Become the Person You Can't Imagine | Norman Bacal | TEDxRyersonU
Whether you're twenty-five or sixty-five, figuring out what you're going to do next in life is a challenge. With great humour, Norman Bacal traces the river of his own journey through success to crashing failure and then to amazing rebirth. As a lawyer, firm builder, motivational speaker and bestselling author, Norman uses his own personal experiences to share advice on how to rebound after failure and set yourself up for success. Norman Bacal built and led an iconic Canadian law firm, was among the pioneers of the financing of the Canadian film and television industry, and had the privilege of working with major Hollywood studios during his thirty-five year legal career.
In 2016 he stepped away from practice to begin a second career as a motivational speaker, and consultant. He is a Globe and Mail and Amazon bestselling author of four books on leadership, career development and murder-mysteries. An eclectic combination.
His proudest ongoing achievement, however, is mentoring students, developing professionals, and aspiring leaders across the country in an effort to pay forward the lessons that so enriched his own life. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
Пікірлер: 337
Summary: 1. Your career journey is a river so you need to adapt and change direction/ success is not a ladder 2. Steer the boat/ take charge 3. Single minded determination is the key 4. Failures are your lessons/ out of every 4 of your decisions, 1 will fail 5. Don’t be afraid of asking for help
Yesterday, I was walking and a thought popped into my head. It was of a t-shirt my mother gave me when I was a kid. It had fish on it and one was swimming the wrong direction with the caption saying, "Go against the flow". I wondered if that was right and then today I get this in my recommendations. If you swim upstream, you will get to the source, exhausted and there's not much there but some cold water. If you go with the flow and find your niche, you will eventually spill into the ocean and there is untold amounts of resource, paths, species who can assist you... everything is there. So, find your own path and don't make it harder than it needs to be is what I got from this.
key points: - Launch your boat on your river. - Work on developing your skills. - Take charge of your decisions. - Don’t be afraid to make mistakes - Don’t be afraid to fail. - Be determined. - Work through those moment of doubts. - Never be ashamed to ask for help. thanks a lot, it was really helpful.
@Iam_mahesh
Жыл бұрын
thank you,
Very inspiring! Failure is not the adversary. Two years ago I started an online business and made so few sales that made me cry. That fear of failing again stopped me from doing what I loved. But I've recently learnt that admitting you are wrong and learning from your mistakes is the best thing you can do. Failure is not scary. Not trying again is.
@Nemarioji1
Жыл бұрын
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@poppymoore4949
Жыл бұрын
You don’t know how much I needed to hear this. As someone who has a greater fear of failure than the desire for success, I struggle to take the first step in reaching my goals.
@chiaraimpeduglia1308
Жыл бұрын
@@poppymoore4949 Considering how things are going all around the world, i'd say that it's a little more than simply fear of failures. I'm actually considering doing something drastic to myself, because if things keep going in the direction that they are going now, it's better to be, on the other side of life, if you understand what i mean, even if this means giving up. I have no trust in other human beings anymore. I live in fear, constantly. But i do not wish to ask for help, because no one would help the way i wanted them to. Sorry if i sound so desperate but it is how i'm feeling right now.
@emilyh6926
Жыл бұрын
@@chiaraimpeduglia1308 Hope you are feeling better today ? I suffered from the thoughts you are having ! I passed to the other side last NYE I now know that all you have to do is value and share love with everyone you meet ! The MSM spreads hatred and fear but love is everywhere when you look for it 💕🥰
@derickndigyeofficial
Жыл бұрын
Hey Sofia chui
Thank you! Both inspiring and eye watering speach. Restarting my carrer at 57, I really needed to hear that there is hope...
@tiffany1046
2 жыл бұрын
I know… I love ❤️ Ted talks
@gokulraj3060
2 жыл бұрын
All the best for your career
@mu0505
2 жыл бұрын
👏👏👏🍀🍀
@littalks3529
2 жыл бұрын
*career
@nalberto356
2 жыл бұрын
Best of luck to you!
What can I say.... tears are coming down my eyes..an awe-inspiring speech. No one has a perfect life, even if we think so by perceiving others people's lives through the lens of social media. I thought for once that I had an ideal life, too, until cancer came, and it demolished my castle made of sand. I lost my business and, with that myself. After finishing my treatments and having the ability to be alive and thankful, instead, I felt depressed, miserable and lost. Not sure how I would find a light in this dark tunnel I started to read and journal. Later I thought maybe I should go back to University and study what I always wanted to study, English Literature. Even though I was discouraged by many for throwing my hard-earning money back into studying for a "worthless" degree along with the fact that English is my second language, deep inside of this "worthless" action of mine it brought a spark of light! I am in my 4th year and about to graduate, even though my path is uncertain there is this positive feeling that something worth will come out of my "worthless" action even at the age of 31. That is half of my story and I want to thank Norman Bacal for his inspirational speech!
