What if our strength is hidden in plain sight? | Kanav Tejwani | TEDxYouth@EuroSchoolKharadi

Key Concepts:

• Superpower: A set of abilities one already possesses or is good at, often mistaken for something grand but can be simple.
• Decoding Superpower: A process involving self-reflection, seeking feedback, and sharing abilities with the world.
• Resilience, Perseverance, Self-determination, Emotional Intelligence: Qualities that can combine to form a superpower.
• Personal Success vs. Impact: Superpowers are defined by their ability to positively impact the world, not just personal gain.
• Comfort Zone: A state of familiarity that must be exited to practice and improve one's superpower.

1. Defining Superpower and Personal Examples

• The speaker, Kov, defines a superpower as an existing ability or something one is good at, like a hobby. It's not necessarily supernatural but can be something simple.
• Kov identifies two of his superpowers: public speaking and consoling loved ones.

2. Kov's Journey to Discovering His Superpowers

• Public Speaking:
  • In 10th grade, Kov was enrolled in an academy for English and personality development.
  • He was initially shy and scared of public speaking.
  • He was unexpectedly asked to give a speech when another student canceled.
  • Despite initial fear (dry throat, shaking hands, pounding heart), he took a breather and delivered the speech.
  • He realized he was not just good at speaking but that it was his superpower.
  • He developed this skill over time and now speaks at TEDx.
• Consoling Loved Ones:
  • Kov credits a long-distance friend for teaching him how to console others and be consoled.
  • He practiced this skill by talking to people online and offline.
  • He realized this was also a superpower he enjoyed.

3. Decoding Your Superpower: A Three-Step Process

• Step 1: Identify Your Strengths:
  • Look for things you are good at and enjoy, such as hobbies or talents.
  • Examples include swimming, making people laugh, or being emotionally intelligent.
  • Improve these skills through practice.
  • Affirm your ability by saying "You have this superpower, yes I love it, I love doing it."
• Step 2: Seek Feedback:
  • Ask others, especially parents, for feedback on your strengths.
  • People often recognize your talents before you do.
• Step 3: Share Your Superpower:
  • Use your superpower to positively impact the world.
  • Superpowers are defined by their ability to change the world for the better, not just personal success.

4. The Importance of Practice and Perseverance

• After decoding your superpower, practice it continuously.
• Step outside your comfort zone to improve.
• Example: Thomas Edison failed thousands of times before inventing the light bulb. If he had stopped earlier, the world would be without light.

5. Ethical Use of Superpowers

• Use your superpower for good.
• Kov's superpower is a combination of resilience, perseverance, self-determination, and emotional intelligence.

6. Superpowers are Universal

• Superpowers are not limited to special individuals like Superman.
• Everyone possesses a superpower; it's a matter of time before they hone and decode it.
• A superpower is a tool to be used at the right time for the betterment of oneself and others.

7. Notable Quote

• "Your superpower isn't just an ability, it is something which you hone, make it alive, make yourself alive with it, use it to change the world."

8. Synthesis/Conclusion

The core message is that everyone possesses a unique superpower, which is not necessarily a grand or supernatural ability, but rather a skill or talent that can be developed and used to positively impact the world. The process of decoding this superpower involves self-reflection, seeking feedback, and actively practicing and sharing the ability. The speaker emphasizes the importance of perseverance, ethical use, and the understanding that a superpower's true value lies in its ability to improve the lives of others.