Stop Chasing Purpose and Focus on Wellness | Chloe Hakim-Moore | TEDxMemphis

Stop Chasing Purpose and Focus on Wellness | Chloe Hakim-Moore | TEDxMemphis

For ages, people have been told to find our purpose, and that purpose will lead to a fulfilled life. But what if finding purpose isn’t enough to bring fulfillment? What if the focus on finding purpose, in fact, has been harming us by obscuring who we are with ideas of who we should be? This talk explores how our singular mission should be collective wellness, why now is the time to pursue it, and how the journey will offer the healing our world has desired for centuries. Chloe is an internationally acclaimed social designer, artist, and humanitarian. Fueled by an unshakable reverence for all life, her practice demands dignity for all, and centers the reimagining of societal systems to guarantee global well-being. Hakim-Moore designed and leads NEXT Memphis: a $32 million initiative of Porter-Leath to increase access to high quality early childhood education for all families in Shelby County.

Her past projects include: leading the operations of First 8 Memphis; partnering with the National Institutes of Health to serve persons with disabilities in Trinidad and Tobago; and supporting refugees and immigrants through designing citizenship attainment and food entrepreneurship opportunities. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

50 Comments

  1. @apc5755 on December 17, 2024 at 4:48 pm

    🦋💘This is my second time listening to this talk at different points in my life. Each time was thought provoking and phenomenal. The first time I heard this, I I was getting deathly ill, and the next time was nine months later surviving internal bleeding twice and healing. Thank you for this amazing talk.💘🦋

  2. @craftedcarvedpodcast7724 on December 17, 2024 at 4:48 pm

    Honestly, this is everything!

  3. @Vitalityvibe-c9x on December 17, 2024 at 4:49 pm

    Great content, very inspiring

  4. @allysegraben2196 on December 17, 2024 at 4:49 pm

    Thank you!

  5. @yourgirlgeorgiasworld9804 on December 17, 2024 at 4:50 pm

    Impactful ❤❤❤

  6. @mindgamees on December 17, 2024 at 4:51 pm

    How to unlock your mindset and achieve anything you desire. A mindset is the framework your brain uses to view and evaluate the world. It’s the Belief System that you use to direct your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Your mindset is the root cause of your success or failure in life.

  7. @reprogrammingmind on December 17, 2024 at 4:52 pm

    Stop focusing on TEDx and do a real TED talk.

  8. @tonyashipp3436 on December 17, 2024 at 4:52 pm

    clapping👏!

  9. @creativeharmonywithluiza on December 17, 2024 at 4:53 pm

    touching! amazing! thank you

  10. @latrecejones on December 17, 2024 at 4:56 pm

    Great speaker! Thanks

  11. @Brandi.Christine on December 17, 2024 at 4:57 pm

    She’s a freaking genius ❤️ same age as me too ❤️ wiser than wise my goodness 👍🏼 well done 👏 👏 👏

  12. @apriljohnson7899 on December 17, 2024 at 4:57 pm

    This was beautiful n educational….I pray for u and Thank you 🎉🎉❤❤

  13. @Ericechild1979 on December 17, 2024 at 4:59 pm

    ✊🏾🫶🏾❤️‍🩹💯🤗❤️‍🩹🥰No Thank you so much for sharing much NEEDED information and solutions I am definitely looking forward to starting my Wellness Journey

  14. @beatrizruizdeaguiar148 on December 17, 2024 at 4:59 pm

    This woman has so much wisdom and charisma ❤

  15. @sleyaraze8916 on December 17, 2024 at 5:01 pm

    She’s young but she talked with maturity and promoted self respect, therapy, development of society and it linked well altogether. Really proud of myself for listening to her Ted-talk.

  16. @TheHgrave on December 17, 2024 at 5:02 pm

    This TED talk really struck a chord with me being a busy medical student trying to find a balance between everything going on in my life. I appreciated the way Chloe was able to use her personal anecdotes to better deliver the idea of focusing on wellness within yourself versus purpose as it made it more digestible. People that pursue the path to becoming a doctor are definitely a perfect example of individuals striving towards purpose and end up putting their ow needs and wellness at the wayside. I am definitely guilty of doing this. While having goals and aspirations in life is important, the road you take to get there can come at a cost of your well being. Before listening to this talk I don’t think I have sat down and considered what does wellness mean for me, what do I need in order to feel content and at peace the way Chloe described. Even looking into the future at my career in which I would be taking care of other people, this made me think of the cliché saying “you can’t pour from an empty cup”. In order to show up for my patients in the way they would need me to and be able to provide the best care of my ability I need to have a full cup. In other words, I know I need to take care of myself and make sure I am at peace the way Chloe described so that I could provide that peace and care for others. This could be related back to a medical ethical tenet of beneficence that healthcare providers try to uphold. This is the responsibility of providers to act for the benefit of the patient and to always defend and protect the rights of their patients. Overall, I believe the lessons described in the Ted Talk should be followed by all individuals but especially those in the healthcare industry or any other occupation that has you taking care of the wellness of others in order to provide the best care possible.

