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Success Advice

3 Reasons Why Being An Underdog Is Your Secret Weapon

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Midjourney

What if I were to tell you that being the underdog would give you more power than you could ever dream of. Would you think I was crazy?

Maybe so, but aren’t all geniuses? The moral of the story is that if you feel like an underdog somewhere in life, you actually have a massive competitive advantage if you play your cards right.

While others spend their lives sulking because their parents didn’t spoil them relentlessly, you know better. You know that being an underdog in life can prepare you for greatness.

Below are 3 reasons why being the little guy can actually be your winning ticket:

1. History proves underdogs come out on top

From David & Goliath to Donald Trump, history has shown us that being an outsider can prove to be your secret weapon. In the tale of David & Goliath, David was so much smaller that any sane person would’ve projected him to get clobbered by his gigantic opponent. That’s just physics, right?

Wrong. You see David was far smaller, but he also had one heck of a swing. So much so, that when he threw a rock at his target, Goliath was so thrown off that he couldn’t even see straight. The enemy was down for the count. In our own lives, we must remember that just because the cards may appear stacked against us, the game is not necessarily over. Don’t give up too soon. Just because you might not look like those who have succeeded in the past, realize that your unique set of capabilities could help you win in the end.

“I’m very competitive by nature. And I like to be the underdog – It’s the best way to win. To come from behind and win is a great feeling!” – Zac Efron

2. Underdogs don’t play by the rules

If weaker opponents always played by the rules of the game, they would, of course, lose a majority of the time. The competition is naturally stacked against them with a list of assets they are lacking. However, when a hypothetical long shot decides to bypass the rules, he or she unlocks more power than can be imagined.

You see, the projected winner knows what it takes to master the game. They have the tried & true skills that it takes to succeed. When an underdog is compared to these standards, he or she will always come up short. Yet, when they decide to play unconventionally, a whole new world of possibilities opens up. By forgoing the rules of the game, the dark horses of this world can spot holes in the competition.

 

3. Underdogs have nothing to lose

When you start from the bottom, you don’t have much to lose. While the establishment has everything to lose including their reputation, assets and power, outsiders can play by whatever means they wish. They are not held to any standard. This is power, in itself. If you’re an underdog somewhere in life, realize that this could give you power in that you’re not held to the same constraints as others who have been playing the game for years.

You don’t have to wait on anyone’s approval to get started. You don’t need to ask anyone for permission; you can instead map out plans for getting to your goal in whatever way you see fit. For instance, if you’re operating on a shoestring budget instead of pulling from a pool of money, see this as a chance to get creative and do things your own way. This could be your key to success in the end.

“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

To be an underdog is often to go up against the “establishment.”  If you learn to spot holes in the system, you’ll undoubtedly come out victorious. While others waste time trying to master the game, underdogs see hidden opportunities.

Next time you feel like the underdog, will you play by the rules or decide to reinvent the game? Please leave your thoughts in the comment section below!

Jessica Brewer founded Think Train to help entrepreneurs execute an online presence through digital marketing. Her passion lies in helping companies & individuals pinpoint their purpose & further this message via online mediums. Follow her on instagram @jess_l_brewer or check out her website at www.thinktrain.io to learn more.

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Change Your Mindset

The One Leadership Habit That Separates the Great From the Forgettable

True leaders don’t just speak their values, they live them, proving that integrity is the foundation of lasting influence.

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Life

9 Harsh Truths Every Young Man Must Face to Succeed in the Modern World

Before chasing success, every young man needs to face these 9 brutal realities shaping masculinity in the modern world.

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Image Credit: Midjourney

Many young men today quietly battle depression, loneliness, and a sense of confusion about who they’re meant to be.

Some blame the lack of deep friendships or romantic relationships. Others feel lost in a digital world that often labels traditional masculinity as “toxic.”

But the truth is this: becoming a man in the modern age takes more than just surviving. It takes resilience, direction, and a willingness to grow even when no one’s watching.

Success doesn’t arrive by accident or luck. It’s built on discipline, sacrifice, and consistency.

