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 reach their achievements. But, for many, it was the very challenge of being the underdog that 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 onboard to do what he did. Excel. After adjusting the cars’ 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 the best with what is in hand.

To excel does not come without determination and hard work; blood, sweat, and tears; 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, as well. But to succeed, knowing that you were not favored brings with it 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 too, are not the one who always wins. But, their struggles and passion, fueled by the resolve to push forward, stimulates 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 altogether, my crew drove 4 hours back to my home to pick up another one of my horses, Talon. The vet waited up past midnight so he could check him in. I saw compassion in his face as he wished me luck for the 5 AM start. He had seen the hope I held.

Typically before a competition, we adhere to a training and feeding protocol to ensure success. Talon, although fit, had not been prepped to compete this 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 but not to underdo.

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, open up. As we crossed the line, I raised my hands overhead in victory, for we had won.

The comments of, “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 are lessened to do well, giving room to do whatever your best is. Yet, the rewards are heightened when your best has to be better than the best of the best.

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

Whether it is the coveted first place or the fact that you made it to the starting line or the position at your job, it doesn’t matter when in the end; you can look inside and know you gave it your all.

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