I've submitted 49 applications so far, since March this year; Third Ward was my 46th, and my first callback. I joined the Thought Leadr program late last year, and I'd say one of the most helpful pieces of advice I received was in crafting my talk and homing in on my ONE idea. It was about letting go of all the "darlings" or related ideas we so badly want to include but would only detract from the impact of a single focus. It was this: Assume you're going to do more than one talk, and pick the big idea you want your target audience to hear FIRST. That really helped me set aside my "darlings" - not to waste away, but to be saved for later :) It was also really helpful to understand that TEDx events are independently organized and getting selected has more to do with both the clarity of your idea AND its relevance to their vision for the event, so once your idea is set, it really is just a numbers game to find the right fit.

This is so inspiring!! I love how many passionate go-getters we've got in here! I've self-published 3 books (once each one was written, I was already onto the next level of things, and didn't want to spend a lot of energy on publishing and promoting) - and I've already got the 4th one outlined! The latest one available is *Becoming Secure In Love: From Push & Pull to Peace of Mind*. The /working/ title for the next one is "The GATES Method - for Developing Loving Boundaries and Shifting from Flimsy Fences & Spiked Walls to Selective Gates". (That one I might spend some more energy on publication and promotion for - tbd.) Cheers to all of these authors and speakers and catalysts for change!

@Laryssa Creswell Hey! Nothing but love, my friend. Take good care of yourself so you can show up resourced and vibrant 💖

@Dot Cannon Spoiler alert: Following a No with a Yes - an alternative option, or even just some love or acknowledgment - goes a whole long way 😘

Aww - what a gracious offer! I would love to partake if I could. I'm confident that those who do will have the most lovely time 💖

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