Here are 9 harsh truths every young man should know if he wants to thrive, not just survive, in the digital age.

1. Never Use Your Illness as an Excuse

As Dr. Jordan B. Peterson often says, successful people don’t complain; they act.

Your illness, hardship, or struggle shouldn’t define your limits; it should define your motivation. Rest when you must, but always get back up and keep building your dreams. Motivation doesn’t appear magically. It comes after you take action.

Here are five key lessons I’ve learned from Dr. Peterson:

  • Learn to write clearly; clarity of thought makes you dangerous.

  • Read quality literature in your free time.

  • Nurture a strong relationship with your family.

  • Share your ideas publicly; your voice matters.

  • Become a “monster”, powerful, but disciplined enough to control it.

The best leaders and thinkers are grounded. They welcome criticism, adapt quickly, and keep moving forward no matter what.

2. You Can’t Please Everyone And That’s Okay

You don’t need a crowd of people to feel fulfilled. You need a few friends who genuinely accept you for who you are.

If your circle doesn’t bring out your best, it’s okay to walk away. Solitude can be a powerful teacher. It gives you space to understand what you truly want from life. Remember, successful men aren’t people-pleasers; they’re purpose-driven.

3. You Can Control the Process, Not the Outcome

Especially in creative work, writing, business, or content creation, you control effort, not results.

You might publish two articles a day, but you can’t dictate which one will go viral. Focus on mastery, not metrics. Many great writers toiled for years in obscurity before anyone noticed them. Rejection, criticism, and indifference are all part of the path.

The best creators focus on storytelling, not applause.

4. Rejection Is Never Personal

Rejection doesn’t mean you’re unworthy. It simply means your offer, idea, or timing didn’t align.

Every successful person has faced rejection repeatedly. What separates them is persistence and perspective. They see rejection as feedback, not failure. The faster you learn that truth, the faster you’ll grow.

5. Women Value Comfort and Security

Understanding women requires maturity and empathy.

Through books, lectures, and personal growth, I’ve learned that most women desire a man who is grounded, intelligent, confident, emotionally stable, and consistent. Some want humor, others intellect, but nearly all want to feel safe and supported.

Instead of chasing attention, work on self-improvement. Build competence and confidence, and the rest will follow naturally.

6. There’s No Such Thing as Failure, Only Lessons

A powerful lesson from Neuro-Linguistic Programming: failure only exists when you stop trying.

Every mistake brings data. Every setback builds wisdom. The most successful men aren’t fearless. They’ve simply learned to act despite fear.

Be proud of your scars. They’re proof you were brave enough to try.

7. Public Speaking Is an Art Form

Public speaking is one of the most valuable and underrated skills a man can master.

It’s not about perfection; it’s about connection. The best speakers tell stories, inspire confidence, and make people feel seen. They research deeply, speak honestly, and practice relentlessly.

If you can speak well, you can lead, sell, teach, and inspire. Start small, practice at work, in class, or even in front of a mirror, and watch your confidence skyrocket.

8. Teaching Is Leadership in Disguise

Great teachers are not just knowledgeable. They’re brave, compassionate, and disciplined.

Teaching forces you to articulate what you know, and in doing so, you master it at a deeper level. Whether you’re mentoring a peer, leading a team, or sharing insights online, teaching refines your purpose.

Lifelong learners become lifelong leaders.

9. Study Human Nature to Achieve Your Dreams

One of the toughest lessons to accept: most people are self-interested.

That’s not cynicism, it’s human nature. Understanding this helps you navigate relationships, business, and communication more effectively.

Everyone has a darker side, but successful people learn to channel theirs productively into discipline, creativity, and drive.

Psychology isn’t just theory; it’s a toolkit. Learn how people think, act, and decide, and you’ll know how to lead them, influence them, and even understand yourself better.

Final Thoughts

The digital age offers endless opportunities, but only to those who are willing to take responsibility, confront discomfort, and keep improving.

Becoming a man today means embracing the hard truths most avoid.

Because at the end of the day, success isn’t about luck. It’s about who you become when life tests you the most.

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