I just recently finished up Dean Graziosi’s new book, The Underdog Advantage.
First off, I gotta say that I’m a huge fan of Dean’s. Whether in his businesses, books, or digital content, the dude is full of so much passion for his work.
Admittedly, I didn’t grow up a reader. In fact, I was one of 4 students who had to get called down to have a book read to us by the librarian because we hadn’t read one all year. Yay me! Lol.
But, like most aspirational people, the older I got, the more I started to realize the truth in the old saying “leaders are readers.” Problem was, I still REALLY hated reading. That was until I started to find books that I really connected with.
Since then I’ve developed a love for reading, and it was because of books like The Underdog Advantage.
Things I love about The Underdog Advantage
It’s a short read
Although it’s 207 pages on paper, the large font and big spacing make it read much shorter. When it comes to the books I enjoy reading most, there’s not much fluff and it gets straight to the point – this book fits that mold.
You can read it cover to cover in as little as a few days.
It’s filled with Dean’s personality
Dean is a fiery character that embraces his authentic self throughout this book. Having heard him speak in person, I can tell you that this book is written just like Dean speaks.
It’s got cursing, humor, and storytelling, all things that make Dean… well… Dean!
Because of that, the teachings throughout the book feel so much more valuable.
It’s filled with real life examples of Dean’s teachings
As someone who’s in the personal development space, I know how “out of left field” some of the teachings can get. As well meaning as some of these coaches and “gurus” are, their work can get way to woo-woo and airy-fairy for most people where they don’t seem to make any damn sense.
In The Underdog Advantage, Dean does an awesome job of using stories to represent the point of each chapter. Whether it’s a story from his personal experiences, or one from a friend of his, the stories make the teachings so much easier to understand.
The stories also make the book and Dean much more relatable for the reader, which is an impressive feat considering he’s worth a reported $43 million.
Summary of The Underdog Advantage
Throughout the book, Dean draws a comparison between the “underdogs” and the “privileged,” or essentially the “haves” and “have nots.”
Because of his experience growing up poor in a small New York town, Dean was the classic underdog. He didn’t have any advantages that would make any sense for him to end up where he is now as an immensely successful serial entrepreneur.
So how did he overcome the odds to accomplish all he has?
Dean starts the book pointing out that for most people, being an underdog without any advantages in life is enough to cause them to settle for lives well below what they truly desire.
But, even though most people allow their lack of privilege to hold them back, Dean believes that being an underdog was his greatest advantage in life. It was that truth about him that fueled him rather than defined him.
Dean makes 7 key points throughout the book, which are the titles of his chapters. I’m not going to summarize each one (because I want you to read the book of course), but you can see them below to get an idea of where Dean goes throughout the book.
- Underdogs have nothing to lose
- Underdogs can use “the power of you can’t”
- Underdogs act fast and improve quickly
- Underdogs are relentlessly resourceful
- Underdogs self-educate
- Underdogs don’t have to care what other people think
- Underdogs turn desperation into persuasion
Wrapped up in these 7 chapters are a blend of inspiration and nuggets of wisdom that can help any self-proclaimed “underdog” defy the odds and build a life they love.
A little bonus
When you buy the book, Dean includes the link to his free 30 day Better Life Challenge. Again, as someone in the personal development space, I love challenges. When done correctly, they can be a great tool to help someone create real, lasting changes in their lives.
Dean’s challenge is broken up into bite-sized, easy-to-implement chunks spread out over the 30 days. It definitely brings some real value if you do the work.
The are some great quotes throughout The Underdog Advantage
“I should be drinking tea, eating crumpets, driving on the wrong side of the road, and bowing to the Queen. You know why I’m not? Because of an underdog.”
“Underdogs have certain traits they can turn into superpowers when used correctly.”
“When I say Underdog, I don’t mean your life has to be tragic and you’re living on the streets. It just feels like a few (or many) cards are stacked against you and if you could just get them out of the way, you could soar. You could unleash that next-level version of you to the world, only if…”
“What if the things you thought were holding you back were actually superpowers – if only you saw them that way?”
“Everyone looks at all the advantages that the so-called privileged have and miss the massive advantage that the underdog has: when you have nothing to lose, you can do anything you want.”
“Underdogs have to face the truth, and not hide from their problems, and this is what helps them succeed.”
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a laid-back, insightful, and practical read that gives you an idea of the mindset and mentality it takes to overcome whatever odds you may be facing, The Underdog Advantage is a great book to read.
I love being able to learn about and get to know-ish highly successful people who are making the type of impact that I desire to make some day. Well, in this book Dean opens up and shows the entire story, highs and lows, of what that journey is like.
For another powerful resource that’ll set you up for success, download my Ultimate Clarity Guide.
Just a heads up, this page may contain affiliate links. If you click on them and purchase, I would receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thanks for your support.
