Trust Your Inner Voice

"Don't you dare underestimate the power of your own instinct."

— Barbara Corcoran

Context

This quote reflects Corcoran's entrepreneurial philosophy that has guided her from a waitress to a self-made millionaire. Throughout her career, she frequently made decisions that others questioned but that her intuition told her were right. In her experience, the analytical mind can be valuable, but our instincts—which process countless subtle factors we can't consciously articulate—often provide superior guidance, especially in complex situations. Corcoran attributes many of her greatest successes to trusting her gut feelings even when conventional wisdom suggested otherwise. Her statement is both an observation about how intuition has served her and an exhortation for others to recognize this undervalued inner resource.

Reflection Question

When was the last time I ignored my instinct and later regretted it, and conversely, when did I follow my intuition despite doubts and find it led me to the right decision?

Application Tip

Practice "intuition listening" by creating a physical pause before important decisions. Place your hand on your stomach, take three deep breaths, and ask yourself, "What does my gut say about this?" Record these impressions in a dedicated "Intuition Journal" alongside your logical analysis. After decisions play out, review which guidance system—intuitive or analytical—served you better. Over time, this practice strengthens your ability to recognize and trust your instincts.