Success isn’t always about appearing invincible. In fact, some of the most successful people I’ve met are those who aren’t afraid to show their vulnerability, to admit they’re human.
These folks understand that strength lies in vulnerability. They embrace it as much as they do success.
I’ve observed nine distinctive behaviors among these individuals. And I believe that these behaviors can teach us a thing or two about true success and the courage of vulnerability.
Let’s dive into what these nine behaviors are.
1) They are open about their failures
Successful individuals who aren’t afraid of their vulnerability often have a unique perspective on failure.
Unlike many, they don’t shy away from discussing their shortcomings or mistakes. Instead, they openly share their failures with others.
This behavior may seem counterintuitive to some. After all, we live in a world that stigmatizes failure. We’re often told to hide our flaws and project an image of perfection.
But these successful folks understand that failure is a part of the journey to success. By sharing their failures, they’re showing others that it’s okay to fall short sometimes, and more importantly, they’re demonstrating how to learn and grow from these experiences.
Their openness about failure not only makes them appear more relatable, but it also helps others understand that success isn’t a straight path. It’s often paved with setbacks and obstacles that can be overcome with persistence and resilience.
In being vulnerable about their failures, these successful individuals inspire others to be courageous in the face of adversity.
2) They aren’t afraid to ask for help
I’ve always admired those individuals who aren’t shy about admitting they don’t know everything.
I remember a time in my own career when I was leading a project that was completely new territory for me. It was daunting, and I was hesitant to admit that I was out of my depth.
But then I recalled a CEO I had once met. He was incredibly successful but also remarkably humble. He wasn’t afraid to say, “I don’t know,” and would often ask others for insights.
Taking a cue from him, I swallowed my pride, reached out to colleagues who had more expertise in this area, and asked for their guidance. The project ended up being a huge success, and it taught me an invaluable lesson about the power of asking for help.
Successful people who embrace their vulnerability know that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength. It shows that you value the knowledge and skills of others and are willing to learn from them. This behavior not only helps in personal growth but also builds stronger, more collaborative relationships with those around you.
3) They are comfortable with the unknown
One of the things that sets successful individuals apart is their willingness to step into the unknown. They aren’t afraid to take calculated risks and embrace uncertainty as part of their journey.
Did you know that many of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs credit their success to their willingness to take risks? Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, is known for his daring ventures, like attempting to circumnavigate the globe in a balloon. He once said, “Don’t be afraid of taking risks. I think it’s really about just setting big, hairy, audacious goals and chasing them down.”
Successful individuals who aren’t afraid to show their vulnerability understand that uncertainty can lead to innovation and growth. They see the unknown not as a scary place but as a space full of possibilities and opportunities for learning and development. They’re comfortable stepping out of their comfort zone because they know it’s the first step towards achieving something great.
4) They express their emotions honestly
Honest expression of emotions is a hallmark behavior among successful people unafraid to show their vulnerability.
They don’t suppress their feelings or put on a façade to appear strong or in control all the time. Whether they’re overjoyed, frustrated, or heartbroken, they allow themselves to genuinely feel and express these emotions.
This authenticity is incredibly empowering. It allows them to connect with others on a deeper level and build stronger, more authentic relationships. It also promotes better mental health as it prevents the buildup of suppressed emotions which can lead to stress and anxiety.
Expressing emotions honestly requires courage and self-awareness. But those who master it find it an invaluable tool for success, fostering understanding, empathy, and trust among those around them.
5) They practice self-compassion
Successful people who show their vulnerability understand that being hard on themselves won’t lead to success. They practice self-compassion.
Self-compassion is about treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer to a friend in a similar situation. It’s about acknowledging your mistakes, learning from them, and then letting them go.
Practicing self-compassion allows these individuals to bounce back from failures more quickly. They don’t dwell on their mistakes or let them define their worth. Instead, they see them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
This positive approach towards themselves not only boosts their resilience but also contributes to their overall well-being. By practicing self-compassion, they are better equipped to handle life’s ups and downs and continue moving forward towards their goals.
6) They share their personal struggles
There’s something deeply inspiring about successful individuals who are brave enough to share their personal struggles.
Life is a mixed bag of joys and challenges for everyone, and successful people are no exception. They too have their own battles, hardships, and moments of self-doubt. And it’s their willingness to openly share these struggles that makes them truly relatable and inspiring.
By sharing their personal narratives of overcoming adversity, they remind us all that success isn’t about avoiding hardships but about facing them head-on. They show us that it’s okay to struggle, to feel lost at times, and to take longer than others to reach our goals.
These stories of struggle and triumph aren’t just moving; they’re profoundly transformative. They inspire others to persevere through their own challenges and give them hope that they too can overcome their obstacles and achieve great things.
7) They prioritize self-care
A common trait among successful individuals who aren’t afraid to show vulnerability is their commitment to self-care.
While the hustle culture often glorifies the notion of working to exhaustion, these people understand that taking care of their physical, mental, and emotional health is paramount.
When I was starting out in my career, the idea of self-care seemed like a luxury I couldn’t afford. I would work long hours, ignoring the toll it was taking on my health. But over time, I realized that neglecting self-care was affecting not just my health but also my productivity and creativity.
Now, no matter how busy my schedule gets, I make time for activities that rejuvenate me – be it a morning run, reading a book, or spending time with loved ones. This shift has significantly improved not only my work performance but also my overall well-being.
Successful people know that to show up as their best selves – whether it’s for work, relationships, or personal pursuits – they need to take care of their well-being. They understand that self-care isn’t selfish; it’s a necessity.
8) They value authenticity over perfection
In a world that often pressures us to be perfect, successful individuals who aren’t afraid to show their vulnerability choose authenticity over perfection.
They understand that it’s their unique quirks, passions, and experiences that make them who they are. They don’t strive to fit into a mold or pretend to be someone they’re not just to meet societal expectations of ‘perfection.’
This authenticity shines through in everything they do. It allows them to connect deeply with others, create meaningful relationships, and find fulfillment in their work and personal life.
By valuing authenticity over perfection, they inspire others to embrace their true selves and celebrate their individuality. They show us that it’s not about being flawless; it’s about being real, being human, and being true to who we are.
9) They use vulnerability as a strength
Successful individuals who aren’t afraid to show their vulnerability see it not as a weakness, but a strength.
They understand that vulnerability is the cornerstone of emotional courage, authenticity, and deep connections. It’s through showing their real, raw selves – their fears, hopes, failures, and triumphs – that they build trust, inspire others, and open doors to opportunities.
By embracing vulnerability, they’re able to live and lead with authenticity, courage, and empathy. They show us that vulnerability isn’t something to hide from; it’s something to embrace as a key part of our journey towards success.
Embracing vulnerability: A strength, not a weakness
The journey towards success is often perceived as a relentless pursuit of power and invincibility. Yet, the most impactful and inspiring individuals among us are those who embrace their vulnerability.
Brené Brown, a renowned researcher and author, once said, “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.”
The successful individuals we’ve discussed embody this sentiment. They show up authentically, express their emotions honestly, share their personal struggles, and aren’t afraid to ask for help. They value authenticity over perfection and use vulnerability as a strength.
Their behaviors serve as powerful reminders that success isn’t about appearing invincible. It’s about being authentic, embracing our vulnerabilities, and learning from our experiences.
As we navigate our own paths towards success, may we find the courage to be vulnerable, to be human. Because true success is about being able to look at ourselves in the mirror and be proud of who we are – flaws, vulnerabilities, failures, and all.
