10 TED Talks to Spark Your Creativity
Sometimes, the hardest part of being creative isn't the lack of ideas—it's the lack of energy to pursue them. You're tired. You're questioning yourself. You're wondering if what you're making even matters.
I get it. We all do.
That's why I've curated this list of 10 TED Talks that speak directly to the creative soul. These aren't just productivity hacks or surface-level motivation. They're deep, honest conversations about creativity, courage, failure, and what it means to make work that matters.
The best part? Each one fits into a lunch break. So grab a cup of tea, step away from the chaos, and let these brilliant minds remind you why you do what you do.
1. Do Schools Kill Creativity? – Sir Ken Robinson
Watch it here: ted.com/talks/sir_ken_robinson_do_schools_kill_creativity
What you'll learn: This is the talk that started it all. Sir Ken Robinson challenges the way we've been taught to think about intelligence and creativity. If you've ever felt like you're not "creative enough" or that your ideas are too weird, this will remind you that the education system was never designed for people like us—and that's actually our superpower.
For creatives: Permission to unlearn the rules and trust your instincts.
2. Your Elusive Creative Genius – Elizabeth Gilbert
Watch it here: ted.com/talks/elizabeth_gilbert_your_elusive_creative_genius
What you'll learn: Elizabeth Gilbert (author of Eat Pray Love) explores the ancient idea that creativity doesn't come from you—it comes through you. She offers a different way to think about genius, one that takes the pressure off and invites magic back in.
For creatives: A more compassionate relationship with your work and yourself.
3. The Power of Vulnerability – Brené Brown
Watch it here: ted.com/talks/brene_brown_the_power_of_vulnerability
What you'll learn: Brené Brown's research on shame, courage, and connection changed the way millions of people understand themselves. Creativity requires vulnerability—putting your work out there is an act of courage. This talk will help you embrace the discomfort that comes with being seen.
For creatives: The courage to share your work, even when it's scary.
4. How Great Leaders Inspire Action – Simon Sinek
Watch it here: ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action
What you'll learn: Simon Sinek introduces the concept of "Start With Why"—the idea that people don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it. This is gold for creatives building brands, launching projects, or trying to connect with an audience.
For creatives: Clarity on your purpose and how to communicate it.
5. Try Something New for 30 Days – Matt Cutts
Watch it here: ted.com/talks/matt_cutts_try_something_new_for_30_days
What you'll learn: This is a short, punchy talk about the power of small experiments. Matt Cutts shares how committing to something new for just 30 days can change your life. Perfect for creatives who want to start a new practice but feel overwhelmed by the enormity of it.
For creatives: A manageable framework for building creative habits.
6. The Art of Stillness – Pico Iyer
Watch it here: ted.com/talks/pico_iyer_the_art_of_stillness
What you'll learn: In our hyper-connected world, Pico Iyer makes the case for doing nothing. He explores how stillness and silence are not luxuries—they're necessities for clarity and creativity. This one's for the burnt-out makers who need permission to rest.
For creatives: The reminder that rest is not the opposite of productivity—it's part of it.
7. The Happy Secret to Better Work – Shawn Achor
Watch it here: ted.com/talks/shawn_achor_the_happy_secret_to_better_work
What you'll learn: Shawn Achor flips the script on success and happiness. Instead of "I'll be happy when I succeed," he shows how happiness actually leads to success. His insights on positive psychology are both hilarious and deeply practical.
For creatives: Tools to rewire your brain for more joy and better work.
8. Tiny Experiments – Anne-Laure Le Cunff
Watch it here: ted.com search for Anne-Laure Le Cunff tiny experiments
What you'll learn: Neuroscientist Anne-Laure Le Cunff (@neuroanne) challenges our obsession with rigid goals and five-year plans. Instead, she introduces the concept of tiny experiments—small, low-stakes actions you take to explore your curiosity without the pressure of "success" or "failure." This talk is a breath of fresh air for creatives paralyzed by the weight of big decisions.
For creatives: Permission to explore without knowing the outcome, and a framework for growth that honors curiosity over certainty.
9. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance – Angela Duckworth
Watch it here: ted.com/talks/angela_duckworth_grit_the_power_of_passion_and_perseverance
What you'll learn: Angela Duckworth's research shows that talent isn't the biggest predictor of success—grit is. For creatives who feel like they're not "naturally gifted enough," this is your rallying cry. Keep going. Keep showing up. It matters more than you think.
For creatives: The validation that persistence beats perfection.
10. The Power of Time Off – Stefan Sagmeister
Watch it here: ted.com/talks/stefan_sagmeister_the_power_of_time_off
What you'll learn: Designer Stefan Sagmeister closes his studio every seven years for a full year off. He shares how these sabbaticals fuel everything he creates. This talk will make you rethink your relationship with work and rest.
For creatives: A radical model for sustainable creativity.
BONUS: The Case for Making Art When the World Is on Fire – Amie McNee
Watch it here: ted.com/talks/amie_mcnee_the_case_for_making_art_when_the_world_is_on_fire
What you'll learn: Writer and creative coach Amie McNee delivers a fierce and empowering message about why we must keep making art—even when (especially when) the world feels like it's falling apart. She challenges the idea that creativity is frivolous or self-indulgent, positioning it instead as an essential act of resistance, healing, and hope. This talk is a rallying cry for anyone who's ever wondered if their art really matters.
For creatives: The reminder that your art is not a luxury—it's a necessity. For you, for your community, and for the world.
Your Turn
Creativity isn't a switch you flip on—it's a fire you tend. These talks are kindling. Watch one today. Let it shift something inside you. Then come back and tell us which one resonated most.
Because here at That Creativity Code, we believe your creative work matters. And sometimes, all you need is 18 minutes of the right words to remember why you started in the first place.
