Avoiding vulnerability is a common sport and competition response that ultimately worsens it. Understanding the paradoxical relationship between vulnerability and sport and competition opens new pathways for recovery.
How Avoiding Vulnerability Maintains Sport and Competition
- Concealing sport and competition from others prevents the connection that would help
- The energy required to maintain a facade when sport and competition is high is enormous
- Shame about sport and competition thrives in secrecy — vulnerability interrupts this
- Authentic expression of sport and competition often elicits the support that reduces it
Brené Brown's Research Relevance to Sport and Competition
Brown's research shows that people with high levels of shame (common in sport and competition) avoid vulnerability — which paradoxically increases shame and sport and competition. Courage to be vulnerable interrupts this cycle.
Practicing Vulnerability with Sport and Competition
Start small: share one authentic feeling with one trusted person. The feared negative response usually doesn't materialize — and when it doesn't, confidence in vulnerability builds.