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Summary

The article emphasizes the underestimated power of underdogs, citing their unique determination, aversion to failure, and the energizing effect of support as key factors in their success.

Abstract

The piece, titled "3 Reasons Why You Should Never Underestimate an Underdog," delves into the extraordinary qualities that set underdogs apart from their competitors. It highlights the "magical determination" that underdogs possess, a form of motivation that transcends regular ambition by deeply embedding the desire for success into their subconscious. The author, drawing from personal experience as a writer and the unexpected success of the Cincinnati Bengals, illustrates how underdogs convert their history of failure into a relentless drive to succeed. Furthermore, the article points out that underdogs thrive under pressure, often operating outside their comfort zones, which prepares them for triumph in high-stakes situations. Lastly, it notes the emotional resonance of underdogs, whose perseverance inspires others to cheer for them, providing an additional boost to their already potent determination.

Opinions

  • Underdogs are often dismissed or overlooked, but this is a critical mistake as they harbor a profound determination that can lead to unexpected victories.
  • The success of underdogs is not just about hard work; it's about a deep-seated psychological manifestation of their goals that makes their success almost inevitable.
  • Frequent failure can be a powerful catalyst for underdogs, pushing them to pursue success with unparalleled tenacity and

3 Reasons Why You Should Never Underestimate an Underdog

There’s a difference between magical determination and regular determination.

Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash

“THEY WON…THEY ACTUALLY F*KING WON!”

I said those words to myself after I glanced at my phone and saw that the Bengals won the AFC Championship against the Kansas City Chiefs and they’re going to the Superbowl.

I need to pinch myself every single time I say that.

I’ve never been a huge football fan, but in my hometown of Cincinnati, it’s no surprise that the Bengals were always the worst team in the NFL. Heck, we’ve never won a Super Bowl before. The last time we’ve won a playoff game was 31 years ago. The opposing team, the Kansas City Chiefs, were favored to win this championship game by 7 points.

No one believed Cincinnati would win — and that my friend, is the biggest mistake anyone could ever make.

I’ve been an underdog more times than I can count myself. So let’s not waste any time. Here are 3 reasons why you should never underestimate an underdog.

Underdogs Have Magical Determination

This isn’t just your average determination.

This is a magical sort of determination. Regular determination is your willingness to win. But magical determination is when you manifest your success, and you see it happen after being hungry for so long.

When you get used to winning, there will be a loss of hungriness.

If I were to win an NBA championship three times in a row, I’d start to take it easy. Of course, I wouldn’t feel in my mind that I’m taking it easy. I would say to myself, “Ya, I’m focused and determined to win it again!” but my mind is telling me one thing while my subconscious is telling me another.

The underdog doesn’t have that disconnect.

Their subconscious mind won’t allow them to forget what hard work means. Their success is manifested so much that it becomes a part of their psyche — and that is an unbeatable mindset.

Underdogs Get Tired of Failure

I used to be a failed writer for 3 years.

I didn’t make a penny from my writing. I tried all sorts of weird avenues to become a paid writer.

  • I cold-called 200+ companies a week
  • I wrote anime reviews on my WordPress blog (that’s laughable whenever I think about that)
  • I submitted poems to magazines for prize money

I got so tired of failure that I said, “Fuck it.” and decided to write and publish one article per day for a year straight. Now, I’ve made $20k+ from my writing, I’ve gotten 20k views on my work, and I’ve written 670+ articles online to boot.

Sometimes you get so sick of failure — and I mean BEYOND sick — that you’re willing to do the most uncomfortable things imaginable to obtain success.

Underdogs stay out of their comfort zones all of the time to the point where they’re comfortable under pressure — and that’s why they always prevail.

Underdogs Are The Most Fueled When People Root For Them

Underdogs don’t give a shit if only one person cheers for them. They’ll take those small cheers and turn them into fuel.

Underdogs already have enough gas in the tank, but getting cheers from other people who want to see you prevail adds some nitro to your engine. The Bengals were the least favored to win anything this season.

And now that they’re going to the Superbowl, I’m seeing tons of fans of different teams rooting for them.

There’s a reason why people gravitate towards underdogs. There’s an emotional connection with others that they have. It’s infectious. Underdogs show other people that no matter what the odds are, they can come out on top.

When you get that energy reciprocated, even though it’s just one person, that turns into a deadly combo.

Main Takeaway

Underdogs are superbreeds.

They always win, in part because people underestimate them. But others don’t understand that underdogs have magical determination, they’re tired of failure, and they’re the most fueled when people root for them.

No matter what happens, underdogs always find a way to win — and that’s why you should be afraid of them moving forward.

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Sports
Underdogs
Determination
Success
Life Lessons
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