Learning to pace yourself with purpose | Kate Nam | TEDxCU

TL;DR

Taking a gap year and intentionally slowing down can provide deeper self-understanding and confidence in decision-making.

Transcript

[Applause] I want you all to imagine yourself sprinting your blood is pumping your head is starting to throb your knees are just begging you to stop and your lungs feel like they can't get enough air in it's not an awesome feeling but you're moving faster right well now I want you to imagine yourself walking it's calmer you're still exercising but ... Read More

Key Insights

• ⌛ Slowing down and taking the time to walk during critical times of change can provide a deeper understanding of oneself.
• 💯 Identifying and reflecting on your core values can guide future decisions and bring reassurance.
• ⌛ Feeling at a standstill is normal during times of change, but the attitude and intentional reflection can help gain clarity and move forward.
• 🙈 Burnout can be seen as an opportunity to identify areas in life that need adjustment.
• 💩 Just like athletes who commit to only one form of exercise hit a plateau, finding balance between speed and growth is crucial in life.
• 🤳 A gap year can be a valuable experience for self-reflection and gaining a deeper understanding of oneself.
• 📣 The mindset developed during a gap year can continue to be beneficial in future endeavors.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the author feel before taking a gap year?

The author felt burnt out and exhausted from constantly sprinting through life, juggling academic and extracurricular commitments.

Q: What did the author learn through intentional reflection during their gap year?

The author discovered their core values, such as honesty, community, challenge, and growth. They realized that these values should guide their future decisions and experiences.

Q: How did the author handle feelings of regret and being left behind during their gap year?

The author reminded themselves of the reasons why they chose to take a gap year and focused on the opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth. This grounding helped them overcome feelings of regret.

Q: How did the author's mindset change when transitioning from the gap year to college?

The author felt nervous about returning to a faster pace of life but was reassured by their deeper understanding of themselves. They made choices aligned with their core values, such as joining the crew team, which they might not have considered before.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The author reflects on their experience of constantly sprinting through life and feeling burnt out.

• After choosing to take a gap year, they initially felt uncomfortable and anxious about not moving forward.

• Through intentional reflection, the author discovered their core values and used them to guide their future decisions.