In the next section of Quiet Strength, by Tony Dungy, Dungy describes some exciting moments in his career as a head coach. In chapter eighteen, Dungy describes one of the greatest comeback games in history. His Indianapolis Colts were playing his former team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, on Monday Night Football. They were down by a huge margin in the game. Amazingly, they started to come back in the second half of the game. The team kept believing and persevering in the game. Eventually, the Colts forced overtime and won the game in the end in one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history. The victory was especially sweet for Dungy as it came on his birthday and also against his former team.
In chapter seventeen, Dungy describes a few excellent seasons by the Colts. The Colts had several years of winning many games and making the playoffs. However, they would always be stopped a few steps short, notably by their nemesis, the New England Patriots. They seemed to choke in the playoffs as portrayed by the media. Nevertheless, Dungy took both the positives and the disappointments with him as he continued to work to find a true championship caliber football team.
After reading this section of reading, I relate closest to Dungy as a Colts fan myself. I lived through some of the painful playoff losses that Dungy describes in his book. The Colts had many excellent seasons, but they simply could not break through to the championship game until later. I always know that it is tough to do so well in a sport during the regular portion of the season and come up short when it really matters. Specifically, I had trouble with this problem in wrestling. I won many matches during the regular season. However, during the tournaments, I lost many close matches that I knew I was easily capable of winning. Overall, I agree with Dungy's disappointments as I have had my fair share of despairs in my life as well.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Reading: Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy (pgs. 183-214)
In the next section of Quiet Strength, by Tony Dungy, I could not help but feel sorry for Dungy's situation. In chapter fourteen, Dungy describes the long, drawn out process of him being fired by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He knew about rumors that he had a chance to be fired soon, but many close advisers told him the rumors were completely false. However, Dungy's tenure as the Buccaneers head coach eventually came to an end as he was fired. He still felt optimistic about his opportunity to serve as a head coach. Dungy realized that despite the firing, the Buccaneers saw him as a head coach in the NFL. He took all of his experiences with him as he searched for another coaching position.
In chapter fifteen, Dungy describes an unexpected turn of events. Dungy, although fired, remained working on several projects in the community in which he lived. He focused more attention on his family and in some ways, his spiritual life. However, he eventually received word that the Indianapolis Colts were interested in him as a head coach. In fact, Colts owner, Jim Irsay, said that Dungy was the only man for the job. Dungy accepted the job and began to work towards building a championship team. One specific component to his team was Peyton Manning. Manning was added to the Colts to lead their team to a championship in the future. Dungy describes his preparations for the team for the rest of the chapter as the Colts prepare to win a championship soon.
After reading this section of reading, I specifically enjoy Dungy's quick change of fortune. He goes from being a fired coach, to quickly becoming a coach of a team that desperately wants him. Not only was he hired by the Colts, but their owner knew that Dungy was the only man for the job. I believe whenever a leader, coach, or other influence in a sport or profession has extreme confidence in a person, that person's confidence is powerful. Dungy, backed by the management of the Colts, gained assurance that he was the one for the Colts. He was not simply a fill in coach. He was destined to lead to the team and be the perfect man for the job. Whenever coaches have had this kind of confidence in me, I have responded with positive performances. Truly, when a coach believes in me, I begin to believe in myself more. I have learned from Dungy's life that encouraging people are true keys to any person's success in a sport.
In chapter fifteen, Dungy describes an unexpected turn of events. Dungy, although fired, remained working on several projects in the community in which he lived. He focused more attention on his family and in some ways, his spiritual life. However, he eventually received word that the Indianapolis Colts were interested in him as a head coach. In fact, Colts owner, Jim Irsay, said that Dungy was the only man for the job. Dungy accepted the job and began to work towards building a championship team. One specific component to his team was Peyton Manning. Manning was added to the Colts to lead their team to a championship in the future. Dungy describes his preparations for the team for the rest of the chapter as the Colts prepare to win a championship soon.
