I can’t think of a better source of inspiration than this article.
Scott
Posted at 13:16h, 05 DecemberHa ha. Thanks Joel. I was so excited to write this up – long before the talk even went live. Then the 40k views made it even more fun ;).
I think it’s just fascinating to know about the million little steps that takes someone from one side of something to the other.
I bet you will rock that TEDx!
Excited to chat with you live on our Skype sesh tomorrow.
Gavin Routledge
Posted at 13:04h, 05 DecemberHey Scott,
A massive “congratulations”. You’re an inspiration. Giving a TEDx talk sure is a fantastic goal, and you earned it. Well done for sticking at it, and thanks for your continued message!
Cheers
Gavin
Scott
Posted at 13:17h, 05 DecemberThanks Gavin. My pleasure for sure :). Good to have you with us!
Kurt Swann
Posted at 13:08h, 05 DecemberScott,
I’ve been watching the YouTube count and it keeps climbing . . . over 42K! Excellent speech and it’s amazing to think of the valuable impact you’re having, both with this video and all the other work you do. Congratulations!
Kurt
Scott
Posted at 13:17h, 05 DecemberWow! That’s news to me. So fun to see it continuing to climb. So surreal to be honest. Thanks Kurt!
Scott
Posted at 13:19h, 05 DecemberBtw guys, I totally forgot to put one of my favorite quotes in the post. I just added it, but here it is again to be sure you don’t miss it. From arguably the best career coach in the history of the world (And definitely the best career talk in the history of the world)…
Steve Jobs!
“Of course it was impossible to connect the dots looking forward when I was in college. But it was very, very clear looking backwards ten years later.
Again, you can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.”
– Steve Jobs, Stanford Commencement Speech, June 12, 2005
Stephanie Rogers
Posted at 22:06h, 08 DecemberScott, congratulations on everything! You continue to be such an inspiration! I’m so excited to be part of this community. It’s so great to read all the awesome quotes from everyone and to see how many people’s lives are changing because of the work that you and this community are doing. I love this quote and sentiment from Steve Jobs. My life has been full of a lot of dots that didn’t always look like they would connect; however, looking back on the last 20 years, I can definitely see the connections and look forward to creating more dots!
Sara
Posted at 13:31h, 05 DecemberMy heart is pounding and my adrenaline is rushing around like crazy and that’s just from reading your account of your talk!
The adrenaline is pumping for a few reasons I think.
1. because I’m so darn excited for you
2. because the LYL message is profound and so many more people have heard it now and
3. because you’ve shown me that putting yourself out there, making friends, reaching out, spreading your message, doing what you’re HERE to do, is completely undoubtedly mind boggingly DOABLE. And after reading this, I totally believe I can do it too!
Thanks buddy, and congratulations on making a dream come true!
Scott
Posted at 18:20h, 07 December#3 is my biggest goal of them all. Because once we realize it’s not only possible, but quite doable, we start to hold ourselves to that altogether different standard. And don’t kid yourself Sara – you are already doing it! And I’m very proud of you. I mean that.
You will be missed at the Dinsmore holiday party tomorrow night!
Kathleen
Posted at 14:06h, 05 DecemberScott, I learned about your talk from Tyler at Advanced Riskology. I was mesmerized as I listened, watched. The Big Thing for me? The 5 people. Re-creating that group has been bugging me since Saturday, when I watched your talk–disturbing me, haunting me. And this morning, in my email, was the path to my inspiring 5. I don’t think I would have recognized it without your talk. So thank you.
Scott
Posted at 18:21h, 07 DecemberAmazing what we start to see once we start looking for it. Those 5 can and will change everything. Welcome to the party Kathleen!
Fab
Posted at 14:13h, 05 DecemberHi Scott,
again super congratulations for your wonderful success!!
“Fortune favors the prepared mind” by Louis Pasteur
Hence, you deserve all your success!!
All the best!
Fab
Scott
Posted at 18:21h, 07 DecemberLove that quote!
Ev
Posted at 14:22h, 05 DecemberGreat job! Wonderful inspiration to us all! Keep up the amazing work!
Scott
Posted at 18:21h, 07 DecemberThanks Ev. Means a lot!
Joy
Posted at 14:28h, 05 DecemberScott – I’m sitting in the Erik’s Deli in Watsonville waiting for a flat tire change at the repair shop next door. Reading your post brought tears to my eyes, I’m so impressed by your passion and preparation! Congratulations! Well deserved and well earned, even if it made me the only one crying over my lunch : )
Scott
Posted at 18:22h, 07 DecemberWow Joy. Thanks for sharing and so fun for you to paint a picture of exactly where people are getting touched and waking up a bit! Very cool to hear.
Joy
Posted at 14:38h, 05 DecemberReading this article brought tears (happy tears) to my eyes. I love when people live infinite possibility–but you take the added step of so generously sharing it with everyone. Your gratitude for each step is delightful..you deserve all of *this* now…and I am excited to watch as your journey continues to unfold. I find it all very inspirational. Thank you for all that you reflect and share!
Scott
Posted at 18:23h, 07 DecemberWow- tears in two comments in a row?! But then again I’m guessing this is the same Joy ;). How about you come live that possibility with all of us, eh? Welcome!
