Why Human KPIs Matter: A Journey of Personal Growth and Fulfillment

“The first sign of greatness is when a man does not attempt to look and act great. Before you can call yourself a man at all, Kipling assures us, you must "not look too good nor talk too wise.”?

―?Dale Carnegie ,?The Art of Public Speaking

What propels me forward on my journey towards speaking at TED Talks? Individuals like Napoleon Hill, Timothy Ferriss, Tony Robbins, David McCandless, and many others have served as my sources of inspiration and virtual mentors along my #roadtoTED, aiding me in maintaining focus on my personal Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

When TED (Ted Talks 2020) announced the contest offering the opportunity to speak at their event, a colleague tagged me in the post, and several friends messaged me about it as well. I was overjoyed. I immediately began pondering how I could participate in this contest. Naturally, I anticipated that numerous incredible ideas, designs, and inventions would be submitted. While I had studies backed by data that I could submit, I aspired for something greater.

I took a moment to contemplate my true purpose. What idea could I share with the world that is not only timely but also raises awareness among people?

Well the issue that I want to raise awareness through this talk is the "weak generation" we are creating.

"Frail Generation" - Why do I use this term? Because I've observed a tendency among many millennials/ Gen Z (2024 Update) to easily succumb to challenges. This observation is based on my interactions during talks, interviews with job applicants, as well as news reports and articles I've come across, not just in the Philippines or Asia, but worldwide. I firmly believe that addressing this issue is crucial. By doing so, we can unlock the potential for our millennial/ younger generation to generate even more innovative and impactful ideas.

We all start weak, nobody started strong.

The journey towards #roadtoTEDtalks has profoundly shaped my identity. Delivering talks at various universities and organizations has become an integral aspect of my Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). How about you? Where do you stand on your metrics? Are you still "green," steadily progressing? Or perhaps you're in the "amber" zone, needing a boost or some motivation? Or are you "red," in need of massive inspiration to propel you forward? We all encounter our fair share of struggles; some may be severe, while others are more manageable. The question is, how do we respond to these challenges?

How can we measure it?

I began my journey by journaling and tracking my progress year-on-year, gradually transitioning to a more rigorous approach, measuring improvement from year-to-year down to month-to-month and even week-to-week intervals.

Undoubtedly, this process forces you to confront your fears, as measuring Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) necessitates acknowledging both successes and setbacks. It requires immense courage and faith to (1) face these challenges, (2) admit to them, and (3) take action to address them.

Here are the primary areas I monitor:

• Self-improvement statistics (year-on-year)
• Fear management progress (month-on-month)
• Progress towards realizing my dreams (year-on-year)
• Impact on inspiring others to achieve greatness (year-on-year)

Some may wonder why I haven't delved into more intellectual topics like aircraft or analytics. For me, while many can discuss intellectual subjects effortlessly, my focus is on dramatically increasing the number of individuals committed to raising awareness and strengthening our generation.

A stronger generation breeds stronger ideas.

I possess numerous ideas on this subject, and I earnestly hope TED will provide me with the opportunity to share them.

My journey on the #roadtoTEDTalks began in 2016, and it has profoundly transformed me as a person. The experiences I've encountered, the diverse audiences I've addressed, and the individuals I aspire to influence have all contributed to my growth. This journey has presented numerous opportunities for improvement, and I am eager to share these insights with others.

In my forthcoming TED Talk, I will delve into the concept of Human KPIs, outlining the framework I've developed using Lean Six Sigma principles to measure and continuously enhance personal performance. Stay tuned for more details on this fascinating topic!

I sincerely hope that everyone I've had the privilege to engage with sees my successes and failures as sources of inspiration. We each craft our own path to success; it entails striving to be the best version of ourselves and fulfilling our purpose. While our strategies may differ, I am confident that our journeys will intersect if we commence today.

As Stephen King aptly said, "We never know which lives we influence, or when, or why." If everyone recognizes their potential to positively impact the world, adversities could be mitigated, and joy could abound.

I envision a future where I can proudly announce that TED Talks has extended an invitation to me—a dream fulfilled. This goal hasn't solely inspired me; it has ignited a spark within all those who have attended my talks, motivating them to unleash their potential and contribute to a better world—one step, one article, and one story at a time.

Update: My entry wasn't chosen, but I'm still working on my dreams. I have a lot! :)