  17. @DH09876 on December 17, 2024 at 5:02 pm

    No, Purpose>wellness

  18. @RickFerns on December 17, 2024 at 5:03 pm

    This TED talk spoke to me, as a millennial and a medical student who is consistently surrounded by messages of purpose. Who goes to medical school without that driver? The pursuit of a purposeful life is an admirable endeavor, but can, as Chloe mentioned, be a double-edged sword. On one hand, having a clear sense of purpose can give us direction, motivation, and a sense of fulfillment. On the other hand, chasing that “purpose” can lead to an unhealthy amount of stress, higher risk of burnout, and decreased focus on wellness, and on living in the moment. It’s important to note that there isn’t anything inherently wrong with having a sense of purpose. In fact, observational studies referenced in the Blue Zones show that having a sense of purpose is linked to greater health and a longer lifespan. However, the problem arises when we become so obsessed with achieving our purpose that we neglect other important aspects of our lives, such as our health and relationships. In our society, there’s often a pressure to be constantly achieving and striving for success. We’re told that we should always be working towards something: a promotion at work, a personal goal, a social cause. While these focuses can be motivating in the short-term, they could can also lead to chronic stress and burnout if we don’t take breaks and prioritize self-care. Thank you for reminding us to pause and do this, Chloe. The idea of a “purposeful life” is often conflated with a life of productivity and achievement. As a society, we’re encouraged to work harder, longer, and smarter, in order to achieve our goals. We’ve already seen in the United States that this leads to a culture where people sacrifice their health for the sake of their careers. From an ethical standpoint, it’s important to consider the impact of our pursuit of purpose on others. When we become consumed by our own achievements, we tend to neglect the needs and well-being of those around us. This can lead to a lack of empathy and a failure to recognize the importance of relationships and community. The pressure to achieve a certain accolade determined to gain purpose could also lead to unethical behavior, such as cutting corners, cheating, or exploiting others in order to get ahead or reach that goal. In order to avoid the pitfalls of chasing a purposeful life, it’s important to prioritize our individual well-being, and relationships. This means taking breaks when we need them, practicing self-care, and being mindful of our own limitations, and when we need breaks, because that means something different for everyone— I’ve seen that in medical school. A purposeful life should be one that is fulfilling, meaningful, and does not come at the expense of physical health or mental well-being. By striking a balance between our goals and our well-being, we can lead purposeful lives that are also healthy and sustainable in the long run. Easier said than done, but I’m going to do my best!

  19. @mnhooks on December 17, 2024 at 5:04 pm

    Would love to hear a post-Covid update from Chloe.

  20. @talezambia9736 on December 17, 2024 at 5:05 pm

    I’ll be turning 25 next week……This quarter life crisis got me in so many questions….I needed to watch this 🤧 all the way from Zambia 🇿🇲
    We’ll make it regardless….thank you so much to TEDx TALKS for this…for every like I get, I’ll come back to watch

  21. @QueenHomegirl on December 17, 2024 at 5:05 pm

    What a lady xox

  22. @dclark6357 on December 17, 2024 at 5:05 pm

    Great Ted Talk

  23. @alexandriaramos3687 on December 17, 2024 at 5:05 pm

    Great speaking wow!

  24. @LearningDevgarg on December 17, 2024 at 5:06 pm

    Loved it!!! Reletable

  25. @wellbodisalone on December 17, 2024 at 5:07 pm

    Prioritizing wellness will improve your mental health and well-being. Things like practicing self-care, managing stress, and seeking support when needed can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

  26. @dann6893 on December 17, 2024 at 5:09 pm

    One does not have to "chase" purpose in life. We all have gifts and abilities and talents. When you use them, you are bringing meaning and purpose into your life, and when you do what you are good at, it will bring much fulfillment. The ultimate fulfillment for me is to personally know my Creator (Jesus) and who He made me to be. When your identity is in Christ, you know who you are.