Brianna
Posted at 14:54h, 05 DecemberCongratulations on accomplishing such a significant goal (and in well under 10 years!) I watched your Ted talk the first day you posted it, and I felt nervous FOR YOU and inspired! Then I had a dream that I was sitting next to you at a dinner table and told you I watched your talk. So, I figured I should tell you in real life.
About 4 months ago, I quit a great job with upward mobility that I knew I wasn’t passionate about anymore. Now I’m in school studying acupuncture in Portland, and I feel like I’m living the dream. Your posts have been continuous support and affirmation for my decision.
Thanks for your incredibly generosity in sharing all of the nitty-gritty details of you how you got where you are today! It’s both inspiring and motivating to know that hard work and luck often go hand in hand!
Scott
Posted at 18:26h, 07 DecemberCongrats on such an important transition Brianna. It’s funny, my wife was telling me how she was nervous and scared for me when I gave the talk. Thinking like what if I trip and fall on my face or something. Not that she expected that, but just that it’s sometimes tough to watch someone attempting something that means so much to them. I never saw it like that. Luckily all I felt was nervous/passionate/excited energy :). Glad we got to have dinner!
Emily
Posted at 14:58h, 05 DecemberThanks so much for going in detail as to all of the work that’s been going on ‘behind the scenes.’ Although I’m sure most of us know that it takes a concerted effort in the right direction to be successful, I so appreciate that you detailed exactly what you did so that we can’t pretend that all of a sudden we’ll reach our goals. A friend of mine is frustrated with founder’s stories that tell a kind of Cinderella story based on select details of the truth because he’s concerned that people think this stuff can just happen. He’s right in that it’s much more valuable to the rest of us and increases our chances of reaching success by seeing the work behind success. I hope that makes sense. In any case, thanks so much for this post and congratulations on your success so far!
Scott
Posted at 18:32h, 07 DecemberI could not agree more. It’s is not fair at all (nor is it honest) to only talk about how great and how easy things are. We know that anyone who does that is a liar. But sadly a lot of the world still ends up believing them and creating totally screwed up expectations. I’m here to share both sides of it with you all and I promise to do just that.
The really cool thing is that one of the women that spoke the same day I did, Cass Phillipps, talked all about failure in pursuing her passion. One day she even got a few people together to talk about their failures and what they learned. Then they below up. And now she puts on Fail Conferences all over the U.S. and they sell out with huge audiences. People like to hear the real story. Anything less is fake.
Check here talk out: http://youtu.be/mLg46AVDD_Q
Claudia Waldron
Posted at 15:21h, 05 DecemberScott~Just had to comment!
Your talk is amazing…I quickly logged on to check out all your materials…Great tool box for folks to get started on their journey…Do you think you’ll have personal support, down the road? Life coaches to help talk with and keep your patrons excited and committed to stay on the journey?
Best of Luck to you…I believe their aren’t any chance meetings…when your open, aware and in the moment all that you need in life will come to you!
Congratulations, Your on your way!
C.Waldron
Scott
Posted at 18:34h, 07 DecemberI could not agree more Claudia. So glad you stumbled up us! And yes I do plan to have a lot of people helping make this movement as widespread and impactful as possible. You all as members of this community, are the people I depend on to get this message and reality out to the world. We’re in this together! I could do nothing on my own.
Amy
Posted at 15:45h, 05 DecemberScott, I have to be honest. It’s rare that I read through a whole post that’s this long anymore.
…but I just read this one word for word, and feel close to tears and so grateful that I did.
Lately, I have been doing a lot of panicking about my upcoming year: “What if no one likes what I’m doing?” “What if I’m not good enough?” “Who do I think I am to dream so big?”
Then I read this post. I watch your talk. And I know that it isn’t just about me. This message, this movement is what’s important. Like Simon said, “Be the champion of your message.”
If we want to change lives, we can’t be afraid to bang the drum loud enough for everyone to hear.
Thank you for inspiring us to dream bigger, act in the face of fear, and to find the strength to stand up and climb even if we cannot yet see the surface.
Scott
Posted at 18:37h, 07 DecemberWell first off congrats on making it through one of the longest posts in the LYL history! 🙂
And Amy you know how important the work is that you’re doing. And how much people are going to benefit from what you are embarking on next year. I’m honored to know you and to do what I can to support your message and movement. So proud and excited for you!
When it doubt, just think of all the people you know you are going to help. Then keep walking.
Joe
Posted at 15:50h, 05 DecemberWow Scott your video is going viral!
Great work, cant wait to see how far your movement goes!
No limits.
Joe
Posted at 17:07h, 05 DecemberPS was the 2010 WC theme song waka waka?
That song is the best!
Scott
Posted at 18:39h, 07 DecemberThanks Joe! I don’t know exactly what it means to “go viral” or when one has actually accomplished that. But one thing’s for sure, looking at that view count this morning and seeing over 62,000 definitely set an entirely new record in my world in a lot of ways. I’m doing all I can to soak this in. Glad you all are here to do it with me!
And that World Cup theme song is Wave Your Flag. LOVE IT!
Magu Bee
Posted at 18:28h, 05 DecemberScott, huge congratulations!
