When we fail to set boundaries and hold people accountable, we feel used and mistreated. This is why we sometimes attack who they are, which is far more hurtful than addressing a behavior or a choice.
Bren BrownRead
When perfectionism is driving us, shame is riding shotgun and fear is that annoying backseat driver!
Interpretation
What this quote means
Perfectionism leads to negative emotions like shame and fear.
This quote by BrenΓ© Brown illustrates how the pursuit of perfection can create a detrimental emotional environment. When we allow perfectionism to lead our actions, we inadvertently invite shame and fear into our lives, making them constant companions, ultimately hindering our growth and authenticity.
Themes
PerfectionismShameFearEmotionsAuthenticity
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about overcoming obstacles, you might say this quote to emphasize the emotional costs of striving for perfection.
More from Bren Brown
All quotes βPerfectionism is a twenty-ton shield that we lug around thinking it will protect us when, in fact, it's the thing that's really preventing us from taking flight.
Bren BrownRead
Social media has given us this idea that we should all have a posse of friends when in reality, if we have one or two really good friends, we are lucky.
Bren BrownRead
What we know matters but who we are matters more.
Bren BrownRead
Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we're supposed to be and embracing who we are.
Bren BrownRead
Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.
Bren BrownRead
Similar quotes
I find writing extremely difficult. I usually have to drag myself to my desk, mainly because I doubt myself. And it's getting harder because I want to improve with every book.
Markus ZusakRead
Some people as a result of adversity are sadder, wiser, kinder, more human. Most of us are better, though, when things go better.
Malcolm ForbesRead
In times of pain, when the future is too terrifying to contemplate and the past too painful to remember, I have learned to pay attention to right now. The precise moment I was in was always the only safe place for me.
Julia CameronRead
Are you not ashamed of heaping up the greatest amount of money and honor and reputation, and caring so little about wisdom and truth and the greatest improvement of the soul?
SocratesRead
As my sufferings mounted I soon realized that there were two ways in which I could respond to my situation -- either to react with bitterness or seek to transform the suffering into a creative force. I decided to follow the latter course.
Martin Luther King, Jr.Read
The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter - 'tis the difference between the lightning-bug and the lightning.
Mark TwainRead