Brené Brown — Striving versus Self-Acceptance, Saving Marriages, and More (#409) - The Blog of Author Tim Ferriss

Sometimes, this world is tough because we shame and diminish ordinary … We chase extraordinary moments instead of being grateful for ordinary moments until hard shit happens. Then, in the face of the really hard stuff—illness, death, loss—the only thing we’re begging for is a normal moment.

“We all know plenty of achievers who are miserable—high-performing, well-known people who are unutterably miserable. The question of, ‘How can that be?’ is the question I’m incredibly interested in these days.” - Tim Ferriss

People appreciate my research and work, but what I really think connects people is that they like watching me struggle with my work … It’s a combination of giving people language for experiences we all have and being really forthright about how hard it is for me—they’re watching the struggle.

Everyone I know who’s waited tables is a better human being. Brené adds: Don’t EVERY date a guy who’s a dick to a waiter

It’s possible to practice self-acceptance while striving for improvement

I don’t think you can truly change for the better in a lasting, meaningful way unless it’s driven by self-acceptance. In essence, beating the sh** out of yourself to improve performance only works for so long.