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When you stop comparing yourself to others, you can accomplish great things, says wheelchair athlete Dean Furness. He shares how, after losing the use of his legs in an accident, he discovered a powerful new mindset focused on redefining his “personal average” and getting better little by little.
The TED Talks channel features the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world’s leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less). Look for talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design — plus science, business, global issues, the arts and more. You’re welcome to link to or embed these videos, forward them to others and share these ideas with people you know. For more information on using TED for commercial purposes (e.g. employee learning, in a film or online course), submit a Media Request here:
Glenn Rice
June 8, 2020 at 7:29 pm
How does your suck, make my suck not suck?
Habon Hussain
June 8, 2020 at 7:51 pm
Super nice video
Treasure Ngcobo
June 8, 2020 at 8:00 pm
Comparison is the root of all inferiorty
Blood Beryl
June 8, 2020 at 8:01 pm
He is a shopping cart lmao
Eric Miret
June 8, 2020 at 10:05 pm
offensive jokes are still supposed to be funny.
TechnoMulen
June 8, 2020 at 8:14 pm
yeah stop comparing black people and white people .. we are all the same.. so dont call people racists.
Austin Gergen
June 8, 2020 at 8:16 pm
This is the best TED video I’ve seen in at least ayear
saurav boloor
June 8, 2020 at 8:33 pm
Meannwhile Jordan peterson: hold my lobster
Mario Glory
June 8, 2020 at 8:55 pm
JUST SAW THE MOVIE STRONGER ON TV !
Jay Bee
June 8, 2020 at 9:03 pm
“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self” – Ernest Hemingway
Stephen Oyekunle
June 8, 2020 at 9:50 pm
Thank you.
Sasha Townsend - Tulsa
June 8, 2020 at 10:00 pm
Dean, thank you. ❤️ Well done.
Gabriel Martínez
June 8, 2020 at 10:03 pm
“Don’t compare youself to others to reach your potential” – Capitalism
“Crush everyone in your path to achieve victory” – Also Capitalism
“Help youself and others as a team to achieve great things” – Also also Capitalism
“Competition is key, or we would all be lazy” – Guess who? Capitalism
“individuality is greater than the sum of all of us” – Capitalism
“We all have to work together blah blah…” I think you get the point by now.
Braden Z
June 9, 2020 at 12:58 am
No.. I don’t have the background knowledge to comprehend this.
More like an individualism to me
xxx xxx
June 8, 2020 at 10:12 pm
They guy seems alright, but his talk is a bunch of vanilla bull. If you don’t compare yourself to others, you have no chance to improve objectively, if you don’t compare your self to others you don’t understand your position in any particular hierarchy (yes, they exist – shocker), dont understand your worth for negotiations. A man needs to understand his positions in relations to others, so he could keep striving to elevate himself and increase his chances of attracting. You need to have a perspective to have a direction. People who spew nonsense like that are either virtue signalling celebs, or don’t work and date.
Angel morales
June 8, 2020 at 10:19 pm
I felt this on a personal level. Thank you.
Rob Morrow
June 8, 2020 at 10:23 pm
Gerard Butlers brother?
MarezPosaune
June 8, 2020 at 10:45 pm
This is inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story.
Back2TheBasix
June 8, 2020 at 10:55 pm
This is hands down my favorite ted talk to date.
Eagel cat22
June 8, 2020 at 11:17 pm
this video inspiring I have Nvld autism spectrum
K Jc
June 8, 2020 at 11:19 pm
有中文真好，TED good
Lawrence Fortune
June 8, 2020 at 11:27 pm
He seems to be super authentic. Would love to hear his wife’s story also; probably a down-to-earth, good woman.
Jade Choi - Million Dollar Challenge
June 9, 2020 at 12:15 am
If you’re going to compare, which of course you will, then only compare to yourself to your future self.
Irene Veronica
June 9, 2020 at 12:15 am
The title should read:
“To be happy in life, stop comparing yourself to others.”
Sue Bassetmom
June 9, 2020 at 12:25 am
Bravo!
ghhbvhfrd fggfgnjih
June 9, 2020 at 12:59 am
11:31 where are his legs? Serious question and I’m not taking the piss
krishna chhetri
June 9, 2020 at 1:11 am
Thanks for sharing such an incredible life story …. sometimes , life challenges us to make a better version of ourselves , Never Give Up.
Jelkes Vwamhi
June 9, 2020 at 2:57 pm
Amazing 👏🏽
Oek Foh
June 9, 2020 at 3:14 pm
Thank you
nub guys
June 9, 2020 at 3:20 pm
Shut up and give live saving tips for covid than this useless speech for just getting views
Anthony Do
June 9, 2020 at 3:32 pm
Was this recorded a few years ago because there’s a pretty big crowd.
