Daring Greatly by Brene Brown

Posted June 28, 2019 by Prairie Wife -

I have been a fan of Brene Brown ever since I learned about her TED talk during my continuing education classes.

When I read her book “The Gifts of Imperfection” it changed my perspective about so many things. I’ve managed to continue to use the tools I learned from reading it, and I feel comfortable saying that it’s helped me to feel more fulfilled and focused than I ever have before.

Brown has written several other books, most recently “Dare to Lead” but that one didn’t really appeal to me.

When I came across “Daring Greatly” I knew it would be perfect for me. The cover says “how the courage to be vulnerable transforms the way we live, love, parent, and lead.”

It seemed like it was what I needed to keep charging forward with my goals, and I really liked that Brown included parenting in this book!

I began reading it before I headed to Mom 2.0 (where I was able to hear her speak) and I could tell right away that this was a bit more intensive than ” The Gifts of Imperfection” so prepare yourself. Brown also includes more of her data and quotes from other authors and scientists in this book than her others.

I’ve always struggled with being a people pleaser and a lot of that (obviously) has to do with caring what other people think about me WAAAAY too much. I’m a work in progress but Brown’s section on perfectionism struck a chord.

Her section on parenting was short and sweet and to the point. It reminded me yet again that I determine the mood of my family, and I need to make sure I am emotionally healthy if I want my children to grow into the people they are meant to be.

Brown also takes a lot more time in this book to specifically talk about men and their unique struggles. Do not skip over these parts. They will allow you to have a better idea of the motivation behind your husband (or partner) choices and decisions…and reactions to things you say or do. As a mom of three boys, I also plan to try hard to keep her comments in mind as I continue to raise them to be good men.

I can’t recommend her chapter on leadership enough. As someone who is just now tiptoeing back into the workforce (an office environment) after being absent for 10 years it was really helpful to me. It was also encouraging to read what she had to say about being a leader, a role that I try and take both at home and out in our community.

As I said before, “Daring Greatly” is not a light read. It will take a bit more thought and time to read this one than some of her other books, but I think it is 100% worth it!

Categories: Book Reviews, Health and Wellness, Reviews

Tags: , brene brown, daring greatly, goals, leadership, mental health, parenting, self help, support, vulnerability