Uncommon Influence: Saying Yes to a Purposeful Life

by Tony Dungy, Lauren Dungy

You can create lasting change.
Lauren and Tony Dungy have impacted countless people through the years with their generosity and care for others. Tony even made NFL history as the first African American head coach to win the Super Bowl. But the Dungys’ influence isn’t the result of their achievements, fame, or finances. Instead, it stems from the proactive, intentional choices they make every day―choices that have positioned them to live a life of profound meaning.

You, too, can live a life that matters. As you implement the practices laid out in this book using your strengths and talents, you will see an unmistakable―and massive―boost in your personal impact on those around you and your ability to see others with a heart of compassion. You can become the person you long to be. What’s more, you can rewire your default pattern, making it easier to create permanent change and remove the daily burden of deciding how to show up in the world. By putting certain practices into place and predetermining your personal boundaries of what you’ll say yes to and what you’ll say no to, all that will be left each day is to live.

Inside, you
Like Lauren and Tony, as you develop a regular practice of choosing wisely, you’ll begin living a life of uncommon influence and making a bigger difference in this world. Say “Yes!” to living a life of purpose! A Compassion International Resource published by Tyndale House Publishers, perfect for fans of Uncommon , Uncommon Marriage , Quiet Strength , Soul of a Team , and motivational books.

Genres: Nonfiction, Faith

272 pages, Paperback

Published August 9, 2022

About the author

Tony Dungy is a #1 New York Times bestselling author whose books include Quiet Strength, Uncommon,The Mentor Leader and Uncommon Marriage. He led the Indianapolis Colts to Super Bowl victory on February 4, 2007, the first such win for an African American head coach. Dungy established another NFL first by becoming the first head coach to lead his teams to the playoffs for ten consecutive years.

Dungy joined the Colts in 2002 after serving as the most successful head coach in Tampa Bay Buccaneers' history. He has also held assistant coaching positions with the University of Minnesota, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Minnesota Vikings. Before becoming a coach, Dungy played three seasons in the NFL.

Dungy has been involved in a wide variety of charitable organizations, including All Pro Dad, Abe Brown Ministries, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Athletes in Action, Mentors for Life, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Boys & Girls Clubs. He also works with Basket of Hope, Impact for Living, the Black Coaches Association National Convention, Indiana Black Expo, the United Way of Central Indiana, and the American Diabetes Association.

He retired from coaching in 2009 and now serves as a studio analyst for NBC's Football Night in America. He and his wife, Lauren, are the parents of ten children.

Connect with Tony at his website (www.coachdungy.com, his blog,Facebook, and Twitter,

Reviews

[Josh Olds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tony Dungy doesn’t know it, but his coaching style had quite the effect on my own. I read his first book, Quiet Strength, just after he retired from coaching the Indianapolis Colts. Growing up in southern Indiana, the Colts were “my team” and my dad’s company saw to it that we got to go to a game every year or two. Football was never really my sport, but after finishing out a gymnastics career, I turned toward coaching and found a philosophy of teaching in Quiet Strength that has guided me as both a coach and a pastor for the past fifteen years.

I hadn’t really followed Coach Dungy’s writing career past that book. I was generally aware of his other books, but had never picked them up. Now, fifteen years later, in the midst of a doctoral program in leadership, dealing with the study of leadership influence, Tony and Lauren Dungy’s thoughts on having Uncommon Influence proved to be a nice change of pace from the academic leadership material I’ve been reading. I don’t know that my advisors will let me quote them in my dissertation, but I’m certainly going to try!

Uncommon Influence is a book about using your influence—your position, your wealth, your relationships, your connection, whatever it is you can use—to make the world a better place. The Dungys encourage readers to say yes to a more purposeful life, to take hold of the opportunities that God puts in our path. For them, saying yes to God’s calling has meant engaging in foster care and adoption. After reading this book, I’d love to see Tony and Lauren write a book just on foster care, adoption, and building a multicultural, multi-ethnic family. While they are careful to protect the identity of their children, the Dungys give readers access to their lives to show how saying yes to God has challenged and blessed them.

The book is styled so that some chapters are written by Tony and others are written by Lauren. The result is that there’s something for everyone. The football fan will get some insights into Coach Dungy’s time as both a player and a coach. There are a few Peyton Manning stories thrown in. Tony shows how his use of influence as a leader in a football organization changed his players and set them up for success on and off the football field. But if football isn’t your thing, don’t worry, because Lauren’s chapters will focus more on their family and adoption/foster care. It’s obvious that each has worked with the other on developing the chapters, but they retain their distinctive voices throughout.

