Vulnerability is necessary for courage and wholehearted living.
Building a supportive tribe is crucial for embracing vulnerability and personal growth.
Gratitude for ordinary moments leads to a fulfilling and good life.
Deep dives
The Power of Vulnerability and Wholehearted Living
The podcast episode explores the concept of vulnerability and wholehearted living. The speaker emphasizes the importance of stepping into vulnerability and embracing uncertainty and risk. It is highlighted that courage and moral/spiritual/leadership courage cannot exist without vulnerability. The episode also discusses the significance of having a supportive tribe that encourages vulnerability and shares the same values. The speaker mentions the impact of criticism and the importance of valuing feedback from those who are also in the arena, rather than paying attention to anonymous critics. The speaker also emphasizes the value of gratitude and finding joy in ordinary moments as essential components of living a good life.
The Influence of Surrounding Yourself with Supportive Individuals
The episode emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with supportive individuals who encourage vulnerability and bravery. It is mentioned that having a tribe that understands and cheers for us when we take chances and embrace vulnerability is crucial. The speaker shares her own experience of finding a group of like-minded women who supported each other in being vulnerable and brave. The episode also highlights the significance of seeking feedback and constructive criticism from individuals in the arena, rather than giving weight to criticism from those on the sidelines. Overall, the episode underscores the power of community and the role it plays in supporting personal growth and living a good life.
Dispelling Myths About Vulnerability
The episode addresses common myths about vulnerability. It challenges the notion that vulnerability is a weakness and emphasizes that courage is rooted in vulnerability. The speaker also debunks the myth that one can go through life alone, highlighting the importance of having a supportive tribe. It is also mentioned that vulnerability should not be feared, as it opens the door to meaningful connections and shared experiences. The episode encourages individuals to dispel these myths and embrace vulnerability as a necessary component of personal growth and living a fulfilling life.
Overcoming Fear of Failure and Criticism
The episode delves into the fear of failure and criticism that often holds individuals back from embracing vulnerability. It emphasizes the need to focus on the possibility of success instead of fixating on the fear of failure. The speaker shares her personal experience of dealing with criticism and highlights the importance of not giving importance to anonymous critics. The episode encourages individuals to practice self-compassion and move past the fear of judgment from others. It also reinforces the idea that pursuing a good life involves taking risks and daring greatly, even when faced with the potential for criticism.
Gratitude and Finding Joy in Ordinary Moments
The concept of gratitude and finding joy in ordinary moments is discussed in the episode. The speaker emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the small, everyday experiences that often go unnoticed. It is highlighted that living a good life involves expressing gratitude for the ordinary moments that bring joy and happiness. The episode encourages individuals to slow down, be present, and savor the beauty in the simple things that make life meaningful. By cultivating gratitude, individuals can experience fulfillment and live a good life.
This week’s episode is a replay of a powerful conversation I had with famed author and grounded theory researcher Brene Brown.
Brene and I met a few years back while speaking at a conference together. We clicked immediately, grabbed lunch and laughed a lot. I asked her to come share a bit of her journey with our community. The conversation that unfolded left me changed.
Brene’s fascination with what she calls wholehearted living eventually led her to explore how we dance with shame and vulnerability. She wrote about this in her blockbuster book, Daring Greatly. I asked her to join me on Good Life Project in October 2012 and the conversation that unfolded moved us both to tears as various points. Brene was so beautifully real, raw, candid and wise.
A few gems -
"Being courageous is more important to me, as a value, than succeeding."
"I have no intake at all of any feedback or criticism from anyone who's not in the arena."
We also talked about gratitude and the power of honoring the smallest moments, that’s when things got emotional. And that’s led me to decide to re-share her gorgeous spirit and words with you during this week of thanks and gratitude. Enjoy!
My New Podcast SPARKED: We’re looking for special guest “wisdom-seekers” to share the moment you’re in, then pose questions to Jonathan and the Sparked Braintrust to be answered, “on air.” To submit your “moment & question” for consideration to be on the show go to sparketype.com/submit.