This achievement specifically is very close to my heart, as speaking at a TED event is on my list as well. I’m nowhere close to it, but then again I might be a lot closer than I can now imagine 😉
I’ve seen and shared the video as well, fingers crossed and typing for you and the LYL message!
All the best from Warsaw,
Magu
Scott
Posted at 18:40h, 07 DecemberFrom Warsaw!! So fun.
And for the record, I did not think I was “ready” earlier this year. That’s why I had it set as a 10 yr/lifetime goal. But when the opportunity comes up, you figure out how to be ready :).
Zuwena
Posted at 19:48h, 05 DecemberCongrats Scott! I am very happy for you.
Scott
Posted at 18:40h, 07 DecemberHuge thanks Zuwena!
Otiti
Posted at 22:25h, 05 DecemberScott, Scott, Scott. What a crazy ride. You’ve done it, man. You’ve changed the world on a measurable scale – 40,000+ views in 5 days? Holy shit, dude.
I said it before and I’ll say it again: your talk ROCKED OUT. Such passion. Such truth. And a genuine belief that we can make a living doing work we love.
Thank you again for sharing your intensity with us. I believe we need more people to show up as fully as you do and just make change happen.
I go on a 3-month digital hiatus this Sunday, and I can’t wait to see what you’ll have done next by the time I get back.
Peace and blessings, good sir. 🙂
Scott
Posted at 18:42h, 07 DecemberYeahhh Otiti. So wild to try to think of that many people actually watching the talk.
Your digital hiatus sounds awesome. I could use one of those!
Come check in as soon as you get back and tell us about it.
Sam Matla (Minimal Blog)
Posted at 23:19h, 05 DecemberThanks for this inspirational story! It’s great to see how far you’ve come, and how you got to where you are today.
I watched your Ted Talk and was fascinated. I’m only 17 years old, and my parents keep telling me I should consider getting a ‘real job’ instead of spending all my time on my website and other things. But things like these encourage me.
Thanks for sharing!
Scott
Posted at 18:43h, 07 DecemberWow- I so wish I were reading things like this (or anything at all) when I was 17. Hat’s off to you! Love the simplicity of your site. I can only imagine the trajectory you’r on. Nicely done!
Summer Thommen
Posted at 00:36h, 06 DecemberSo glad you were able to come on board on such short notice. I did warn you about how much coaching and practice the other speakers had gotten but, I think you more than held your own 🙂 Honored to be part of your journey. See you next Thursday!
Scott
Posted at 18:45h, 07 DecemberThanks for taking the chance on a guy who hadn’t gone through any of the training and only had 6 days to prepare. Such an amazing experience Summer! And I guess you did tell me that the other folks had prepped but it just felt a little different hearing it 2 hours before… Can’t wait for the screening party next week!
Mark
Posted at 05:40h, 06 DecemberA BIG “congrats”, Scott, and also a BIG “thank you!!!” for doing what you’re doing. Your talk was my first introduction to LYL and it feels like I have hit the jackpot for inspirational and life-changing material.
See all that web traffic from central FL? Yeah, that’s me 😛
Look forward to diving in deeper! Thanks so much for the inspiration!
Mark
Scott
Posted at 18:46h, 07 DecemberThanks for joining us Mark – and for all that love out in FL. We welcome you with open arms. Lot’s of fun to come!
Ro Ybarra
Posted at 11:14h, 06 DecemberI’ve had a couple of rough weeks at work that only reminded me that I’ve been struggling for years trying to find a job that I love. I had a long talk with my girlfriend yesterday and today I decided to change the negative way of looking at things. So then I went to check on some past emails that I haven’t had the time to review. One was a forwarded Passive Panda email from my dad (he had always said to me to find something that I love as a job) which title was “How to find and do work you love”. As you say, maybe it’s luck or destiny or I asked for it. Well, just wanted to tell you that this is what I needed to start changing my life, stop complaining and be happy. Thanks for the inspiration and I’m looking forward to share my experience on Live Your Legend.
God bless
Ro (all the way from Mexico City)
Scott
Posted at 18:47h, 07 DecemberWow- what a story Ro! Welcome to the party. So glad James passed us your way. He’s a good friend and does great work at Passive Panda. Can’t wait to see what’s next for you!
Deanna - Coach Calorie
Posted at 12:00h, 06 DecemberI found you through your video after Zen Habits posted it on Twitter, and I’m now a huge fan because your message is one I am also so passionate about and want others to hear. So I’m happy to share it with anyone who will listen! Congrats on your success and you’re so right, our dreams are right there waiting for us if we’re willing to take the action to get there. Thank you for the inspiration.
Scott
Posted at 18:49h, 07 DecemberSo glad Leo introduced us. This site would not exist without his friendship and inspiration over at ZenHabits. Good to know you and I are in the same corner. Lot’s of fun to come Deanna!
Melissa Fancey
Posted at 14:50h, 06 DecemberHi Scott, Thanks so much for following your passion, for never quitting even when the road got rough, giving the TEDx talk on such short notice and for sharing your experience with us! It’s always a spirit booster! Keep up the great work and kudos to you for all you do. Cheers, Melissa
Scott
Posted at 18:49h, 07 DecemberAnd thank you for sharing in the message Melissa. It’s been a heck of a ride and we’re just getting started!