  27. @Larry21924 on December 17, 2024 at 5:10 pm

    This is a great exploration of the topic. I remember a book with similar content that was life-altering. "Your Body Your Temple" by Sophia Wintergreen

  28. @cab26 on December 17, 2024 at 5:10 pm

    Back again. 😊

  29. @rust7012 on December 17, 2024 at 5:11 pm

    thankfully i had that “quarter life crisis” as a 15 year old, i’m very greatful for being able to be given it young so i could inspire more ppl

  30. @SerenitySaga-dw8pk on December 17, 2024 at 5:14 pm

    thanks so much for sharing! very important and timely info

  31. @af4537 on December 17, 2024 at 5:15 pm

    Purpose is well being

  32. @coritareetz on December 17, 2024 at 5:15 pm

    The best Ted Talk I’ve listened to!

  33. @VerumLetra on December 17, 2024 at 5:17 pm

    She only talks about herself so much “I”

  34. @warriorric1026 on December 17, 2024 at 5:17 pm

    Brilliant delivery and refreshingly authentic. Thank you.

  35. @wellnessrealm. on December 17, 2024 at 5:19 pm

    ❤❤❤

  36. @DrEricaJones on December 17, 2024 at 5:21 pm

    Being well is the best goal!!!!

  37. @dsmith56 on December 17, 2024 at 5:22 pm

    Thank you @Chloe Hakim-Moore!

  38. @bealyght7317 on December 17, 2024 at 5:24 pm

    I see most of these comments were from at least a yrea ago but this TED Talk came RIGHT on time for me in March 2023🙌🏽

  39. @RivaTheDiva on December 17, 2024 at 5:27 pm

    This got me ballin my eyeballs out.. I needed this talk! Thank you!

  40. @toppertin92006 on December 17, 2024 at 5:28 pm

    Chloe mentioned about the fear of death, which I believe is a major component of why many people focus on chasing purpose in life. This is something that as a future physician, is something I will have to grapple with for myself and for my patients. Decisions that individuals make should be with their own well-being in mind, not necessarily what is best for prolonging their life for many more years to come. As a future provider, encouraging a person to pursue their wellness exemplifies the ethical tenet of beneficence, or doing good. In order to do this, I have realized that you cannot pour from an empty cup. It is important to “know yourself, know your worth” as Drake put it so eloquently. This talk helped me recognize that my wellness has to matter in order for my future patients’ wellness to be impacted for the better. Another aspect of the discussion mentioned the avoidance of confrontation in order to help please others and keep the peace. I can empathize with this mentality, as it is something I have had to reason with for my twenty six years of life thus far. However, reflecting on this point has led me to realize that this is a disservice to those I surround myself with, as well as those who I look to help later in my career. Trying to keep the peace, trying to avoid bad news or avoid reality, oftentimes harsh and difficult to swallow, can be a form of maleficence. Avoiding these difficult decisions and tough situations ultimately is harmful and can lead to a cascade of more difficult choices that compound on one another. Sometimes, ripping the bandaid off and dealing with the situation head on is the best approach, and it is one that can be very difficult to embrace. I appreciate this discussion for helping me realize several important lessons that can help benefit myself and others I look forward to working with in my future career.

  41. @zoewhite3405 on December 17, 2024 at 5:29 pm

    Brilliant talk

  42. @buttercup5708 on December 17, 2024 at 5:32 pm

    Beautifully done!

  43. @fantasiagaines7960 on December 17, 2024 at 5:35 pm

    She should try standup the little jokes were so funny 😂 8:42

  44. @MartinRiosBanuelos on December 17, 2024 at 5:35 pm

    Great Ted Talk – this video found me at the right time. I’m 27 and I graduate this summer from Community College and will be transitioning into a four year university this fall. A lot of blocked/neglected emotions have been surfacing (because of this big transition that’s happening). Thank you for explaining that Wellness is key. 

    It is time to figure out what health looks like physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and socially for me.

  45. @jasminejanise on December 17, 2024 at 5:38 pm

    Accidentally clicked on this while watching another video ❤
    I’m glad I stayed 🍀

  46. @TracestarWest on December 17, 2024 at 5:38 pm

    This is one of the best Ted Talks I’ve ever heard. I have never heard someone so young speak so well, you had me hanging on to every word. Amazing work. Well done and thank you for sharing!!

  47. @d.baileyspeaks on December 17, 2024 at 5:42 pm

    This advice is only convenient for women. FYI. Purpose is his MEN build the world. Women have a God-ordained purpose.

  48. @EnlightenedEssentialsCenter on December 17, 2024 at 5:45 pm

    Great speaker

  49. @aartithaur4768 on December 17, 2024 at 5:46 pm

    Just tried Planet Ayurveda’s Plato Plan Syrup, and it’s fantastic! Really effective and tastes great.

  50. @amyyy0790 on December 17, 2024 at 5:46 pm

    Take care of yourself first (physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, socially) and then, everything else falls into place.

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