@normanbacalleadership
Жыл бұрын
And your story is an inspiration to others
@planetunknown9105
Жыл бұрын
proud of you!!!
Thank you for this speech. I have made so many mistakes in my former careers & if there's one thing I have learned it's this: The biggest „life hack” is being exactly who you are. And if you allow yourself to show the world the "real you", the people who are looking for you will find you! 💜
Norm Bacall is a walking example of the power of finding and using the good in whatever life serves up. It is hard not to admire the man and appreciate his message. Thank you Norm for sharing your wisdom and experience and doing your part to leave the world a little better than you found it.
@fredboehmcozumel
2 жыл бұрын
Amazing thx so much
The best life advice you’ll ever get! Follow your river.
@normanbacalleadership
2 жыл бұрын
Though it isn’t easy. Thanks for the comment
This is the kind of story we need to hear, Anyone can fail and it is inevitable, but how many time you stand up.
I thought I had the problem of speaking to that imaginary person who is created by my mind. Now he says that it's normal. Bravo.
The title caught my attention and I don't regret clicking and watching this. In the moments of doubting myself, I definitely needed to hear everything you said. Thank you, Mr. Norman.
@normanbacalleadership
2 жыл бұрын
It is my honour
You can ask for help. Hardest part is finding. Giving help may slow you down but it can stop someone from drowning.
@normanbacalleadership
2 жыл бұрын
Very insightful
This talk is exactly what I needed. I am at a turningpoint in my life. Thanks for your energy and wisdom 🙏
@shirleycham5891
2 жыл бұрын
Another one of the "bestest" Ted Talk ever👍! Thanks!!
One of the best Ted talks I've listened to. Highly recommended to anyone who is willing to try something new in life and is afraid
I have known norm for over 10 years even before he left for Toronto. I have always admired him because he was always poised, calm and humble. This talk reveals his true character. Bravo. Louis
Amazing speech, Thank you!
He said "You have a lot of potential. But there something is missing. And I don't know what it is". The same thing with me. I see this potential in myself, but don't know what is missing in me to get me to the place where I am supposed to be.
@kirbyaugustine761
Жыл бұрын
Do you trust yourself?
@gwen2479
Жыл бұрын
@nafosat komilova I feel the same and I’m starting to witness how this inherent feeling that something is wrong with me and that I might not be able to reach my goals is making me afraid to make any moves; perhaps we indeed need to work on trusting ourselves and keep steering our boat until we figure out what we need to keep working on so we improve as we go rather than expect from ourselves to have it all together from the start because that’s probably unrealistic expectations. I wish you the very best and I hope we both surprise ourselves soon with what we can achieve as we grow more confident and self doubt doesn’t weigh in us so one day we can say that we feel proud of the women we are becoming and really mean it🙏
@NKwithoutD
Жыл бұрын
@@gwen2479 thank u for ur support🤍 I wish everyone to be brave enough to live the life we all deserve🤍
@forefatherofmankind3305
Жыл бұрын
@@NKwithoutD what you are missing is Brains ... Nothing else... So don't worry ... Everything will be alright
@NKwithoutD
Жыл бұрын
@@forefatherofmankind3305 i think u r not an exception either
Outside of the incredible themes of the speech, this is one of the most incredible moments of storytelling I've ever listened to.
Hello my future self who came back here to read your comment. Remember how Norm's speech, amongst other things, became your catalyst to launch another boat when you thought it was too late. It was 1245 midnight after watching his TedTalk that you said to your self, I will work through this moment of doubt and restart my journey again. All the stars were pointing at where you are right now. Remember to thank him.
Bravo Norm, not only are you a writer, you are a consummate performer! The delivery is impeccable, riveting and persuasive, and the material, so fascinating. The kind of storytelling that can inspire big life changes! Nessa and I hung on every word.. It's the wisdom that comes from adversity and crushing challenges, ,
@anicaputo6289
Жыл бұрын
are you… The Bob Cooper? The one Norman is speaking of? Just curious & interested in the trivia of the matter 😬
Bravoooooooooo!!!!!!!!!🧡
This video just popped up on my feed a few days after I decided to start my own business! Thanks for all the wisdom Norm! I'm 45 and getting ready to set sail.
@normanbacalleadership
Жыл бұрын
Moka best of success to you.