After reading this section of reading, I specifically enjoy Dungy's quick change of fortune. He goes from being a fired coach, to quickly becoming a coach of a team that desperately wants him. Not only was he hired by the Colts, but their owner knew that Dungy was the only man for the job. I believe whenever a leader, coach, or other influence in a sport or profession has extreme confidence in a person, that person's confidence is powerful. Dungy, backed by the management of the Colts, gained assurance that he was the one for the Colts. He was not simply a fill in coach. He was destined to lead to the team and be the perfect man for the job. Whenever coaches have had this kind of confidence in me, I have responded with positive performances. Truly, when a coach believes in me, I begin to believe in myself more. I have learned from Dungy's life that encouraging people are true keys to any person's success in a sport.
Track Season of Fluctuations
Track season has officially begun. Our team has now completed two meets. Personally, I am somewhat pleased with my performance so far in the season. I have been in some fortunate situations in my opinion in track meets. However, I know I can improve greatly in both shot put and discus. I want to continue to work at improving every day, while I focus on the positives. Even though there are some extremely disappointing meets, I know that a poor performance in a meet does not mean that I have no hope. Performances in meets can be extremely fluky one way or another. I know I have the ability to achieve my goals. I will continue to give the sport my best and leave the results up to God. I ultimately want to enjoy the sport while giving it everything I can and letting God handle the results.
Looking into the Future, New York Times
In the New York Times article, "High School Seniors Predict Their Future," several high school students make plans for possible future careers. Personally, I relate closest to the student who wants to be a school counselor. He wants to be a counselor because of the encouraging people in his life. Personally, I believe I have strong people skills that would suit me well for a job such as a school counselor. I also believe the kid that wants to be a marijuana baker is the most interesting. He seems serious about his intents to do this job, which is a rare job indeed. I believe the kid that is undecided is the most deluded because he is only interested in money at the moment.
Personally, in ten years, I can easily see myself as a high school teacher. I believe I have the complete skill set to fair well in the job. I enjoy helping people and relating to others. I hope that I can achieve my goals in life. I will want to use my personal skills as a people person in my future career. I hope that I can fully use these goals in a position such as a teacher or counselor. I am not concerned with the money portion of a job. I am solely interested in whether or not I see myself enjoying my career for all of my time spent on the job. I hope to find a more definite plan later in life but I also can relate myself to a few of the kids from this New York Times article.
Personally, in ten years, I can easily see myself as a high school teacher. I believe I have the complete skill set to fair well in the job. I enjoy helping people and relating to others. I hope that I can achieve my goals in life. I will want to use my personal skills as a people person in my future career. I hope that I can fully use these goals in a position such as a teacher or counselor. I am not concerned with the money portion of a job. I am solely interested in whether or not I see myself enjoying my career for all of my time spent on the job. I hope to find a more definite plan later in life but I also can relate myself to a few of the kids from this New York Times article.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Reading: Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy (pgs. 151-182)
Despite some somber moments, Dungy provides a strong, positive message in the next section of his book, Quiet Strength. In chapter twelve, Dungy describes a positive, yet disappointing experience with his team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His team continued to make steps toward a championship, as described by Dungy. Eventually, they make it to the NFC championship game. However, they lost the game and ended the season with another disappointment. Dungy specifically notes the firing of an assistant coach of his named Mike. Dungy voiced his disaproval for the decision and later regretted speaking up. Dungy altogether wanted to continue to make strides with the Buccaneers, and he knew complaining would not get him to his envisioned destination.
In chapter thirteen, Dungy describes his installation of a new defense for the Buccaneers. The cover two defense helped to improve the Buccaneers even more as a football team. Their defense, already strong, improved with the new scheme. This change helped propel the team to even more success in the NFL. In addition, Dungy describes his family's relationship with some special people. Specifically, an underprivileged child named Jordan helped to shape his life as well as the life of his wife Lauren. Through his understanding, the Dungys learned more about themselves and an attitude they should use. Tony Dungy and his family gained a positive perspective from Jordan and continued to use it throughout their lives.
