Daring Greatly’s Back-of-the-book Description:

From thought leader Dr. Brené Brown, a transformative new vision for the way we lead, love, work, parent, and educate that teaches us the power of vulnerability.
 
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; . . . who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.”—Theodore Roosevelt

Every day we experience the uncertainty, risks, and emotional exposure that define what it means to be vulnerable or to dare greatly. Based on twelve years of pioneering research, Dr. Brené Brown dispels the cultural myth that vulnerability is weakness and argues that it is, in truth, our most accurate measure of courage.

Brown explains how vulnerability is both the core of difficult emotions like fear, grief, and disappointment, and the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, empathy, innovation, and creativity. She writes: “When we shut ourselves off from vulnerability, we distance ourselves from the experiences that bring purpose and meaning to our lives.”

Daring Greatly is not about winning or losing. It’s about courage. In a world where “never enough” dominates and feeling afraid has become second nature, vulnerability is subversive. Uncomfortable. It’s even a little dangerous at times. And, without question, putting ourselves out there means there’s a far greater risk of getting criticized or feeling hurt. But when we step back and examine our lives, we will find that nothing is as uncomfortable, dangerous, and hurtful as standing on the outside of our lives looking in and wondering what it would be like if we had the courage to step into the arena—whether it’s a new relationship, an important meeting, the creative process, or a difficult family conversation. Daring Greatly is a practice and a powerful new vision for letting ourselves be seen.

My Thoughts

I first heard about Brene Brown was on a podcast – she was a guest on The Lively Show.She seemed like a very wise, spiritual person and I appreciated the opportunity to learn from her.

So, when I was standing in a book store with some money to spend, I figured I’d check out Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead (don’t let this absurdly long title intimidate you – it’s just that it’s really relevant on THAT many levels.)

Well I picked it up, and I actually tried to start reading it once about 4 months ago, but sensed that maybe it wasn’t the right time to appreciate it, and put it back down. Well. I read it finally. And it did take me some time, but once I really opened myself up and allowed myself to appreciate the information,  I was ecstatic to be reading it.

She talks about the importance of allowing yourself to be vulnerable so that you can really learn who you are and be in the moment. She also talks about shame, and how *unfortunately* our society has adopted a shame culture that continually tries to make people feel bad about themselves as a way to change their behavior.

The importance of allowing yourself to be vulnerable so that you can really learn who you are & be in the moment. Click To Tweet

Honestly, I think that this idea resonated so much with me because I’m currently working in a place where, believe it or not, the managers use shame as a method to try to get their desired results. And I know for a fact – whether intentional or not, most likely not – I’ve witnessed parents, older siblings, and coaches use this method with children.

I genuinely think that, unless you become aware of what a problem this could be, and what kind of outcome it really leads to, you won’t notice that you’re using shame, and thus, you won’t be able to avoid it. This book is just a wonderful step in the right direction to becoming the kind of person who doesn’t use shame and encourages people to be themselves.

I for one am so glad that I found this book. It’s going to be one that I will keep forever and re-read as I grow and confront new stages in my life – for example parenting. This would be a GREAT book for new parents.

This book on the power of vulnerability would be a GREAT book for new parents. Click To Tweet

Some of My Favorite Quotes From Daring Greatly:

“I think we have to question the intentions of any group that insists on disdain toward other people as a membership requirement.”

 

“The willingness to show up changes us, It makes us a little braver each time.”

 

“We’re all grateful for people who write and speak in ways that help us remember that we’re not alone.”

 

“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.”

In Conclusion

Overall I would give Daring Greatly a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. You definitely need to be in the right frame of mind (open – an open mind) to really absorb the information. But I literally can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t benefit from reading this. I’m personally going to save it and read it again multiple times.

I literally can't think of anyone who wouldn't benefit from reading this book. Click To Tweet

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