Mindset Monday - The Underdog
"People pay to see others believe in themselves." – Kim Gordon
I recently saw the quote above and for whatever reason it jumped out at me. I happened to be on a flight and had some mental downtime and was able to think about it for a bit while the United Airlines wifi was cutting in and out.
Why is it that we are so enamored by shows and stories where the underdog believes in themselves? The average joe that gets a chance at the champ and goes the distance. The rag tag team of kids playing hockey that win the championship. The home town singer who goes to Hollywood to take their shot.
As humans we cant get enough of it. The Voice is on season 30 or something crazy, and pretty much every developed nation on the planet has their version of the show. The Rocky and Mighty Ducks franchises have made way too many movies, and Rocky movies seem to keep coming somehow.
So why do we love these stories so much?
All of us know that we don’t take the shots we are supposed to take. We all know we don’t take the risks we know we should.
We watch these stories and live vicariously through them. It helps us fill in the blanks for our own story and we get a little taste of what it feels like to have that moment for ourselves.
The problem is we watch these stories play out our entire lives…for others. We jump at the chance to sit down for another movie where we wait for the bell to ring to see if the challenger has what it takes. We tell the kids to keep it down while wait for that first note to hit from the singer, and try to will the judges to turn the chair around. We just never do it for ourselves.
All of these stories have huge payoffs if it goes well and perceived major consequences if it doesn’t, but what is the risk really?
The singer doesn’t get picked, so what, they will be on American Idol in a month. The hockey team loses, sad but the sun rises in the morning and there is always next season. The boxer gets knocked out, they wake up. I have been knocked out, I wouldn’t say I want to make a habit of it, but the good news is you don’t remember it anyway. There is no mortal danger, It’s the ego that takes the biggest hit.
This weeks call to action is to push the envelope a little and take that risk you know you should.
I am not saying you have to challenge Mike Tyson tomorrow, we just need to continually confront the fear and doubt and do it anyway, even at “micro” level.
A potential referral partner office you know you should stop by, but you haven’t? Do it.
A home buyer class you have wanted to put on but nervous about attendance? Schedule it.
Posting a video on social about a client experience or program, but don’t like how you look or sound on camera? Hit the record button.
These little instances of stacking wins on top of each other will pay big dividends at the end of they year. Before you know it you might be playing for your own championship.
Get after it!
Written by Chris Catania
Chris Catania entered the mortgage industry in 2005. As a seasoned Branch Manager and coach at Fairway, Chris has consistently been at the forefront of providing, creative problem solving, exceptional service and tailored financial solutions. His commitment to excellence and deep understanding of the mortgage landscape have made him a trusted advisor and a leading figure in the field.
Beyond his professional achievements, Chris is a Army veteran, devoted husband and father. He is an avid outdoorsman and hunter. Chris also brings his leadership experience and skills to the community as a coach, where he mentors individuals, teaching them the values of teamwork, discipline, accountability and perseverance. Chris Catania's blend of professional acumen, family dedication, and community involvement truly sets him apart as a respected professional and valued community member.
