Insecurity is too easily dismissed as a lack of confidence. Yet it is increasingly being recognized for the role as the perhaps greatest motivator – sometimes most successful people. Jonny Kim, a 41-year-old former Navy SEAL, Harvard-trained physician, and recent NASA astronaut, exemplifies how insecurity can drive one to excel. He argues that this emotion is more fundamental to the human experience, longer lasting than fear, and helps produce great accomplishments.
Kim’s trip began in Los Angeles, California. Fueled by his profound insecurity complex about his lack of ability, he made the ill-fated choice to attempt a medical degree. This pursuit of self-betterment was colored by his long-established wish to uplift his communities. Throughout his military career, Kim took part in over 100 combat missions as a U.S. Navy SEAL. Serving as a combat medic helped him sharpen his skills. Now, his military experiences certainly honed those skills. They encouraged his growth as an empathetic leader with an appreciation for the value of service.
Barbara Corcoran, real estate tycoon and star of ABC’s Shark Tank goes further than Kim here. She names insecurity as a surprising superpower at work. According to Corcoran, “I look for a [competitor] who’s mostly insecure, because I know I’ve got myself a winner.” This great discovery sheds light on the opportunity for anyone who struggles with a lack of confidence to use those feelings and turn them towards achievement.
For Kim, this arduous academic journey culminated at Harvard Medical School, where he graduated with his medical degree. He argues that insecurity makes you a highly successful person because it drives you to be great. Reflecting on this idea, he states, “I think insecurity is something that we’ve all dealt with and it’s a part of being human.”
On April 8, 2023, Kim jumped even further. During that flight he became the first African American to live aboard the International Space Station, as a NASA astronaut. This landmark accomplishment only scratches the surface of his riveting career odyssey. It gives a glimpse into the psyche that’s motivated him to great heights, despite his insecurities.
Dora Kamau, a mindfulness and meditation teacher, shares advice on coping with insecurity. She recommends people to find a safe space to unload their emotions, either by writing them down or talking to trusted friends. Rather than succumbing to apathy and despair, these practices can channel those feelings into positive action. Kamau believes that “the more successful someone is, the more self-doubt they have, because that’s what drives them.”
The thing about insecurity, after all, is that it’s rooted in trying to put your best self forward. It’s a sign of respect for what you do and an understanding of why it matters. Kim’s dedication to serving others in both military and medical roles illustrates how feelings of inadequacy can propel individuals toward positive action.
Whether it’s the story of Jonny Kim, the Shark Tank wisdom of Barbara Corcoran or the perseverance of Dora Kamau, insecurity doesn’t have to be an obstacle. Rather, it has the potential to fuel inspiration and usher in success. Together, these narratives push for a broader examination of how society romanticizes self-doubt and the role self-doubt plays in one’s own personal success.