Why WHO you ARE Matters | Steven David | TEDxWakeForestU

Introduction

• The importance of self-reflection and being selfish for a short period is emphasized to think about oneself and who they are, as who a person is matters (21s).
• With approximately 8.1 billion people on Earth, each individual represents a small fraction of the world, but this should not make them feel insignificant, as the power of one person can change the world (1m22s).
• One person can impact many people, find a cure for cancer, or lead others to peace, highlighting the significance of individual power (2m5s).
• The speaker shares personal experiences, such as getting their first tattoo at 50 and completing their first Iron Man at 58, to illustrate that people are a work in progress (2m26s).
• It is essential to focus on oneself and stop worrying about others, as individuals cannot control them, and instead, focus on personal growth and progress (2m45s).
• A song by The Brothers Osborne, "Nobody's Nobody," is referenced, with lyrics emphasizing that everyone matters, regardless of their accomplishments or status (3m4s).
• The speaker's lessons aim to help individuals make themselves matter more and become the best version of themselves (3m42s).

The Importance of Lists

• Three essential lists are discussed: the to-do list, the toone list, and another list, with the to-do list being the third most important, as it is often prioritized over the others (4m18s).
• The toone list, which involves reflecting on accomplishments and celebrating them, is considered the second most important list, as it provides confirmation and affirmation (5m0s).
• A "to-be" list is more important than a to-do list, as it focuses on personal growth and becoming a better person, such as being more forgiving and anti-racist, and it is unique to each individual (5m26s).

Focus on the Present and Future

• There are only three days in a week: yesterday, today, and tomorrow, and one should focus on the present and future rather than dwelling on the past (6m30s).
• The windshield of a car is bigger than the rearview mirror, symbolizing the importance of focusing on the future and moving forward (7m37s).
• Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "Life was meant to be lived and curiosity must be kept alive," emphasizing the importance of focusing on the future (8m1s).

Developing a Personal Creed

• Having a personal creed or motto can be helpful in guiding one's actions and decisions, and it is something that each person should develop for themselves (8m31s).
• The speaker shares their personal creed, which is "Some days are better than others. Work hard, do good, be proud, have fun, do what is right," and encourages others to think about and develop their own creed (9m32s).

Guantanamo Bay Experience

• The US Navy base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, has been an important location for various military and security operations, including a state-of-the-art courtroom and prison facilities (10m11s).
• The Guantanamo Bay detention center once held over 400 detainees, but now has less than 25, with the vast majority of detainees eventually being released and returned home without being charged or committing a crime against the United States (11m22s).
• The individual has experience with Guantanamo Bay, having served in various capacities throughout their military career, including as the chief defense counsel, defending all 9/11 terrorists, and setting up the team for C Shake Muhammad's case (12m14s).
• The individual was selected by the Secretary of Defense to serve as the chief defense counsel at Guantanamo Bay, leaving their position as a trial court judge in Indiana, and was mobilized to active duty (13m10s).
• When informing their 85-year-old World War II veteran father about their new role, he advised them to "do your duty, son" and added that to their motto, which became "work hard, do good, be proud, have fun, do what is right" (13m32s).
• The individual emphasizes the importance of doing what is right, regardless of what others think, and notes that it's easy to do what's right when it's easy, but harder when it's not (14m27s).
• The individual experienced being stereotyped and receiving misinformation due to their position as chief defense counsel, which made them realize the importance of doing their job and doing what's right (15m32s).
• The individual has also served as a trial judge for 16 years and a Supreme Court Justice for 12 years, striving to do their best and follow their motto (16m0s).

Principles for a Better World

• To create a better world, individuals should focus on doing the right thing, and this can be achieved by following a set of principles: work hard, do good, be proud, have fun, and do what's right (16m31s).
• Working hard is essential, and it's supported by Abraham Lincoln, who favored people who like to work (16m55s).
• Doing good is also crucial, as stated by John Adams, who said that being good and doing good is all one needs to do (17m6s).
• Being proud of oneself is vital, and it's recommended to be proud every step of the way, not just when reaching a goal, as stated by author Karen Shaml (17m31s).
• Putting one's name on everything they do and being the best version of themselves is essential, as it reflects their character and mission (18m30s).
• Having fun and learning to laugh, even in the face of adversity, is necessary, as it helps to not take oneself too seriously (18m46s).
• Cultivating a sense of humor is crucial, as stated by Betty White, who said that if one has no humor, they are in trouble (19m30s).

Embracing Imperfection and Self-Improvement

• It's okay to not be okay, and everyone is a work in progress, with nobody being perfect (20m51s).
• A quote from Sir Edmund Hillary emphasizes that it is not the external challenges we conquer, but rather ourselves that we need to focus on overcoming (21m19s).
• To achieve personal growth, it is essential to focus on who you want to be, utilizing the present and looking forward to the future, rather than dwelling on the past (21m29s).
• A personal experience of climbing to Everest Base Camp serves as a reminder that the concept of self-improvement is relevant to everyone (21m41s).
• It is acceptable to be a little selfish and focus on oneself, as this allows for personal growth and self-improvement (21m53s).
• Creating a personal "to be" list and developing a personal creed can help individuals take advantage of their opportunities and strive to be the best version of themselves (21m59s).
• Prioritizing self-improvement and being the best version of oneself can have a positive impact on those around them (22m14s).