Tanya Adlakha
June 9, 2020 at 5:28 pm
Obviously
Mark Sanchez
June 9, 2020 at 3:44 pm
YouTube sucks
Mathinus Wolters
June 9, 2020 at 4:36 pm
Very touching story and he is absolutely right!
Self growth and self worth are very important!
Good luck everyone with your challenges!
I am already fighting mine, for 6years almost.
Stay positive, calm and healthy 😉
Parkerblue Dog
June 9, 2020 at 5:09 pm
EVEN THE TITLE IS DISAPPOINTING.
Don’t allow yourself to fall into this trap. Compete against others and learn to succeed. You’ll always feel good when you compare against yourself but that a dangerous trap to fall into.
E.coli
June 9, 2020 at 10:10 pm
You got it all wrong. Watch again. The point of three video is – think less, get to the business and keep going, instead of thinking that you cannot.
Neeraj Sharma
June 9, 2020 at 5:31 pm
Wow finally positivity
joshua joseph
June 9, 2020 at 5:52 pm
I needed this message! Thankyou!!
Vanessa Rizo
June 9, 2020 at 5:52 pm
So inspiring! Thank you for sharing your story with us and giving us encouragement.
LetzHealth Alex
June 9, 2020 at 6:21 pm
I needed this. Thank you and all the best to you!
Anonymous Phucker
June 9, 2020 at 7:15 pm
what an awesome man
Ben Lewis
June 9, 2020 at 7:28 pm
❤️
Lee Richardson
June 9, 2020 at 8:18 pm
Black lives matter NEED to watch this video
WhiteRabbitTricks
June 9, 2020 at 8:40 pm
This guy is amazing. You can hear the sensitivity in his voice. Such a brave soul
Bertus Baardman
June 9, 2020 at 9:12 pm
Wat if others keep comparing u to others and u are just u and fed up
E.coli
June 9, 2020 at 9:57 pm
Change the surroundings. Get rid of such bullshit ppl.
HindsightPOV
June 9, 2020 at 10:19 pm
If you compare yourself to others, you’ll only feel you’re not good enough. It’s easier said than done. I catch myself doing this to me all the time. But each time I catch myself, I find myself doing it less than before.
Ifrah Jama
June 9, 2020 at 10:43 pm
💯💯💯💯💯👐👐👐👐👐
accolade37
June 9, 2020 at 11:28 pm
I think I will go out today and run a 5K and compare my time with the fastest 5K runner in the last Olympics. What is wrong with this? It shows how much work I have to do to train and catch up. He says it all in this video. Can he wheel a 5K faster than the fastest 5K runner in the last olympics? No. It is pointless to compare yourself to other people, even if you try to make everything equal. Even beating your own averages doesn’t always make sense. I once ran a 5K with an average time of less than 4min/km, which was a lot faster than my training averages, I asked my coach why I had this result. His response was: ” because you were running in a forest during low humidity.” Yes, I won the race that day but my average time meant nothing because those race conditions could never be replicated. What I find is more true is trying your best and just having fun. Some days you might be better and some days you might not. Do what you love to do, with the skills you have, and find the enjoyment in what you are doing with no measurement. We don’t need to do this to determine our worth. Whether it is against other people or just ourselves.
John Palmer
June 9, 2020 at 11:44 pm
Once I could not move my hands, arms nor legs. It was very painful. Today I still struggle with pain and life has it’s challenges still. But I must say, I’ll be damned if I compare myself to another. I don’t have a low self esteem. My struggle was comparing myself with myself to whom I am today and with whom I used to be! When life brings us down we have hope, even in our darkest places light finds it’s way. I could not have lived this long without Jesus and it is that simple!
Official Vo1ze
June 10, 2020 at 12:04 am
Da’an’zho Im full blood native american and this guy speaking facts 💯☝🏾🦅⚡🌎⚡🦅🙏🏾🕵🏾♀️💯
ilovemelodyjane
June 10, 2020 at 12:38 am
Thank you for sharing this❣ I’ve had the wrong attitude, and this puts me in my place.
Nam Chung
June 10, 2020 at 1:05 am
What a brave man..Respect.
Miu naka
June 10, 2020 at 1:13 am
Thank you Ted talk for sharing his positive attitude, this inspired me a lot 💕
Su Zhen
June 10, 2020 at 1:15 am
Your sharing is Awesome! God bless!
藤和進
June 10, 2020 at 2:25 am
ふひふ
shunhong Wang
June 10, 2020 at 2:38 am
You are a tough guy!
Thanks for this inspiring talk!
I will focus on myself and not compare myself to others.
Ray Lee
June 10, 2020 at 3:44 am
Wow, such a great speech. I appreciate what you shared. Thank you.
