Quotes about clarity

A project is something that requires more than one action step to complete - David Allen
At its heart, this quote is a simple but incredibly powerful definition. It's a filter for your to-do list that separates true tasks from everything else.

Quotes about connection

Dialogue is the free flow of meaning between two or more people - Kerry Patterson
... it's the secret sauce for any high-stakes conversation. It's not about winning an argument; it's about creating a shared pool of understanding. When you get this right, everything changes. [referquotes_shortcode placement="below-overview"] Table of Contents Meaning

Quotes about empathy

Empathy is feeling with people; sympathy looks at them - Brene Brown
At its core, this quote is about the difference between connection and observation. Empathy gets in the trench with someone. Sympathy stands on the edge and looks down.
Shame is the fear of disconnection the belief Meaning Factcheck Usage

Quotes about definition

Shame is the fear of disconnection—the belief that if we are truly seen, we will not be worthy of love - Brene Brown
At its core, this quote means that shame isn't about what we've done wrong, but about who we believe we are, and the terrifying belief that our true self is fundamentally unworthy of love and belonging.

Quotes about connection

Perfectionism is not the same as striving for excellence; it is a shield that blocks connection and fuels shame - Brene Brown
At its heart, this quote reframes perfectionism not as a virtue but as a defense mechanism, one that ultimately isolates us and makes us feel worse about ourselves.

Quotes about compassion

If compassion is the skill or ability to tap into our own experiences in order to connect with an experience someone is relating to us, compassion is the willingness to be open to this process - Brene Brown
Compassion is an active skill, not a passive feeling, powered by our willingness to be emotionally available.

Quotes about curiosity

Reckoning with emotion means getting curious about our feelings and how they connect with the way we think and behave - Brene Brown
At its core, this quote is about stopping the autopilot reaction to our emotions and instead engaging with them as valuable data.

Quotes about connection

Empathy is not connecting to an experience; it’s connecting to the emotions that underpin the experience - Brene Brown
At its core, this quote means that true empathy isn't about understanding the "what" of someone's story. It's about feeling the "why." It's about tapping into the emotion, the fear, the shame, the joy, the grief, that is the engine of their experience.

Quotes about fear

Perfectionism is not the same thing as striving to be your best. It is the belief that if we live perfect, look perfect, and act perfect, we can minimize or avoid the pain of blame, judgment, and shame - Brene Brown
At its core, this quote reframes perfectionism not as a virtue, but as a defense mechanism. It's not about excellence; it's about using a perfect facade to insulate yourself from criticism and shame.

Quotes about perfectionism

Perfectionism is self-destructive simply because there’s no such thing as perfect. Perfection is an unattainable goal - Brene Brown
The core message is brutal but simple: Striving for perfection isn't a noble pursuit; it's a trap. It's a setup for failure because the goal itself is a mirage.

Quotes about communication

Daring greatly means the courage to be vulnerable. It means to show up and be seen. To ask for what you need. To talk about how you’re feeling. To have the hard conversations - Brene Brown
At its core, this quote reframes vulnerability not as weakness, but as the ultimate form of courage. It's the conscious choice to step into the arena of life, fully aware that you might get your butt kicked.

Quotes about defense

Perfectionism is a shield - Brene Brown
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.

Quotes about belonging

Love and belonging are irreducible needs - Brene Brown
At its core, this quote means that the need to be loved and to feel a sense of belonging isn't a luxury or something we can negotiate on. It's a non-negotiable, hardwired part of being human.