Ever have something to say and then you don’t because you are afraid of what others will say or maybe being hurt again? Learn what it takes to feel joy, excitement, creativity, productivity more in your life.
Ever have an innovative, creative idea that you are bursting to share but then didn’t because you were afraid of what people would say? Maybe you have the answer to a problem but you don’t tell anyone because they won’t listen to you. Perhaps a team is unproductive because everyone is afraid to talk about the ‘elephant in the room‘. The real question should be, “What will happen if I don’t talk about these things?”
We don’t talk because we are afraid to be vulnerable. That is what I’ve been learning about in Fierce Conversations – not how to be fierce but how to be vulnerable.
Most of us have been ridiculed for an idea at some time in our lives so we build up defenses to try to protect ourselves from being embarrassed or hurt again. But the door is either open or closed to emotions. We cannot choose which emotions to let in. When this door is closed, you loose those positive emotions like your zest for work and for life. But when it is open, you let in the good emotions as well as the bad. Think about the feelings of joy, success and excitement you would miss having, when your innovative idea worked, or your solution to problem is implemented? Most importantly, what if you could energize others to share their thoughts by simply starting the conversation? Think of the energy in the room!
Take the risk to be vulnerable because the positive benefits outweigh the negative ones. I have found, to be my best self, my true self, I need to be vulnerable. I admit, I don’t like being vulnerable. But I’m learning the value of having the courage to start the conversation. Then I listen mostly to see where it takes me. Because of vulnerability, I am more excited, creative, and productive, which energizes me, and allows me to move forward.
Brené Brown says creativity and innovation are born out of vulnerability. She also says that one cannot experience empathy without being vulnerable first. Listen to her short video on Embracing Vulnerability https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AO6n9HmG0qM to learn how it can help you.
