The willingness to show up changes us it Meaning Factcheck Usage
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You know, I’ve been thinking about that Brene Brown line a lot lately. The willingness to show up changes us… it’s not just about being present, it’s about how the act itself forges a new, braver version of you. It’s a compounding effect of courage.

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Table of Contents

Meaning

The core message here is that courage isn’t a switch you flip; it’s a muscle you build. The very decision to be present in a challenging situation is the workout that makes you stronger.

Explanation

Let me break it down. This is something I’ve seen play out again and again, both in my own life and with clients. It’s not about some grand, heroic act. It’s about the small, daily decisions. That moment you decide to speak up in a meeting instead of staying silent. Or when you choose to have that difficult conversation you’ve been avoiding. That’s “showing up.” And here’s the magic part—the magic part is that you don’t need to feel brave to do it. You do it *despite* the fear. And then, after you’ve done it, you look back and you realize, “Hey, I did that. I survived.” And that tiny piece of evidence gets stored away. The next time a similar situation arises, you have that little bit more evidence, that little bit more proof that you can handle it. That’s how you get a little braver each time. It’s a feedback loop of personal growth.

Quote Summary

ContextAttributes
Original LanguageEnglish (3669)
CategoryWisdom (385)
Topicscourage (145), growth (413), vulnerability (47)
Literary Stylesuccinct (151)
Emotion / Moodencouraging (304)
Overall Quote Score80 (256)
Reading Level30
Aesthetic Score84

Origin & Factcheck

This is straight from Brené Brown’s 2012 book, Daring Greatly, which was published in the United States. The whole book is a deep dive into vulnerability and courage, and this quote perfectly encapsulates its central thesis. You won’t find it misattributed elsewhere—it’s pure, powerful Brené.

Attribution Summary

ContextAttributes
AuthorBrene Brown (257)
Source TypeBook (4032)
Source/Book NameDaring Greatly (39)
Origin Timeperiod21st Century (1892)
Original LanguageEnglish (3669)
AuthenticityVerified (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
Official Website |Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube |

Where is this quotation located?

QuotationThe willingness to show up changes us, it makes us a little braver each time
Book DetailsPublication Year/Date: 2012; ISBN/Unique Identifier: 9781592407330; Last edition. Number of pages: 287.
Where is it?Approximate page from 2012 Gotham edition

Authority Score94

Context

In the book, she’s talking about “showing up” in the arena of life, especially when there’s a risk of failure or judgment. It’s about choosing to be seen, to be vulnerable, even when you can’t control the outcome. This is the practical mechanism for how that daring act transforms you from the inside.

Usage Examples

So, who is this for? Honestly, everyone. But let me give you a couple of concrete scenarios.

  • For a team leader: You’re nervous about giving constructive feedback to a high-performing employee. You show up and have the conversation anyway. The next time you need to do it, you’ll remember this one went okay, and you’ll be a little less nervous.
  • For someone starting out: You’re terrified of networking events. You force yourself to go to just one, and you talk to just two people. It was awkward, but you did it. The next event feels just a tiny bit less daunting.
  • For a creative: You’re afraid to share your work. You finally post that article or that piece of art. The world doesn’t end. In fact, you get a few nice comments. That makes it easier to share the next piece.

To whom it appeals?

ContextAttributes
ThemePrinciple (838)
Audiencescoaches (1277), leaders (2620), students (3112), teams (69)
Usage Context/Scenariocoaching events (4), leadership sessions (55), motivational talks (410), team meetings (67)

Share This Quote Image & Motivate

Motivation Score88
Popularity Score92
Shareability Score92

FAQ

Question: What if I “show up” and it goes terribly?
Answer: Fantastic question. You still win. Because you proved to yourself that you can survive discomfort and failure. That, in itself, is a form of bravery. The goal isn’t a perfect outcome; the goal is the act of showing up.

Question: How is this different from “fake it till you make it”?
Answer: It’s a deeper version. “Faking it” can feel inauthentic. “Showing up” is about authentic engagement with your fear. You’re not faking bravery; you’re *practicing* it through a real, vulnerable action.

Question: Can you give a really simple, everyday example?
Answer: Absolutely. Sending an email you’re nervous about sending. Hitting that “send” button is the act of showing up. The courage builds right after you release the mouse click.

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