有選擇的人生，就是最大的財富 | 健妤 廖 | TEDxNTHU

The speaker, Jianyu, shares his journey of breaking free from conventional paths and embracing his own choices. He begins by describing his upbringing as a sports scholarship student, where his life was largely defined by training and playing. Coming from a modest background, he felt a strong sense of responsibility to secure his future and provide a better life for his parents. This ambition was evident even at a young age when, at 12 years old, he wrote a quote in his notebook, aspiring to become rich and earn a significant amount of money. He even set a personal goal to earn a billion dollars by the age of 30, a seemingly ambitious target that underscored his deep desire for financial security. Initially, Jianyu felt that his life and career path were predetermined, leaving him with little room for deviation. He believed he had to follow a specific set of steps, even if it meant a life with limited choices. After retiring from sports, he pursued a career in a large corporation, aiming for a position as a reserve officer. However, he found himself in a role that felt increasingly routine and unfulfilling, leading him to question his direction. He observed his sister, who seemed to be living a more fulfilling life, which prompted him to re-evaluate his own. A pivotal moment came when he realized that his parents, despite their sacrifices, also had unfulfilled dreams. This realization, coupled with his own growing sense of dissatisfaction, pushed him to explore alternative paths. He began to question the societal norms and age-related expectations that seemed to dictate people's lives. He encountered individuals in community programs who, despite facing similar doubts, were actively pursuing their passions. This inspired him to leave his corporate job and delve into research, ultimately leading him to a new endeavor focused on helping seniors design their retirement and rediscover their value. This new venture, "Old Playmates" (老玩客), aims to empower seniors to redefine their post-retirement lives. The program encourages them to move beyond passive expectations and actively pursue their dreams and aspirations. Jianyu shares an anecdote about a 70-year-old individual who, after initially feeling incapable of sharing his stories, found his voice and became a compelling storyteller, inspiring others with his journey. This experience reinforced Jianyu's belief that age should not be a barrier to self-expression and fulfillment. The program also focuses on practical skills and opportunities for seniors, such as training them to become baristas or prepare light meals. This initiative aims to demonstrate that age is not a limitation to engaging in meaningful work and pursuing enjoyable careers. He recounts the story of a senior who, initially hesitant about further education, discovered a hidden passion for running a coffee shop after undergoing training. This individual's journey highlights the transformative power of rediscovering one's dreams and finding purpose. Jianyu also touches upon the importance of choice and the fear that often accompanies it. He suggests that many people, particularly younger generations, are not necessarily unwilling to pursue their goals but lack the guidance and understanding of how to achieve them. They may struggle with self-worth and a lack of clarity regarding their aspirations. He emphasizes that the absence of choice is often the result of fear – fear of pressure, fear of failure, or fear of not meeting others' expectations. The "Old Playmates" initiative also includes activities like marathons, which serve as a platform for seniors to showcase their physical and mental capabilities. These events are designed to make them the protagonists of their own lives, allowing them to express themselves and connect with others. Jianyu believes that these experiences can instill a sense of self-worth and empower individuals to take ownership of their lives. He further elaborates on the idea that the pursuit of work should not solely be driven by financial necessity but by a desire for personal growth and self-discovery. By engaging in activities that align with their interests, individuals can better understand themselves and the kind of people they aspire to be. This process of exploration and choice is crucial for living a fulfilling life. Jianyu concludes by reflecting on the tenth year of his endeavor, emphasizing that the most fulfilling choices are not necessarily the easiest or most conventional ones. Instead, they are the choices that align with one's personal desires and passions. He finds joy in knowing what he wants to do each day and in empowering others, including children and seniors, to make similar choices. He believes that by embracing their own paths, individuals can lead more authentic and joyful lives, ultimately enriching not only their own lives but also the lives of those around them. He hopes that everyone can find themselves through the power of choice, leading a life that is truly their own.