Who doesn’t love Brené Brown?  Brown is a research professor and best-selling author, who built her career on studying vulnerability. One of Brené Brown’s most powerful stories about fearing criticism and exposure happened after her 2010 TEDx talk, The Power of Vulnerability, went viral. She had no idea it would blow up the way it did, reaching millions of people and putting her in the global spotlight.

In her book Daring Greatly, she shares how, one morning, she made the mistake of reading the online comments about her talk. Some were kind, but others were brutal—mocking her weight, appearance, and even questioning her credibility. It crushed her. She found herself spiraling, wanting to retreat and never put herself out there again.

But then she had a moment of clarity when she came across Theodore Roosevelt’s famous Man in the Arena quote:

“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 them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena...”

That quote changed everything for her. She realized that the people throwing stones from the cheap seats—the ones who weren’t in the arena, risking anything themselves—didn’t get to have power over her. She made a decision: If you’re not in the arena, getting your ass kicked too, I’m not interested in your feedback.

From that moment on, she embraced vulnerability as her superpower rather than a weakness. She continued sharing her work, owning her story, and showing up despite the fear. That mindset shift not only helped her overcome the fear of criticism but also fueled her success in writing, speaking, and leading conversations about courage.

Oprah has faced public scrutiny about her weight and credibility throughout her career, but one of the most powerful examples of how she rose above it happened in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

At the time, Oprah was transitioning from being a local news anchor to the host of The Oprah Winfrey Show, which was quickly becoming a national phenomenon. Despite her success, she was constantly ridiculed for her weight. Tabloids ran cruel headlines about her size, and critics dismissed her as an "entertainer" rather than a serious journalist, especially when she focused on human-interest stories instead of hard news.

One of the most infamous moments came in 1988 when she embarked on a highly publicized weight loss journey. She lost 67 pounds on a liquid diet and dramatically revealed her transformation by wheeling out a wagon filled with 67 pounds of fat on her show. While the moment was a ratings success, she later admitted that she regretted it deeply. Not only did she gain the weight back, but she realized that tying her self-worth to the scale was a losing battle.

Over time, Oprah shifted her perspective. Instead of trying to prove herself to the critics, she focused on embracing her authenticity and using her platform to uplift others. She stopped chasing diets and started advocating for self-acceptance and overall well-being. In terms of her credibility, she let her work speak for itself. She conducted groundbreaking interviews with world leaders, tackled difficult social issues, and built an empire that went far beyond television.

One of her defining moments came in 2013 when she said:

"I know for sure that your real power comes from knowing who you are and not allowing the outside world to define you."

By staying true to herself, Oprah turned public scrutiny into fuel for her personal growth and business empire. She redefined what success and credibility looked like on her terms.

1. Reframe Criticism as Growth

Instead of seeing criticism as a personal attack, view it as an opportunity to improve. Even the greatest creators receive negative feedback—it’s part of the journey.

2. Start Small and Build Confidence

If the idea of being fully visible scares you, start with small steps. Write a blog, record short videos, or engage in small speaking opportunities before tackling bigger platforms.

3. Focus on Who Needs Your Message

Fear often makes us focus on the critics, but what about the people who need your knowledge? If you help just one person, your voice is worth sharing.

4. Accept That Not Everyone Will Like You

No one is universally liked, and that’s okay. Even the most beloved figures have detractors. Don’t let the fear of a few negative opinions stop you from reaching the people who value your work.

5. Develop a Thick Skin (But Stay Open to Constructive Feedback)

Learn to separate hateful criticism from helpful feedback. Not all opinions matter, but some critiques can help you refine your message.

6. Surround Yourself with Encouragement

Having a support system—mentors, friends, or a community—can make a huge difference. They’ll remind you of your worth when doubts creep in.

7. Do It Afraid

Fear won’t completely disappear, but it doesn’t have to control you. The key is to take action despite your fears. Confidence comes through experience, not before it.

Your Voice Matters—Use It

The fear of visibility and criticism is real, but it’s not a reason to stay silent. How did I finally get over my fear? Personally, I found the out my fear of disappointing God and not doing the very thing I was created to do was more frightening than talking to myself on a screen, speaking to an audience or even writing a blog or a book.

So, what is holding you back? The world needs your story, your expertise, and your unique perspective. Take the first step today, knowing that your voice has the power to change lives—including your own.

Blessings,

Dr. Janice R. Love

Pearls Perfected Institute