Uncommon Influence is encouraging and exemplary. The Dungys are both coach and cheerleaders, guiding readers toward living out a radical life of “yes” in following Jesus, using their own example as an encouragement to follow. I’ve often thought that I’d love to see Coach Dungy back out on the field, but after reading about what he’s doing with his life now, I wouldn’t take that away from him for anything.

[Mason Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing for spiritual growth. It’s even better reading it with a partner you love and really helps growing and developing your own relationship with each other and most importantly God. 100/10 would read and I’ll Deff revisit this one in the future. This is a masterpiece from Lauren and Tony. So grateful I read it with the one I love!!!

[Angela W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tony & Lauren Dungy are a couple to imitate as they seek to follow the Lord in all they do. I have enjoyed their other titles, and as an adoptive Momma, I especially love their hearts for the vulnerable and fatherless highlighted throughout this book. God has grown their family in such a beautiful way, and they continue to foster. Rather than throwing money at a cause, the Dungy’s focus on what love requires and truly said “yes to a purposeful life.”

[Melissa Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

These two seem to be Couple Goals for sure!! Both seem so loving and live their life guided by faith. I didn't realize they fostered so many kids over the years -- so amazing and kind!

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uncommon Influence was the first book I've read by Mr. & Mrs. Dungy and it will most definitely not be the last! This is a phenomenal read and one of my absolute favorite reads of 2022. I don't even know where to begin because the entire book is pure perfection -- uplifting, insightful, informative, biblical, inspirational -- there aren't enough adjectives to describe this book. I felt as though Tony & Lauren Dungy were speaking to me personally throughout the chapters. It's written with heart and soul and most importantly with a love of Jesus that comes through in a spectacular fashion. This is a 10-star+ read for me and I honestly believe that if everyone would read and follow the Dungy's guide to saying "Yes!" to Jesus and "Yes!" to a purposeful life, this world would be an awesome place. Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Dungy on an encouraging and hopeful read! I’m very grateful to have been given the opportunity to read an early copy of this book for NetGalley for my honest opinion.

[Bill Pence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t we all want to live a life of purpose? If you are a Christian, don’t you want to live a life in which you hear the Lord tell you “Well done, good and faithful servant?” (Matthew 25:23).
In this book, Tony and Lauren Dungy write about the handful of ways that God has prompted them to “give up our lives” for his sake along the way. They revisit what were the choices he’d asked them to make, and how had those various decisions led them to where they are today. The authors, who also wrote Uncommon Marriage, alternate writing chapters in this helpful book that covers topics such as integrity, legacy, being faithful, prayer, preparation, teamwork, selflessness, steadiness, patience, rest, shining brightly, and what love requires that we do.
Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:
• Think of it this way: your profession is what you do, while your purpose is why you do it. Tony
• God is looking for followers of his who won’t just sit on the gifts and talents he’s given us but who instead will invest those resources wisely, believing that God will use those investments for good. Tony
• Integrity is doing what you believe. Tony
• Regardless of the specific spheres of influence in your life, the question I have for you is this one: Are you stewarding them well? Tony
• What we practice is who we become. Lauren
• One excellent decision made today can positively alter the course of our lives. Lauren
• What happens to the one who keeps choosing steadiness is that they learn to persevere. Lauren
• We are more productive when we are rested. We work harder (and also smarter) after a day of rest. Tony
• It matters how you win. Tony
• Whatever you do in life, be sure you’re running the right race. Tony
• Real life is living not for our glory but for God’s. There’s no higher purpose to be found than that. Tony

[Kate Heinz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you go Tyndale and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC version of Uncommon Influence. My thoughts are my own.

I admire Tony Dungy. We probably won't agree with each other on everything, but I do think he has lived an extraordinary life filled with integrity.

Until reading Uncommon Influence, I had never met his wife, Lauren, so fully appreciated the chance to learn more about her.

Uncommon Influence is a book about character... Specifically Christian character. And, most interestingly, it flows back and forth, from chapter to chapter from Tony to Lauren. What holds the book together so well is the fact that they hold the same purpose (oneness) and values (to a life serving the Lord). Tony writes a lot of action points in his chapters, where for the most part, Lauren writes from a very personal place and allows her words to create examples for readers to build into their lives.

