Ted Talk Tuesday #295: Lessons from competitive sport

TED continues to spread ideas and help us all be better critical thinkers. Watching, listening and talking about TED Talks is a popular pastime for many in the CN&CO community. We visit TED.com regularly to clear our heads, have a laugh, learn or get inspired. TED Talks open our minds, spark new ways of thinking and can lead to some very interesting conversations and business opportunities. Each month we pick a favourite and publish it on a Tuesday, because we like how “TED Talk Tuesday” sounds. It’s also a way that the CN&CO team play their part in spreading ideas and helping to make the world a better place.

This TED Talk Tuesday post is by Stella Carter.

In her TED talk, “The Lessons That Competitive Youth Sports Are Losing,” Erin Keating explores the deeper values that team sports should instil beyond just winning. Drawing from her experience in competitive youth volleyball, she reflects on how the increasing pressure to specialise and succeed at a young age often comes at the cost of essential life lessons—such as resilience, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

This message resonates deeply with my own experience coaching my daughter’s U12 indoor netball team, especially as we head into our inter-provincial tournament this week. Keating’s insights reinforce the importance of fostering a positive team culture that prioritises personal growth, enjoyment and the lifelong skills that sports can provide beyond just competition. Watch the full video here and let me know what you think: