Underdog stories are very popular.  At the beginning of the story, the underdog is weak, and by the end has grown into a much stronger version of themselves. Why do so many people like underdog stories?  It is because on some level we all feel we are not enough.  We all want to be more, to prove the naysayers wrong;  not just the outside naysayers, but the ones inside as well.

We also enjoy these underdog stories because they motivate us.  While we cheer on the protagonist, he/she makes us feel that we can be a better version of ourselves.  That if we just strive hard enough, we grow and overcome.

I have seen two types: the fantasy underdog, and the realistic underdog.  Sylvester Stallone’s “Rocky” movies shows us a smaller man repeatedly beating much larger opponents, which (for the most part) is a fantasy outcome.  In a more down to earth scenario, in the movie “Rudy”, the underdog struggles for years to simply be on the football field for very limited time, with no consequential outcome in the game.  The triumph was just making it onto the field.

Fantasy Underdog

The fantasy underdog caters to our comparison to others. I am not in love with the fantasy underdog because the motivation is all about external validation.

1. I need to be number one. 
2. I need to show the others.  
3. I will prove them all wrong.
4. I am not understood.

The fantasy underdog story is problematic, because it can seduce us with the illusion that another person’s achievement is attainable.  The record for the 100 meter dash was set by Usain Bolt.  Should I live in a fantasy world and believe if I train long enough I will beat Usain Bolt?  I believe I am too old and the mechanics of my body would never allow me to reach that standard.  So, I work on my own standards.

Realistic Underdog

The realistic underdog spends a lot of time looking inward.  The motivation is about growth and internal validation.

1. I want to be in the competition.
2. I need to show myself that I can grow.
3. I want to prove something to myself.
4. I don’t need to be understood.

I like the realistic underdog. She measures herself against yesterday’s version of herself.  She gains motivation from reaching new levels.  Her pace of improvement is her own.  The realistic underdog approach is motivating and enduring, not requiring outside influences. 

That is not to say there isn’t comparison.  If the goal is to be the best in the world at something, it is completely realistic to measure by others.  So, it is about outlook; for example, if I set a personal best but the result is bronze, how do I feel about myself?

The Struggle

“The important thing in life is not triumph, but the struggle; the essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.”  Pierre de Coubertin

I love that quote from Pierre de Coubertin, who is considered the founder of the modern Olympic Games.  The Olympic Games is all about standards set by others.  It clearly measures who is best.  At the same time, the founding father tells us to focus on the struggle, not the outcome.  This quote may be the perfect explanation of why we sometimes confuse the fantasy and realistic underdogs.  It can help us reset our expectations of ourselves.

The Struggle

I try to ask myself a series of questions whenever my monkey brain and competitive side starts comparing myself to others:

1. Can I ever live up to other people’s expectations?
2. How much energy will it take?
3. Are other people’s expectations in synchronization with my values?
4. Do other people’s expectations make me happy?
5. Is it realistic to expect success with other people’s expectations?
6. What is success for me?
7. What expectations do I have for myself?

Bonus Underdog Movies

1. Rocky
2. The Hosiers
3. Rudy
4. Eddy the Eagle
5. Cool Runnings

Please feel free to comment below, send me some direct feedback, or share on the Socials.  I am grateful to have you on this journey with me!