Becky
Posted at 16:11h, 06 DecemberLoved the video and love the after comments. Here’s the part that I loved the most-“I practiced for 7.5 hrs straight and then ‘naturally’ gave my talk at LoveSpring on How to Make the Impossible Your New Normal.”
Thank you for reminding me that following a dream is a lot of hard work, even if parts of it come naturally. I have to do the leg work!
Best of luck to you. I look forward to reading more and watching things develop over here!
Sincerely,
Becky
Scott
Posted at 18:50h, 07 DecemberHa. Yeah that was supposed to be a joke! The message was natural and authentic. Getting to a place where I felt confident communicating it was a little different story :). So glad to have had the honor!
Doug Terpening
Posted at 18:46h, 06 DecemberScott-Great video. Appreciate your honesty about it not working at first. Hope you get to 100,000 views.
Scott
Posted at 18:53h, 07 DecemberThanks Doug! I could have never even thought about 100,000 views. But now looking at the counter saying 64,346…I kinda have to wonder 🙂
One things for sure. There’s only one way we’ll get there. It’s with the support of all of you.
Imagine what would happen if all of us just decided to email the talk to one person we cared about and asked them to watch it? That could really start to ripple. Who’s in?!
Paige | Simple Mindfulness
Posted at 20:29h, 06 DecemberYou are the poster child for “how to be lucky.” So many people wonder at “overnight successes” and never see the years, often decades, of planning, practice and focus that lead up to their “big moment.”
Thank you so much for going to the true beginning to show us how small steps – consistent action – toward your goals really do pay off – BIG time! We usually don’t realize the seeds we’re planting along the way. Those seemingly small actions of reaching out and genuinely connecting with others with no other intent but to connect as people and offer support are the ones that really matter.
Keep walking your talk and demonstrating how possible the impossible is.
Scott
Posted at 18:56h, 07 DecemberThe funny thing is that so many people prefer to look at success and think it was always that way. They don’t like to give much thought to the hears of grinding trial and error. But that’s what often makes the magic.
Just this morning I came across the perfect quote:
“The one thing all famous authors, world class athletes, business tycoons, singers, actors, and celebrated achievers in any field have in common is that they all began their journeys when they were none of these things. Yet still, they began their journeys.” ― Mike Dooley
Here’s to beginning!
Akshay Nanavati
Posted at 21:01h, 06 DecemberHi Scott
I am relatively new to your blog and the community here, but since I have been a part of it, it has been an honor. This place is a real inspiration of what’s possible if you believe in it. I really want to congratulate you on this awesome Ted talk. Your passion, belief and sense of purpose for your message radiated off the stage and through my computer screen. It’s a privilege to be a part of the community here and I look forward to seeing where your journey leads to next.
Scott
Posted at 18:57h, 07 DecemberSo glad you’re a part of what we’re building Akshay! This is going to be fun…
Akshay Nanavati
Posted at 21:03h, 06 DecemberForgot to add, please email me or just reply and let me know how I can help grow this to 100,000 views. Anything at all I can do, I would love to help spread this message across the world.
Scott
Posted at 19:01h, 07 DecemberWow. Thanks for this. Hitting 100k would be pretty hard to believe (as if it’s not already).
I really think the best and only thing we can all do is decide to send a personal email to everyone we know that says…
Subject: A video I’d really like you to watch
“Hey –
I just watched a very powerful talk. It’s a video you absolutely have to watch on How to Find & Do Work You Love. I really think it’s going to make a big difference for you and for a lot of others. Very worth the few minutes.
Here’s the link: http://youtu.be/jpe-LKn-4gM
If you think it could help others, please email it to at least two people you think could benefit. The world needs it.
Thanks for having a look!
-Scott”
So are you all up for that?
This could be huge!
Inspired To Change My Life Forever « Blog of JT Schonhoft
Posted at 21:51h, 06 December[…] passionate desire for the achievement. Being invited to one of these is no easy feat. He recently blogged about his experience and how he was able to get there. His passion and perseverance pulled him toward his dream and he […]
Kris Kramer
Posted at 08:49h, 07 DecemberAwesome post. Almost got a little teary eyed. I’m new to the community and look forward to the adventure!
Scott
Posted at 19:07h, 07 DecemberWell welcome to the party Kris! Sorry to make you almost come to tears on your first visit :). Glad to have you!
liveyourlegend.net | wevolv
Posted at 09:47h, 07 December[…] How to Get Invited to Speak at TEDx (and get 40,147 views in 5 days) […]
Suzie Uda
Posted at 17:35h, 07 DecemberThank you Scott for sharing your journey to fulfiling your dream of speaking at TEDx. It’s a great reminder of the fact that people do make their own luck.
I admire you for keeping things transparent. Not everyone is willing to share their “trade secret”. So thank you. I have shared this post on my FB page.
Scott
Posted at 19:10h, 07 DecemberHa ha Suzie. Well what are you thinking is my “trade secret”?? Doing a bunch of prep and staying up late every now and again I guess ;).
My promise to you is transparency and to tell you as much like it is as humanly possible. You deserve that. And that’s the only way we can really have the impact we set out to have.
I promise to do that for you all if you promise to do that for yourself and everyone around you.
