Daring Greatly: Brené Brown, the Arena, and the Courage to Create

This isn’t a book review—it’s about a TED Talk I’ve watched more times than I can count. It’s one of those talks that never loses its impact no matter how many times I revisit it. In 2010, Brené Brown gave a talk on vulnerability that has become a touchstone for creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone trying to put something new into the world.

Brown is a researcher storyteller, and in this talk, she shares an idea that hits home for me as a designer—someone who builds things that didn’t exist before. For me, that means websites, logos, and brand identities. These things might seem simple on the surface, but they require putting yourself out there creatively and emotionally. There’s no hiding when your work is on display.

Full Version of Brené Brown’s TED Talk

In her talk, Brown references a passage from a 1910 speech by Theodore Roosevelt, often referred to as The Man in the Arena. This passage has become a kind of guiding light for me, especially when I’m dealing with creative self-doubt or facing criticism.

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better.
The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood…
who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again…
but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions;
who spends himself in a worthy cause…
so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
—Theodore Roosevelt, Paris, April 23, 1910

Brown uses this quote to emphasize a simple but powerful truth: if someone isn't "in the arena" with you—taking risks, making mistakes, trying their best—then their criticism shouldn’t carry weight. It's not about ignoring feedback altogether, but about recognizing which voices matter. Constructive feedback from fellow creators or clients is invaluable. But random criticism from the sidelines? Not so much.

As someone who works in a creative field, this idea has changed the way I think about my work—and how I handle vulnerability. Every logo I design, every website I build, every new concept I present—it’s a leap. Sometimes those leaps land smoothly. Other times? Not so much. But the point is to keep showing up, keep creating, and keep daring.

This talk has become a kind of pep talk for me—something I return to when I need to remember why I do what I do. It's a reminder that bravery isn’t about being fearless. It’s about doing the work, sharing the idea, publishing the page, or launching the brand—even when it feels scary.

So if you’re a creator, a maker, a business owner—anyone who puts something new into the world—I can’t recommend this talk enough. Watch it when you're feeling stuck. Watch it when you've just gotten a less-than-kind comment. Watch it when you're on the verge of something big and you need a nudge.

Brené Brown’s 2010 TED talk is a reminder that creativity takes courage—and that showing up, even imperfectly, matters far more than standing on the sidelines with criticism.

Because being in the arena is hard. But it's where all the good stuff happens.

May Web Design, LLC, creates affordable websites on the Squarespace platform that empower clients to confidently manage and update their own content. I love helping businesses and nonprofits boost customer engagement and strengthen their overall web presence with clean, effective design.

One of the most important parts of my process happens after the website is built: I take the time to walk clients through how to update and maintain their website, so they can keep things fresh and relevant moving forward.

A well-designed website is more than just a digital brochure—it’s a 24/7 welcome to your audience. It should highlight what your business or organization has accomplished, share your mission, and guide visitors through your content in a clear, friendly way.

If you're thinking about creating a website for your business or nonprofit, I'd love to chat! At May Web Design, LLC, I help clients get started with clean, easy-to-manage websites—sometimes all you need is a simple brochure-style site to make a big impact.

The best part? Your website can grow and evolve right alongside your business. Whether you're just getting started or ready to level up, I'm here to help you build something that works now and adapts as your needs change.