Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead

Brené Brown

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Ellie says:

Daring Greatly by Brené Brown is an amazing exploration into the power of vulnerability, courage, and shame. This read highlights the significance of embracing vulnerability as a path to living wholeheartedly. This book speaks to anyone who is drawn to the realm of self-help and personal development.

Brené Brown introduces vulnerability as the core of meaningful human connection. She challenges the common misconception that vulnerability is a sign of weakness, arguing instead that it is pivotal for growth, creativity, and authentic emotional connection. Throughout this read, a continuous theme is the need for vulnerability in fostering genuine relationships, both personally and professionally.

I really like that this book empowers and encourages the reader to step out of their comfort zone and embrace vulnerability. She highlights the importance of using courage to take risks, pursue goals, and develop meaning. As the title hints, daring greatly, Brown suggests that we can use vulnerability and courage to lead more fulfilling lives.

“Daring Greatly” also approaches a painful yet important topic: shame. Shame is a painful feeling that many become familiar with while navigating the human experience. Brené Brown addresses the concept of shame and its debilitating effects on individuals and society in a raw yet compassionate way. This book provides practical strategies for recognizing and addressing shame in our lives, and combating this painful emotion with the power of empathy.

From the Publisher

From thought leader Brené Brown, a transformative new vision for the way we lead, love, work, parent, and educate that teaches us the power of vulnerability.

“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 the 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. Based on twelve years of pioneering research, Brené Brown PhD, MSW, dispels the cultural myth that vulnerability is weakness and argues that it is, in truth, our most accurate measure of courage.

Brown explains how vulnerability is both the core of difficult emotions like fear, grief, and disappointment, and the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, empathy, innovation, and creativity. She writes: “When we shut ourselves off from vulnerability, we distance ourselves from the experiences that bring purpose and meaning to our lives.”

Daring Greatly is not about winning or losing. It’s about courage. In a world where “never enough” dominates and feeling afraid has become second nature, vulnerability is subversive. Uncomfortable. It’s even a little dangerous at times. And, without question, putting ourselves out there means there’s a far greater risk of getting criticized or feeling hurt. But when we step back and examine our lives, we will find that nothing is as uncomfortable, dangerous, and hurtful as standing on the outside of our lives looking in and wondering what it would be like if we had the courage to step into the arena—whether it’s a new relationship, an important meeting, the creative process, or a difficult family conversation. Daring Greatly is a practice and a powerful new vision for letting ourselves be seen.

The Author

About Ellie Schwartzman

Ellie is a psychotherapist based in Chicago Illinois.  She has a special interest in working with young and emerging adults as well as those struggling with life transitions. She approaches the therapy session as a curious engaged participant. While sometimes the work can be difficult and painful, she works to ensure that client sessions are a positive experience and an important part of a self care routine.  Her clinical experience and interest has centered around those working through trauma, PTSD, and anxiety issues – including issues that present during moments of life transition including divorce, relationships, moving to a new place, starting college, beginning a new job, becoming a new parent, or navigating a health issue.