Then things could really start to change!
Leah Hynes
Posted at 23:33h, 07 DecemberHey Scott
Firstly, a HUGE congratulations on not just the TED talk (which was fanatstic btw and I’ve shared on Facebook) but for the movement you have created at LYL and CWA. I feel honoured to be a part of it.
What I’ve learnt most through our community and your message is that some of the most important things in life are: integrity, honesty and passion. After that it seems like everything else takes care of itself. It seems like such a simple message – to be genuine and help others – but we get so confused and distracted by the whole making money side of things.
I have to be honest, I aspire to be like you because I relate strongly to what you stand for and I’m so lucky that I’ve been able to be part of the movement you’ve created. It’s already impacted my life in such a positive way and I’m so excited about life right now and the new friends that I have in my life.
High fives all round!!
Chat soon,
Leah 🙂
P.S when you said sh*t in your talk I had the biggest smile on my face because that just showed that you were totally pumped up and just being yourself…I love it!! Nice work!
Scott
Posted at 08:36h, 08 DecemberHaha. Thanks so much Leah. You have been a huge part of both communities and your support, participation and just pure interest in helping people in How to Connect with Anyone has been huge.
And I really was trying to keep the bad words out of that talk but sometimes you can’t help it i guess ;).
Angela
Posted at 01:13h, 08 DecemberHey Scott
From one Toastmaster to another…hats off for an awesome talk. Well done and kudos to you for creating your own ‘luck’!
I look forward to seeing more of your talks in the future!
Ang 😉
Scott
Posted at 08:40h, 08 DecemberHa ha. Thanks Angela! Toastmasters was a hell of a start. That reminds me, I’ve gotta send this to my old club 🙂
Caleb Galaraga
Posted at 05:14h, 08 DecemberVery, very inspiring Scott! It’s from your TED talk that I found this blog and the message you’re conveying. It’s a passionfest on here and one that is definitely leading people to positive change in their life.
Thanks for boldly sharing your passion for making the impossible possible, it’s a genuine inspiration especially for us starting out and working on our dreams 🙂
Best,
Caleb
Scott
Posted at 08:41h, 08 DecemberWelcome to the party Caleb. I think you came to the right place! This is going to be a lot of fun. The more we can all see other members of our community doing the things most say are crazy, the more they can become normal for the rest of us. Lot’s to come…
Chetz Togom
Posted at 07:38h, 08 DecemberHi Scott!
I’m new here. I found your TEDx video from Pat Flint from Smart Passive Income with Pat Flint. It’s an awesome talk! I actually watched it twice 🙂 The second time I took some notes so that I could write about it on my blog.
Your talk really helped me especially about finding what you can’t not do. I just want you to know that you have made an impact in my life as you’ve helped me narrow down the things that I want to do.
I hope I can meet you one day (when I visit the U.S.) as I’d also like to surround myself with passionate people like you 🙂
Wish you all the best and thank you for sharing your experiences.
Chetz
Scott
Posted at 08:45h, 08 DecemberSo glad you Pat pointed you our way Chetz. He’s certainly one of the guys who’s showed me what’s possible the past few years. Very cool to hear you’re getting a little more focused too. I can’t wait to see what you build – be sure to share it with all of us!
Thierry
Posted at 15:24h, 08 DecemberHello Scott,
This quick email to congratulate you on your TEDx talk.
I fully agree with you and truly had a sense of “beeing in touch with my tribe” during your talk and discoving your website.
Having watched Ernesto Sirolli’s talk and yours, my batteries are boosted to the max so thanks for inspiring us.
And it’s also a bubble of oxygen knowing that I’m not the only person sharing these ideas and trying to implement them.
I wish you all the best!
Cheers,
Thierry
Scott
Posted at 08:35h, 09 DecemberGreat to hear from you Thierry and welcome to the community! You are certainly not the only one banging the drum on this stuff :). Glad we’re in the same corner. Now I need to go check out Ernesto’s talk!
Connie
Posted at 08:27h, 09 DecemberHey Scott,
Loved the talk. I am going to have to re-watch, it was so inspiring. I recently became a subscriber via Leo’s site. I find your materials helpful and hopeful. I just spent 3 days working on Goals for next year, very clarifying and focusing. Thanks so much.
Scott
Posted at 08:37h, 09 DecemberSo glad Leo introduced you to our community Connie – it would not exist without his support and inspiration. Thanks for watching too! The exciting part is I think we’re all just getting started…
Trent Hand
Posted at 05:20h, 10 DecemberScott:
I haven’t heard of you before stumbling upon your TEDx speech; I’m so thankful God brought your video to me this afternoon.
In March, I quit my job in the corporate world and moved to Antalya, Turkey. 2nd scariest and greatest decision I have ever made. I found work as a customer service rep for an American company, so my income was quite high due to the exchange rate. Even so, I wasn’t happy. Five months ago, I decided to quit that job and work full time as a Personal Development writer. My book is now finished and the marketing process is in the work.
I know what you mean about the self-doubt and fear assaulting your world and your hopes. I’m glad that 13 year old was there to provide you his wisdom.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
Trent
P.S. My book is for sale, but if you would like to give me feedback on it, I would be happy to send you a free copy in exchange for your opinion. I feel like our messages really line up and can help a lot of people live their dreams. http://amzn.to/Vug5bK If you know Natalie at Suitcase Entrepreneur and Bamidele at YoungPrePro have both given me positive reviews, if you are familiar with their work.
