The Underdog

Who is an ‘Underdog’

I first heard the word ‘Underdog’ in movies. It describes the character who begins at a disadvantage — socially, emotionally or circumstantially — and still chooses to act towards their goal.

Rocky

Chak De! India

The Karate Kid

Udaan

Lagaan

These are movies that carry a clear underdog storyline. And we love rooting for these characters because when we see them overcome their hardships and do well for themselves, we hope that we can do the same for ourselves too.

What happened at the workshop

I remember this from one of my Talk to Anyone workshops. I introduced an activity that required one person to stand in front of the class silently and be gazed at for a minute.

This can be nerve wracking. Once I explained the activity, I asked if anyone wanted to be the first person to step forward.

I expected the participants who exhibited a decent amount of confidence in the class to come forward. But they didn’t.

To my surprise, it was Pranav (name changed) who stepped forward — the most shy, awkward and nervous person in the room that day.

As he got off his chair and walked towards me, I could see he was unsure yet determined.

Once Pranav decided to step forward, it didn’t matter how he performed the activity. He wanted to overcome his disadvantages which made everyone there already see him as a winner.

The ‘Underdog’ in you

So many of us carry a kind of insecurity about ourselves. Or maybe we feel inferior because of our circumstances, or we think we lack the skills and are afraid of looking foolish.

What if you stepped forward and chose to participate despite these disadvantages?

Not to seek validation.

Not to look for your 15 seconds of fame.

Not for a reason to boast to others.

But because it is important for you to break past the things that hold you back and move closer to your goal.

That translates to a sincere effort. We don’t root for underdogs because they win. We root for them because they try sincerely from a place of disadvantage.

In social situations, the underdog isn’t the one who speaks the best. It’s the one who speaks despite fear.

People can sense this. When you make a sincere effort, they are likely to respond positively to it.

What psychology says about it

Research says that people are emotionally drawn to individuals who start at a disadvantage but demonstrate effort.

The fact that Akshaye Khanna has a conventional look, isn’t considered an A-list actor, has no high celebrity status, doesn’t rely on PR presence and carries just a modest following — puts him at a disadvantage over many others.

That’s why the sudden praise and attention he’s received feel genuinely earned and we (as the audience) cannot help but root for him.

A shy person speaking up earns more admiration than a confident person doing the same thing. 

One person breaking social hesitation reduces fear for the entire group. Pranav made it easier for everyone else to do the activity after him.

Practice this

Pick small moments in the week where you can step forward:- Raise your hand in a meeting to make a point- Start a conversation instead of waiting to be approached

- Hold eye contact one second longer than you do

- Share a counter opinion without over-editing it

Even if you aren’t likely to do it “well”, do it anyway, especially when you feel nervous.

That’s the underdog move.