Hyeyeon's Eco-Choice
June 10, 2020 at 4:34 am
“Compare yourself to who you were yesterday”
BoringLex
June 10, 2020 at 5:07 am
Easy to say, almost impossible to achieve.
Akash Gupta
June 10, 2020 at 5:13 am
美しい
Gul Ghutai
June 10, 2020 at 5:26 am
Left me teary eyed.
walperstyle
June 10, 2020 at 9:39 am
When I’m depressed, it’s because I’m not living up to the great thinkers and doers I follow all over the world (Elon Musk, Michio Kaku, Lex Friedman, Eric Weinstein, James Clear, Tom Woods, Bisimoto, Pinkustyle)… When I’m happy, it’s because I look at all the idiots burning their cities down and realize that at least I’m not that stupid.
Nick Bayer
June 10, 2020 at 9:53 am
Thank you Dean👍👍
Learning Things
June 10, 2020 at 12:20 pm
I’m always comparing myself and I know that it hurts me, but sometimes is really hard to be kind with yourself
Jesus A_ Prophet_In_Islam
June 10, 2020 at 12:55 pm
Prophet Muhammad said : “Verily Allah does not look to your faces and your wealth but He looks to your heart and to your deeds”
[Reference : Sahih Muslim 2564]
Thi Pham
June 10, 2020 at 1:09 pm
Excuse me, i wonder if someone can tell me what’s his English accent? Is it American? I’m English learner, i’m practicing listening skill, so i couldn’t distinguish all accents. Thanks in advance.
m gray
June 10, 2020 at 1:46 pm
I understand that. For years now, since my accidental overdose and near death event I have been comparing or trying to be what I was! Thanks to his small chat I understand that I am never going to be what I was. Maybe this will help me reset or at least start to try and make the me now better than what I’ve been and start being the best of the me now.
felicetanka
June 10, 2020 at 3:35 pm
I dont roll i walk on my hind legs.
Shubham Ghanghas
June 10, 2020 at 4:32 pm
Awesome speech
Edmand Debbarma Official
June 10, 2020 at 4:54 pm
Ted talks bring into the topics which never get space in schools
Anakin Skywalker
June 10, 2020 at 9:58 pm
“ A very wise Jedi once said, nothing happens by accident”
Providencia
June 10, 2020 at 11:04 pm
Thank you! Great Ted Talk! I’m 52 years in a wheelchair since incomplete SCI at the age of 14 – and still healthy and strong! Each day I embrace who I am. I have great adult children. And an awesome Todd!
Deepak Saxena
June 11, 2020 at 12:06 am
You are awesome indeed.
Providencia
June 11, 2020 at 12:08 am
Thanks! 👍🏼😊
Deepak Saxena
June 11, 2020 at 12:10 am
A key thing people seem to miss here is that not only we should stop comparing ourselves with others; we also need to stop comparing ourselves with our own distant past (or an imagined future). Great TED talk indeed.
Thankful Lally
June 11, 2020 at 12:28 am
Great.👍 Stay blessed.🌿
Sajad Saifi
June 11, 2020 at 12:30 am
It was an inspiring story that gave me a lesson. Thank u for your an amazing inspiration. God bless you with the rest of your life through Almighty God help.
André Campos
June 11, 2020 at 12:57 am
Thank you!
Izzy Hourihan
June 11, 2020 at 1:20 am
This comment section is so smart and full of such intelligent people and there’s me trying to find a reason to keep working hard when I’m not getting anywhere-
André Campos
June 11, 2020 at 1:24 am
We are used to compare ourselves with people we think we’re similar in certain way… We don’t compare ourselves to Bill Gates or Elon Musk, because in our heads they are obviously too different. Buuut, I recently thought that twin brothers are as much different from each other than are from the examples above! We are all so different, unique, but we don’t realize. But, even if there is to be comparison. So what? What does it bring to us? To feel bad for ourselves? What do we gain, comparing? Thanks again!
Orang Lola
June 11, 2020 at 1:37 am
Comparison serve as a reference of making adjustment. Without it, you will feel great doing something foolish.
When doing adjustment, you have to fully focus on your current capabilities and possible path you can take.
Elena Fetter
June 11, 2020 at 5:05 am
Thank you.
Dexter Bernard
June 11, 2020 at 5:40 am
Impermanence.
charmoli apum khrime
June 11, 2020 at 5:54 am
We take so many things for granted. Like once I had an ear infection and I sat in a chair and thought how I took hearing for granted.
Xeno Phon
June 11, 2020 at 6:58 am
Seems backwards af. So mentors, role models, all of that, just worthless then? Others exist, denying that they do and influence your life is mentally deficient af.
Prakash Raj
June 11, 2020 at 7:39 am
Thank you for such a wonderful talk.
Anthonyleegmc
June 11, 2020 at 8:10 am
Who also watches this video because of wanting to learn something new during this COVID 19 as I do 😂?
