Showing your vulnerability isn’t a sign of weakness. It means you’re brave enough to reveal who you are despite possibly getting hurt.
Many people try to hide their flaws or emotions but denying who they truly are is destructive. Their relationships stay at a surface level. As a result, this increases their feelings of loneliness or depression.
“Emotional pain cannot kill you, but running from it can. Allow. Embrace. Let yourself feel. Let yourself heal.”
— Vironika Tugaleva
People think those who share their vulnerability are courageous and admirable. However, in regard to themselves, they believe they should hide any hint of imperfection.
But they miss out on the countless benefits of embracing their vulnerability.
The benefits of showing vulnerability:
Your vulnerability makes you more relatable
We are all vulnerable in some aspect so when you open up with someone they understand how you feel and can relate. As a result, you strengthen your bond more than ever before.
Accepting your vulnerability helps to overcome shame
“What makes you vulnerable makes you beautiful.”
— Brene Brown
Shame is one of the most painful human emotions. It’s the thought that something about you is unworthy of acceptance and it’s the core of vulnerability.
Shame is the reason people hide what they think are unacceptable qualities for fear of becoming an outcast.
When you overcome your weaknesses by accepting them you defeat shame as well because you’re allowing yourself to be authentic. You accept your imperfections and release their control over you.
Vulnerability is necessary for any form of creativity
“To share your weakness is to make yourself vulnerable; to make yourself vulnerable is to show your strength.”
— Crissi Jami
Many creative people will express their pain or dark emotions through their art or projects. The key to creativity is to step out of “the box”, and share your authentic self with the world.
Even though some people might reject you, others will relate to your work. Moreover, they’ll be your “ride or die” people.
Showing vulnerability builds trust
“We’re never so vulnerable than when we trust someone – but paradoxically, if we cannot trust, neither can we find love or joy.”
— Frank Crane
Everyone has vulnerabilities so when you share yours with someone they understand that you’re trusting them with it. As a result, they’ll trust you more.
Embracing your vulnerability builds confidence
“We are at our most powerful the moment we no longer need to be powerful.”
― Eric Michael Leventhal
When you try hiding your vulnerabilities, you actually shine a spotlight on them. When you accept your weaknesses from within you embrace who you truly are and your self-esteem rises. Now that “weakness” has given you the strength you never had before and that boosts your confidence.
Taking risks is essential for making progress
“Vulnerability is about showing up and being seen. It’s tough to do that when we’re terrified about what people might see or think.”
— Brené Brown
You have to take risks in order to make progress. Otherwise, you’re just doing the same thing and hoping for a better result. So, try new things to move up a level.
For example, I am creating an online course that includes videos of me talking and that’s not something I’m used to. But, I think it’ll be beneficial to open up to my readers more.
Here are some ways to conquer your vulnerability:
1. Stop hiding who you are
“You can change the world again, instead of protecting yourself from it.”
― Julien Smith
It’s natural to hide what you think are flaws. But, this won’t bring people closer to you. No one can relate to perfection. We’re all flawed and awkward at times, and that’s what’s relatable.
So, let go of hiding every imperfection and embrace them instead. Who knows, it might become your most loved quality.
2. Don’t blow your vulnerability out of proportion
“What happens when people open their hearts? They get better.”
— Haruki Murakami
Quite often we catastrophize our vulnerabilities. To ourselves, it’s such a horrible aspect but to others, it’s not noticeable at all. So, give yourself a break and don’t stress over every small defect.
3. Admit when you make mistakes
Don’t hide from the fact that you slip up at times because everyone makes mistakes.
I mess up all the time and it’d be ridiculous to act like I don’t. The same goes for you. Be strong enough to admit when you make a mistake instead of looking scared by denying it. Besides, the entire world can relate to being flawed.
4. Use vulnerability to deepen your relationship
“The strongest love is the love that can demonstrate its fragility.”
— Paulo Coelho
Share something you’re a little uneasy about with your significant other and see how they handle it. Chances are they’ll feel closer to you afterward.
For instance, you could tell your partner about something you’re worried about to instantly strengthen your bond.
But don’t share your soul with co-workers or random people. Some people should be surface-level.
5. Let go of who you think you “should” be
“Your weirdness will make you stronger.”
— Andrea Balt
If you feel like you should act a certain way to be accepted, you’re denying your truth. That’s a soul-crushing habit.
So, try being more authentic and see what happens. Chances are, people will love the real you.
6. Try something new
“Where you ache to be recognized, allow yourself to be seen.”
— Toko-pa Turner
If you’ve always wanted to do something but didn’t because of the fear of people judging you, try it anyway. You don’t have to show it to the world. You can take your time and build your skills. Then put it out there.
After a while, you’ll gain confidence and self-acceptance, which is more than worth it.
7. Ask for what you want
“Vulnerability is the best measure of courage”
— Brené Brown
If you tend to be a people pleaser, then you probably hold back when it comes to sharing how you feel. Practice speaking up about what upsets you or what you want.
For instance, you could ask for a raise or send a meal back if it wasn’t made how you wanted. It’s okay to ask for what you deserve and you don’t need to fear the worst.
8. Admit when you don’t know something
People won’t think you’re stupid if you say that you don’t know something. But, pretending you know or making up an answer, makes you look insecure. It takes confidence to confess that you don’t know the answer.
9. Don’t try to predict outcomes
People hide what they think are defects because they think people will point it out and react negatively. However, this isn’t usually the result. In fact, they might relate to your insecurity. So, don’t assume you know what will happen.
“Being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure.”
— Bob Marley
In short, showing your vulnerability won’t make you look weak. Instead, people will see you as brave, strong, and confident because you had the guts to show your truth. They’ll feel drawn to you. Practicing this will make you more courageous and charismatic than you ever thought was possible.
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This was such a good motivational article! I was able to relate with so much that you shared on vulnerability. I too have started doing videos to better relate to my readers. It seems videos grabs attention more. It has taken me out of my comfort zone which is great and slowly I am trying to be more transparent and do something new and different but still remain myself at the same time.
That’s awesome! Thank you! Yeah, I think video will be really helpful and good to learn.