Here are 8 TED Talks that you need to listen to, each carries an important message but only takes a few minutes of your time to listen to. So sit back, relax and listen to the inspiring advice given by some of the most knowledgeable speakers from around the globe.

1. Angela Lee Duckworth - The Key to Success? Grit

Former sixth grade teacher Angela went back to grad school to complete her Ph.D. in psychology at the Univeristy of Pennsylvania. Her research demonstrated that while intelligence is required, the determining factors for success were perseverance, hard work and a drive to improve - or 'grit' in Angela's words.

2. David Kelley: How to build your creative confidence

David Kelley gives an example from childhood to illustrate how creativity can be killed early on in life. He explains how people have a misconception that creativity is for a few people and if discouraged, people out of their comfort zone when trying to pursue creativity. Overcoming fears can help one become creative irrespective of their profession.

3. Matt Cutts - 30 Day Challenge

Is there something you have always wanted to do but just...haven't? Google engineer, Matt Cutts suggests: Try it for 30 days. If you want something badly enough you can do it for 30 days. if you make small sustainable changes they are more likely to stick and by the time a month passes you could have mastered a new skill.

4. Margeret Heffman - Dare to Disagree

Most people try to avoid conflict, however Margret Heffman shows us that a disagreement is central to progress. Heffman challenges: "I wonder how many of us have, or dare to have, such collaborators?”, she tells us that we have to find people different from ourselves with different ways of thinking and different experiences and to find ways to engage with them.

5. Richard St. John - Secrets of Success in 8 Words

Aimed at students leaving univeristy and entering the big wide world analyst, Richard St. John, condenses years of interviews with over 300 industry leaders - from film makers to scientists to business leaders in an attempt to reveal what really leads to a successful career. So whatever your aspirations, listen to Richard's inspiring TED talk and be well on your way!

6. Elizabeth Gilbert – Success, Failure And The Drive To Keep Creating

Author Elizabeth Gilbert has experienced failure throughout her career with publishers rejecting her memoir Eat Prey Love for six years. Once her book finally broke through it wasn't long before the rest of the world, including Oprah, couldn't stop talking about it. In her TED talk, Gilbert reflects on why success can be as disorienting as failure and offers advice on ways to carry on, regardless of the outcomes.

7. Larry Smith – Why You Will Fail To Have A Great Career

In his hilarious TED talk Larry Smith, an economics professor, explains why you will fail to have a great career. He calls out the absurd excuses that people invent when they fail to persue their passions. If someone simply has an interest this is not going to push them to achieve thier goals, but it is a passion that one needs to help you to create the highest expression of your talent.

8.John Wooden – The Difference Between Winning And Succeeding

Coach John Wooden, who famously led UCLA to numerous championships and double-digit winning streaks began learning the rules of success at an early age. In his TED talk, Wooden, talks about how his love of teaching and how this led him to create the Pyramid of Success, and shows why winning isn't the greatest mark of achievement.

Have any great TED Talks that you want to share that have influenced you in some way? We'd love to hear about them in the comments section below!

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