你以為需要準備的，其實很多都不重要 | Leon Huang | TEDxNDHU

Quick Overview

The speaker argues that many things people obsessively prepare for, like academic achievements or standardized tests, are less important than actively pursuing what they truly value, emphasizing that action should be the starting point for realizing one's ideal future rather than a prerequisite for it.

Key Points: The speaker, Leon Huang, initially focused on preparing for highly selective goals like Minerva University, spending significant time studying and preparing application materials. After being rejected by Minerva, the speaker adopted the mindset of "Didn't get in, so what?" and realized that the preparation itself (like studying for the GRE) yielded immense benefits, even without achieving the initial goal. The speaker highlights the fallacy of over-preparing for external validation (like high scores or degrees) while underestimating one's current starting point and intrinsic value. The concept of "The Waiting Game" involves confirming one's values, identifying potential partners/schools based on those values, and using assessments like Enneagram or MBTI for self-reflection before acting. The speaker redefines "confession" (告白) as taking responsibility ("I take responsibility") and then giving the other person time to consider, rather than demanding an immediate response. The speaker contrasts the typical view of actions (like application rejections or test results) as endpoints with the perspective that these are merely the starting points for new directions or achieving better goals. The speaker concludes by advocating for action-oriented living to manage future anxieties, suggesting that daily actions focusing on one's true values make one feel more powerful and less anxious.

Context: Leon Huang shares a personal journey of striving for a highly competitive educational goal, specifically applying to Minerva University, which he perceived as a monumental challenge requiring extensive preparation over several years. After failing to gain admission in his first attempt, he experienced a significant mindset shift, leading him to re-evaluate his priorities, the nature of preparation, and how one should approach pursuing deeply held values and relationships.