FROM THE BLOG…
Vulnerability – Your Superpower, Not Your Kryptonite
Dear Renaissance Men,
There’s a myth that vulnerability is a sign of weakness, a chink in the armour of masculinity. For so many men, this belief persists – that to open up, to let others see the parts of you that are raw and unguarded, is to surrender power. Vulnerability can feel like kryptonite, which makes you feel exposed and at risk.
But what if I told you that vulnerability isn’t the thing that weakens you but the key to your greatest strength?
I have read many books by Brené Brown, a leading shame researcher and voice on courage and vulnerability. Her work is inspiring, and I highly recommend reading both Daring Greatly and Dare to Lead – she says, “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.” It’s an invitation to be your most authentic self, a door to stronger relationships, deeper trust, and more profound leadership. For the Renaissance Man, vulnerability isn’t something to shy away from – it’s your superpower.
Why Vulnerability Feels Like Kryptonite
Let’s get real. In the past, men have been conditioned to believe that strength means never letting your guard down. Showing emotion or uncertainty can feel like stepping into enemy territory, leaving you feeling powerless. The fear of judgement, rejection, or seeming less capable in the eyes of others makes vulnerability feel like a risk that could erode everything you’ve built.
However, this avoidance comes at a cost. When we armour up and shut down emotionally, we cut ourselves off from true connection. We limit our capacity for creativity, empathy, and deep, trusting relationships.
Vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s your most human strength. It’s the courage to say, “This is who I am, flaws and all.”
Vulnerability: The Secret to True Strength
When you allow yourself to be vulnerable, you unlock a level of self-awareness and resilience that can’t be reached by putting on a brave face. Vulnerability fosters trust, connection, and genuine influence – all qualities of true leadership.
As Brown also shares, “Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.” When you dare to be open, you invite possibility into your life. You move beyond the surface, engaging with others in a way that builds unbreakable bonds – with your partner, your team, your friends, and most importantly, yourself.
So, how can you transform vulnerability from something you fear into something that fuels your growth? Here are five actionable steps to harness this superpower:
5 Actions to Turn Vulnerability into Your Superpower
1. Get Comfortable with Discomfort
Growth happens outside of your comfort zone. Start by leaning into small moments of vulnerability, like admitting when you don’t have all the answers or sharing a personal story. Notice the discomfort – it’s a sign that you’re on the edge of growth. As Brown puts it, “You can’t get to courage without walking through vulnerability.”
2. Own Your Story
When you fully own your story – the highs and the lows – you strip shame of its power. Practice sharing parts of your story that you’ve been afraid to voice. Whether it’s with a trusted friend, mentor, or in a journal, articulating your narrative can be a powerful step in owning who you are. As Brown says, “When we deny our stories, they define us. When we own our stories, we get to write a brave new ending.”
3. Reframe Vulnerability as Strength
Rather than viewing vulnerability as exposure, see it as the courage to show up authentically. Notice how people respond when you’re real with them. You may find that instead of judgement, you receive respect and connection. Vulnerability, after all, breeds trust.
4. Practice Radical Empathy
Empathy isn’t just about understanding others – it’s about offering that same grace to yourself. The next time you face a setback, resist the urge to judge yourself harshly. Extend the same empathy you’d offer a friend. As you become more comfortable showing yourself compassion, it becomes easier to open up to others. “Empathy is the antidote to shame,”says Brown.
5. Build a Vulnerability Practice
Just like physical strength, vulnerability is a muscle that strengthens with practice. Set a daily or weekly intention to share something real with someone – whether it’s a colleague, friend, or partner. The more you practice, the more natural it will become to live with an open heart and an unguarded mind.
Vulnerability and Leadership
The best leaders aren’t the ones who hide their emotions behind a facade of invincibility – they are the ones who embrace their humanity. Your team, family, and friends don’t need you to be perfect; they need you to be real. When you allow yourself to be vulnerable, you give others permission to do the same. This creates an atmosphere of trust and authenticity, where collaboration, creativity, and loyalty flourish.
As Brené Brown eloquently states, “Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” Being seen, truly seen, is one of the most powerful gifts you can give to yourself and those around you. The journey to harnessing vulnerability isn’t easy, but it’s the path to deeper connections, stronger leadership, and a more fulfilled life.
Final Thoughts
You have the strength within you to face the parts of yourself you’ve been hiding, to shed the armour, and to stand strong in your vulnerability. As a Renaissance Man, this is your superpower – one that will enable you to lead, love, and live with a heart wide open.
I invite you to step into the courage of vulnerability and experience the power it holds. After all, the world doesn’t need more perfect men; it needs more authentic ones.
This edition gives you the framework to begin using vulnerability as your greatest strength. Let me know how these actions resonate with you and what impact they have on your life and leadership journey.
Stay bold, stay real.
Love and blessings
Take the first step.
Book your free 45-minute call today to start changing your life for the better.
© Fiona Ross 2020 | Website by The Good Alliance
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