Visionary's Pursuit

53. Are You The Underdog or Winning Horse?

Listen Later
 
Episode Summary

Is the mindset that got you here now holding you back?

In this week's episode, we explore a fascinating distinction a client of mine made about seeing herself as an "underdog" rather than a "winning horse." This conversation spurred me to reflect on when entrepreneurs need to evolve their identity to match their ambitions and current reality.

Summary

After a thought provoking conversation with a client who mentioned she identified as the underdog, we get into the psychology behind two mindsets that shape how entrepreneurs and leaders show up. Drawing from stories of entrepreneurs and business titans, what made them successful being the same thing that led to their fall, this episode reveals both the strengths and limitations of the underdog and winning horse mentalities.

Key Takeaways:

The Underdog Mindset

  • Fueled by overcoming odds and proving doubters wrong
  • Strengths include resilience, grit, innovation from necessity, and high tolerance for failure
  • Shadow includes potential addiction to struggle and unconscious sabotage of success
  • Risk involves staying in familiar hardship instead of embracing success

    • The Winning Horse Mindset

    • Fueled by self trust, inevitability, and owning the frontrunner identity
    • Strengths include confidence, calm execution, ability to attract opportunities, and magnetic presence
    • Shadow includes pressure to maintain image, fear of failure, and playing defensively
    • Risk involves becoming risk averse and stopping innovation (like Kodak and Blockbuster)

      • Episode Highlights:

      [00:00] Introduction [02:15] The client conversation that sparked this episode [03:45] Stories of famous underdogs including Jim Carrey and J.K. Rowling [05:30] Understanding the underdog mindset and its fuel [07:20] The strengths underdogs possess [08:45] Exploring the winning horse mentality [10:30] Tom Brady on consistency versus being special [12:00] The shadow side of being an underdog [14:30] When winning horses stop taking risks [16:00] The Kodak and Blockbuster cautionary tales [17:30] Your homework assignment to identify your current mindset [19:00] How changing your mindset changes your decisions [20:45] The power of believing you're in demand [22:00] Visionary Mindset Program invitation

      Memorable Quotes:

      "You don't need to be special. You need to be what most people aren't: consistent, determined, and willing to work hard." - Tom Brady (referenced in episode)

      "Believing you're a winning horse or an underdog doesn't have to come from the circumstances. You can see yourself as a winning horse, even when the revenue in your business is not where you want it to be."

      "Seeing yourself as the winner is where you begin, and from there, you create your success."

      Your Action Steps:

      1. Identify your current mindset. Do you see yourself as an underdog or winning horse?
      2. Examine your current decisions through both lenses
      3. Ask yourself these questions
        • If you're an underdog, consider how you would approach this if you knew you were the winning horse
        • If you're a winning horse, consider what the underdog would do in this situation
        • Reflect on whether you're ready to let go of your underdog identity and step into being the winner

          • About This Episode:

          This episode challenges entrepreneurs and business leaders to examine whether their current mindset serves their next level of growth. We break down why many successful people unknowingly sabotage their success by clinging to the underdog identity that got them started, while others play it too safe at the top. The episode provides practical tools for recognizing when you need to adopt a new perspective and embrace an identity that matches your ambitions.

           

          Visionary Mindset Program (Now Open for Enrollment!)
          Book a 15 minute consultation call here

           

          Connect with Carolina:

          • Website
          • Book a 1/1 consultation
          • LinkedIn
          • Instagram: @carolinazuleta

            • About Visionary's Pursuit:

            A podcast for entrepreneurs and leaders turning bold ideas into reality. Hosted by life and business coach Carolina Zuleta, each episode provides mindset strategies, practical tools, and inspiration to help you manage yourself, your team, and your resources while pursuing your biggest visions.

            Subscribe & Review:

            If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe to Visionary's Pursuit and leave a review. Your feedback helps other visionary leaders discover the show and join our community of ambitious entrepreneurs creating exceptional results.

            ...more
            View all episodesView all episodes
            Download on the App Store
            Visionary's PursuitBy Carolina Zuleta