The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
In a world where being a perfectionist is worn like a badge of honour, Brown offers an alternative - living wholeheartedly, flaws and all.
My Rating: ★★★★
Length: 208 pages
Publisher: Hazelden Publishing
Released: 2010
Key takeaways for personal branding
The Gifts of Imperfection is a call to join what Brené Brown calls a grassroots revolution. The wholeheartedness revolution - in which, against all temptations for otherwise, you choose authenticity.
In this New York Times best-seller, Brown calls you to let go of your grip on perfectionism. The need for certainty.
In The Gifts of Imperfection, Brown offers 10 guideposts for wholehearted living.
Most pertinent to personal branding comes in Guidepost #9: Cultivate Meaningful Work: Letting Go of Self Doubt and “Supposed To”. Brown reminds you that we all have unique gifts and talents. And when you share them, you create a sense of meaning and purpose in your life.
Importantly, Brown makes clear what the alternative to squandering our talents is - a life of distress. One in which you pay physically and emotionally for this choice. You are invited to sideline the “supposed to” gremlins instead and to do what makes you come alive. And this is not seen as a self-indulgent, irresponsible choice. Because the world needs more people who have come alive.
Favourite Quotes
“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.”
“Connection begets connection. As a matter of fact, we are wired for connection. It’s in our biology. From the time we are born, we need connection to thrive emotionally, physically, spiritually, and intellectually…It’s hard science. Neuroscience, to be exact.”
“Research shows that perfectionism hampers success. In fact, it’s often the path to depression, anxiety, addiction, and life-paralysis. Life-paralysis refers to all of the opportunities we miss because we’re too afraid to put anything out in the world that could be imperfect.”
“Faith is a place of mystery, where we find the courage to believe in what we cannot see and the strength to let go of our fear of uncertainty.”
““I’m not very creative” doesn’t work. There’s no such thing as creative people and non-creative people. There are only people who use their creativity and people who don’t.”
“The only unique contribution that we will ever make in this world will be born of our creativity.”
“I think of it as an invitation to join a wholehearted revolution…Revolution might sound a little dramatic, but in this world, choosing authenticity and worthiness is an absolute act of resistance.”
In The Gifts of Imperfection, Brown showcases her mastery of authenticity. You are reminded that one of the world’s most famous researchers is also a former addict. Brown writes from the heart with raw authenticity. She lightens the read with a sense of humour you’d expect from a friend.
The Gifts of Imperfection is a chance to escape any need for control and certainty. And to dance with the potential of your unknown.
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown: Available on Amazon.
