The Power of the 'Almost' | Rida Basuleman | TEDxUniversity of Birmingham Dubai

Key Concepts

Almost, unfinished stories, failure vs. fuel, momentum, Zygarnic effect, creativity, growth, courage, open possibilities, vitality.

The Power of "Almost": Reframing Unfinished Stories

The video challenges the conventional view of "almost" – near misses, unfinished projects, and unrealized opportunities – as failures. Instead, it proposes that these "almosts" are vital sources of momentum, energy, and growth. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about hesitating to submit creative works due to fear of failure, resulting in a collection of unfinished stories. However, these stories didn't disappear; they lingered and eventually motivated the speaker to overcome their fear and achieve unexpected success.

The Psychology of the Unfinished: The Zygarnic Effect

The video delves into the psychological basis for the power of "almost," citing the Zygarnic effect. This effect explains why our minds remember unfinished tasks better than completed ones. This persistent mental presence of unfinished tasks creates a craving for resolution, driving us to complete what's left undone. The speaker uses the example of an unsolved puzzle nagging at you at 2 a.m. to illustrate this point.

Historical and Creative Examples

The video provides historical and creative examples to support the idea that unfinished works can be more impactful than completed ones. Leonardo da Vinci's unfinished sketches continue to inspire centuries later. Franz Kafka's unfinished novels have reshaped modern literature in ways that tidy endings never could. The speaker also points out that science itself is a process of constant trial, failure, rethinking, and further attempts.

Almost as Fuel: A Shift in Perspective

The video encourages a shift in perspective, urging viewers to stop viewing their "almosts" as failures and instead see them as fuel. Each unfinished story has the potential to push us forward, teach us something, and lead us to unexpected and meaningful destinations. The speaker suggests viewing unfinished stories not as incomplete but as open possibilities.

Practical Application: Courage and Small Steps

The video offers a practical approach to dealing with unfinished stories, emphasizing the importance of courage and taking small steps. The speaker presents a simple equation: Courage + One Small Step = Achievements. The core message is that revisiting an unfinished story and taking a small, courageous step can transform it into an achievement.

Vitality and the Unfinished Story

The video concludes by redefining vitality not as reaching the end of a story, but as knowing that the story isn't over yet. The most powerful part of our story might be the part that's still unfinished. The speaker leaves the audience with a call to action: to identify an "almost," an unfinished story, and to take the next small, courageous step towards revisiting it.

Notable Quotes

• "What if I told you those almost those unfinished stories are in failures but few the heartbeat that keeps us moving forward"
• "What if it's just good enough to try?"
• "Vitality isn't about reaching the end of your story it's knowing your story isn't over yet and maybe just maybe the most powerful part of your story is the part that's still unfinished"