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
Vulnerability is not weakness, and the uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure we face every day are not optional. Our only choice is a question of engagement. Our willingness to own and engage with our vulnerability determines the depth of our courage and the clarity of our purpose; the level to which we protect ourselves from being vulnerable is a measure of our fear and disconnection.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Vulnerability is a strength that reveals courage and purpose rather than a sign of weakness.
In this quote, Brené Brown emphasizes that vulnerability is an essential aspect of the human experience, suggesting that feelings of uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure are inevitable in life. She argues that true courage stems from our ability to confront and embrace our vulnerabilities rather than shy away from them, as how we relate to our vulnerabilities shapes our connections, purpose, and emotional well-being.
Themes
VulnerabilityCourageEngagementPurposeFearConnection
In practice
Example use cases
During a leadership workshop, this quote can be shared to encourage leaders to embrace their vulnerabilities.
More from Bren Brown
All quotes →Perfectionism 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.
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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.
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What we know matters but who we are matters more.
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Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we're supposed to be and embracing who we are.
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Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.
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