“Vulnerability is not a weakness, it is emotional risk, exposure, uncertainty … it is the true test of courage“

~ Brené Brown, Ph.D., Author Daring Greatly

Last year I set the intention to expand my business and become more visible in my work.  To reach people I did not know and share my knowledge on a broader scale.  By setting that intention, I knew that I had to create ways to share my thoughts and ideas.  I had such energy and joy creating these resources and gaining clarity on my message.  As I vigorously wrote my ebook, put content together for my website, and began crafting my programs, I felt confident and clear.  Yet, all of my thoughts and ideas remained a  secret between my computer and me.  I would praise myself for doing this work, for expanding my business, and for finally letting my light shine on a much larger scale.

Then several weeks ago I launched my new website, blog, and ebook – and put myself on a vulnerability ride I never anticipated.

When my site went “live”, rather than feeling the great sense of pride and accomplishment, which I anticipated, I began to ferociously judge myself.  “What will people think?”  “Do I sound stupid?”  “What if no one reads this?”  All of that negative self talk came rushing forward.  Those same thoughts that have kept me in the safety zone all these years.  I have spent much of my career playing it safe, going by what I thought “they” wanted to hear, and keeping my thoughts and ideas contained to avoid judgment.  Although I have finally come to a place where my message is more important than the fear of what others think.  My desire to leave a legacy outweighs my concerns about exposure and uncertainty.

Pointed out by Sir Kenneth Robinson, author of Finding Your Element, kids are not afraid of being wrong or making a mistake.  In many cases we began to develop those fears through our childhood experiences with our parents, our teachers, our coaches, and other adults who influence us.  To be successful in school we learned that we must follow protocol and conform to the norm.  Most of us were not rewarded for taking a chance — that could lead to making a mistake, or even worse — failing.   Yet for those of you who watch TED talks realize that the ones who are given the privilege to speak on that stage, are the very individuals who have dared to try something new and unknown — and made huge mistakes.  They have all put themselves in a place of vulnerability, had failed attempts, picked themselves back up again, and demonstrated great courage.  Had they not tried and failed, they never would have reached levels of success they now experience.

As leaders, whether it be in an organization, a school, or within your own family, we must allow others to stretch beyond their comfort zone and experiment with new ideas.  We must encourage those that we want to inspire to put their thoughts and ideas out there — to be vulnerable.  As Brené Brown so eloquently states, “vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.”

So I ask you … what are you doing to move outside your comfort zone?  What risks are you willing to take as a means to achieve your goals?