@rackallthetime
Жыл бұрын
we believe in you
This message speaks to many and that includes me, a 79 year old. It is well presented and will be of value for several generations. Gerry Posner
@normanbacalleadership
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for chiming in Gerry
Beautiful way to honor his dear friend.
"Think of you career as a river and you have a choice you can launch your boat in the water and paddle upstream towards a goal you think you want only to find you arrive their exhausted and it isn't what you want ... OR You can STEER your boat downstream and find all the bents and turns which provides you opportunities you never could have imagined ... ." ~Uncle Harry .
I'm glad that I clicked on this auto-suggestion. This video was so relatable. I worked for about two years then quit because I was not feeling as if any purpose i.e. money or passion or learning got fulfilled and also on most of my days there i have this feeling where I felt empty, blank, dull, worthless. I have no single interest that I can think of building up my career. I have many interest but I don't think of making career out of it either. Quite confusing. Being purpose-less and confused requires extra effort to keep my mental health in check. You have to withstand people around you asking what do you do and social media is full of people shining in their careers, hustling, and you find yourself right where you started. Last year, i discovered that I have anxiety. And recently, i have realised that what I am suffering from in my life is not taking charge... Charge of my life, my decisions... even the smallest ones... I don't fear failing at anything... Coz I never really felt the ownership to do anything and how I can one fear failing at something when he/ she never felt that they ever had the power to do it. This video is really worthy at point like this when I am looking for a job but still confused whether the i should change my career or continue with the same one. Deep inside I know somewhere that to continue doing the same thing means I am choosing the safe and conventional path even when I know I won't enjoy or be exceptional in that and also, with that career shift comes the fear of going wrong, failing, not succeeding even when I don't know who I could be. I hope everyone who is reading this finds their voice and relize the power that they are gifted with. 🤍
@normanbacalleadership
2 жыл бұрын
Start by asking yourself what you are good at, then build from there. One step at a time one day at a time.
Great talk! A window into a legendary man's life: the rise, the fall, the remarkable reinvention... and the lessons learned about the value of failure.
@normanbacalleadership
2 жыл бұрын
Many thanks Bess. Failure is much more than its cracked up to be
@raymondmayes5757
2 жыл бұрын
@@normanbacalleadership I
@raymondmayes5757
2 жыл бұрын
Pk
One thing I've noticed successful people (of what the majority think of as success) saying that failure is an opportunity or there are no mistakes just a chance to learn or I didn't give up because succeeding was just around the corner. Well, once you get where you want to be it's easy to look back and say these sort of things. When you're in the midst of what you perceive as failure and you don't have the inner resources to look beyond that moment, what then ? This is where having connections or a connection with someone one who believes in you comes in. Even if they don't have a personal connection but they can see that you are about to give up on yourself and they don't want to see that happen. Maybe they've been in a similar situation or can relate because of some esoteric reason. Connections and I don't mean the word in a networking kind of way, is the link to someone who in that moment is the impetus to not give up, to keep going. The connection may also be the one to say to you maybe it's not working because it's not for you. Even if that's not true, it may start you thinking about you wanted this in the first place and the fire is revived. Maybe it is true and you start to think about other things you wanted in life and go after them. I think that we all like to think that we've made our way all by ourselves but it's rarely true.
This speaker deserved a more responsive audience!! I was captivated.
@normanbacalleadership
2 жыл бұрын
The auditorium was empty due to COVID restrictions
“Failure is not your advisory. It is your teacher” - Wow!
That was really amazing. While driving downstream, my boat capsized many times. Your speech will help me to climb back and face the turns and bends. Very recently, I was assessing myself: anger issues, ego, arrogance, etc, and came up with some stop buttons for the triggers. I can now take charge, can speak with audacity before anyone. Thanks a ton for your valuable words. When I steer towards the ocean and my river meets the vast blue infinite, I am not afraid of the ocean anymore.
This is what I needed to hear at this moment. ❤Thank you so much!
You did such a good job, you maybe didnt realize, how important and significant your competence / skills were, so you handed the leadership over to someone, who who over estimated or underestimated you in relation to the person who was supposed to substitute you doing that job.
1. Learn to take initiative, take charge. 2. Single minded focus 3. Failure is your teacher.
@firstclass2222
Жыл бұрын
+ ask for help
Great talk, thank you very much for this!
Filled with determination we all move forward while learning at a certain pace
@notagain3732
Жыл бұрын
I forgot i watched this and rewatched it as its worth learning from this video
Thank you!
One of the best TED talks I've ever heard! Thank you both for sharing your life story and being such an inspiration.
Let's ask kids what they enjoy doing vs what they want to be when they grow up
So well done… I laughed out loud, paused to think and even shed a few tears. What inspiration and truth… everyone can learn something from this.
