Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We… (original 2012; edition 2012)

** spoiler alert **

When I saw the title of this book, I wanted to read it because I wanted to "strengthen" myself internally for my future move. I am moving back to the town where I used to live, where I have some very good friends but where I will also see people I rather not see or interact with again. I wanted the book to give me ideas on how to "take it" when I am teased again or given a hard time or whatever, for moving and coming back (which I have done more than once), mistakes made (or not) and so on.

The book has nothing to do with that at all and am I glad!

The book is based on the following saying by Theodore Roosevelt, part of a speech he gave at the Suorbonne in Paris, France, on April 23, 1910. The following passage made his speech famous and I typed it directly from the book (p. 1):

“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 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 errs and comes up short again and again,

because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause;

who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly….” (emphasis added)

The book reminded me that there is nothing wrong with taking chances, making mistakes, and learning, re-learning, and trying again and again and again. There is nothing wrong with being vulnerable and that it takes a lot of courage to live life with imperfections and be opened to others’ criticisms.

As adults, we encourage children and young people in learning new things, making mistakes, taking chances and trying again. Why not as adults too? So I have decided to live my life by daring greatly, whatever may come, mistakes and all.

It is going to be a pretty great life. ( )

This was a fascinating book about daring to step out of your comfort zones and being something greater. I found it particularly poignant as I started a new venture in my life and had to push past where I was comfortable. A great and informative read.

Researcher and thought leader Dr. Brené Brown offers a powerful new vision that encourages us to dare greatly: to embrace vulnerability and imperfection, to live wholeheartedly, and to courageously engage in our lives.

“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 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. Whether the arena is a new relationship, an important meeting, our creative process, or a difficult family conversation, we must find the courage to walk into vulnerability and engage with our whole hearts.

In Daring Greatly, Dr. Brown challenges everything we think we know about vulnerability. Based on twelve years of research, she argues that vulnerability is not weakness, but rather our clearest path to courage, engagement, and meaningful connection. The book that Dr. Brown’s many fans have been waiting for, Daring Greatly will spark a new spirit of truth—and trust—in our organizations, families, schools, and communities. ( )

I do believe that this book can change your life and make our little burdens a little easier to cope with. The book for me was an affirmation of how I try to live on a daily basis. It gave me permission to dare greatly, share my real thoughts with others, and make a fool of myself trying to live well with others (and forgive myself later). I highly recommend it, especially for the sections on organizational philosophy and parenting. ( )

Review Daring Greatly by Brene Brown

An interesting, somewhat informative read. While I sort of innately knew many of the things the author says, it is refreshing to hear/read someone else say them. As someone who can relate to many of the “not-so-good” feelings described, it is heartening to see these feelings acknowledged and not shamed in this society. ( )