The Gift of Imperfection by Brené Brown, - Review
The Gift of Imperfection by Brené Brown.
Imperfection
Our season of book reviews regarding the Creative Battles that all artist and craftspeople deal with in their small business, continues with The Gift of Imperfection by Brené Brown (ISBN 878-1-61649-960-0) published in 2010, the version we read was a rerelease 10-year anniversary edition of this book. The author has written five books that cover a range of these topics. She has an interesting background that is referred consistently in the book and is core to the method that they used to create the book. She is a research professor, who´s job and work are to interview and collect data and then review and collate. This very hands on and empirical collection of information by interviews with thousands of people is core to many of the authors statements, ideas, and thoughts. We read this book as another of the recommendations given by multiple lists and sources as one that can support aspiring creatives and small business owners in dealing with the challenges of solo entrepreneurship.
Help to self-help?
The format of this book starts with setting up some central concepts for the premise of the boo itself. This covers and explains the authors ideas of Wholehearted living, compassion, love etc. These concepts or definitions are both explained and lightly defined in the framework of both academic study and input from the authors own work as well as through reflection on the authors own history and stories. Basing a consistent narrative through the book ideas are discussed both academically and personally. The author refers to their own behaviors and crisis´ as a point of reflection and change driver for their own transition in the concepts that they discuss. This mix of academic and personal reflection makes the books concepts and ideas, interesting and personal while also linked it back into more well studied and grounded ideas. This two-sided approach also keeps the concepts and discussion from becoming too much of either personal “do this to win” self-help or too much “science says this is best”. Let’s however be clear, this is a self-help book, and that is not a negative statement. The format content, tone, and message in much of the book is built with a clear format in mind, that of the self-help book. There is an outline of concepts that are discussed for why they are good and how the author was once one way and now a different way and it´s much better.
While I don´t dismiss the personal touch and appreciate that this will resonate with many readers, this isn´t my favorite method. The author does seem sincere, and the message discussed through the book is positive and I believe of value to most readers.
After the initial definitions the book continues by looking at what the author calls guideposts, which are ways that stop you living this wholehearted life, these guidepost sections include discussions of what the concerns are such as perfectionism, anxiety, and similar challenges and then to adopt the opposite ideas presented within.
This part of the book I must admit did not really give me much. The content was very light on topics, was very quick to outline the problems the solutions and the “do this” idea was very simplistic in most cases. Telling someone to cultivate Calm, instead of anxiety with little more of ideas and suggestion isn´t going to do much for someone’s anxiety in my experience.
The one guidepost I did appreciate was a discussion on Shame, as this emotion is not one that I´ve explored or understood of very much in my own life. As this is a core of the authors research this is I felt better discussed and analyzed as a chapter. And gave me some insights into my own story that was new. While I felt these areas were a bit vapid and under cooked, I can see there maybe resonance for other readers in these pages that simply didn´t hit me the same.
The book is a quick read, well discussed albeit lightly and quickly in the books second half. The language used is simple and personal with a good mix of quotes, personal anecdotes and perspective of the author and authors research added in.
Summary
Considering we were looking at books that will support artistic and creative small business owners, this book hits a bit to the left of the mark. We have a good book with strong messages with a great balance of scientific and personal perspective, however the book is also a bit vapid and vague in the way of self-help books. While not as bad as this genre can get “do what I did to win at life” the book will work for some readers and won´t do much for others. I feel it´s subjects are a bit fluffy and airy when often more tangible and specific information can be of better value for small business professionals. If this type of books works for you then go with my blessing this is better than most, I have read in the help genre.
If self-help isn´t working for you or you want some help in that journey, why not reach out to us on email or DM on Instagram to set up your first free session with me. This is a free first hour where we will explore your specific situation understand your challenges and work together to help you achieve what you feel your business should. Otherwise please follow us or book mark our website for reviews, and articles in the future. Look out on our Instagram to see when we do in person live workshops and training sessions in Lisbon Portugal.
Thank you for your time,
Tim H.
Lead consultant.