Tony and Lauren have made a huge impact on and off the football field. I'd say outside of the field, their largest contribution is in their family, blended together with biological, adopted and foster kids. But Uncommon Influence isn't a book specifically about foster care. It's about becoming the man, woman, couple and family God wants you to be.

I think anyone who has followed tony Dungy or the Dungy family will appreciate this book. Anyone looking to find their purpose or figure out how to be more intentional in their Christian faith will find a wealth of knowledge and be richly blessed.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dungys, Lauren and Tony, write of their life fulfilling a promise made early in their married life: to follow Christ’s teachings in all things but particularly devoting themselves and their family as it grew through fostering children including adoption of these children. It is not a story of how great “we are” but a guidebook for striding to follow Christ. They have a plan which includes prayer, associating with others of like purpose and being aware of circumstances when they can reach out to others. Do they make it seem easy? Only in the sense that they acknowledge it involves constant planning which, in turn, allows them to ask for help from others just as they do to others. It’s just not doing it for themselves for glory but to instill these values to the next generation.
I liked the way in which the book is staged: both parents have written different sections of the book while acknowledging what the other has written, The respect that each has for their partner glows in this book.
A book that can serve as a parenting tool, a motivational tool for one’s job and outlook on life is what you will see reflected in the stories of their life and how one can achieve it in their own life. Thanks to NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for an ARC; this is my honest review.

[Katie Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first admired Tony Dungy as a coach of the greatest sport in the world. Then I learned more about his role as a follower of Christ and family man, which increased my respect tenfold. But this is the first time I’ve picked up one of his books. I love that it’s a joint project with his wife, Lauren.

“Uncommon Influence” is a first person narration rotating between Lauren and Tony. It reads as if I’m sitting on the coach, hot tea in hand, talking with my close friends.

I appreciate the honesty of their struggles and their successes. At times it feels as though it’s a call to arms for foster care because that is their calling from the Lord. But foster care is simply their real-life application of the faith principles they’re discussing.

I intentionally read a chapter at a time - no more, no less - to allow time to process their points and their questions. It’s a successful read if you take it to heart as you read it. Let it challenge you.

Their book isn’t here to tell you what career path to take or where to serve in church. It gives you scripture-based challenges to apply in your daily life to fulfill God’s purpose right where you are - to further His Kingdom.

[Jeff Bobin · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of us have influence whether we realize it or not.

While Tony and Lauran Dungy have resources that most of us don't they pack a lot in a relatively short book. Each of then write separate chapters and there is a lot to be learned from them. Some of their success is because of teamwork and communication. Part of it is relying on God to lead the way and paying attention to God's leading.

This is at times challenging material but worth the work to absorb what the have to say. There is planning, coordination and the teamwork throughout the family and who we can do it to.

[Debbie C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, easy read with lots of insight from one of the most beloved and respected sportsmen of all time, alongside his wife/life partner. We are put on this earth to love and teach others how to love. The Dungy’s walk the walk and talk the talk. Sometimes you just need to hear it and see it again. Well done!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!
Lauren and Tony Dungy have written a very meaningful and biblical book. I recommend this book to both men and women. I will be looking for other books by these two!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful

If you want to have a purposeful life you can. In this book, the Singh's have given action plans, stories and nuggets of wisdom that will allow you to take action if you want to. You have to be the one to decide.

[Dayna Ansell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tony and Lauren are such positive examples of what Christ-like behavior is. Their lives and actions are living examples of how Christians should conduct themselves and more importantly centering a life in Jesus and selfless service to others. Good read!

[Patty V. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was expecting more from this book.

[Jodi Hawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Tony's books

[Shalimar Cabrera · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Tony Dungy, what a humble man and former coach and most of all a Christian.

[Jessica Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a testament to one's faith. I found encouragement from this passage, "I’m telling you from firsthand experience that once you decide to live by God’s plan, you’ll save yourself from lots of pain and grief. Think of it: you don’t have to cover up a sin you never committed. You don’t have to perpetuate a lie you never told. You don’t have to hide a habit you never picked up. Righteousness may require sacrifice initially, but over time? Right living is a relief."

The book reminds us that God formed us for thyself. Accepting the gift of God's grace is like signing an eternal contract. Pay out from God's grace NEVER dries out. Say "yes" to eternal security. A security that we wish for here on Earth.

[Lilly Ferrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading this couples story. They are yes, rich and famous but their lives are clearly purposed to serve God and serve others. In a culture that places such value on achievement, I was inspired by their faith in God and their desire to raise children who first and foremost love God, and love others. I will listen to more of their books.