I typically don’t enjoy reading autobiographies and biographies, but because I’m confident that they add value and perspective to the other reading that I’m doing I’m committed to working through them.

Crazy enough, I’m actually beginning to enjoy sitting at the feet of great people as they tell me their stories!

Recently I wrapped up Tony Dungy’s book Quiet Strength and found a TON of great insight and inspiration packed in this book.

Over the next few weeks I’ll be posting some of my favorite take-aways from his book! (You can buy it here)

Here we go…

• Complaining only wastes time. When life is tough or unfair spend your time figuring out how to get through it successfully.

• “Blanket rules don’t always fit every individual. I need to treat everybody fairly, but fair doesn’t always mean equal.”

• Hard work may take you further than natural skills. “The truth is that most people have a better chance to be uncommon by effort than by natural gifts. Anyone could give that effort in his or her chosen endeavor, but the typical person doesn’t, choosing to do only enough to get by.”

• Don’t make your team guess about the tough stuff. Be clear and timely with information that will have a negative impact on the team.

• Don’t make promises that unanticipated events will make you break.