After reading this section, I agree specifically with Dungy's experiences with disappointment. Despite improvements, Dungy could still not meet his goals for his team. I have learned that even if I am doing all of the right things, there are still struggles. The fact that you are doing your best and eliminating bad decisions and habits will prove to be valuable. However, life can seem even more difficult for a person when they are trying to be the best they can be. I hope that I continue to have a positive perspective like Dungy's as I continue my walk in life.
In chapter thirteen, Dungy describes his installation of a new defense for the Buccaneers. The cover two defense helped to improve the Buccaneers even more as a football team. Their defense, already strong, improved with the new scheme. This change helped propel the team to even more success in the NFL. In addition, Dungy describes his family's relationship with some special people. Specifically, an underprivileged child named Jordan helped to shape his life as well as the life of his wife Lauren. Through his understanding, the Dungys learned more about themselves and an attitude they should use. Tony Dungy and his family gained a positive perspective from Jordan and continued to use it throughout their lives.
After reading this section, I agree specifically with Dungy's experiences with disappointment. Despite improvements, Dungy could still not meet his goals for his team. I have learned that even if I am doing all of the right things, there are still struggles. The fact that you are doing your best and eliminating bad decisions and habits will prove to be valuable. However, life can seem even more difficult for a person when they are trying to be the best they can be. I hope that I continue to have a positive perspective like Dungy's as I continue my walk in life.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Reading: Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy (pgs. 127-150)
After completing my next section of Quiet Strength, by Tony Dungy, I have found more insights on life that I believe I will be using in the future. In chapter ten, Dungy describes his preparations to prepare his Tampa Bay Buccaneers to be a better team. Through progress in the draft and other signings, the Buccaneers continued to make progress as Dungy describes. Dungy says that his team helped to build not only a better team on the field, but a better group off the field as well. He states that he was glad he was put into a position to pick up certain players because they were tough decisions that helped his team become a championship caliber team.
In chapter eleven, Dungy undergoes improvements with both his team and his personal spiritual life. Dungy's main point is that other people in his life helped to improve his own situation. His football team began to buy in and become a great team. Despite the improvements, the Buccaneers were still not ready to win a championship. Dungy began to make new changes and work on certain areas to make this dream a reality. Dungy's disappointments as a coach of the Buccaneers came solely when his team did not meet their potential. He realized that some teams had more potential than others. He wanted each team to meet their goals and best possible results given the talent on the team. At the end of the chapter, Dungy perhaps foreshadows to becoming a coach of another team as he describes his ability to lead a team to a championship.
After reading this section of reading, I agree strongly with Dungy's point on meeting potential. Personally, I do not view myself as an elite athlete. I have never been truly superb at any particular sport. However, my passion and love for sports help me to meet my personal potential. Although my potential may be less than some, I know I can always meet the goals I have set for myself and even surpass them. When I focus on my individual improvement rather than looking at how others are doing, I find myself much happier. Dungy knew what his teams were capable of and he worked to realize each team's true potential. Dungy's focus is strong and correct, I will continue to use his wisdom in my life in the future.
In chapter eleven, Dungy undergoes improvements with both his team and his personal spiritual life. Dungy's main point is that other people in his life helped to improve his own situation. His football team began to buy in and become a great team. Despite the improvements, the Buccaneers were still not ready to win a championship. Dungy began to make new changes and work on certain areas to make this dream a reality. Dungy's disappointments as a coach of the Buccaneers came solely when his team did not meet their potential. He realized that some teams had more potential than others. He wanted each team to meet their goals and best possible results given the talent on the team. At the end of the chapter, Dungy perhaps foreshadows to becoming a coach of another team as he describes his ability to lead a team to a championship.
After reading this section of reading, I agree strongly with Dungy's point on meeting potential. Personally, I do not view myself as an elite athlete. I have never been truly superb at any particular sport. However, my passion and love for sports help me to meet my personal potential. Although my potential may be less than some, I know I can always meet the goals I have set for myself and even surpass them. When I focus on my individual improvement rather than looking at how others are doing, I find myself much happier. Dungy knew what his teams were capable of and he worked to realize each team's true potential. Dungy's focus is strong and correct, I will continue to use his wisdom in my life in the future.
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