@normanbacalleadership
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Lianne. Always challenging when there’s no live audience!
@TheDoomer666
2 жыл бұрын
@@normanbacalleadership I noticed that, and couldn't help but irk that this marvel of a speech didn't receive a warm round of applause at the end, but I'm very grateful that you did it; inspiring both in terms of life choices and oratory skills.
@normanbacalleadership
2 жыл бұрын
@@TheDoomer666 thanks for the note. The choice was speaking to an audience of 7 (the organizers) due to local COVID restrictions, or not doing it at all. The conference was virtual. Regardless the message is the message is the message.
When you follow the path your heart wants to lay out for you, doors full of synchronicities begin to open and other unexpected happenings start to find *you* .
@normanbacalleadership
2 жыл бұрын
Well said
If our work aligns with our core values and brings us joy, we will never have to work a day in our lives!
thank yo so much for encouraging to be fighter in life and tackle all the situation with good wheel power .
Thank you for sharing the story of your journey as you navigated your way down the river, Norm! Very inspiring. BRAVO!
Imagine how much you'd learn if you succeeded the first time, every time.
Norm, your talk was brilliant! I really love the boat on the river analogy. It’s a great lesson for life. Inspiring how you managed to execute this talk flawlessly. Well done!
Deeply motivating, inspirational and simply beautiful. This is what a lot of us need right now. Thank you for this.
Your talk was captivating, inspiring and so well delivered, Norm. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing your journey with all the wisdom it has given you.
I just wanted to say how deeply moved and inspired I was by what you shared. Your words and stories were truly beautiful and exactly what I needed to hear right now. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your insights with us. One thing that really stood out to me was how effective your storytelling was in conveying your message. Your personal stories and examples were so relatable and memorable, and really helped drive home the lessons you were sharing.
@normanbacalleadership
Жыл бұрын
This type of response convinces me that the effort was all worth it. Thank you so much
This ted talk was spectacular
Fascinating, Norm! I only knew bits and pieces of your story. It is not only inspiring but also profound. The greatest lessons in life do come from what we perceive as our failures. In hindsight, those our the defining moments that lead us to our greatest successes. Thank you for sharing this. By the way, Uncle Harry’s wisdom is timeless and perennial. I wish you all the success in becoming the person you could not imagine! God bless!
It is fear of committing mistakes that hinders your path of success! Very well articulated talk. Kudos Norm
What an outstanding talk, it touched me deeply. I launched my boat, a business, 4 years ago and feel im at that stage you were when your boss told you something wasnt quite right but couldnt say what. Im the boss and critic of myself. I hope i can make the changes fast, as you did. Thank you.
@normanbacalleadership
11 ай бұрын
Keep experimenting. My original Crew of 4 employees grew to several hundred and I learned so Much from all of them
I relate to this lol especially the socially awkward part 😂 he is obviously a smart and wise man
@normanbacalleadership
2 жыл бұрын
I wasn’t always…..
Definitely one of the best Ted talks I’ve seen it’s so inspiring thank you 😊
That was incredibly inspiring. Thank you.
This video is full of values. Your words and advice are such a great reminder especially in these moments. One of the best video recommended by KZread! Thank you, Mr. Noman! ✨
Thank you for this talk! So helpful!
Thank you! An amazing and inspiring talk! It provoked thoughts of how this works in such a busy family? What an incredibly dedicated and supportive wife you must have to be able to follow your ambitions, up sticks, and move whilst raising 4 children! I admire her more than Uncle Harry's guidance as she's also physically paddled that boat. 😊 I guess when in a committed relationship, it's a balance between navigating and paddling each others boats towards our individual successes and mutual goal of contentment.
@normanbacalleadership
11 ай бұрын
Thanks Diane. If you see my first book Breakdown you will see that Sharon is the hero of the book!
@tkomla
9 ай бұрын
Yes, it was a beautiful talk! And thank you, Diane, for sharing your comments. Especially enjoyed the image of paddling the boat of my beloved.
Wow! Single-minded determination... I will use it now... ❤️❤️❤️
@normanbacalleadership
2 жыл бұрын
Go for it!
Storytelling at its best. Transformative and inspiring! This talk will change the way you think about and navigate the unexpected, treacherous bend you suddenly crash against, on the road of life.
@normanbacalleadership
2 жыл бұрын
Much apprexiated
Great journey! Terrific wisdom!
thank you! Inspirational indeed!
This is some life changing experience...
Have unleashed new perspectives through this ted . Great talk .
This was a great speech. Quite enlightening. Failing is no match to living full out
Thank you so much for this !!!!!!!