Scott
Posted at 08:33h, 10 DecemberSo glad you found us Trent! Huge congrats on the massive transition and on writing your book. I can only imagine the dedication and energy that took – on all fronts. So nice to know you’re a part of what we’re all building here. And that you’re doing your part!
I will take a look over at your book on Amazon and let you know if something comes tom mind. Fair warning though that I’m a tad backlogged on books right now 😉
Rob Leonardo
Posted at 06:25h, 10 DecemberI have always been curious about speaking in front of a lot of people like Tony Robbins or someone appearing in Oprah. Ambitious, right? I’d tease myself and say ‘yeah right’. But what you have shown makes me giggle and grrrr. I want that!
Congratulations to your success. Thank you for the inspiration. I’m still undecided yet tempted to declare- I’d like to follow your footsteps!
Rob Leonardo
Posted at 06:26h, 10 DecemberSorry let me add- I joined Toastmasters- to prove of that budding ambition. I think I gotta speed up my projects 😉
Scott
Posted at 08:34h, 10 DecemberSomething tells me you’re going to do just that Rob. Love hearing your plans. Toastmasters is an amazing place to start. Have fun with it!
Breno Salomon
Posted at 20:27h, 10 DecemberHi Scott,
I’m from Brazil and I am absolutely amazed by your blog and I completely identify myself with your beliefs.
Looking for new TED talks I discovered by chance your talk today at Youtube.
I loved it and will recommend to my friends and colleagues. One think that I think will help making it even better is adding subtitles (I understanded the video perfectly, but I think some brazilians won’t).
Right now I’m in college studying economics which is something I love.
I’m also an intern at a top Business School (Fundação Dom Cabral) and I’m feeling I’m in the right environment to develop my capacities and discover what I want to work with in the future.
Something I realized that is a big problem is that people enter in college without a good clue of what they want. Even worst is that they don’t are willing to change they course even when they realize middleway that what they want for their future looks like a big and thick black fog. They know how they wanna live theirs lifes (have great cars, big apartments, kids, make a lot of money, etc) but they don’t know what to do with their lifes. For me, true happiness is achieved when these 2 are aligned.
I truly believe your tools will help with this.
By seeing your blog I had a insight about my country. We currently are a developing economy and thanks to this fact we are now able to follow any dreams we want. A few years ago great lack of resources created an environment that prevented people to truly pursue what they believed (after the end of the militar regime this was the reality in Brazil). Thankfully this changed and now new doors are opened.
Again, amazing website and thanks for sharing all this very useful tools.
P.S: Sorry about the bad english skills. And try to add something from the album Calling All Dawns later to your setlist. I think you will like it.
Scott
Posted at 00:22h, 11 DecemberBoa noite Breno! My buddies and I were actually thinking of heading down to Brazil for New Years but it didn’t end up working out. Soon though!
I love to hear how you’re thinking. That is going to make a difference in so many ways as you set out to tackle things that actually matter to you. We are here to support in any way we can.
Welcome to the family!
And I’d say your English is damn good 🙂
Muito Obrigado!
Inspired To Change My Life Forever – Do Big Things | This Suite Life Inspired To Change My Life Forever – Do Big Things | JTSchonhoft.com
Posted at 12:14h, 11 December[…] passionate desire for the achievement. Being invited to one of these is no easy feat. He recently blogged about his experience and how he was able to get there. His passion and perseverance pulled him toward his dream and he […]
Nathan
Posted at 14:49h, 11 DecemberI’m totally inspired Scott. Thanks for sharing a detailed timeline of events.
Drew Tewell
Posted at 20:24h, 11 DecemberRead the post, checked out your Ted talk and subscribed to your email updates. Funny, the first part of my book is subtitled, Understand Yourself, and the first chapter is on strengths. Congrats on the talk and thanks for sharing the post!
outlet
Posted at 21:05h, 11 DecemberJust want to say your blog is very good. I always like to read something new about this because I have the similar blog in my Country on this subject so this help´s me a lot. I did a search on the issue and found a good number of blogs but nothing like this.Thanks for sharing so much in your blog.. Greets, Patti Rall
Travis
Posted at 06:38h, 12 DecemberScott,
I love this! Just what I needed today…and many other days I am sure! So much of your message and journey resonated with me – and as scared as I am, I know I have found the work that I can’t NOT do!
Thanks again!
Travis
How to Brainwash the Impossible: 3 Mini Case Studies of Ordinary People Changing the World (LYL Reader Spotlight #3) | Live Your Legend
Posted at 23:20h, 17 December[…] why I did everything in my power to get a chance to step onto the TEDx stage to tell our story (which thanks to you guys, just passed over 100,000 […]
brand
Posted at 06:23h, 20 DecemberHelloo we like your theme very much tweeted ya! thank you
Nicolas
Posted at 08:36h, 20 DecemberHi,
I arrived here a bit by chance, following one link from Pat Flynn i think. This web is amazing and you are amazing. No wonder Pat linked to you, you guys seem to share the same passion for helping others change their lives.
