When we are faced with tough conversations, we have a tendency to take the easy way out -- a way that avoids revealing our own vulnerabilities, and ultimately avoids the healing, bonding connection that we might otherwise have.


"Empathy is a choice, and it's a vulnerable choice, because in order to connect with you I have to connect with something within myself that knows that feeling," says author and University of Houston professor Dr. Brené Brown in the speech[1] animated for the video above.


Empathy, Brown explains, is also a more powerful choice than sympathy. Empathy enables us to relate to and console those in our lives, while sympathy distances us.


Watch the full speech here:




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  • Eat Lots Of Protein


    Protein is the staple for creating and building healthy muscle. As you're building muscle, protein works to help sustain that muscle. Be sure to pack on the protein after your workout.




  • Get Outside


    If you don't have a gym nearby, there are plenty of outdoor activities that will help you get in shape, such as bike riding and hiking.




  • Eat One Green Thing Everyday


    One easy way to make better choices when it comes to your eating habits is to incorporate one green vegetable into your diet each day.




  • Eat Three Major Meals Per Day


    Make sure that you're eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. The more you eat, the more portion control you'll have, which will make your metabolism work faster.




  • Avoid The Weight Loss Plateau


    Weight loss plateaus occur when your body gets used to the workout regimen that you're consistently putting it through. Try doing fitness challenges like CrossFit, Tough Mudder, and Wounded Warrior in order to shock your body. Even if you only do this once per week, your body will still respond.




  • Do Your Cardio First


    Warm your up body by doing your cardio workout first in order to get your blood circulating. Then follow up with strength training once you're warmed up.




  • Bring Your Sneakers To Work


    Every hour on the hour during your work day, put your sneakers on and climb the stairs for 15-20 minutes. If you're moving, you're burning calories.




  • Get A Good Night's Sleep


    Your body needs rest, especially when you're on a workout regimen, so be sure to devote 6-8 hours to sleep per night.




  • Have A Plan To Stick To


    The more you have planned out when it comes to losing weight, the more successful you'll be. Know the amount of calories that you should be putting into your body per day, and how those calories are going to affect your weight loss goals. The more educated you are on the foods that you're eating, the more weight you will lose.




  • Change Your Mindset


    When it comes to reaching your weight loss goals, a negative mindset can be your biggest enemy. In order to change your body, you have to be willing to change how you perceive the things that can get in your way.