The TED Talk that Changed My Life

Eduardo Briceño’s TEDx Talk has lingered in my mind for nearly a decade.

I’ll be honest—I forgot his name entirely, but the message? That stuck. Today, a wave of curiosity (and maybe a little longing) nudged me to search a few keywords, and voilà—I found exactly what I was looking for.

I may circle back to this topic again in the future—if not here, then somewhere else in this vast digital space we share. For now, watch the video and/or read this outline, and find opportunities to apply this mindset to your personal goals and team objectives.

Happy Performing! And—just as importantly—Happy Learning.

How to Get Better at the Things You Care About

Inspired by Eduardo Briceño’s TEDx Talk

We all want to improve—whether it’s in our careers, relationships, or personal passions. But why do so many of us plateau despite working hard? Eduardo Briceño’s TEDx talk offers a powerful answer: it’s not just about effort—it’s about where we direct that effort.

The Two Zones That Shape Our Growth

Briceño introduces a simple but transformative framework:

Performance Zone:

This is where we execute. We aim to do things well, minimize mistakes, and deliver results. Think: presenting at work, teaching a class, or playing a game.

Learning Zone:

This is where we grow. We experiment, make mistakes, seek feedback, and stretch our abilities. It’s less about perfection and more about progress.

Most people spend nearly all their time in the performance zone. That’s great for consistency—but terrible for improvement.

Why We Plateau (Even When We Work Hard)

Briceño explains that constant performance without deliberate learning leads to stagnation. We repeat what we know, but don’t expand it. To truly improve, we must intentionally spend time in the learning zone.

How to Activate the Learning Zone

Here’s how Briceño suggests we grow:

1. Practice deliberately: Focus on specific skills, not just general repetition.

2. Seek feedback: Invite critique and use it to refine your approach.

3. Reflect often: Ask what worked, what didn’t, and what could be better.

4. Create safe spaces to learn: Normalize mistakes and curiosity in teams, classrooms, and families.

   
   

Growth Mindset in Action

Briceño’s message echoes Carol Dweck’s research: when we believe we can grow, we do. But belief alone isn’t enough—we need systems and habits that support learning.

Final Thought

Improvement isn’t accidental—it’s intentional. By toggling between performance and learning zones, we unlock our full potential. Whether you're leading a team, raising a child, or mastering a craft, this framework can transform how you grow.