We always hear or see "before and after" stories, commending and celebrating people who have overcome their hardships or insecurities or flaws, and are now better for it.
While I'm not against self-improvement, or celebrating these accomplishments-- I am concerned by the lack of what I would consider "true" displays of vulnerability [especially in the strength and fitness world-- as I perceive it]. When people publicly acknowledge their flaws or vulnerabilities, it's almost always in a past tense context. Usually along the lines of "I was X, and it was terrible... but now I've overcome that and I'm Y! And things are amazing". The "vulnerability" is always conditional/qualified. I personally haven't perceived many "public figures" (at least in our little strength sport niche) opening up about their insecurities, hardships, flaws, or circumstances in a genuine way. There's [almost] always a happy ending.
This isn't to knock those who share their "success stories" of overcoming battles of the past, rather-- just an observation that this still leaves a dearth of what I would consider "true vulnerability" that facilitates real connection and the potential to relate. When semi-public or public strength and fitness "icons" look to open up, or connect, or inspire, or make themselves relatable to followers, novices, and the like-- I'd like to advocate for an embrace of vulnerabilities in a deeper way.
The problem with the way things currently seem to be is that it's always a sad story of some sort with a happy "but now I'm awesome" outcome.
I'd like to see everyone openly embrace their insecurities and vulnerabilities that are ongoing, present in their everyday lives. We all have them, and we all are on some sort of continual journey-- learning how to navigate them. I think this is they key to truly connecting with others, inspiring others, and making strength and fitness "success" more accessible to those who are just beginning, or convinced that it's not something they will ever be able to attain...
Still thinking this through and figuring out how I feel about this "success story" phenomenon..