It’s okay to be vulnerable sometimes. There – I said it!
Leaving yourself open is a great way to receive and understand constructive criticism. Vulnerability pushes self-growth and forces you to understand not only yourself, but those around you.
In the knee-jerk world we live in today, it’s important to work on ourselves to better ourselves.
Change your thinking by listening to understand, not listening to react.
Read on for tips on vulnerability and how it can give you openness to grow.
How to be vulnerable
Some people are born emotional creatures, whilst others aren’t. A mixture of rationality and emotional intellect is needed to truly become vulnerable.
Emotion-wise, we must learn to sense and respond to the world around us. Understand and empathise with our peers and listen to advice and grow.
Our egos can get the better of us sometimes. So, next time you think you are listening to react, rather than listening to understand, follow this simple guide:
- What is the person really saying?
- Where is it coming from?
- How can I implement their advice into my life?
- How can I repay the favour?
Vulnerability when it comes to others
Just because you’re on a journey to vulnerability and self-growth, doesn’t mean that those around you are.
Some people come off as plain rude – but that’s about them, and has nothing to do with you.
Have you ever considered why they are responding with hostility? It could be a number of reasons such as perceived threat from you, just a bad day, or personal problems they’re experiencing at the time.
You may not know it, but you are being vulnerable and open by considering other people. How? You’re opening up to the vulnerability of other people’s experiences.
A perfect harmony
To be vulnerable takes emotional effort -Remember who you are and why you are doing this. To open yourself up to criticism is vulnerability. Understanding the hurt that people direct to you and others is vulnerable as it provides perspective. You can help people when you can empathise with them.
Help yourself first. It sounds harsh, but I mean it only in the best way. By helping yourself understand what it takes to be vulnerable, you can then help others understand it too.
Remember the two steps to vulnerability – each needed in the same amount:
- Emotional intellect – experience happiness, sadness and everything in between. Let things get to you momentarily, but never make decisions based on a momentary feeling.
- Rational reasoning – once you have felt, it’s time to reason. Question your desire for self-growth, and let vulnerability and openness to change get you there.
Forget what you have been told by your parents and peers growing up.
It IS okay to be vulnerable, in fact – I encourage it.
Opening up to yourself and others is no small task and requires emotional effort and rational reasoning. As a Perth life and business coach, I know all about vulnerability and self-growth in personal and business ventures.
Have you got what it takes to be vulnerable? Contact me, Conrad Francis, to book a complimentary coaching call today.