Everyone loves an underdog. There’s something appealingly natural about cheering for the undying conviction and refusal to give in against the odds, that’s not just to defy the critics but to rise above the impossible. The satisfaction that comes from watching how sheer belief and determination alone can elevate a human being beyond expectations to achieve greatness, is undeniable.
Perhaps we’re so drawn to these types of unexpected champions because we so easily identify with how it feels to struggle. Within each of us is an underdog fighting against the odds to overcome innumerable obstacles. Experience and expertise are what give us the ability to show up to perform, but it’s our underlying belief in ourselves and what we’re doing that gives us the motivation and stamina to go on. The stronger we connect with that sense of belief the more driven we are to succeed.
This is the champion’s attitude. A humble belief that with enough conviction and effort, anything is possible. While it might not come easily at times, having an attitude that the buck stops here, is how winners come to believe in dreams. They take accountability for that which they can control and are wise enough to recognize what they can’t. Then they partner with others to overcome. It’s what gives rise to the saying: where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Recently crowned NBA Champion and series MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo came from meager beginnings to take an unexpected journey into basketball superstardom. His story is the most recent celebration of an underdog who never stopped fighting and came to embody this championship attitude in all that he does. In his post-game interview moments after winning his first NBA Championship and MVP award, he was asked if when he first started playing basketball, did he ever immagine that a moment like this would ever happen. His response: “No man. I first started playing basketball to get my family out of the struggle […] I was just happy being part of a team and part of the journey”.
This week, get in touch with the underdog within. Whatever your profession, goals, or dreams—take a moment to remind yourself that the journey is worth it. This is a reminder to believe in yourself and believe in what you’re doing.
“Believe in your dreams. No matter what you feel […] just keep working and don’t let anybody tell you what you can’t be, or what you can’t do. Just believe it can be done. Because, it can be done.”
— Giannis Antetokounmpo
Author
by Adam Schneider
Adam Schneider is SurePeople's Head of Content, leading the end-to-end enterprise-level content strategy, production, and management for a global platform ecosystem. At the core of his practice, he's a scientist with a passion for storytelling. At the core of his Prism, he's a double Catalyst with a passion for people.
Do you have an idea you want to share with an empowered community of self-aware professionals? If you’d like to contribute an idea or article to ‘In The Flow of Work’ on the Evolve blog, just send us a message or submit a post to our Head of Content, Adam Schneider
