Success redefined: Beyond grades, trophies and titles | Agata Lopatina | TEDxSIS Dubai Youth

Key Concepts:

• Winning: The feeling of pleasure and reward associated with achieving a desired outcome.
• Dopamine: A neurotransmitter released in the brain that is associated with pleasure and reward.
• Hyper-competitiveness: An excessive drive to win, often fueled by a craving for dopamine.
• Societal Pressure: The influence of societal expectations on individuals' perceptions of success.
• Intrinsic Motivation: Motivation that comes from within, driven by personal values and goals.
• Redefining Success: Shifting the focus from external achievements to internal fulfillment and contribution to society.

The Allure of Winning and Dopamine Release

The video begins by exploring the universal human drive to win, from childhood games to career aspirations. It highlights the pleasurable feeling associated with winning, attributing it to the release of dopamine in the brain. Studies have shown that dopamine, a powerful neurotransmitter, is released when we experience reward, leading to feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. In some individuals, this dopamine release can become addictive, leading to a hyper-competitive loop where the pursuit of winning becomes the primary focus.

Nature vs. Nurture: The Origins of Hyper-Competitiveness

The video raises the question of whether hyper-competitiveness is an innate trait or a product of our environment. It suggests that society's constant emphasis on being number one, from early education to career advancement, may contribute to the development of a competitive mindset. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about feeling pressured to excel in all areas, even those that were not personally meaningful.

A Personal Turning Point: The Impact of Victory

The speaker recounts a significant victory at the age of 11, which led to a conversation with their mother about the importance of striving for success. This experience sparked a realization that they were responsible for their own future. This realization triggered a dopamine craving, leading to a relentless pursuit of top grades and academic achievements. However, this pursuit came at a cost, as the speaker became overly focused on the outcome and neglected the process and other important aspects of life.

Redefining Success: Beyond External Achievements

The video shifts its focus to redefining success beyond traditional metrics such as wealth, fame, or career advancement. It argues that true success lies in making a positive impact on the lives of others and contributing to society. The speaker encourages viewers to consider individuals who are admired not just for their achievements but for their empathy, tolerance, and compassion.

Examples of Alternative Definitions of Success

The video provides examples of alternative definitions of success, including:

• Having a strong circle of friends and a happy family.
• Maintaining good health and pursuing education.
• Living a peaceful life and traveling the world.

It emphasizes that success can take different forms at different stages of life, depending on individual needs and circumstances.

The Importance of Intrinsic Motivation

The video cautions against blindly following societal expectations and encourages viewers to find their own path to fulfillment. It suggests that true happiness comes from pursuing goals that are aligned with one's personal values and passions.

"Let's expand our definition of success and not just think about being the best of the world but the best for the world."

This quote encapsulates the video's central message: that success should be measured not only by personal achievements but also by the positive impact one has on the world.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The video concludes with a call to action, challenging viewers to identify one thing they can learn or do each day to become more truly successful in the future. It encourages a shift in perspective, from striving to be the best in the world to striving to be the best for the world.