I know from experience that a conviction for a white-collar crime can be a life-altering experience. It is easy to feel stigmatized and isolated; we face employment challenges, reputational challenges, and depression or mental health issues that can persist.
In my case, I began to overcome these issues by living like an underdog. In this podcast, we will discuss ten benefits of living like an underdog and how it can help individuals overcome the stigma of a white-collar crime conviction.
Embracing the Underdog Mindset in White Collar Crime Cases
Resilience:
Living like an underdog requires individuals to develop strength, which is the ability to bounce back from adversity. People convicted of white-collar crimes may have faced numerous challenges but learn to bounce back by developing resilience. Consider Ron Throgmartin, who just surrendered to federal prison for six years.
Resourcefulness:
Living like an underdog also requires individuals to be resourceful, which means finding creative solutions to problems. Individuals convicted of white-collar crimes may face limited job opportunities and social connections, but they can find alternative ways to succeed by being resourceful. Consider the case of Jonathan Shokrian at MeUndies.
Empathy:
Living like an underdog can also help develop empathy, which is the ability to ourself in the shoes of others. People convicted of white-collar crimes may have a deeper understanding of the challenges that others face, which can help them develop empathy and compassion.
Humility:
Living like an underdog also requires individuals to be humble, which means recognizing one’s limitations and weaknesses. Individuals convicted of white-collar crimes may have been in positions of power and influence, but living like an underdog can develop humility and a greater sense of self-awareness.
Courage:
Living like an underdog requires courage, which means facing challenges and overcoming fears. Individuals convicted of white-collar crimes may encounter significant obstacles, but by developing courage, they can overcome them and succeed. Consider our clients who speak to large groups at no cost to educate and teach.
Perseverance:
Living like an underdog requires perseverance, which means persisting in adversity. We may face setbacks and challenges, but we can keep moving forward by developing perseverance. Attribute much of my success to just sticking with it.
Adaptability:
Living like an underdog also requires individuals to be adaptable, which means adjusting to new situations and circumstances. People must adapt to new job opportunities, social connections, and environments, but they can thrive in these situations by being adaptable.
Creativity:
Living like an underdog also requires individuals to be creative, which means finding innovative solutions to problems. People may need to find creative ways to rebuild their reputations and succeed in their careers, but they can achieve their goals by being creative. Our prison course is an example.
Gratitude:
Living like an underdog also requires individuals to be grateful, which means appreciating the good things in life and not taking them for granted. Defendants may have lost many things, but they can find joy and meaning in their lives by developing gratitude.
Authenticity:
Living like an underdog also requires individuals to be authentic, which means being genuine and honest. We may feel pressure to conform to social expectations, but we can develop a stronger sense of self and live a more fulfilling life by being authentic.
Living like an underdog helped me overcome my conviction. It can help you, too!
Justin Paperny
P.S. To learn more, read this great book.
