6 ways to channel your inner underdog

It’s frustrating when others don’t give you the respect you deserve. You feel like you have to prove yourself over and over again. Underdogs have a mindset that anyone who wants to advance in their career needs to have. Here are six ways you can develop the underdog mindset to overcome obstacles and succeed:

1. Have a vision.

When you are not given the respect you deserve, it can be difficult to believe in your self-worth. To center yourself, focus on something that you aspire to. It could be a person or a career milestone. Focus on your goal. When you are an underdog, people think you can’t attain your vision. Prove them wrong. Don’t let others throw you off course. Find that beacon, and keep aiming for it. See the opportunity.

2. Fail early, and take risks.

Mistakes are part of the learning process. Mistakes make you better, so don’t be afraid to make some. Because society values flawless execution, you need to learn from mistakes. Take advantage of opportunities to fail early on so you increase your chances of performing well later. If you make mistakes later on, persevere. Be determined to overcome the mistakes. Don’t let the nonbelievers win.

Have the courage to take risks. You are already seen as the long shot, so you have room to take long shots. Sometimes, success requires you to aim for possibility, not probability. Put your best foot forward, and throw your hat in the ring for a project or an award.

3. Be aware of the world around you.

If you focus too much on yourself, you will lose perspective. You will lose awareness of what is going on around you. Keep your head up. Know what others around you are doing. Learn to adjust and position yourself.

4. Outwork everyone else.

You have some control over your destiny. Take advantage of what you have control over, and prepare. Nothing beats preparation. You will never be disappointed that you were well prepared.

5. Don’t let adversity trip you up.

There is only so much control you have over outcomes. When you are thrown a curve ball, do not get flustered. Know that anything can happen. Remember that change is the only constant. If plan A is no longer an option, pursue plan B. If plan B is no longer viable, move to plan C. You have control over how you respond to change. Be determined, persistent and resilient.

6. Stay humble.

No one likes a showboat. Always remain grateful and appreciative for where you are in your career and the opportunities you have received. You will never know everything, so don’t think you ever will. Seek to know more and learn more. Don’t take things for granted. People support underdogs when they believe support will help underdogs reach their goals.

Underdogs are underestimated. Take advantage of this. You know your worth, but others need a wakeup call about your abilities. Be a leader in your own life, and show them what you are made of.