UBA029 - A chip on my shoulder

How to use it for good

Currently, I'm reading Talent: How to Identify Energizers, Creatives, and Winners Around the World by Tyler Cowen and Daniel Gross. And a part jumped out to me - whilst many believe that raw talent is the sole key to success, Michael Moritz, a keen observer of human nature and achievement, paints a different picture. He's drawn to individuals who've weathered harsh realities, particularly in their formative years. It's this very resilience, born from overcoming hardship, that sparks his interest. He sees a strong link between enduring hardship, developing a "chip on your shoulder", and ultimately achieving great things.

This isn't just theoretical observation. Look at Sir Alex Ferguson, a legendary football manager who collaborated with Moritz on his autobiography. He reveals how top athletes like Ronaldo and Messi separate themselves from the pack. It's not just natural talent, but an obsessive commitment to self-improvement, often fuelled by their personal challenges and the burning desire to prove themselves.

I've seen this firsthand, having worked with some of the world's best athletes. Ronaldo arriving at training in a suit while others rocked up in tracksuits is just one example. One thing I’ve always managed to do when working with these athletes, clubs, managers etc. is that I ‘get’ the sport - even though I don’t really ‘like’ sports. I understand the drive, struggles and commitment to become world-class athletes, to be obsessed and train to hone your skills, and the passion that drives them and their fans.

Growing up though, things were different. My brother and I were raised by a single mother, often ostracised for not being married, plus heaps of other societal nonsense from that era. We didn't have much, wore second-hand clothes and never had the "cool stuff". While everyone sported Choppers, I had a Tomahawk (Ironically Chopper became my nickname). Heated debates about PVC trainers versus leather Adidas (five pairs for the price of one!) still make me smile, especially considering I later worked with Nike on countless launches and still haven't touched a pair of Adidas in my life.

My mother - a strong woman, a little Scottish pocket rocket - juggled multiple cleaning jobs, then worked in pubs, even taking on the challenge of running struggling pubs. Eventually, she became the sole landlady - a remarkable feat considering the industry norm was couples running pubs together. School was a struggle, with a dyslexia diagnosis only coming in my 40s. Back then, labels like "problem child" were readily handed out, but I never felt hard done by or owed anything.

So reading Moritz's observations made me wonder, do I have a chip on my shoulder? Has this been powering me on for all these years? I know I react badly if people try to judge me or look down on me. Could this "chip," often viewed negatively, actually be an asset? This adversity-forged mindset, this constant need to prove myself, could be a powerful driver or alienator. While this drive can be a powerful asset, it's also important to balance it with self-care and mindfulness, ensuring it doesn't lead to burnout or negatively impact relationships.

Moritz understands that the most promising prospects aren't always the ones who've already achieved success. They're the ones who are fiercely determined to work harder than anyone else to reach the top.

The Old "Silver Spooner Vs Scrapper"

Regina Hartley, in her TEDx talk titled "Silver Spooner Vs Scrapper", presents a compelling argument for choosing job candidates who have faced and overcome adversity, whom she refers to as "Scrappers". Hartley, a human resources executive, expresses a preference for Scrappers over candidates with seemingly perfect resumés: the "Silver Spooners". She believes that those who have thrived despite difficulties possess a resilience and determination crucial for success in a dynamic workplace.

Hartley acknowledges the hard work and sacrifice required to graduate from elite universities but questions how well these Silver Spooners can handle challenges, citing an example of a hire from such a background who struggled with tasks he deemed beneath him. In contrast, Scrappers, often having faced significant life challenges, develop a strong sense of self-reliance and purpose. They are accustomed to asking what they can do differently to improve outcomes, a mindset Hartley finds invaluable in business.

Supporting her argument, Hartley references a study showing a high proportion of successful entrepreneurs have dyslexia. In the U.S., 35% of entrepreneurs studied had this condition. Remarkably, these individuals view their dyslexia not as a hindrance but as an advantageous difficulty, contributing to their success by honing their listening skills and attention to detail. They credit their adversity as a fundamental part of their identity and success, suggesting that the resilience and grit developed through overcoming challenges are key to entrepreneurial achievement.

Turning Criticism and Self-Driven Motivation into Fuel

Great leaders in sports and business have mastered the art of using criticism as a motivator. But sometimes, the most powerful motivators come from within. This internal drive, ignited by the need to overcome personal challenges, can be a transformative force.

Adversity stings, yes. But it also sculpts. It builds resilience, resourcefulness, and an insatiable hunger for success. It whispers, "They said you couldn't? Show them."

So, have you embraced your "chip"? Perhaps that childhood struggle, that societal slight, that underdog label – it's not a burden, it's your secret sauce. Own it, channel it, let it propel you to heights your smooth-sailing peers can only dream of.

"No man is more unhappy than he who never faces adversity. For he is not permitted to prove himself.", Seneca

Are you ready to prove yourself? Let your grit be your guide.

Written by Mark