Brené Brown is a researcher, lecturer, and author who specializes in the study of shame, vulnerability, and leadership. She has a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master of Social Work, and a Doctor of Philosophy in social work from the University of Houston.
Jump ahead to these sections:
- Brené Brown Quotes About Courage and Gratitude
- Brené Brown Quotes About Joy and Gratitude
- Brené Brown Quotes About Vulnerability and Gratitude
Brown is a prolific writer. Many of her books have ended up on The New York Times Best Seller List. Whether you are a fan of Brown or have recently been introduced to her work, here are some quotes about gratitude, joy, and courage that will inform and inspire you.
Brené Brown Quotes About Courage and Gratitude
One of Brown’s best-known works is The Gifts of Imperfection, which was re-released on the 10th anniversary of its publication. Here are some quotes from this publication and other quotes taken from other books or essays written by Brown.
1. “What’s the greater risk? Letting go of what people think – or letting go of how I feel, what I believe, and who I am?”
It takes courage to let go of what other people think.
2. “Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.”
A New York Times writer referred to Brown as “a new star of social psychology.”
3. “Imperfections are not inadequacies; they are reminders that we’re all in this together.”
Imperfections are the focus of Brown’s most famous studies.
4. “There is no innovation and creativity without failure. Period.”
That’s why it takes courage to be innovative. You have to be able to handle the ideas that didn’t work.
5. “Shame is the most powerful, master emotion. It’s the fear that we’re not good enough.”
Brown has been featured in Tim Ferriss’ book Tools of Titans.
6. “Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It’s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.”
This quote is found in The Gifts of Imperfection.
7. “If we can share our story with someone who responds with empathy and understanding, shame can’t survive.”
Brown has written six number one bestsellers.
8. “Healthy striving is self-focused: ‘How can I improve?’ Perfectionism is other-focused: ‘What will they think?’”
Brown’s website includes resources to help build brave spaces for students.
Brené Brown Quotes About Joy and Gratitude
Brown has written a lot about joy and gratitude. Here are some found in her lectures, essays, and books.
9. “I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness – it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.”
Brown has written a lot about gratitude and its connection to joy.
10. “Let go of who you think you’re supposed to be; embrace who you are.”
Brené Brown: The Call to Courage debuted on Netflix in 2019.
11. “We don’t have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to.”
Take time to show appreciation to those who choose to do life with you.
12. “You are imperfect, you are wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.”
We hope this knowledge gives you joy.
13. “I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”
Celebrate these types of connections in your life.
14. “Faith is a place of mystery, where we find the courage to believe in what we cannot see and the strength to let go of our fear of uncertainty.”
Brown was raised in the Catholic church.
15. “To love someone fiercely, to believe in something with your whole heart, to celebrate a fleeting moment in time, to fully engage in a life that doesn’t come with guarantees – these are risks that involve vulnerability and often pain. But, I’m learning that recognizing and leaning into the discomfort of vulnerability teaches us how to live with joy, gratitude and grace.”
Brown’s “The Daring Way” is a professional training and certification program on vulnerability, courage, shame, and empathy.
16. “What separates privilege from entitlement is gratitude.”
Brown has two children.
Brené Brown Quotes About Vulnerability and Gratitude
Brown has written a lot about gratitude. You might be interested in exploring this subject by reading a book from this list.
17. “Spirituality is recognizing and celebrating that we are all inextricably connected to each other by a power greater than all of us, and that our connection to that power and to one another is grounded in love and compassion. Practicing spirituality brings a sense of perspective, meaning and purpose to our lives.”
Brené is the author’s middle name. She was born Casandra Brené Brown.
18. “Somehow we’ve come to equate success with not needing anyone. Many of us are willing to extend a helping hand, but we’re very reluctant to reach out for help when we need it ourselves. It’s as if we’ve divided the world into ‘those who offer help’ and ‘those who need help.’ The truth is that we are both.”
We love this quote by Brown. It’s hard for many of us to admit when we need help.
19. “When I see people stand fully in their truth, or when I see someone fall down, get back up, and say, ‘Damn. That really hurt, but this is important to me and I’m going in again’—my gut reaction is, ‘What a badass.’”
Brown received acclaim for her TED Talk titled “The Power of Vulnerability,” which is one most viewed TED Talks of all time.
20. “I want to be in the arena. I want to be brave with my life. And when we make the choice to dare greatly, we sign up to get our asses kicked. We can choose courage or we can choose comfort, but we can’t have both. Not at the same time.”
Brown is known for encouraging others to live their best lives.
21. “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.”
Brown gave another TED Talk titled, “The Price of Invulnerability.”
22. “Vulnerability is not knowing victory or defeat, it’s understanding the necessity of both; it’s engaging. It’s being all in.”
In her TED Talk about invulnerability, Brown explains that when we numb hard and difficult feelings, we also numb positive emotions, like joy.
23. “A lot of cheap seats in the arena are filled with people who never venture onto the floor. They just hurl mean-spirited criticisms and put-downs from a safe distance. The problem is, when we stop caring what people think and stop feeling hurt by cruelty, we lose our ability to connect. But when we’re defined by what people think, we lose the courage to be vulnerable. Therefore, we need to be selective about the feedback we let into our lives. For me, if you’re not in the arena also getting your ass kicked, I’m not interested in your feedback.”
Consider the source of your criticism carefully before determining if it is worthwhile.
24. “Perfectionism is a self destructive and addictive belief system that fuels this primary thought: If I look perfect, and do everything perfectly, I can avoid or minimize the painful feelings of shame, judgment, and blame.”
Brown hosts two podcasts: Unlocking Us and Dare to Lead.
25. “Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.”
Brown appeared in the movie Wine Country.
26. “Love is not something we give or get; it is something that we nurture and grow, a connection that can only be cultivated between two people when it exists within each one of them – we can only love others as much as we love ourselves.”
Brown and her husband have been married since 1994.
27. “Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weaknesses.”
Brown has been sober since 1996.
28. “Understanding the difference between healthy striving and perfectionism is critical to laying down the shield and picking up your life. Research shows that perfectionism hampers success. In fact, it’s often the path to depression, anxiety, addiction, and life paralysis.”
Brown lectures at corporate events. She has been hired to share her insights with Disney and Google executives.
29. “Our stories are not meant for everyone. Hearing them is a privilege, and we should always ask ourselves this before we share: ‘Who has earned the right to hear my story?’ If we have one or two people in our lives who can sit with us and hold space for our shame stories, and love us for our strengths and struggles, we are incredibly lucky. If we have a friend, or small group of friends, or family who embraces our imperfections, vulnerabilities, and power, and fills us with a sense of belonging, we are incredibly lucky.”
This is an excellent reminder about being vulnerable.
Focus on Gratitude
We know that a thankful heart is a happy heart, so what can we do each day to live lives of gratitude? Consider writing a letter to your best friend to thank them for being an important part of your life. Read and listen to positive content. Finally, take a moment each day to be mindful of life’s blessings.