Thank Those Who Underestimate You!

Be Grateful For Being An Underdog.

Sushmita Pedaprolu
3 min readMay 9, 2021

Some people are fortunate enough to have teachers, parents, or bosses who empower them. A pat on the back or at least an acknowledgment of your passion and dedication can go a long way in giving us a healthy sense of confidence. Encouragement and Empowerment can turn ordinary employees or students into extraordinary ones. Unfortunately, a lot of us don’t find this and end up living ordinary lives. Look around!

We are surrounded by untapped potential, unlived dreams, and underrated artists.

I’m not talking about false praise or giving dishonest feedback. I’m talking about the authorities’ inability or complete lack of interest in noticing any kind of potential in youngsters and perhaps just giving them a little push. Is that too much to ask?

In my own childhood and career, I have struggled to find people who believed in me. But off late, I have realized that it is a kind of a boon. When you are not lucky enough to find people who empower you, you can perhaps find power differently — By channeling your anger.

A lot has been said about anger and how it is a negative emotion. But emotions are not positive or negative — even a so-called ‘positive’ emotion like joy can have a negative element to it (Sadists, when they see people suffering, feel a sense of joy, don’t they? Being too empathetic can sometimes backfire because an abuser thrives on the victim’s empathy). Our understanding and labeling of emotions are black or white and not nuanced. Anger or excitement or awe or any other emotions are not good or bad, per se; they just are. How we manage them or channel them is what ultimately makes the difference.

Since the beginning of this year, I am trying to find empowerment through anger. Almost all authorities in my life have consistently made me feel that I am not good enough and that I don’t belong in places where important decisions are made. It is painful, but it can be powerful, too — being an underdog can be a boon if you have a healthy sense of self-love in your life. If you are not egoistic and are not afraid of constructive feedback (from your inner critic and others), you can use this anger as fuel. Because a lot of times, you won’t find mentors or supportive people. Or appreciation. That’s life. But you can always vent.

Venting honors your anger. Your anger is proof that you know your worth. So, wear the UNDERDOG badge with honor and pride.

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Sushmita Pedaprolu

Feminist. Autodidact. Introvert. Highly Sensitive Person. Optimist. Spiritual Seeker.