Letting go of what we think we’re supposed to be… it’s the secret to unlocking your real power and potential. It’s about trading exhausting performance for genuine connection, and honestly, it’s a game-changer.
Share Image Quote:At its core, this is about a simple but profound swap: you stop chasing an external, often impossible, ideal and start honoring your authentic, messy, and perfectly imperfect self.
Okay, let me break this down. We walk around with this “supposed to” script in our heads, right? The script that says we’re supposed to have it all together, supposed to be a certain kind of parent, leader, or partner. That script is exhausting. It’s armor. And it keeps us from being seen. Embracing who we are isn’t about giving up—it’s the ultimate act of courage. It’s saying, “This is me. The real, unedited version.” And that’s where the real magic, the real strength, and the real connections happen. It’s the foundation of what I’d call wholehearted living.
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3680) |
| Category | Personal Development (698) |
| Topics | acceptance (73), authenticity (101) |
| Literary Style | affirmative (75), direct (415) |
| Emotion / Mood | calm (492) |
| Overall Quote Score | 78 (178) |
This is straight from the research of Dr. Brené Brown. It’s in her 2017 book, Rising Strong as a Spiritual Practice. Sometimes you might see it floating around unattributed, but this is 100% her work, born from decades of studying vulnerability, courage, and shame.
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Brene Brown (257) |
| Source Type | Book (4042) |
| Source/Book Name | Rising Strong as a Spiritual Practice (39) |
| Origin Timeperiod | 21st Century (1891) |
| Original Language | English (3680) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4042) |
Dr Brene Brown is the author of books such as Daring Greatly and The Power of Vulnerability. The TED talk and Netflix production based on her research reached out to millions of audience. She researches effects of courage and vulnerability in shaping people's work and relationships. She leads the Brené Brown Education and Research Group and provides evidence-based insights into practical tools to help people train themselves
Official Website |Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube |
| Quotation | Letting go of what we think we’re supposed to be means embracing who we are |
| Book Details | Publication Year: 2017; ISBN: Unknown (based on her talk and workbook materials); Length: ~60 pages (lecture adaptation, Sounds True audio transcript). |
| Where is it? | Section: Authentic Living, Approximate Page 63 |
In the book, this isn’t just a nice idea; it’s a non-negotiable part of the “rising strong” process. You can’t get back up after a fall if you’re still trying to protect a perfect facade. Letting go of who you’re “supposed to be” is the critical first step to writing a new, more honest ending to your story.
So how does this actually look in the wild? Let me give you a couple of scenarios.
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Theme | Principle (845) |
| Audiences | leaders (2623), readers (72), students (3118), teachers (1132) |
| Usage Context/Scenario | leadership training (259), motivational essays (111), personal journaling (7), self-acceptance workshops (2), spiritual retreats (54) |
Question: Isn’t this just about being selfish or not trying to improve?
Answer: Not at all. It’s the opposite. Self-improvement from a place of “I am not enough” is a trap. This is about growth that comes from self-acceptance, which is a much more sustainable and kinder engine for change.
Question: How do you even start to figure out who you “really” are?
Answer: Great question. You start by getting curious about your “supposed tos.” Where did that rule come from? Your family? Culture? Then, you get brave and test the waters. What happens if you make a small choice that feels true to YOU, not the script? It’s a practice.
Question: What if who I am isn’t “good enough” for my job or relationships?
Answer: This is the fear talking. The beautiful, counterintuitive truth is that your authentic self is *always* more compelling and trustworthy than a perfected performance. The right people and the right opportunities are drawn to authenticity.
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