David vs. Goliath: How Can the Underdog Win Against the Giant?
Three thousand years ago, on a battlefield in ancient Palestine, a shepherd boy felled a mighty warrior with nothing more than a stone and a sling. Since then, the names of David and Goliath have stood for battles between underdogs and giants. David’s victory was improbable and miraculous. He shouldn’t have won.
In David and Goliath, Malcolm Gladwell challenges how we think about obstacles and disadvantages. Underdogs can overturn the odds and succeed by employing unconventional tactics.
In a direct fight, competitors with vastly superior resources and wealth outgun their weaker opponents nearly every time. However, while underdogs can’t hope to beat stronger opponents in a direct battle, they stand a higher likelihood of success if they employ surprising strategies. The underdog can do so by focusing on their own unique qualities; they maximize their own strengths while avoiding situations more suited to their opponent’s strengths.
We, as physicians, have unique strength. We do everything in our power to help our patients. We need to do the same for ourselves. We need courage and resilience, but also a willingness to take risks. Please devote one day to our profession and join MSSNY’s Lobby Day on March 14, 2023, in Albany. Register here.
Our heart goes out to the people of Turkey and Syria. We should all support humanitarian efforts whichever way we can. Read MSSNY’s statement of support here.
Police and firefighters are brave, and they are superheroes. Our deepest condolences to the family of Adeed Fayaz, who lost his life in a senseless tragedy.
And finally, in celebration of Black History Month, we honor MSSNY Past President and Current Board of Trustees Chair Dr Malcolm Reid for his tireless service to MSSNY over many years.
Every second you think about the next moment, you avoid embracing the present. Ensure that your life is not lived entirely in your head.—Vex King.
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