Brené Brown who is famous for her TED Talks, books and podcasts has deeply influenced how we perceive vulnerability, courage, shame and empathy.
As a research professor at the University of Houston, Brown has spent decades exploring these complex emotions and their impact on our lives.
Her work encourages us to embrace imperfections and find strength in vulnerability, leading to a more authentic and connected life.
If you’re new to her insights or a long-time follower, Brown’s powerful quotes offer inspiration and introspection especially in challenging times.
These quotes serve as both personal motivation and meaningful messages to share with others, guiding us toward greater authenticity, courage and resilience.
Here are the 15 Great Brené Brown Quotes on Dare to be Real.
1. “Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.” ~ Brené Brown

Be kind, compassionate and understanding towards yourself, just as you would be towards a dear friend.
Treat yourself with the same gentleness and patience that you extend to others you care about.
Self-love and self-acceptance are essential for personal growth and well-being.
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2. “Want to be happy? Stop trying to be perfect.” ~ Brené Brown

Striving for perfection is a never-ending and often unrealistic pursuit that can lead to stress, anxiety and disappointment.
Embrace your imperfections and focus on being the best version of yourself.
Happiness comes from accepting and loving yourself, flaws and all.
3. “You are imperfect, you are wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.” ~ Brené Brown

Acknowledge that everyone faces challenges and difficulties in life.
Recognize that you are human and that struggling is a natural part of the human experience.
Despite your imperfections and struggles, you are deserving of love, acceptance and a sense of belonging.
4. “Empathy fuels connection; sympathy drives disconnection.” ~ Brené Brown

Empathy involves truly understanding and sharing the feelings of others, while sympathy is a more detached expression of concern.
It fosters deeper connections and understanding between people, while sympathy can create distance and a lack of genuine understanding.
5. “Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.” ~ Brené Brown

Being authentic means being true to yourself and your values, even when it’s difficult.
It’s about letting go of societal expectations and embracing your unique identity.
Authenticity takes courage and practice, but it’s essential for living a fulfilling and meaningful life.
6. “Vulnerability is not about winning and it’s not about losing. It’s about having the courage to show up and be seen.” ~ Brené Brown
Vulnerability is about being open, honest and authentic, even when it feels risky.
It’s not about winning or losing, but about having the courage to show up and be seen for who you truly are. Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.
7. “Believing that you’re enough is what gives you the courage to be authentic.” ~ Brené Brown

Knowing that you are worthy and enough, just as you are, gives you the confidence to be true to yourself and to embrace your authenticity.
Self-acceptance and self-love are the foundations for living an authentic life.
8. “You can choose courage or you can choose comfort, but you can’t have both.” ~ Brené Brown
Growth, change and personal development often require stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing uncertainty.
Choosing comfort means playing it safe and avoiding risk, while choosing courage means facing your fears and pursuing your dreams.
You can’t have both comfort and growth simultaneously.
9. “Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.” ~ Brené Brown
Being vulnerable and open to new ideas and experiences is essential for growth, creativity and innovation.
When you embrace vulnerability, you open yourself up to new possibilities and opportunities for personal and professional development.
Read Also: 15 Inspiring Rhonda Byrne Quotes on Law of Attraction
10. “You either walk inside your story and own it or you stand outside your story and hustle for your worthiness.” ~ Brené Brown

Embracing your story means acknowledging your experiences, both positive and negative and using them to shape your identity and guide your future.
Hustling for your worthiness means constantly seeking validation from others, which can be exhausting and unfulfilling.
Owning your story empowers you to live authentically and confidently.
11. “There is no innovation and creativity without failure. Period.” ~ Brené Brown
Failure is a necessary part of the creative process and a stepping stone to success. Embracing failure and learning from your mistakes is essential for growth and innovation.
Avoid the fear of failure and embrace the opportunities for learning and growth that come with taking risks.
12. “If you’re not in the arena also getting your ass kicked, I’m not interested in your feedback.” ~ Brené Brown
Value the opinions and feedback of those who have been in the trenches and faced similar challenges to your own.
Disregard the opinions of those who have not walked in your shoes or faced similar struggles.
Trust your own experiences and the guidance of those who have been there.
13. “Joy, collected over time, fuels resilience – ensuring we’ll have reservoirs of emotional strength when hard things do happen.” ~ Brené Brown
Cultivating joy and happiness in your daily life can build your resilience and emotional strength.
When faced with difficult challenges, you can draw upon these reservoirs of joy to help you cope and persevere.
Prioritize finding joy and happiness in your life, even in small moments.
14. “Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others.” ~ Brené Brown

Setting boundaries is an act of self-love and self-respect.
It involves having the courage to prioritize your own needs and values, even when it means disappointing or upsetting others.
Healthy boundaries are essential for maintaining your well-being and personal integrity.
15. “When perfectionism is driving us, shame is riding shotgun and fear is that annoying backseat driver!” ~ Brené Brown
Perfectionism is often driven by shame and fear. Striving for perfection can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, which can be paralyzing.
Recognize when perfectionism is taking over and work to replace it with self-compassion and a growth mindset.
Embrace your imperfections and focus on progress over perfection.
