Barbara Corcoran, the real estate mogul and co-star on ABC’s ‘Shark Tank,’ recently shared a surprising perspective on imposter syndrome in a TikTok video. According to the 74-year-old entrepreneur, experiencing self-doubt can actually be a positive thing, as it can lead to increased effort and ultimately, success.

Corcoran expressed that individuals grappling with imposter syndrome should be grateful for it, as it guarantees that they will strive harder than others. She emphasized that through persistent effort, individuals can discover their confidence. Citing a 2020 meta-analysis published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, which reported that up to 82% of people experience self-doubt at some point in their lives, Corcoran highlighted that those who put in extra effort at work tend to be more favored by their bosses.

Research from Payscale’s 2023 Compensation Best Practices Report further supports this notion, revealing that 29% of company executives worldwide believe that employees who do not go the extra mile risk being unsuccessful and even face the possibility of being terminated.

Corcoran stressed that by consistently striving harder than peers, individuals inadvertently build self-assurance. She suggested that this process leads to a realization of one’s confidence, even if it may not be felt initially. Corcoran also mentioned that she actively looks for imposter syndrome in contestants on ‘Shark Tank’ as she believes that it drives success.

According to Corcoran, successful individuals often grapple with self-doubt, as it serves as a driving force for their achievements. She stated that she has never encountered a secure person who was an outstanding achiever. To counter imposter syndrome, Dora Kamau, a mindfulness and meditation teacher at Headspace, recommends affirmations such as ‘I am trusting the timing of my life’ and ‘I trust in my purpose and in my innate potential.’