Over two decades of interviewing countless creative people, Debbie Millman (host of the iconic “Design Matters” podcast) had a realization: the pride and joy of accomplishing something often evaporates almost instantly. She explains how to stop chasing external validation for your achievements and instead live for the act of creation itself. (Recorded at TEDNext 2025 on November 9, 2025)
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@lollo-r2m
May 29, 2026 at 11:03 am
❤
@mkrafts8519
May 29, 2026 at 11:10 am
If you don’t like the success you didn’t really care about the operation.
@errix
May 29, 2026 at 6:04 pm
It’s less that people don’t like the success, it’s more that the end result often matters an awful lot less than the process.
@doubleuenbeeeh
May 29, 2026 at 11:19 am
Just a horrendous voice for a podcaster holy fk
@keithbell9348
May 29, 2026 at 11:39 am
It is very revealing to hear David Lee Roth say that. No doubt many other talented musical artists would agree.
And then there are those who are in it squarely for the craft,
as our guest commentator points out.
The late famous musician Prince was such.
Many regard the peak of his successful career with his Purple Rain album.
And what does he do with a follow-up?
Around The World In A Day album.
A sharp sudden departure from Purple Rain’s blend of pop/ rock/ funk that many up till then associated as the “Minneapolis Sound” and which also described his previous works that put him on the map.
For his global fans and critics it was a confusing mind bending move on his part. This album leaned heavily towards psychodelic pop. And he lost alot of his fans for doing so.
When asked why this strategy?
Prince explained:
A) he was always in search of new horizons to tone his craft
B) he always wants to try something new and tires easily from the same stuff on repeat
C) he knew he would lose fans be misunderstood
D) but he also knew that there are people out there who feel as he does. They too yearn for the unfamiliar and will venture out for something different. “Hey if you are with me then your with me along on this ride…”
In the long run for Prince it worked.
In it for the sake of the creative process and the inner gratification that comes with it.
@upjikt
May 29, 2026 at 12:02 pm
Why ? Because the American concept of success is to crush others with your ignorance and greed…
The moment you desire something, you cease to be free.
Ambition and competition are the law in your society ; there is no love at all : that is why a society like yours is in a state of perpetual struggle, violence and collapse .
@youtubeisrunbyamonkey
May 29, 2026 at 1:55 pm
Is that not the nature of mankind, to always desire more, to seek brighter futures and new horizons? I wouldn’t say its an exercise of greed when people work at leaving bad situations, try to pave a brighter path for their children, or even those that build a business to fund their passion. I would say the ugly and the evil of the world is always more apparent than the good, but thats what drives people to make change and better;themself,situation, or even the world. The sheer number and variety of people with free will leads to conflict yes, but I think diversity is also the spice of life. While its true the grass is greener where its watered, If all you see is Grey and mud, you might need a change of scenery. I think the desire to reach up is fundamentally tied to hope.
@leoizar
May 29, 2026 at 2:45 pm
What a trash content…
@BritishRick
May 29, 2026 at 3:26 pm
It comes from self-denial, self-rejection and guilt. You have to accept yourself as you are, not as you should be. Just because you succeeded, it does not make you less human.
@FiatLux2025
May 29, 2026 at 3:54 pm
I remember when Ted talks were useful and interesting, not this sort of happy-clappy BS
@paulo1940
May 29, 2026 at 4:54 pm
I love this message, time and time again. We live in a world that values ambition and visibility much more than whatever merit they hold.
I find it difficult to balance the desire to matter and make something of this life of mine with the desire to be at peace and just be and make for the sake of making and contribution in whatever way comes natural to me.
@bradlD8400
May 29, 2026 at 6:27 pm
Great talk. I realised long ago that it is the journey, not NOT the destination. My peers would look confused when I wasn’t interested in ‘speed running’ the ladder even though I have the skill. I’m far happier mentoring those around me and teaching them how to think and how to build, not how to succeed, as giving them a foundation empowers them to build as they see fit at their own pace, not as I see it.