Hi Taryn,

When I looked at all the 5 courageous Leadership principles I highlighted from my blog two weeks ago, I had planned on writing on the principle of "Believe You Can". Then life took a short detour which had me thinking more about the principle of "Lean In" which is rooted in vulnerability. My bestie 😊, Brené Brown, shares her definition of vulnerability;

Here's what I believe to be true about honoring the principle of "Lean-In" towards a more vulnerable life led from a spirit of courageous leadership. 

• It's willing to be risk judgment and saying what needs to be said
• It's inviting help from others when the going gets tough rather than doing it all yourself and struggling
• It's expressing emotions instead of bottling them up even if it makes others uncomfortable
• It's letting others see your mess when you don't have it all together so they can see you are human
• It's allowing someone to do something for you and accepting it without feeling guilt or shame

I noticed several examples last week where I chose to honor the principle of "lean in". It's not easy to do when some of my top saboteurs are Hyper-Achiever [looking perfect & Doing It all - no time for emotions], Avoider [Don't rock the boat], and Hyper-Rational [explain away the emotions].

These saboteurs like to tell me that this isn't the time or it's not rational to break down in tears and ask for help. They like to tell me to "Keep it all together at all costs". That's a heavy shield to hold up and they like to tell us nasty lies. I'm done holding on to this old belief.

Have you ever had some of those thoughts? Doesn't it feel good to know you're not alone? 

READ MORE to know what happens when vulnerability is chosen over fear

All the best in this messy and imperfect world,

Taryn Laakso, ACC | CPCC
Unlaaking Your Potential, LLC
 

Taryn Laakso provides individualized 1-on-1 coaching, group coaching programs, and resources designed to ignite creativity, stoke the flames of inspiration, and guide clients in developing their own inner wisdom. After years of working as an HR professional, she brings a consultative approach to her coaching and is passionate about working with entrepreneurial leaders who are transitioning out of their corporate careers and toward their passion work.

She is differentiated by her focus on mindset and weaves together a variety of coaching tools in her approach to transforming the lives of her clients. Taryn views herself as a “sherpa” whose role it is to guide her clients through their journey from a life of practicality and fear to a life of passion and purpose along with profit.