Vulnerability is a Superpower
Vulnerability is a superpower?
If it is used correctly of course!?
Vulnerability is defined as ‘the quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.’
I truly believe that this should be re-written to?
‘the strength that exists within a person to share what most would consider a weakness AND in the same moment feel proud of doing it’
On the weekend I started reading a few of my old articles when I first started sharing my vulnerability in an open forum of LinkedIn. It started back in 2016 and I am not going to lie some of the feeling I felt then I still feel today?
(feel free to check out some of my old blogs later)
Why did I start sharing my vulnerability??
I started doing it for the following reasons
1) Letting go
Media personality and founder of Gotcha4Life Gus Worland once shared with me something that former Australian Cricket captain ‘Steve Smith’ shared with him
"Emotions are like blowing into a balloon, the more you blow your emotions into it the bigger the balloon gets… if you don't let it out the balloon will pop!?"
So getting it out was my way of letting the balloon deflate a little, easing my mind and accepting what was happening.
2) Helping others
The reason I shared it in a public forum is because I intrinsically knew that my story may help someone else break through their challenges….. And I was right.?
Firstly no matter what you are going through you are not alone…. Many and I mean MANY of others are dealing with similar shit! I remember when I shared my first meaningful article I received a number of requests to catch up from others who were feeling the same! You are not alone and your story may help others!?
Former monk, Co-founder of Rezilium & chair of the RUOK think tank Kamal Sarma once shared with me an important point….?
"Vulnerability can be shared if you are starting from a place of strength"
I agree and my thoughts are?
领英推荐
Your mindset needs to be one of acceptance of your situation and a willingness to journey out of your struggle before sharing!?
3) This is my ‘AUTHENTIC’ story?
I have always known that sharing my journey is not only a way for me to get it out BUT it is also my ‘AUTHENTIC’ story, MY LIFE PUZZLE ! A story that I want my children's, children's, children to read and see! A legacy that I hope will help with their future mental health, mindset and success!
I remember one of the first articles I shared on social media. I was sitting at home when I received a phone call from someone really close to me urging me to take it down as it would hurt my future working prospects.?
This is the problem with our society!?
When someone is being true to who they are and how they feel, we consider this a weakness. The only weakness is that of the person who is listening to it and their predetermined opinions.?
This is YOUR STORY and no one else's! Be proud of you and own everything that is happening to you.?
CAN BEING VULNERABLE HELP YOU BECOMING A BETTER LEADER??
I believe sharing your vulnerability is your superpower as a leader! I don't mean being an emotional wreck… I mean sharing lived experiences in a way of making your team feel like they are being heard and feel connected.?
You have to remember that a leader is just a title and fundamentally you are a human being with emotions… just like your employees!?
CAN BEING VULNERABLE HELP YOU BECOME A BETTER PARENT??
Again YES!! As parents we think we have to be superhuman and be the words of wisdom every single time… Unfortunately most of the time we are offering advice backed with limited knowledge. So why not accept your vulnerabilities and have a willingness to want to learn / navigate situations with your kids. Guess what? This strengthens will strengthen your connection and relationships + tell your kids that it is ok not to have everything under control.?
FINAL WORD
Our biggest learnings in life will come from our vulnerabilities! So embrace everything that feels uncomfortable and know that by being open with what is going will not only improve you but those with a willingness to listen without judgment!?
Be the voice of change in this society by being honest with who you are.
If this article resonated with you please like, leave a comment or share to others
Luke 'Cookie' Cook
Welcome to the 'Solving Life's Puzzle' newsletter. What is it?
Through the 100's of interviews I do with experts, the personal stories I share, the ideas I have and the businesses I own, I make people and companies truly understand why they are here.
Each fortnight I will share an insight, thought or point of view that will help us all solve life's puzzle.
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People & Culture Leader / Executive Coach/ Change Agent / Community & NFP contributor.
2 年Such a good read Luke Cook . Vulnerability is indeed a Superpower in building trusting authentic relationships in business and families.
Team Cohesion and Alignment Specialist
2 年Vulnerability is indeed a super power Luke Cook and not a weakness. When you allow yourself to be vulnerable you open yourself up to a myriad of opportunities in building strong, authentic relationships.
ICF-Certified Executive Coach | Empowering Mid-to-Senior Professionals with Compassionate Leadership & High Performance | Work-Life Harmony Advocate | Mental Wellbeing Champion
2 年Thank you for sharing your insights. I agree with having the mindset to embrace and move from the struggle before sharing more widely. Letting it all hang out can sometimes backfire, especially if it there isn't a high trust culture.
Teach Cognitive Health in Conscious Companies Globally ? Use Principles from the Intersection of Neuroscience, Psychology + Nutrition ? Workshops + Online Training ? Neuroscientist ? Keynote Speaker
2 年Thank you for this insightful and transparent share Luke Cook! One of the many things that living through challenging times teaches one is never to judge anyone else … no one can ever fully understand the exact circumstances someone else finds themselves in and why … only when life has dealt you some rough hands do you get to really know this! It’s a terrible lesson to learn but one that serves forever!
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2 年Spot on ????