Das Elementum
June 11, 2020 at 8:54 am
No sir, save your valuable breath. They want to be victims. Thank you for the powerful message though.
Julia Li
June 11, 2020 at 12:32 pm
Wow this is one of the best ted talks I have ever heard. Thank you for this!
Elvis Hamilton
June 11, 2020 at 1:48 pm
I’m not comparing myself to other, but people around me always compare myself to other with their absurd expectation
EZANA
June 11, 2020 at 2:30 pm
This video is important
Kevin Kaffy
June 11, 2020 at 3:53 pm
Very true!
Sam Burgess
June 11, 2020 at 5:35 pm
Great talk!
Ready Now&Forever
June 11, 2020 at 6:45 pm
Very thoughtful.
َحكايات
June 11, 2020 at 8:44 pm
الحمد لله على كل النعم ربنا يشفيه ويعافيه
Thanks to god
for all things, i wish he well become better♥️
Mike Geno
June 11, 2020 at 9:17 pm
Thank you for this talk, I got hurt pretty bad in September so this hits home. You are a very strong man and have an amazing attitude. Thanks again.
Adonis Contreras
June 11, 2020 at 11:23 pm
I am my biggest critic
MARIA LUIZA ACERBI
June 12, 2020 at 12:31 am
Thanks for your words(pretty valuable for me)…MARIA LUIZA ACERBI
rabbiya rizwan
June 12, 2020 at 12:51 am
It’s helpful. Thankyou!!❤
Dr. Tasnim Al-Dhabbi
June 12, 2020 at 1:07 am
I think I can help you ☺️ olivespaacupuncture.ca
Liberated Lioness
June 12, 2020 at 1:33 am
I have so much respect for you and I am personally humbled by your experience, determination and your process towards surrender. Thank you for sharing your story. 🙏🏿
ALi URMU
June 12, 2020 at 3:16 am
Whether in a tough time, I must always focus on myself. Thank you for the great lesson, Mr.Dean.
Ibrahim Rashid
June 12, 2020 at 3:33 am
Before clicking this video i was comparing my self to other people’s… After watching this video I will be very aware of this things…May Allah Helped us❣️
헌혈해라또해라
June 12, 2020 at 4:19 am
so where he gets income?
Micahia B.
June 12, 2020 at 5:04 am
This is a powerful message. You cannot compare yourselves to others, but it feels like today’s society is based off of continually comparisons. How do we shift our perspective? Working through that idea on my own Youtube series.
Rohit Chandwani
June 12, 2020 at 5:40 am
Your poise is authentic, hence inspiring.
Kamil Zegarlicki
June 12, 2020 at 10:55 am
Well, i just need a job, that’s all.
Eru Ilúvatar
June 12, 2020 at 11:41 am
Didn’t he just compare himself to his friends.
KJS-全球領先比特幣礦場
June 12, 2020 at 2:52 pm
It’s an inspiration to so many of us
Uyen Dinh
June 12, 2020 at 3:39 pm
Just focus on you instead of others, so you will accomplish great things.
He Zhao
June 12, 2020 at 7:02 pm
Inspiring Talk
Kara L
June 13, 2020 at 1:24 am
Im so glad i came across this video, this taught me that you can make your life A LOT easier if you just choose not to compare yourself to others. If you do compare at least make sure it’s inspiring you to become better and not making you feel worse about yourself…
Natan Facchin
June 13, 2020 at 1:34 am
Great lesson and very inspiring <3
Julie Krol
June 13, 2020 at 6:14 am
What a fantastic talk ❤️ I believe we compare ourselves to others and even who we were in the past because it’s easier to tell your yourself that you’re not good enough and live in doubt than to actually be proud of yourself. I think many of us tend to believe our achievements only once others have acknowledged them first. This talk has definitely made me more aware of that, so thank you!
Steph thinks
June 13, 2020 at 7:27 am
In this social media age, where everyone posts only their best face, comparison is so easy. So turning it off, occasionally or permanently, and changing this habit like he explains, is key. Thanks for this inspiring talk.
beautiful soul experience
June 13, 2020 at 8:14 am
This is a powerful talk. Do not compare yourself with who you were before… wow!
Elon Musk
June 13, 2020 at 11:16 am
Türkçe çeviri için teşekkürler
Avdhut Patil
June 13, 2020 at 11:19 am
Awesome
Thanks
Zack Tu Nan Zing Hang
June 13, 2020 at 6:25 pm
Good and bad really didn’t have a lot of meaning unless I had the context of know what my average was.
Shining Cells
June 13, 2020 at 11:16 pm
STUDENT 2 Let's Chat
June 14, 2020 at 12:09 am
Whenever I’m down and feeling like I’m worthless I start thinking that I’m able to walk and I’m not in a wheelchair.