Im almost afraid I stumbled upon your web, it could get very addictive and I don’t want to spend the next 4 hours reading your web : procrastinating is not the best way to pursue your dreams I guess.
After seeing your web, and your TEDx talk (i need to see it again btw, just to get the most of it), and also after hours spent on Pat Flynn’s website, I really have this feeling that I’d love to live my legend by helping others improve their lives the same way you and Pat do … but you guys put the level super high already 😉 … Might have to rethink this …
Anyway, THANK YOU!
brand
Posted at 23:02h, 22 Decemberi just wanna thank you for sharing your information and your site or blog this is simple but nice article Ive ever seen i like it i learn something today This means they are going to match advertisements that mirror what you write about each day.
2012 – The Year of Living Confidently | ConfidenceCues
Posted at 05:11h, 25 December[…] READ MORE HERE […]
brand
Posted at 19:06h, 26 DecemberThank you for share very nice informations. Your web is very goodI am impressed by the information that you have on this blog. It shows how well you understand this subject. Bookmarked this page, will come back for more. You, my friend, ROCK! I found just the information I already searched everywhere and just couldn’t find. What a perfect site. Like this website your website is one of my new favs.I like this website presented and it has given me some sort of commitment to have success for some reason, so thanks
My Monthly Income Report – November 2012 « Blogger Productivity « TrickMyBlog.com
Posted at 18:50h, 29 December[…] doing an incredible TEDx presentation at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. He wrote an amazing post about how it all happened, in case you’re wondering how you might be able to get invited to […]
Steph
Posted at 14:22h, 30 DecemberScott,
Congrats on meeting your goal and speaking at TEDx.
I loved the speech and feel inspired. I will probably listen to it again later today…or any other time I need inspiration.
I’ve been “stuck” in Corporate America for over 20 years. I always attempt to leave but some personal issue (like my husband’s job layoff, a sick relative) always gets in the way. I’m determined to make 2013 my year to leave for good. It’s soul sucking to be in a job you don’t love.
Congrats to you and those that have already made the leap.
Happy New Year!
Reframing Failure: The 59 Biggest Business & Personal Lessons (and mistakes) of 2012 | Live Your Legend
Posted at 09:48h, 09 January[…] them know how tough it can be. This is exactly why I am so transparent on LYL and why I wrote about How I Got Invited to Speak at TEDx. Thanks to Debra Russell. […]
Andrew R Long
Posted at 19:33h, 15 JanuaryWow . . .thanks for putting so much detail into this. Simply inspiring. Your 99% perspiration fully paid off. Congrats and thanks.
Jeannie Spiro
Posted at 22:14h, 21 JanuaryScott,
Really enjoyed your Tedx and all the steps you went through to become chosen as a speaker. Your message is extremely powerful and I’m glad it’s striking a chord – it should because people need to know that purposeful and passion filled work is possible.
I didn’t discover that until many years into my corporate career. It took the sudden death of my boss (while at work, nonetheless) to shake me out of my safe yet unhappy corporate cocoon.
I set myself on the path of reinvention (painfully unaware that people could help me through the journey) and 8 years later I’m now helping career women with ‘side gigs’ transition from their day job to solo entrepreneurship.
It took a while to figure out how to blend my background and natural skills but when I did I found work I absolutely love.
Keep spreading the word– I’m a believer and supporter of drinking the Passion and Purpose Punch!
Jeannie
Michelle Burdick
Posted at 20:59h, 05 MayStill one of my fav Ted’s. This is where I am right now. Trying so hard to figure out what I’m supposed to do. This post just totally exhausted and inspired me! Holy shit, indeed!
Basil
Posted at 01:44h, 20 JuneHey Scott,
My God it is rare for me to Comment but I just had to.
1. Your shirt was so baller! Freakin’ amazing speech aside, I distinctly remember making a mental note a few minutes in, “Damn that shirt is magnifique!” I completely believe in the compli-garment – a garment that you wear because it gives you confidence just putting it on and gets you compliments, which is not bad for the whole confidence either 😉
2. A week ago I was in need of a TED talk pick-me-up. I was feeling lazy and uninspired and hence I did a lazy search of “Finding Your Passion” “Inspire” “TED talk” and got nothing. Nadda. Two weeks later I’m researching the benefits of Failure and fear of it, I come across your video (and now sweet LYL website/family) by CHANCE, and it’s exactly what I needed… And more. Your video (found on YouTube wink wink) also spawned other similar subject matter videos and killer TED talks that I didn’t think existed a few weeks ago and wasn’t able to easily (read: lazily) find.
I just wanted to say thank you and I’ll see ya soon-ish, you’re on my “Amazing People I need to buy a drink and pick their brains” list.
Best, B.
A Beginner’s Guide to Anti-Networking: 13 Tools & Articles for Building Real Relationships | Live Your Legend
Posted at 05:01h, 07 August[…] 10. How to Get Invited to Speak at TEDx (and get 40,147 views in 5 days). The whole process in action! […]
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Jimmy Naraine
Posted at 14:32h, 14 OctoberAmazingly inspiring! Perfect message before going to sleep. Great job man:)
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Onyi
Posted at 06:02h, 09 JanuaryExcellent, well done Scott. Your talk was awesome. In November 2013, I also spoke at a TEDx event, my keynote was titled; From Detention to Distinction. You can use link to watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSC2QhXsh38
Well done again Scott.
