When the world calls your situation impossible, what is your next move?

What to Do When You’re Told There’s Nothing Left to Try | David Fajgenbaum, Kiah Williams | TED · 28:41 · Video: TED · Watch at the source

In short: Physician-scientist David Fajgenbaum and social entrepreneur Kiah Williams discuss how to navigate moments of total impasse. By shifting focus from the impossible to immediate, actionable steps, they demonstrate how hope can be transformed into tangible progress even during personal or systemic crises.

Recorded at TEDNext 2025 on November 10, 2025, this conversation features David Fajgenbaum, who faced a life-threatening rare disease, and Kiah Williams, who works within the constraints of economic hardship. Hosted by Alexandra Tillmann of The Audacious Project, the discussion centers on the power of asking, 'What can I do today?'

The dialogue explores the transition from feeling defeated by impossible circumstances to driving meaningful change. By breaking down overwhelming challenges into smaller, manageable actions, the speakers illustrate a practical framework for resilience and problem-solving when conventional options seem exhausted.

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