I love rooting for the underdogs. Whether it’s a sports team that’s not favored to win or everyday people trying to overcome tremendous obstacles, I love the David vs. Goliath spirit that takes hold of people when the odds are not in their favor. Remember the story of Chris Gardner? In the 2006 movie, The Pursuit of Happyness, Will Smith portrays the homeless and destitute Gardner as he struggles to take care of his infant son. There is a poignant scene in the movie in which Smith takes refuge with his son on the bathroom floor of the BART subway station. As his eyes fill with tears, Smith captures the sense of hopelessness and powerlessness felt by Gardner and so many other homeless parents. If you saw the movie (or read his book) you know that Chris Gardner went on to become a stockbroker, founding his own brokerage firm and becoming a multimillionaire, philanthropist, and motivational speaker.
When I hear stories like these, the question always comes to mind, “what does it take for underdogs to overcome?” This question has become my mantra as I talk to the teenage homeless mothers we serve at Almost Home. They want the same thing for themselves that each of us wants – a nice home, a good income, with support and encouragement from those who love you. When you’re faced with the challenges of being a homeless, abused, teen mom you become the underdog who fights everyday just to ward off the feelings of hopelessness and despair that Will Smith dramatically portrayed. Underdogs have to dig deeper than the average person just to access that reservoir of determination, tenacity, and persistence that helps them to keep going when the crowd is ready to count them out. I see that determination and resilience in the young women we serve at Almost Home. Every day they get up and defy the odds. In watching our girls I’ve noticed a pattern of what helps underdogs overcome. It boils down to four basic questions:
- What is the Big Goal you’re trying to pursue?
- Who is your Goliath? What or who is standing in your way?
- What creative or innovative tactics can you use to reach your goal?
- Who is your support system? Who can you count on to cheer you on?
Perhaps these tips will help you beat the Goliaths in your life. If you want to learn more about this check out Malcolm Gladwell’s article entitled “How David Beat Goliath”
Let me know what you think of the article.
To Your Success,
Rhonda Gray, Executive Director
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