In a revealing interview with Business Insider on February 2, 2015, Shark Tank’s Barbara Corcoran articulated a thought-provoking perspective on the role of insecurity as a powerful driver of success. Corcoran pointed out that individuals who have encountered challenges tend to cultivate an unwavering determination to establish their worth, stating:
“Insecurity is a wonderful motivator.”
This insight highlights how overcoming setbacks fosters resilience and ambition among top-performing sales professionals. Corcoran noted that her most successful salespeople often excelled not only due to their selling prowess but also because they had experienced rejection, which motivated them to strive for greater achievements.
Insecurity: Barbara Corcoran’s Secret to Success
The Influence of Rejection on Sales Performance
Corcoran emphasized that a key element in achieving high performance within sales is the ability to handle rejection. In sales environments like real estate, success hinges less on crafting compelling pitches and more on navigating and recovering from disappointments.
“I already knew that I, more than any other broker, was great at taking a hit and taking rejection,”she explained.
She pointed out that the standout performers in her organization were not necessarily those with vast networks or tireless work ethics, but rather individuals who could persist in the face of repeated failures. Corcoran acknowledged that managing rejection isn’t about negating emotional responses but learning to cope with them effectively.
When confronted with whether she takes rejection personally, she candidly acknowledged, “Of course.”This admission illustrates that even the most resilient individuals endure moments of disappointment. Corcoran emphasized the crucial difference lies in how swiftly one rebounds from setbacks and maintains their momentum.
Personal Struggles as Catalysts for Entrepreneurial Success
In her insightful discussion with Business Insider, Corcoran highlighted that those with something to prove often surpass their counterparts in performance. She noted that many successful individuals have faced significant challenges or lacked external affirmation during the nascent stages of their careers.
This perspective underscores that internal motivation, frequently fueled by past adversities, propels individuals to exceed expectations and achieve extraordinary outcomes. Reflecting on her own journey, she stated:
“I already knew at that point when I was 23 that I had 22 jobs and I failed at quite a few of them.”
Having faced various setbacks, Corcoran understood how such experiences could be transformed into motivational fuel. She observed that those most passionate about their pursuits feel failures deeply but utilize those sentiments to drive their future successes.
The Symbiotic Relationship Between Resilience and Performance
Corcoran asserted that persistence often outweighs innate talent or diligence in determining success. She found that among her hardest workers, many did not achieve the highest earnings.
“My worst workers very often work the hardest,”she remarked.
Instead, she pinpointed resilience—as the ability to forge ahead after setbacks—as the hallmark of top performers. During her appearances on Shark Tank, she actively seeks entrepreneurs who have triumphed over adversity.
“When I can unravel something in an entrepreneur where that person’s been injured… they had their shot and they took control of their own universe and they were going to prove that they could do something—nothing’s better than that,”she explained.
This narrative illustrates how overcoming challenges can significantly shape one’s drive to succeed, affirming Corcoran’s belief in the motivational power of insecurity.
Don’t miss new episodes of Shark Tank airing Fridays at 8 PM ET on ABC, and catch up on past seasons anytime on Hulu.