Let Go of Who You think You're Supposed to be and Embrace Who You Are

Learn how to live a more fulfilling life by being true to yourself.What would you say is your biggest flaw?Perhaps you're an inveterate procrastinator. Maybe you feel like you've failed as a parent. Whatever it might be, you're not alone. We all have our flaws and foibles. It's how we deal with them that matters. In her research on shame and its effects on the human mind, author Brené Brown has gathered thousands of stories from people around the US.

Authenticity isn't a quality that you either have or don't. Rather, it's a choice, one that reflects how we want to live. It's the daily decision to be honest, embrace our vulnerability and to not care what others think.And because it’s a choice, we thus have the option to be authentic on some days and less authentic on those other days when we’re too tired.If you do, however, choose to act with more authenticity, then you’ll need to practice courage and compassion.

<ul><li>why everything looks better when you zoom out;</li><li>why you should devote a decent portion of your life to play; and</li><li>why you should define yourself with slashes.</li></ul>

What You'll Learn 

Authenticity is a choice that requires courage, compassion and connection.Most people would like to live a life that is true to who they are; in other words, we'd like to be as authentic as possible.Unfortunately, a handful of factors stand in the way: for example, a lack of self-confidence or pressure to conform. As a result, we feel we are inauthentic people, too weak to live honestly.But this is simply untrue!

Authenticity 

The Gifts of Imperfection offers an accessible and engaging walk through the ten principles that you can follow to live a more fulfilling life, defined by courage, connection and compassion towards others. Filled with relatable anecdotes and actionable advice, the book is a useful resource for readers both young and old.

What Is This Book About 

However, life as a perfectionist is emotionally unhealthy, because it makes our own self-worth dependent on approval or acceptance from others. Not only is perfectionism unhealthy, but it's also addictive and self-destructive. In fact, perfectionism is futile, as perfection itself is illusory!

Furthermore, exercising compassion allows you to recognize that you aren’t alone, and that, in fact, everyone around you struggles with the exact same issues as you.Compassion, in contrast with sympathy, is a relationship between equals: in order to relate to the struggles of others, you have to acknowledge your own, as well. By understanding that everyone around you has likely gone through what you’re going through now, you’ll have an easier time opening up to them and finding support.

Are you a perfectionist? If you are, do you consider it to be a positive quality?Perfectionism, despite maybe sounding positive, isn't worth pursuing. It's different thanstriving to be your best, and is unrelated to self-improvement. Rather, it revolves around the fundamental fear of shame.Perfectionism, in short, is the belief that, if we look perfect and live and act perfectly, then we'll be able to shield ourselves from criticism, judgment or blame. This shield, in otherwords, is supposed to protect us against shame.

Fear Of Shame Hides Behind Of Perfectionism

You’ll need the courage to speak your mind and allow yourself to be vulnerable in front of others. To look at this in practice, think about the next time you really want something to happen, like winning a contest or nailing an interview. Try not to play down your hopes in these situations. Acting like failure is no big deal won’t make the pain of failure any easier. In contrast, being honest about your hopes makes it possible for you to find support when you need it.

From the stories, a powerful pattern has emerged: Those who find ways to embrace their imperfections, lead happier, more fulfilled lives than those who don't. While being aware of your flaws is an important first step, it's not enough. The true transfomative power lies in learning to love yourself.

•Anyone who wants to live a more meaningful life•Anyone who has a great idea, but is afraid to share it with the world•Anyone troubled by feelings of inadequacy and vulnerability

Who Is This For 

Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day.

While there are things that are simply outside of your control, there are lots of actionable steps you can take to seize control and feel better. 

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How to Feel Better About Yourself

It is only when we begin to recognize that our true human potential goes far beyond leading successful personal and professional lives, that we realize the enormous importance of Kundalini awakening. Very few people realize that it is possible to live constantly in a state of totally expanded awareness and joy which we achieve when we become one with the Divine. It is only when Kundalini is awakened that we can begin to experience the infinite freedom of a human being.
-Baba Muktananada

"A guide to help readers embrace imperfection and vulnerability so they can live authentically; presents ten guideposts for wholehearted living" --

books

Books

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • This tenth-anniversary edition of the game-changing #1 New York Times bestseller features a new foreword and new tools to make the work your own. For over a decade, Brené Brown has found a special place in our hearts as a gifted mapmaker and a fellow traveler. She is both a social scientist and a kitchen-table friend whom you can always count on to tell the truth, make you laugh, and, on occasion, cry with you. And what’s now become a movement all started with The Gifts of Imperfection, which has sold more than two million copies in thirty-five different languages across the globe. What transforms this book from words on a page to effective daily practices are the ten guideposts to wholehearted living. The guideposts not only help us understand the practices that will allow us to change our lives and families, they also walk us through the unattainable and sabotaging expectations that get in the way. Brené writes, “This book is an invitation to join a wholehearted revolution. A small, quiet, grassroots movement that starts with each of us saying, ‘My story matters because I matter.’ Revolution might sound a little dramatic, but in this world, choosing authenticity and worthiness is an absolute act of resistance.”

Dr. Brené Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston where she holds the Huffington Foundation – Brené Brown Endowed Chair at The Graduate College of Social Work. Brené is also a visiting professor in management at The University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business. She has spent the past two decades studying courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy and is the author of five #1 New York Times bestsellers: The Gifts of Imperfection, Daring Greatly, Rising Strong, Braving the Wilderness, and her latest book, Dare to Lead.Brené hosts the Unlocking Us Podcast and the Dare to Lead Podcast. Her TED talk – The Power of Vulnerability – is one of the top five most viewed TED talks in the world with over 50 million views.

BRENE BROWN

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