We talk a lot about the liberation – and increased productivity, joy, ability to be present., that comes when you let go of your need to be ‘perfectly organized.’

Noted academic, TED speaker, and expert on shame and vulnerability, Brene Brown, provides a more in-depth and rigorous look at the subject. Her research has found that only when you take down those masks of perfection and allow yourself to be vulnerable can true creativity, joy, and and growth occur.

If you haven’t seen her TED talk – it’s a must-see. If you’re interested in diving deeper into the topic, her book, Gifts of Imperfection.