I don't have the strength or wisdom to get through a single day without guidance and grace from God.
You should never be defined by what you do, by the things you have; you've got to define yourself by who you are and who you impact and how you impact people. And that's the thing I try to get across to my players.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True identity lies in personal values and the impact one has on others, not in external possessions or accomplishments.
In this quote, Tony Dungy emphasizes the importance of self-definition based on character and influence rather than material possessions or professional roles. He encourages individuals to focus on their values, their relationships with others, and the positive effects they can have in the world, particularly in leadership and mentorship roles. This perspective is vital for personal growth and authentic connection with others.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a team-building seminar, I used this quote to inspire teammates to focus on building relationships rather than just winning.
More from Tony Dungy
All quotes →Football is a vocation and an opportunity for ministry. But it's not a life.
When Jim Irsay called me five years ago, he told me, 'I want you to be our coach and help us win the Super Bowl.' He told me, 'We are going win it the right way. We are going to win it with great guys; win it with class and dignity. We are going to win it in a way that will make Indianapolis proud.'
People look at me and see a calm, cool guy on the sidelines and I want them to know that my Christian faith affects my coaching and everything I do.
God’s definition of success is really one of significance-the significant difference our lives can make in the lives of others. The significance doesn’t show up in won-loss records, long resumes, or the trophies gathering dust on our mantels. It’s found in the hearts and lives of those we’ve come across who are in some way better because of the way we lived.
Our goal was to win, to win a Super Bowl, but also to win in the right way, to be role models to our community, to represent Indianapolis, the state of Indiana and the National Football League.
Similar quotes
Challenge yourself; it’s the only path which leads to growth.
One by one I have seen obstacles removed, errors corrected, prejudices softened, proscriptions relinquished, and my people advancing in all the elements that go to make up the sum of the general welfare. And I remember that God reigns in eternity, and that whatever delays, whatever disappointments and discouragements may come, truth, justice, liberty and humanity will ultimately prevail.
Do what experts since the dawn of recorded history have told you you must do: pay the price by becoming the person you want to become. It's not nearly as difficult as living unsuccessfully.
If you're trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I've had them; everybody has had them
I just wish people would realize that anything's possible if you try; dreams are made possible if you try.
Never give up. No matter what is happening, no matter what is going on around you, never give up.