Anti-Involution: Redefine Success | Teodora Raicevic | TEDxRDFIS Youth

The speaker shares a story about an eagle raised by chickens. Despite being told he couldn't fly, the eagle was mesmerized by a flying eagle and, driven by an inner desire, practiced daily until he soared, realizing his true nature. This metaphor illustrates how we often limit ourselves by societal expectations, striving to be the "best chicken" instead of embracing our inherent potential to "fly." The speaker defines success as setting and achieving goals on one's own terms, fueled by internal motivation rather than external validation. Reflecting on her own experience in Serbia, she describes a rigorous academic and athletic schedule driven by a desire for good grades and competition. Despite achieving high results, she felt a persistent dissatisfaction, always comparing herself to others and feeling inadequate. This constant comparison led to an "inward cycle" of "involution," where she competed for narrow goals, pushing herself to the limit just to maintain her position. She suggests using this "toxic motivation" of jealousy as a "start button" to initiate action when feeling lazy. However, for sustained effort, intrinsic motivation is crucial. Extrinsic motivation, like seeking approval or awards, is effective for short-term goals, but long-term success requires truly enjoying the journey. The speaker's love for volleyball exemplifies this. Initially motivated extrinsically by popular girls, her passion for the sport grew intrinsically over time, allowing her to overcome physical and mental obstacles. Volleyball became a sanctuary, a place where she felt most herself, finding peace amidst daily worries. The sport taught her resilience—never giving up if a chance remains. This intrinsic drive, rather than external rewards, defines success for her. Her advice: find your "volleyball"—something that makes you feel happy, accepted, and authentically yourself, silencing the outside world. Success isn't about being the best chicken; it's remembering you were born to fly.