You know, the goal of the process is not to find one truth; it’s about a fundamental shift in how we see ourselves. It’s not about uncovering some universal fact, but about having the courage to claim and articulate our own unique, messy, and authentic experience. It’s the difference between being an archaeologist digging for a single artifact and an artist learning to paint with their own hands.
Share Image Quote:
Table of Contents
Meaning
This quote flips the script on the traditional search for objective truth. It argues that the real power lies not in discovering a single, universal “right” answer, but in bravely embracing and taking responsibility for our own subjective, lived experience.
Explanation
Let me break this down from my own experience. We’re taught, especially in business, to look for the one right answer. The data point. The winning strategy. But in our personal and professional lives, that’s a trap. “Owning our truth” is the messy, vulnerable work of looking at a situation—a failure, a conflict, a success—and saying, “Okay, here’s my story. Here’s what I felt. Here’s my part in it.” It’s not about being right; it’s about being real. And that realness, that ownership, is where genuine growth and connection actually happen. It’s the engine of resilience.
Quote Summary
Reading Level38
Aesthetic Score82
Origin & Factcheck
This wisdom comes straight from the research of Dr. Brené Brown. It was published in her 2015 book, Rising Strong, which originated from her work in the United States. You sometimes see similar sentiments floating around, but this specific, powerful phrasing is uniquely hers, born from thousands of data points on vulnerability and courage.
Attribution Summary
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
Official Website |Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube |
Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | The goal of the process is not to find one truth; it’s to own our truth |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 2015; ISBN/Unique Identifier: 9780812995824; Last edition. Number of pages: 336. |
| Where is it? | Approximate page, The Rumble section |
Context
In Rising Strong, this idea is the absolute bedrock of what she calls the “Rumble.” When we fall—and we all fall—the process of getting back up starts with owning our truth about the fall. It’s the crucial first step before we can reckon with our emotions and write a new, more courageous ending to the story. It’s the alternative to blaming others or making up a story that lets us off the hook.
Usage Examples
So how does this play out in the real world? Let me give you a couple of scenarios.
- For a Team Leader: Instead of saying “The project failed because marketing dropped the ball,” you own your truth: “I feel responsible because I didn’t create clear enough communication channels between our teams, and that’s my truth to own and fix.”
- In a Personal Relationship: Instead of insisting “You made me feel angry,” you explore your own truth: “The story I’m telling myself is that I’m not a priority, and that’s triggering my fear of being overlooked. I need to own that feeling.”
- For a Content Creator or Marketer: This is gold. It’s the shift from creating what you think the audience wants to creating from a place of authentic, owned experience. That’s the stuff that truly resonates and builds a loyal community.
To whom it appeals?
Share This Quote Image & Motivate
Motivation Score84
Popularity Score90
Shareability Score90
FAQ
Question: Does “owning your truth” mean my feelings are always fact?
Answer: Great question, and no, not at all. It means your feelings are your data. You own them as your genuine response, and then you have the responsibility to check them against reality. It’s the starting point for a conversation, not the end of it.
Question: What if my “truth” is different from someone else’s? Aren’t we creating conflict?
Answer: It can feel that way. But think of it this way: you’re not creating conflict, you’re just finally naming the conflict that already exists under the surface. When two people own their separate truths respectfully, that’s where real dialogue and understanding can finally begin. It’s harder in the short term, but it saves so much time and energy in the long run.
Question: How is this different from just being selfish or self-absorbed?
Answer: The key is in the word “own.” Ownership implies responsibility. Being self-absorbed is about making everything about you without reflection. Owning your truth is about courageous self-reflection so you can show up more wholeheartedly and accountably for others. It’s the opposite of selfishness; it’s the foundation of integrity.
Similar Quotes
We believe what we want to believe… It’s a powerful idea that flips our understanding of truth on its head. This isn’t about facts; it’s about the stories we tell…
Look, “The marketer’s task is not to tell the truth…” is a deliberately provocative way of saying we don’t sell features, we sell belief. It’s about framing a narrative so…
You know, Paulo Coelho’s observation that “People don’t want truth. They want reassurance” hits a nerve because it’s so painfully accurate. It explains so much about modern communication and why…
You know, I’ve been thinking a lot about that Simon Sinek idea: “The goal is not to do business with everybody…” It completely flips the script on traditional sales and…
You know, “The body learns the truth the mind tries to avoid” is one of those lines that just sticks with you. It’s the kind of insight that feels less…
