With but few exceptions, it is always the underdog who wins through sheer willpower.

~ Johnny Weissmuller

The common thread of many successful people is the struggle they overcame to achieve their achievements. But for many, the challenge of being the underdog fueled that desire to succeed.

At the top of his career, Michael Shumaker, the Formula 1 race car driver, moved to team Ferrari, even though they had not won any championships in decades. Their cars had become inferior to the winning teams’, and he chose to go on board to do what he did best—excel. After adjusting the car’s design, he did what he set out to do. He made Ferrari great again.

The stories are boundless of the underdogs pulling through and exceeding what others had failed to do. These tales always encourage me to do my best with what is at hand.

To excel does not come without determination, hard work, blood, sweat, tears, or staying late when others have gone home.

Fulfillment is gauged with various barometers for everyone. Of course, to win is to win, and to finish is to win. But to succeed, knowing you were not favored brings a new level of satisfaction. The reward for recognizing you did all you could is payment for those hours spent.

Why we root for the underdog says much about us. First, it makes the situation more exciting when an unknown factor challenges the favorite, and we see a fight to the end. Second, the achievement of unexpected successes brings with it enjoyment magnified.

Finally, when the underdog wins, it gives the audience hope. We can relate to them; we are not always the ones who win. But their struggles and passion, fueled by the resolve to push forward, stimulate compassion within us. 

What motivates someone to take on a challenge when the cards seem stacked against them? I relish the thrill of the challenge. When many don’t think you have a chance of success, and failure is the expected outcome, are the odds I like. But then, when you excel, well, kudos all around.

Years ago, I went to an endurance race with one of my horses, Steel. Unfortunately, he stepped out of the trailer lame, meaning we could not compete the next day.

Instead of forfeiting the entry, my crew drove four hours back to my home to pick up Talon, another of my horses. The vet waited until past midnight to check him in. I saw compassion on his face as he wished me luck for the 5 a.m. start. He had seen the hope I held.

Typically, we follow a training and feeding protocol before a competition to ensure success. Talon, although fit, had not been prepped to compete that week. Word circulated that I was riding an alternate horse, and throughout the day, I received condolences from other riders that Steel couldn’t start.

As we rode, I managed Talon with kid gloves, not wanting to overdo it but not to underdo it either.

As the day progressed, we gained positions. Picking up our speed, we passed rider after rider in the last two phases. Finally, when the finish line was within reach, I let Talon do what he does well and open up. As we crossed the line, I raised my hands overhead in victory, for we had won.

The comments, “Wow, pretty good for a backup horse,” abounded. My joy was overwhelming as I leaned over to hug Talon’s neck. Tears always visit me when I finish a race against all odds, and this was one such race.

There is value in being an underdog. The expectations to do well are lessened, giving room to do whatever your best is. Yet, the rewards are heightened when your best becomes better than the best of the best.

Because they have nothing to lose, underdogs may be more willing to take strategic risks or explore unconventional methods. They are resilient to setbacks and have solid observational skills that have brought them this far. Since recompense does not come from the outside world, inner satisfaction is the ultimate compensation.

Whether you win the coveted first place, make it to the starting line, or get a better position at your job, what matters is if you can look inside and know you gave it your all to accomplish whichever personal goal you set. Remember, even if you start as an underdog, sometimes, just reaching the door is the first step to success. Then, who knows, you may become the superdog!

The fact of being an underdog changes people in ways that we often fail to appreciate. It opens doors and creates opportunities and enlightens and permits things that might otherwise have seemed unthinkable.

~ Malcolm Gladwell