PUNCHING ABOVE YOUR WEIGHT

If you know much about the sport of boxing, you may have heard of the metaphor “punching above your weight.” In boxing matches contestants are usually put in weight categories to keep the competition fair. To continue with the example, if you fight someone over your weight category and you win, you have punched above your weight.

This is the David and Goliath story. The underdog that somehow miraculously wins or overachieves against all odds. Although we love winners, there is something in our souls that pulls for the one who doesn’t have a prayer but tries with all of their hearts to move mountains.

Many times my advertising agency, T3 was pitted against the “big guys” who had formidable resources. When I asked my team how we were going to perform in the competition, they would laugh and say “we will fight above our weight.” And, man oh man, we did. Over and over we would be the victors against the largest global ad agencies in the industry.

How did we do it? We offered ideas and innovation that our competitors had not thought of. We proved we could be more responsive and nimble. We really understood our clients’ business and customers. We paid attention to details. We demonstrated we could get results. We endeared clients with our authenticity, hard work and hunger to win. Our team proved that we were worthy of the clients’ trust. And, before we walked out of the room we asked for their business.

When you are up against an opponent or situations that seem insurmountable, give yourself credit. Never shy away from an opportunity to fight above your weight. If you want to win, you just might. And if you don’t try, you will never know. If you lose in the end, dissect the situation and understand why, so the next time you're better prepared.

Don’t be afraid to punch above your weight. If you believe, you might enjoy the sweet taste of victory.

Five foot two and fighting!

Gay Gaddis

Founder. Author. Artist. Trailblazer.

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