Embracing Vulnerability

4th Post in the series #whatmakespeopletick

Its not possible to write about Vulnerability without quoting from Brene Brown's exceptional work on the subject . She defines it as being faced with - Emotional Exposure, Uncertainty & Risk .

We come across people around us , living in a steady state , floating through life effortlessly, content with who they are and what they do . Probably never knowing what might have been possible if they dared differently. Probably never fully realising their potential or experiencing themselves at their best . That sounds a little sad , but actually it may not be . Not everyone is looking to disrupt their state , plunge into uncertainty and live through the discomfort of not knowing the outcome. A majority of us are very okay to do just enough to get by , live an normal life. And thats a good #choice to make.

But here we are talking about those who dare to show up, speak up and put themselves out there , open to judgement , shame , disappointment , fear and uncertainty. Those we dare to embrace Vulnerability . That sounds like a crazy thing to do .. except the truth is that, this murky space is also the birthplace of creativity , innovation and all change . All breakthrough happens outside the comfort zone. There is no risk in the realm of the Known and there is no new discovery either . Whether it is hitting the post button after drafting an article , presenting a Business idea for investor scrutiny , taking responsibility for doing something wrong at work , or even saying 'i love you' first .. are all instances where there is emotional exposure or the outcome risky & uncertain. But the only way to get across is through the raw feelings of not being good enough, or fear of failing. That requires courage, and according to Brene Brown , Vulnerability is the accurate measure of courage.

The popular myth is that being Vulnerable is a weakness and being Invincible a strength. Nothing is farther from the truth in my understanding. Invincibility makes us fragile and the armour that comes with it unfortunately also shuts out the joy , exhilaration , deep empathy, and love needed to create something beautiful and fulfilling

So if there is a quest within , a need to reach a higher realm in any sphere of life and work , its time to befriend vulnerability and brace ourselves for the roller coaster ride.