A couple of years ago, I would not have dared to write a blog. Exposing myself to people I have never even met? Hell no. It was opening me up to judgement to others, to criticism and to ridicule. It left me vulnerable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was later on I then realized the many opportunities self-promotion provided. Opportunities that I had passed on. It allowed me to hone my voice, contribute my ideas and connected me to a community that provides me with valuable feedback and support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One quote really helped me embrace vulnerability and speak up:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou realize, that just like everything else, 90% of your work is mediocre at best. Most of it is crap.<\/a>\u201d<\/p>Austin Kleon in his book Show Your Work! <\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nMost of my work might be mediocre, but there is that 10% of my work that is at least passable. That 10% might have inspired or empowered someone, enriching their lives. That to me makes the endeavour worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But it does not just apply to showing your work. Embracing vulnerability, I realized, is essential to wholehearted living. Virtually in every endeavor that we take, we are always vulnerable. The outcome is uncertain. Embracing vulnerability is at the heart of innovation, creativity and change. In the pursuit of creating something new, you have to be willing to challenge the status quo, leaving yourself open to judgement by others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nVulnerability is not weakness<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We often equate vulnerability to weakness. We blend in with the crowd because it is the \u2018safe\u2019 option. We shudder at the prospect of putting ourselves out there and allow ourselves to be fully seen, for fear that others would not love us anymore. That they would scoff, jest and shun us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Truth is, vulnerability is not a weakness. As author Bren\u00e9 Brown puts it \u201cVulnerability is emotional risk, exposure, uncertainty.\u201d A leading researcher on shame and vulnerability, check out Bren\u00e9 Brown\u2019s TED talks here<\/a>. To you, exposing yourself to critique from others might be scary and daunting. But to others looking on, you are courageous and inspirational. You are taking a chance to speak up about something you truly believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nBenefits of being vulnerable<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n1.Develop greater confidence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n\u201cThe original definition of \u2018courage\u2019 . . . is from the Latin word \u2018cor,\u2019 meaning \u2018heart.\u2019 And the original definition was to tell the story of who you are with your whole heart<\/strong>. And so these folks had, very simply, the courage to be imperfect.\u201d<\/em> <\/p> Bren\u00e9 Brown <\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nI disagree with the saying \u201cFake it till you make it\u201d. To me, it is trying to be someone you are not, pretending to be perfect by covering all your flaws. It is hiding behind a fa\u00e7ade. Read more on how to be authentic and confident.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Confidence is not about never showing weakness. Being truly confident is about embracing who you are<\/strong>, both strengths and weaknesses, success and mistakes alike. It is about knowing others might judge you for what you do, but you still do it anyway because it aligns with your values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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