Find the factcheck, explanation, summary, and similar quotes of quote – We rise by getting curious about the story behind the story.
It is not about powering through failure, but about digging into the why behind our stumbles. That curiosity is the real engine of growth, turning our falls into our greatest leaps forward.
Table of Contents
Meaning
True resilience and growth don’t come from ignoring our failures, but comes from slowing down, looking at the stories and emotions underneath them, and learning from what we find there.
Explanation
Most of us, when we face a setback, a project that failed, a tough conversation that went sideways, our instinct is to either shut down or just get over it. We think rising strong means putting on a brave face and moving on.
She argues that the real gold, the actual rising part, happens when you pause. When you get curious. You have to ask yourself, “What’s the story I’m telling myself about what happened?” And then, crucially, you have to question that story. Is it true? What parts am I leaving out? What was I feeling that I didn’t want to feel? That process of digging, of getting curious about the story behind the surface level story… that’s where the transformation happens. That’s where you find the lesson, own your part, and genuinely learn. It is active, it is messy, and it is incredibly powerful.
Summary
| Category | Education (33) |
|---|---|
| Topics | curiosity (6), reflection (3), truth (8) |
| Style | succinct (12) |
Origin & Factcheck
| Author | Dr Brene Brown (10) |
|---|---|
| Book | Rising Strong (6) |
About the Author
Dr. Brene Brown is the author Daring Greatly and The Power of Vulnerability. She researches and provides evidence based insights into practical tools to help people train themselves.
Official Website |Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube |
Quotation Source:
| We rise by getting curious about the story behind the story |
| Publication Year/Date: 2015; ISBN/Unique Identifier: 9780812995824; Last edition. Number of pages: 336. |
| Approximate page, The Rumble section |
Context
Usage Examples
Let’s say you are a manager and a team member seems disengaged.
- The Default Story: “They are lazy and don’t care about this project.”
- Getting Curious: “Hmm, I’m telling myself they are lazy. But what is the story behind that? Did I set unclear expectations? Are they struggling with a personal issue? Am I feeling insecure about my own leadership on this, and projecting that?”
Or in your personal life, after a argument with your partner.
- The Default Story: “They never listen to me! They are so selfish.”
- Getting Curious: “Okay, I feel hurt and unheard. But what is the story behind my reaction? Does this trigger an old wound from my past? What part did I play in the communication breakdown?”
This is for leaders, creators, parents, anyone who wants to stop repeating the same patterns and start actually growing from their challenges.
To whom it appeals?
| Audience | leaders (295), students (437), teachers (193), therapists (53) |
|---|---|
This quote can be used in following contexts: leadership training,therapy workshops,writing exercises,research programs
FAQ
Question: Isn’t this just overthinking things?
Answer: Actually, it’s the opposite. Overthinking is spinning your wheels on the surface story, the “he said, she said.” Getting curious is more focused. It helps you look beneath that first reaction, understand what’s really going on, and move forward instead of staying stuck.
Question: How is this different from blaming myself?
Answer: This is an important difference. Blame comes with shame and self judgment. Curiosity comes with understanding. It shifts the question from “What’s wrong with me?” to “What’s happening here, and what part can I learn from?” It’s about insight, not punishment.
Question: Can you give a quick first step to applying this?
Answer: Absolutely. The next time you’re upset or feel you’ve failed, literally write down the sentence: “The story I’m telling myself is…” Then, just sit with it and ask, “What else could be true?”