… is a chance to consciously create the changes in our lives that we need to make. 

But for many of us, the idea of “vulnerability” alone triggers fear. It´s literally a “no-go-zone.” Exposing our vulnerable side means putting ourselves at risk to the possibilities of being attacked or harmed.

Making ourselves “vulnerable” means admitting that we are indeed not “perfect.” It means coming to terms with the fact we don´t know it all. And owning up to the reality that there are various situations in our lives where we indeed need support from the outside. From an external expert. 

The plain fact is, the time has come to shift away from our need for perfection to embracing our vulnerability.

“Why” you may wonder. Well, it´s our need for perfection which prevents many of us from successfully transitioning into the next chapter in our lives.

Let me share the following story.

I once worked with a client who was so lost in trying to meet their need for perfection that they made themselves incapable of taking any kind of action at all.

Over the years, meeting their need for perfection had gotten so extreme that self-doubt had become my client´s daily companion. They were not only doubting their talents, but doubting every move of theirs. Every decision they were about to take.

This self-doubt was not only having an impact on my client´s performance at work, but indeed heavily influencing their private life and even such things as minor daily routines.

So, what to do?

This is where I entered the picture. As a coach, it´s my responsibility to create a safe and trusting space for my clients. A space where they feel comfortable enough to open up.

And it was in this space that my client got the courage to share with me their vulnerable side. Very quickly they opened up about their struggles and their high need for perfection. And how self-doubt had become a living nightmare.

Once I heard how my client was struggling, I asked the following questions: 

  • What is it that you love most in life?
  • What is it that makes you happy at the end of a day?
  • What is the one thing you are really good at?

And it was within this frame of mind that my client´s successful transitioning journey could begin.

Embracing your vulnerability and asking for support is a sign of strength. It means that you´re taking on responsibility. For yourself. Your talents. Your transitioning journey. In other words, it´s a talent in itself.

In fact, embracing your vulnerability is a crucial part of the transitioning process. It allows you to see things from a different perspective. With a new pair of eyes. Aware of different routes to choose from.

And, most importantly, vulnerability gives you the strength to move forward.

When was the last time you embraced your vulnerability and triggered that inner strength?

 

photo: fotolia / Chaiyawat