In the summer of 2020 I continued re-reading some of my favorite books by enjoying “Quiet Strength” by Tony Dungy. It is a FANTASTIC book that emphasizes true success isn’t found by being flashy, but being consistent.
For those of you who are unaware, Tony Dungy is a veteran football coach (now an analyst) who gained a reputation for being quiet and calm under the most stressful situations.
Coach Dungy also was known for his emphasis on self-discipline. His attitude came from veteran Pittsburgh Steelers coach Chuck Knoll who said “Champions do ordinary things better than anyone else.”
This philosophy led Dungy to teach his players to repeat the same habit constantly till it became second nature (this story is explained in another book “the power of habit.” This repetition of a small habit didn’t seem to make much of an impact, but over time it made his team one of the most successful in the NFL.
More than his philosophy, quiet strength referred to the way of life for Tony Dungy. He is a man of quiet demeanor whose life revolves around hard work and self-discipline.
This contrasts many of the “loud people” in the world today.
Not just loud physically, but loud in the way they live their lives
Many choose the flashy life or way of life that attracts everyone’s attention to themselves. Often this kind of loud life does attract attention or accolades. But it’s the quiet excellent people who end up accomplishing more.
I am so grateful for the testimony of Coach Dungy as someone who embraces the life of quiet excellence. And illustrates success isn’t define by how loud you are, but how much you accomplish.
Johnhwilburn.org 