Onyi.
Darwin
Posted at 02:40h, 15 JanuaryWhat а infοrmation of un-ambiguity anԁ preserveness οf precious experience сoncerning unpredicted emotions.
Ali Awad
Posted at 14:41h, 28 JanuaryI heard and was inspired by what you said.I also have a message of peace for the conflict in the middle east. Plz. help . I am eager to share my message with others through TEDx talk.But I don’t know whom to talk to ,to be able to present the talk.Can you tell me whom should I contact to be invited to speak? Thank you Ali Awad
Eliza
Posted at 10:49h, 10 FebruaryLOL this is a TEDx talk, not at TED talk.
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Posted at 04:55h, 23 FebruaryI’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your blogs really
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3 Rules to Giving a TEDx Talk that Gets Over 1 Million Views (My Fave Case Studies, Interviews & Tools Included) | Live Your Legend
Posted at 10:03h, 27 February[…] In 2012, I was asked to speak at TEDxGoldenGatePark. It was a major dream goal, and I was the very late-stage addition after two speakers canceled at the last minute. I had 6 days to prepare (the others had 6-9 months). I can’t describe the whirlwind that ensued. I wrote about all the details in this post: How to Get Invited to Speak at TEDx (and get 40,147 views in 5 days). […]
Megha Nancy Buttenheim
Posted at 06:32h, 02 MarchWOW! THANK YOU for your great great email and inspiration!
A friend just forwarded your WILD and WONDERFUL email to me, knowing that I am working on my own Ted Talk called: Expanding Joy: Let Your Yoga Dance for Positive Psychology. My work for 25 years has been to join dance and yoga together with the chakras, and to spread joy throughout the world, one body, mind, spirit at a time. I have every trust that I will be doing an actual TEDx talk in the near future – and for now, I am working on it (HALF of it contains movement with music) in smaller venues. I am a teacher trainer so I can always do it for my teacher training groups.
Scott, your positive energy is so great. THANK YOU! AND your coll blue shirt looks fab! I will keep on plugging, with Thomas Jefferson’s quote to fall back on! BEST wishes to you!
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JT. Connor
Posted at 15:25h, 31 MayOnce you have been selected, how do you give a Tedx Talk? I have been invited to speak at Tedx, I am only 22. My problem is I am not sure what message I should give. I surfed one of the most dangerous waves in the world. To survive this wave you have to able to hold your breath 4 minutes. I can surf these monster waves, but I am trying to figure out what can I teach from it.
Ami Ji
Posted at 20:43h, 12 FebruaryHow does surfing one of the most dangerous waves in the world relate to your life? The key to your topic is in your answer. My daughter died from a heroin overdose when she was age 23. My dear UU minister and later psychotherapist who presided over the memorial service spoke of surviving grief like surviving being pulled under by the ocean current, feeling like drowning, and then ultimately washed on shore, scratched and torn, but alive, still breathing. I hope my example helps you find your own…
My Monthly Income Report – November 2012
Posted at 11:15h, 11 September[…] doing an incredible TEDx presentation at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. He wrote an amazing post about how it all happened, in case you’re wondering how you might be able to get invited to […]
How to Give a TED Talk - My Journey
Posted at 06:45h, 27 July[…] can read about people who have sought out TEDx conferences through careful planning and strategic networking. For some […]
charlie
Posted at 01:56h, 24 AugustHere is my phone number 818 9170829 ask for Charlie, my ted talk will blow the whole worlds mind
But unless anyone calls me the world will never find true peace in time so if someone out there is largely influential
Sam Silverman
Posted at 21:41h, 27 FebruaryHonestly I love Ted talks, I want to give a grand presentation, and learn how to be featured as to why I am here reading this article to understand… But, I just realized YOU DONT NEED TED TALKS to get your VOICE HEARD. RAISE your own voice to be heard. You don’t need the system of another to speak up. I’m going to grab a camera, film my own presentation and put it up on the net for all to see. You can do it to, you can do anything!
Bisayo Busari
Posted at 02:18h, 25 MayI had a great time reading every line and yea…one day I hope to get a referral through you. lol
Rubal Mehta
Posted at 23:00h, 17 MarchI’m absolutely amazed at how this entire article has been written like a journey. I could feel all the ups and downs just going through every word. its written down so vividly that I could feel the anxiety, the rush while the time of the talk was getting closer, and meanwhile felt disheartened, happy, anxious and what not.
Thank you for this article and most importantly for the message being delivered here.
Commendable job with the ted- talk! Congratulations and wish you more success in the future!
Shawn
Posted at 17:48h, 12 AprilThis is great! Taught me a lot.
My TEDx talk just got released about a week ago. I am nowhere near you on views, but I do agree about beating the drum. So that’s my mission now.
And I found someone else motivating to follow.
http://www.yourbusinessspeaker.com/tedxwomen
Sarah Grace Spann
Posted at 13:31h, 20 JuneThis is awesome! Some how just coming across this as I aspire to talk at a TEDx event…but WOW. Go you! Now time to listen to your talk 🙂
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