The Best-Kept Secret to True Power

You might not like the answer, but in my experience, the key to true power lies in our vulnerability.

The Best-Kept Secret to True Power

You might not like the answer, but in my experience, the key to true power lies in our vulnerability.

Yes, vulnerability, embracing it, allowing it, and leaning into it. Yet most of us will do almost anything to avoid feeling vulnerable. If we do encounter it, we try to hide it or numb it. But here’s the hard truth: that doesn’t work. When we deny our vulnerability, we build walls between ourselves and others. We wear masks, pretending to be someone we’re not. This creates a hollow, fragile version of ourselves, something built from the outside in, rather than a solid, authentic core. These walls, designed to protect us, ultimately isolate us. They keep us from real connection, true belonging, and from being fully alive.

Rethinking Vulnerability

So what can we do?

First, we need to realize that we’ve got vulnerability all wrong, completely backward, in fact. Vulnerability isn’t a weakness; it’s courage. It’s the foundation of love, compassion, and authentic confidence. At its core, vulnerability connects us to our truest selves. When we embrace vulnerability, we can be fully alive, true, and connected. By redefining vulnerability as a strength rather than a flaw, we allow ourselves to break free from the masks and barriers that hold us back.

A New Perspective

If you’re skeptical, let me offer another way to think about it. Vulnerability might feel uncomfortable, but it’s the most natural and human of emotions.

During one of my own “vulnerability hangovers” (that sinking feeling after oversharing in an unsupportive environment), I found comfort in Brené Brown’s book Daring Greatly—a must-read for anyone exploring this topic. Here’s what I learned:

The word "vulnerability" comes from the Latin vulnerare, meaning “to wound.” Today, it’s defined as the willingness to be emotionally exposed, to risk harm or wounding. That might sound terrifying at first, but in reality, it’s the path to profound liberation. When we accept and open up to the fact that we humans are vulnerable, we’re free. We’re no longer hiding.

Does this mean it’s easy? Absolutely not. Vulnerability can feel raw and uncomfortable. But it’s also authentic, courageous, and powerful.

Vulnerability vs. Weakness

Here’s another important distinction I learned from Brené Brown:

Weakness is defined as the “inability to withstand attack or wounding.” By contrast, vulnerability is the willingness to take that risk. Refusing vulnerability, hiding behind walls or masks, is, in itself, a weakness. Allowing vulnerability is an act of courage.

To be vulnerable is to stand tall in your truth, expressing your full humanity. And there’s no greater power than living in your truth.

The Takeaway

Vulnerability is not a flaw or a sign of weakness, it’s the ultimate expression of strength and courage. It’s the gateway to connection, belonging, and authenticity.

As I see it, embracing vulnerability is a prerequisite for true self-confidence. Let’s stop running from it and start celebrating it. Together, we can redefine vulnerability as the source of real power.