First of all, what are TED Talks? TED Talks are short videos of experts speaking on a wide variety of topics to help spread ideas and influence others. Whether it is a video that a professor is showing in class or something you stumbled upon while scrolling through Facebook, we are all familiar with how these videos tend to suck you in. They are motivational. You don't even realize you've watched the entire thing until it's over and the guest speaker is saying good-bye. Here are five of Ted Talks every college student should listen to:

1. Isaac Lidsky: What reality are you creating for yourself?

In the beginning of this talk, we hear Isaac say "fish swim backwards by wagging their heads." Right now, you are probably thinking "what in world is he talking about? That makes absolutely no sense." But, that is the point of this TED Talk. What we choose to see is only an illusion and we create our own realities. Most college students don't know what they're future is going to look like. Plans change. This talk highlights what we, as college students, can do to change the perception of our reality.

2. David Steindl-Rast: Want to be happy? Be grateful.

We all just want to be happy. However, we often rely on other people or things to make us happy, when that really isn't the answer. In this TED Talk, David Steindl-Rast tells us why being grateful for the experiences, people and things we already have will help us achieve happiness. Check out the video to see why "creating stop signs" in your life will help you enjoy it more.

3. Hugh Evans: What does is mean to be a citizen of the world?

In the TED Talk, Hugh Evans challenges us to view issues that are a lot bigger than each of us individually. He encourages viewers to not only think of yourself as a citizen to one specific country, but also a citizen of the world. We all hear about global issues on the news and through his talk, Evans tells us there is a way to help.

4. Judson Brewer: A Simple Way to Break A Bad Habit

We all have bad habits we need to break, whether it is something like biting your nails or one all college students can relate to - procrastination. Brewer explains how being mindful can change the way we do things. Next time you think about watching Netflix instead of writing your term paper, look up this TED Talk for some motivation and remember how it makes you feel.

5. Scott Dinsmore: How to Find Work You Love

A lot of college students can relate to the feeling of not knowing what they want to do with their lives. In this TED Talk, Scott Dinsmore talks about the worst career advice he got and how he decided to change his life. Everyone wants a job they love, but it can sometimes be hard know what to steps to take to obtain that. Give this talk a listen for some inspiration!