I received an email from a reader of my book, which said:
It must have been difficult to be so honest about yourself, and at times, must have left you feeling emotionally naked. Very brave as it is your honesty that makes your book worthwhile reading.
We live in a world where bravery is often only seen as physical thing, such as jumping off a cliff face or running a marathon.
But it is also about being vulnerable. It’s about being prepared to discuss your weaknesses and failures. Vulnerability is intensely brave and powerful.
Having the courage to be honest and exposed when you tell your stories through the media and social media will make them so much more impactful. They will start resonating with people.
Also I believe we all have stories to tell that will help others in some way. We have experienced situations through our lives that should be shared because others will benefit from it.
When you start telling your stories and sharing your expertise because it is helping the people who are listening or reading it, you will be amazed with the emotional connection that you start building with people and the relationships you start developing – because you’re positively impacting their lives.
As Dr. Brené Brown says, “Vulnerability is our most accurate measure of courage… When we shut ourselves off from vulnerability, we distance ourselves from the experiences that bring purpose and meaning to our lives and our work.”
Telling my story honestly was a brave act for me. Writing From Unknown To Expert put me in an incredibly vulnerable place, open to criticism and failure.
But from my point of view, sitting on the couch just wishing I had the courage to write a book or take that next leap into the spotlight was even more of a failure than trying and not succeeding.
Don’t hide your light. Shine your light. What can you do today that can uncover some of the stories you can tell that highlights your personal brand and who you are?