I cried :'((( thank you so muchhhh i really need this 😢
This video is full of values. One of the best video recommended by KZread! Thank you so muchhh
Wonderful rendition of Uncle Harry. I remember him so well, and now know how inspirational he was to you. What a fabulous story of your life. I am honoured to have always called him “Uncle Harry”
@normanbacalleadership
2 жыл бұрын
Ellen. So nice to hear from you. He was an inspiration and role model to so many
Thank you so very much 🙏
Hi Norm. I just finished listening to Your talk. It was very interesting and I think it will be inspirational to your target audience. Congratulations.
Thanks for this Norm. I’ll be sharing with my own children and hope they too find happiness in their careers.
@normanbacalleadership
2 жыл бұрын
Just Follow the river
This has been so Inspirational to watch.
Great talk Norm. I sent it to my kids, hope it helps them navigate the ups and downs, successes and failures. I like your idea of not being afraid of failing. Thanks again!
@normanbacalleadership
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Dean. It’s all about the navigation
Thanks profusely for sharing great ideas with the people of the world!
I enjoy your storytelling skills .I particularly found it inspiring for my next life .
@normanbacalleadership
2 жыл бұрын
We are continually moving into our next life
Bravo Norm! As always, you have delivered inspiring and sound advice through beautiful storytelling.
@normanbacalleadership
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Brian
Norm, beautiful, inspiring, and full of wisdom of a talk. Thank you for sharing and continue to motivate. Simply loved it!
@normanbacalleadership
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you Igor so much
Amazing talk, thank you!
I needed this today. Thanks Norman!
@normanbacalleadership
2 жыл бұрын
I hope you are inspired
I got the message about the river and the boat and learning how to swim when you fell off the boat that you're not drown etc etc, but this speech is mostly about achieving and performing, pushing, I watched another video about this woman who was always busy paddling her way through in life finally so successful suddenly got lung cancer and how she sees life, at some point you can plan ahead and give your all, but when life throw something at you, in front of it, these paddling things don't matter that much, I think both speeches are great, different people walk different path in life, and they see the path and share their path from the path they walked through, as I listen to this person I doubt some parts, I just can't relate to him, I think it's great to want to achieve something and perform, but don't forget to keep things in balance, find that balance, maybe just balancing your boat to keep it a float and slow down and pause as she said is the only way to enjoy what's present, then again where are you heading in a rush? No matter where you go, you are still here, so relax, paddle, swim, get back to the boat, sometimes fight the current to not miss the turn off etc but don't lose that enjoyment of the ride.
Amazing inspirational talk! Incredible journey and sheer wisdom!
@normanbacalleadership
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Warren.
Thank you for sharing.
Such an inspiring Ted talk! The best I’ve seen in a while. Thank you Norm.
@normanbacalleadership
2 жыл бұрын
I really appreciate the note Max
Wow! That was absolutely beautiful.
Thank you! What a fascinating life story. I wish I could have heard this advice earlier.
@normanbacalleadership
2 жыл бұрын
It’s never too late!!!!!
We all have a uncle Harry, be one for the next generation
@normanbacalleadership
2 жыл бұрын
Just keep paying it forward
Good stuff! Thank you!
Apart from the lessons you share, your trail of stories are excellent examples of how story telling is such a powerful medium - hard to forget all your individual stories and related lessons - just wonder what happened to you career after the demise of your law firm, and relaunching a career late 50's
@kellyd6619
2 жыл бұрын
I agree with your sentiments about story-telling...well said! To answer your question about him "relaunching a career".....he became a published author and now he is a motivational speaker. Pretty awesome and inspiring, and a great reminder for me to see my mistakes as teachers rather than as a sign of failure. All the best to you!
Honestly, your advise is the TRUTH! Everything you've said is the underline in what has happened to me that has made my life better in my career. Now I love what I do and I didn't even plan to be where I am. IS AMAZING.
@normanbacalleadership
2 жыл бұрын
Isn’t it incredible how the river runs!
@normanbacalleadership
2 жыл бұрын
And never predictable
Very powerful Thank you
What an amazing talk!
This is so inspiring!!
Inspiring and very impressive summary of your most fascinating journey! Excellent TED Talk! I enjoyed every minute of it.
@normanbacalleadership
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Nathan. I hope it helps others with their journeys.
thank you so much
🗣A TEACHING MOMENT 💯
If Rabbis could deliver sermons as elegantly and as inspiring as your TED talk, it would be standing room only in the main sanctuary. So much to think about. Thank you for taking the time to share Uncle Harry’s wisdom with us.
@normanbacalleadership
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Paul. I have another that I delivered in shul about ten years ago!
Wow, just wow! 👏