7 Inspirational Speeches That Will Transform Your Life
Have you ever listened to a podcast, watched a documentary, or read a book that absolutely changed your mindset for the better? In the next few weeks or maybe even MONTHS your habits and mindset improve greatly. But, as time passes, that flame inside dwindles little by little each day until you’re back to your old ways. Why is it so hard to stay motivated?
I think the answer is simple. When we set goals, we propel ourselves SO far into the future, that when we take any missteps that push us further away from what we want, we give up altogether. I know I’m guilty of this. I’ll start a workout plan on Monday then eat ice cream for breakfast on Wednesday. By that point, I determine I will have to restart next Monday, so I’ll spend the entire weekend binge eating anything and everything. Does this cycle sound familiar? This constant cycle of starting and restarting is an exhausting one. So, this year, I still set my ambitious goals, but I decided to make tiny “sub-steps” toward them.
As I take these tiny steps forward I’m learning that the most important element to staying motivated is my mindset. As cliche as it is, it’s true. Reading books and watching documentaries are helpful and important. I even have a few podcasts I keep in rotation. But, one of the most helpful and SIMPLE tools to keep that flame inside ignited is a short 20-minute inspirational speech.
So it’s that simple. My secret to staying motivated is to consistently fuel my brain with the words of wisdom from wise and ambitious women daily.
Here are three reasons you should incorporate a motivational speech into your daily routine:
- It gives you a new perspective. If you are used to listening to one or two podcasts, a video from a new speaker each day will shed light from a new point of view on a topic you thought you’ve already mastered. As a woman who is as versatile and dynamic as you, this is a key element to your success.
- It will help you realign with your goals. Sometimes we need a few minutes focused on something positive to change the direction of our lives. Think of a quick snippet of a motivational speech as a way to put that warm, emotional feeling after reading a Rachel Hollis book and bottling it up to use for later.
- There are endless amounts of resources available at your disposal. The internet is your FREE library for Ted Talks, speeches for and by women, and it only takes a few clicks. A simple YouTube search will yield many options so that you can pick the perfect motivational speech for the allotted time you have available.
Before jumping into the list of speeches, I want to talk about the thought process behind creating this list. I chose women who were diverse as it relates to race, profession, and background. I chose these speakers because I think each one has a unique story, and in their vulnerability, we are blessed to learn from their experiences and their wisdom. I hope you enjoy this list as much as I do!
Please note that this page contains affiliate links. See my full disclosure here.
7 Inspirational Speeches Every Woman Needs to Listen to:
1) The Speech: Dr. Jessica Houston – Give Your All
The Message: Your attitude will shape the outcome of your life. When you are met with mountains, you must keep pushing forward. Dr. Houston is full of so much wisdom from both her painful experiences and successes in life. This speech is hands down the most quotable speech on this list. It will give you a lot of things to ponder upon when you finish. You will reflect on your beliefs about yourself and the thoughts you produce daily. She often references “rewriting your script.” There is so much power in growing through what you experience whether it is good or bad. This is at the root of her message.
2) The Speech: Mina Shah – What Happens When Women Stop Believing the Lies
The Message: Start believing that YOU are good enough just as you are right now. The message starts a little slow, but by the end of this speech, I felt so moved a few tears were shed. Mina is wise, courageous, and well-spoken. I highly recommend squeezing in the fifteen minutes for this speech.
3) Lily Singh: Interview with Lily Singh: From Depression to Success
The Message: Follow your passions and give it your ALL rather than confining yourself to one set path. I love how raw and honest she is about the highs and lows she experiences professionally and personally. She talks about how the events in her life shape her work ethic and attribute to her success today. She recently wrote a book that outlines her steps to gaining success as a YouTube influencer in a very competitive market. If you fall into the content creator bucket, I highly suggest you check her book out on my reading list.
4) The Speech: Anne Hathaway International Women’s Day Speech on Paid Family Leave
The Message: Equally as important as maternity leave, paternity leave should also be a high priority for all countries. Raising the standard for dads to have paid time off as a new parent sends the message that BOTH mothers and fathers play an equal role in their new child’s life. New parents really can gain so much from her perspective here.
5) The Speech: Amy Morin – The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong
The Message: Counter your unhealthy beliefs about yourself and replace them with positive messages daily. Amy is the true definition of strength. If you even hear one-fourth of her message, I guarantee you will gain a new outlook on life and re-evaluate your thought process.
6) The Speech: CeCe Olisa – How to Build Self-Confidence
The Message: Don’t allow the societal pressure of what the “ideal body” should look like to determine your path in life. CeCe goes through a short period of self-doubt and had she not stepped back into her self-confidence, she would not be living a life filled with fulfillment professionally and personally. CeCe’s delivery is so straight-forward and to the point, that it honestly inspired me to rethink some of the “barriers” that are keeping me from the next step in my goals. She is a woman we ALL need on our team!
7) The Speech: Michelle Obama – How to Succeed in Life
The Message: If you take anything from this speech, it should be that resilience, consistently showing up, and character is the key to becoming your best self. Your success is determined by your daily actions.
Each one of these speeches contain such a special message that I truly believe every person can benefit from no matter what stage in life you’re in at this very moment. Think of listening to a motivational speech as a way to recharge your battery. You wouldn’t let your phone deplete before drain to zero percent, so we must be sure not to let our inspiration die either.
“Your level of confidence is going to determine what you strive for.”
– Dr. Jessica Houston
I’ll leave you one final quote from Dr. Jessica Houston: “Your level of confidence is going to determine what you strive for.” Be the woman who strives for MORE. Whether it’s more peace, more happiness, more money professionally. Whatever YOUR definition of success is, I hope you know I am rooting for you.
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Please note that this page contains affiliate links. See my full disclosure here.
