The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are

Brene Brown

Sep 2010 · Hazelden Publishing

About this ebook

Each day we face a barrage of images and messages from society and the media telling us who, what, and how we should be. We are led to believe that if we could only look perfect and lead perfect lives, we'd no longer feel inadequate. So most of us perform, please, and perfect, all the while thinking, What if I can't keep all of these balls in the air? Why isn't everyone else working harder and living up to my expectations? What will people think if I fail or give up? When can I stop proving myself?

In The Gifts of Imperfection, Brené Brown, PhD, a leading expert on shame, authenticity and belonging, shares what she's learned from a decade of research on the power of Wholehearted Living--a way of engaging with the world from a place of worthiness.

In her ten guideposts, Brown engages our minds, hearts, and spirits as she explores how we can cultivate the courage, compassion, and connection to wake up in the morning and think, No matter what gets done and how much is left undone, I am enough, and to go to bed at night thinking, Yes, I am sometimes afraid, but I am also brave. And, yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable, but that doesn't change the truth that I am worthy of love and belonging.

Ratings and reviews

It was good to see her being vulnerable with her stories and experiences, albeit I felt a little umcomfortable when she kept using words like spirituality. I think I expected something more in realistic approach and philosophy. I enjoyed it though. Haha

I like myself better after reading this book....If you are a human being, this is a must read. It brings a tremendously unique insight regarding how we connect to those around us. Brene Brown sheds light on how to live an authentic life with in depth and interesting research data. She says she does not write "how to" guides but I found the information she presents to be completely useful to the point that I included her DO & DON'T list on my vision board.

Brene's research and findings are thought provoking, mind blowing, and life changing. I felt pricked by some statements of truth that I know I need to change in my own life. I'm excited to share this book with my family and friends.

About the author

Dr. Brené Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. She has spent the past twelve years studying vulnerability, courage, worthiness, and shame. Her groundbreaking research has been featured on PBS, NPR, CNN, in The Washington Post, and The New York Times.

Brené's 2010 TEDxHouston talk, The Power of Vulnerability, is one of the top ten most viewed TED talks on TED.com, with approximately 6 million viewers. Additionally, Brené gave the closing talk at the 2012 TED conference where she talked about shame, courage, and innovation.

Brown lives in Houston, Texas.