Real Underdogs Rise Up

Recently, I began working with a business coach. Although I'm unsure if she fits the traditional definition of one, she's more like that honest friend you want by your side, quietly reminding you of what you already know about yourself. Asking for help can be both difficult and easy at the same time. However, starting my own business has been as challenging as anticipated. I never doubted it would require hard work and consume much time.

But in some ways, it's even more complicated than I initially thought.

I've taken on many tough challenges; sometimes, I wish they would disappear. But as I've grown older, I've learned that they are less challenges and more experience in life. Learning more about managing our emotions in school would have been helpful. Just because something is hard doesn't mean everything else stops. We still have to find a way to push through and cope daily. Life isn't meant to be easy - the things we love and enjoy are often the result of hard work and determination. Just like grapes thrive in rocky soil, perhaps we do too. Now, I'm not trying to glamorize struggles - trust me, the older I get, the less I want to intentionally make things difficult simply for the sake of "learning." if anything, I want to provide more opportunities that are more accessible.

But as a business owner, having a clear mind and understanding of oneself is essential—especially when you are your product, which is where I am right now. This week, I gained a bit more clarity about myself.

For as long as I can remember, I have seen myself as an underdog. The other day, my coach asked me to define what that means, and I had to pause. How could I put into words the essence of being an underdog? Having a perpetual soundtrack in my head, a song immediately came to mind - Paula Abdul's "Opposites Attract," where she sings, "Two steps forward, two steps back." Little MC Skat Kat for your Friday morning…

MC Skat Kat and Paula Abdul

To me, an underdog (maybe it should be Undercat because of MC Skat Kat) starts a few steps behind others but keeps pushing forward at their own pace. It may not always be as quick as others, but progress is still being made.

But it hit me when I was telling her about underdogs—at what point do we stop thinking of ourselves as underdogs and start thinking of ourselves as advocates for other underdogs?

For far too long, I have seen myself lacking in essential areas. I never earned a degree, never received a promotion without having to interview, and never had someone championing me. But last year, when things were falling apart at my job, and I asked for help from my colleagues who witnessed it all, they just stood by. It wasn't the terrible situation that bothered me, but rather the people who saw it and did nothing. The ones who shrugged and thought, "At least it's not happening to me."

This realization has completely shifted my perspective on underdogs - within myself and in my business.

I don’t stand by.

No matter how I perceive my shortcomings, these experiences taught me who I am. Life has taught me to persevere through obstacles and be a caring individual who uplifts others. It's taught me that someone's education or job status does not determine their worth or place in society.

To me, the true definition of an underdog is someone who may have started with fewer resources or advantages but continues moving forward at their own pace while advocating for others. Promoting accessible education and helping individuals recognize their talents and value as a career is a form of supporting and standing up for others. Providing inclusive learning opportunities for individuals to gain new skills is also a way of advocating for others and creating a more equal playing field.

Because without opportunities built for accessibility, we are creating two steps back for people. We are making those two steps forward the hardest and heaviest they have to take.

This week, I remembered more about who I am as I learned from this latest life experience: I want to have that megaphone in hand, cheering people on and providing opportunities they wouldn’t have otherwise. For far too long, underdogs have been viewed as behind or lesser than others. But the truth is, they possess a unique strength and tenacity that sets them apart. I realized that it is not about being behind but rather being the ones who rise up when needed and lift each other toward success.