Perfectionism is a shield is a profound truth about self-protection. It’s not about high standards, it’s about armor we wear to avoid being seen, judged, or failing. This armor, however, ends up being the very thing that keeps us from truly connecting and living a wholehearted life.
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Meaning
At its core, this quote means that perfectionism isn’t a quest for excellence. It’s a defensive strategy. It’s a suit of armor we put on to protect our most vulnerable selves from criticism, shame, and the pain of not being enough.
Explanation
Let me break it down for you. For years, I used to think perfectionism was my greatest strength. But what I’ve learned, and what Brené so perfectly nails, is that it’s actually a fear-based defense mechanism. We think, “If I look perfect, work perfect, and live perfect, I can avoid or minimize the feelings of shame, judgment, and blame.” It’s a 20-ton shield. It’s heavy. It’s exhausting to carry around. And the real kicker? That shield doesn’t just keep the bad stuff out. It also blocks out connection, creativity, and true belonging. You can’t be seen when you’re hiding behind a perfectly polished facade.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Education (260) |
| Topics | defense (3), perfectionism (24) |
| Literary Style | metaphoric (105) |
| Emotion / Mood | sobering (17) |
| Overall Quote Score | 70 (55) |
Origin & Factcheck
This insight comes directly from Brené Brown’s 2010 book, The Gifts of Imperfection, which was published in the United States. It’s a cornerstone of her research on vulnerability and wholehearted living. You won’t find it in her TED Talks verbatim, but the concept is woven throughout her entire body of work.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Brene Brown (257) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | The Gifts of Imperfection (46) |
| Origin Timeperiod | 21st Century (1892) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
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
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | Perfectionism is a shield |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 2010; ISBN/Unique Identifier: 9781592858491; Last edition. Number of pages. |
| Where is it? | Approximate page from 2010 Hazelden edition |