The great “vulnerability” hoax

Stop telling me to “open my heart” and “trust my madness.”  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ Hey there, If someone feels “vulnerable” and doesn't post about it on (delete your) Instagram, will the Universe recognize their bravery and reward it with quantum abundance and gratitude? Ehh . . . I fear that an answer to that one may require a blood sacrifice to the ancient writhing things and gently humming stones. But let's chew a little on this glob of gristle anyway and see where it takes us. These days, it’s trendy to muse about embracing “vulnerability” like it’s a cosmic cheat code—one weird trick for awakening your essence and owning your superpower. Really? That’s it? Openly wallowing in anxieties, insecurities, and failures is the gateway to the good life? Glory be! Look, vulnerability is indeed vital to virtuous and productive living, but it doesn’t involve whinging about weakness or making excuses for missteps. Announcing that we’re not perfect may feel uncomfortable, but so does exposing ourselves in front of JCPenney. Point being: while all growth involves some degree of discomfort, not all discomfort produces positive growth. Those of us who aren’t monsters all have doubts and worries. We all know that we all have doubts and worries. Admitting as much isn’t inspiring or noble. Acting courageously is—the crux of authentic vulnerability, which comes in many flavors: taking ownership of negative circumstances instead of blaming others, asking for advice instead of pretending like we have it all figured out, and doing the right thing even when it costs us something. Bogus vulnerability, on the other hand, seeks approval and sympathy. It elevates fragility and disability over confidence and excellence. It glorifies who we are over who we can be. These two types of vulnerability can appear similar in practice, but they’re actually as different as oxygen and a picture of it. One sustains and the other suffocates. So choose carefully. Also: If you want to hear more of my musings on mastering the inner game of getting fit so you can be all you can be, check out my book The Little Black Book of Workout Motivation: ⇒ [( Think of it as my personal—and 100% practical and hands-on—blueprint for personal transformation, inside and outside of the gym. In the book, I share wisdom and insights from hundreds of scientific studies and scores of legendary artists, authors, entrepreneurs, philosophers, generals, and conquerors, as well as my own biggest “a ha” moments that have helped me overcome the things that were most holding me back. Go for it! Mike P.S. Want some help building your best body ever? Here are 5 ways I can assist whenever you're ready: ⇒ 1) Want to be your own coach? Read one of my bestselling books for [men]( and [women](. ⇒ 2) Want free workout and meal plans? Download my science-based diet and training templates for [men]( and [women](. ⇒ 3) Want an easy boost? Add a couple of my [all-natural sports supplements]( to your regimen, like a [protein powder]( [pre-workout]( or [fat burner]( (and save 20% on your first order with code LEGION20). (Not sure which supplements are right for you? [Take my quiz]( and find out.) ⇒ 4) Want personalized help? Check out my [custom meal plan]( and [VIP one-on-one coaching]( services. ⇒ 5) Want a free workout app? Whether you're a beginner or an experienced weightlifter, [Stacked]( can help you gain muscle and strength faster. And if none of that tickles your neurons, you might like all the simple, practical, and evidence-based teachings over at my [blog]( [podcast]( [YouTube channel]( and [Instagram](. [Button Text](  [Custom]( Want to earn cash back on every Legion purchase you make? [Click here to learn how](. Already have a Legion rewards account? [Click here to view your point balance](. To update your email preferences, [click here](. To unsubscribe, [click here](. Legion Athletics, Inc. 1255 Cleveland St. Floor 4 Clearwater, FL 33755 ‌