Daring Greatly

How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead

By: Brené Brown

Narrated by: Brené Brown

The number one New York Times best seller. One million copies sold!

From thought leader Dr. Brené Brown, a transformative new vision for the way we lead, love, work, parent, and educate that teaches us the power of vulnerability.

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; ...who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.” (Theodore Roosevelt)

Every day we experience the uncertainty, risks, and emotional exposure that define what it means to be vulnerable or to dare greatly. Based on 12 years of pioneering research, Dr. Brené Brown dispels the cultural myth that vulnerability is weakness and argues that it is, in truth, our most accurate measure of courage.

Brown explains how vulnerability is both the core of difficult emotions like fear, grief, and disappointment, and the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, empathy, innovation, and creativity. She writes: “When we shut ourselves off from vulnerability, we distance ourselves from the experiences that bring purpose and meaning to our lives.”

Daring Greatly is not about winning or losing. It’s about courage. In a world where “never enough” dominates and feeling afraid has become second nature, vulnerability is subversive. Uncomfortable. It’s even a little dangerous at times. And, without question, putting ourselves out there means there’s a far greater risk of getting criticized or feeling hurt. But when we step back and examine our lives, we will find that nothing is as uncomfortable, dangerous, and hurtful as standing on the outside of our lives looking in and wondering what it would be like if we had the courage to step into the arena - whether it’s a new relationship, an important meeting, the creative process, or a difficult family conversation. Daring Greatly is a practice and a powerful new vision for letting ourselves be seen.

Includes a Bonus PDF with an appendix.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2012 Brené Brown (P)2018 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“The brilliantly insightful Brené Brown draws upon extensive research and personal experience to explore the paradoxes of courage: we become strong by embracing vulnerability, we dare more greatly when we acknowledge our fear. I can’t stop thinking about this book.” (Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project)

"A wonderful book: urgent, essential and fun to read. I couldn't put it down, and it continues to resonate with me." (Seth Godin, author of Linchpin)

"In an age of constant pressure to conform and pretend, Daring Greatly offers a compelling alternative: transform your life by being who you really are. Embrace the courage to be vulnerable. Dare to read this book!" (Chris Guillebeau, author of The $100 Startup)

Short and impactful

I like that she packed in good content into a brief book. I like that it was 6 hours, not 20. Great book, impacted me as a parent and leader at work. I’ll do better at building people around me by encouraging/recognizing creativity and effort. I’ll be less critical of myself and others and try to focus on changing bad behaviors not labeling people/myself as bad.

Inspiring and Incredible!

All parent need to read this, especially new pew parents with young children. Brene’ hits on so many points and tells it crystal clear. Changed my life.

New Favorite Book & Author

I read a couple of Dr. Brown’s other works last week and loved them. But this one really hit home for me. I am currently a college student, and found her words powerfully inspiring and informative. I no longer feel alone in my struggle to “Dare Greatly.”
-Linda

Life changing words

I love all of the Brene’ Brown books I’ve read and her YouTube videos and Ted talks. This book was a masterpiece on living. I even got wisdom when she speaks of parenting, and I’m not a parent. I winced as a business owner when through her words, I realize there is work to be done. I know there will be positive changes in the way I lead, love and live because of this book. My desire is that Brene’ write one more book on how to heal from a life when all you heard was shame, disappointment, not belonging and never enough. Maybe I will dare greatly, reach out to her and ask. You will love this audible book.

Thought Provoking

This a great read. It will challenge you to rise up to a new level in all relationships in your life especially as a parent.

Brene' is Brilliant

I could not love her books any more than I do. She is an amazing author and when she reads the books for the audio series it just makes the words hit home!

Dr Brene Brown is talking to all of us

I have now read 3 of Dr. Brown’s books, and this one is my favorite. When she is reading, it feels she is really telling you from her heart. Since reading, I have practicing sharing my weaknesses along with my strengths, and it ha really helped my friendships with others. People have really starting saying, “I thought it was just me!” When we discuss our hits and misses in life.

Just Loved this

All I can say is I am so happy I "heard" this book. Love the fact that Brene narrated as well.

On time in this stage of life

I would recommend this book to anyone who struggles to accept themselves due to past hurts and, who as a result, finds it hard to accept the short comings of others. From reading this, I have decided to practice courage, to respect other people’s differences, and to intentionally cultivate shame-resilience in our home, in our church fellowship, and within any audience of which I am blessed to be a part. I love and respect Brene Brown “Wholeheartedly”.

This book and brene talks have given me clarity.

Thank you Mrs. Brown for your unrelenting need to find the answers. Your tenacity and dedication to shame has forever changed my life.

I want to encourage everyone to listen, learn and apply. :) I know I certainly have.