Persistence
Gladwell's motivation seems to be persistence. He argues that a person can overcome any odds, any handicaps, or any losses if they remain persistent. A simple solution to a major setback may be as simple as not making excuses. If you set a goal, then you can achieve it so long as you're committed to success. So persistence is the where Gladwell's theory rests. He uses examples of real life people who have demonstrated this mindset, this skill, well in their own lives -- David Boies, Emily J. Freireich, etc.
Anomaly
Gladwell's theory about underdogs rests upon the concept of anomaly. He's trying to argue that people should not give up because statistical anomalies happen all the time. Despite the odds, you may get lucky. Gladwell is bordering on the idea of karma, but he expresses the idea through statistics rather than psychology. There is actual value in committing yourself to a goal with persistence. Often by adapting an attitude of optimism, you can actually manifest good karma. In other words, by exercising gratitude and hope, you can change the way your brain functions, in order to perceive and adapt to situations more successfully, thus improving your circumstances. Gladwell comes to this conclusion by proving the conclusion's existence, without drawing out too much of the process of achieving success despite odds stacked against you.
Success
Gladwell is writing about success. That's the goal, the focus, and the standard. To Gladwell, success means not accepting excuses for failure. Instead he suggests that nothing can stop a person if they determine to be successful. Even the odds will sometimes yield to a persistent person. That's his entire focus. He wants to encourage people to not give up, to persist, and to act boldly. If you're trying to be successful, however, you need to first define what success means to you. Success is applicable in any life situation: social, emotional, financial, etc. Although Gladwell focuses on strategies to help people become successful, he still acknowledges that the individual must define their end goals every time.
