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"We’re a bunch of underdogs. And you know what an underdog is? It’s a hungry dog. And hungry dogs run faster"

Jason Kelce
Jason Kelce Professional Football Player
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Quote meaning
The idea here is all about the power of being the underdog. Underdogs are the ones who aren't expected to win. They're often overlooked, underestimated, and, quite frankly, they're the ones with something to prove. This makes them hungry—hungry for success, hungry to show everyone what they've got. And that hunger? That's their secret weapon. It drives them to push harder, run faster, and strive for the kind of success that others might take for granted.

Historically, this notion of the underdog has been around for ages. Think of the legendary story of David and Goliath. David, the shepherd boy, armed with just a sling and a few stones, takes down Goliath, the giant warrior. That story has been a metaphor for the power of the underdog for centuries. People love rooting for the underdog because they see a bit of themselves in that struggle and determination.

Here's a practical example: The 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. The U.S. men's ice hockey team, composed mostly of college players, wasn't expected to stand a chance against the Soviet Union's national team, which was a well-oiled machine. But the U.S. team was hungry. They had heart, determination, and a lot to prove. Against all odds, they beat the Soviets in a game that's now famously known as the "Miracle on Ice." Their hunger and drive led them to one of the most unexpected and celebrated victories in sports history.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? First, embrace your underdog status. Don't shy away from the fact that you might be underestimated. Instead, use it as fuel. Let it ignite your passion and drive. Remember, being an underdog means you've got something to prove, and that can be incredibly motivating. Set clear goals, work tirelessly, and don't be afraid to take risks. When you're hungry, you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Imagine this scenario: You’re at work, and there’s a big promotion coming up. Everyone assumes the more experienced, more polished colleague will get it. But you? You’ve been quietly putting in the hours, learning, improving, and understanding the ins and outs of the job. You’re the underdog here. Use that. While others might be complacent, thinking they’ve got it in the bag, you can let your hunger push you to prepare more, to show up more, and to outperform. When the time comes, your effort and drive could very well tip the scales in your favor.

Being an underdog isn’t about feeling sorry for yourself. It’s about recognizing your position and turning it into your greatest advantage. It’s about being the one who’s got everything to gain and nothing to lose, the one who’s driven by that deep, insatiable hunger. And remember, it’s the hungry dog that runs the fastest. So, embrace it. Let that hunger push you beyond your limits, and you might just surprise everyone—including yourself.
Related tags
Ambition Determination Drive Hunger for success Motivation Overcoming odds Perseverance Resilience Speed Underdogs
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