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Recommended

Rising Strong

by Brené Brown

How to get back up after a fall: owning your story, examining the stories you tell yourself, and rising stronger.

  • Published 2015
  • Easy read
  • Stories and memoir
  • 1 min analysis
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Introduction

In Rising Strong, published in 2015, Brené Brown turns from daring greatly to what happens after we fall. Drawing on her research, she describes a three-part process for recovering from disappointment, failure and heartbreak.

The book is personal, full of stories from her own life, including a now-famous story about a misunderstanding with her husband during a swim.

Who should read this book?

Anyone recovering from a setback, failure or hurt, and readers of Brown's earlier books.

Helps with: Bounce back from setbacks, Heal and grow

The central message

Rising from a fall means recognizing our emotions, challenging the stories we tell ourselves, and writing a braver ending.

Key ideas and concepts

  1. The reckoning

    Notice that you're experiencing emotion and get curious about it.

  2. The rumble

    Examine the 'story I'm telling myself' and compare it with what's true.

  3. The revolution

    Write a new ending that changes how you live.

  4. Shitty first drafts of stories

    Our first interpretation of events is often fear-driven and wrong.

  5. Generosity

    Assuming others are doing their best changes relationships.

Deeper analysis

Rising Strong offers a practical process for recovering from setbacks, and its phrase 'the story I'm telling myself' is a simple, powerful tool for relationships. Brown's honesty about her own reactions makes the lessons relatable.

Like her other books, it relies on qualitative research and overlaps with Daring Greatly and The Gifts of Imperfection. Some readers find it repetitive. But its central tool is genuinely useful.

Practical applications

  • When upset, say 'The story I'm telling myself is…'
  • Get curious about a strong emotion.
  • Compare your story with the facts.
  • Assume someone is doing their best.
  • Write a braver ending to a recent setback.

Your 7-day action plan

  1. Day 1

    Notice a strong emotion.

  2. Day 2

    Write the story you're telling yourself.

  3. Day 3

    Check it against facts.

  4. Day 4

    Share it with someone safe.

  5. Day 5

    Practise generosity.

  6. Day 6

    Write a new ending.

  7. Day 7

    Reflect on what changed.

Outcomes to expect

What readers who apply this book can realistically take away from it:

  • Healthier recovery from setbacks
  • Better communication
  • Awareness of your stories
  • Greater generosity

Strengths and limitations

Strengths

  • Practical recovery process
  • Powerful 'story I'm telling myself' tool
  • Honest personal stories
  • Accessible

Limitations

  • Qualitative research base
  • Overlaps with Brown's other books
  • Repetitive for some

Reflection questions

  1. What story are you telling yourself right now?
  2. How do you react to failure?
  3. Who deserves your generosity?
  4. What ending would you write?

About the author

Brené Brown

Research professor who studies courage, vulnerability, shame and empathy.

Full profile and books

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Book details (title, author, year) are factual. Everything under the headings above is MindsetProdigy's own editorial analysis and interpretation, written to help you decide whether to read the book and how to apply it. It is not a substitute for reading the book itself. Last updated September 30, 2026.