Zig Ziglar, born in 1926, was a renowned motivational speaker and personal development trainer. Despite facing personal hardships during the Great Depression, he cultivated resilience and determination.
Ziglar served in the Navy and then ventured into sales, where he discovered his knack for motivational speaking. He founded the Zig Ziglar Corporation in 1977 to provide motivational training for individuals and companies.
Ziglar advocated for positivity, hard work, ethical behavior, and mutual support in achieving goals. His teachings also emphasized the importance of goal-setting, often referencing the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound) framework. Ziglar was a prolific author, writing over 30 books, including the bestseller “See You at the Top“. Though he passed away in 2012, his legacy lives on through his books and his corporation, which continues his work in motivational training.
Zig Ziglar Quotes
Be grateful for what you have and stop complaining – it bores everybody else, does you no good, and doesn’t solve any problems.
“There will always be people in your life who treat you wrong. Be sure to thank them for making you strong.”
“If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.”
Early Life and Education
Zig Ziglar, born as Hilary Hinton Ziglar on November 6, 1926, in Coffee County, Alabama, was one of the most renowned motivational speakers and personal development trainers of the 20th century. He was the tenth of twelve children in a family which faced numerous hardships during the Great Depression. At just six years old, Ziglar experienced a life-altering event when his father, and a younger sister, passed away within the same week. Despite such adversity, these experiences laid the groundwork for his perseverance, determination, and the motivational spirit that he came to be known for.
Beginning of His Career
Before he ventured into the field of motivational speaking, Ziglar served in the Navy during World War II and later ventured into the world of sales. He sold everything from pots and pans to insurance, and it was during this period he discovered his gift for motivational speaking. His charm, enthusiasm, and genuine interest in people’s success quickly made him a popular figure. He began to incorporate his natural gift for encouragement into his sales technique and subsequently saw great success.
Transition to Motivational Speaking
By the 1970s, Ziglar had transitioned into the world of motivational speaking full time. His charismatic style, energetic presentation, and heartwarming anecdotes quickly made him a popular figure in this realm. He founded the Zig Ziglar Corporation in 1977, which provided motivational training and workshops for individuals and companies alike.
Ziglar’s Philosophies and Principles
Ziglar was a strong advocate for positivity, hard work, and ethical behavior. One of his most famous quotes, “You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want,” perfectly encapsulates his philosophy. He believed that success was not a zero-sum game and that everyone could achieve their goals through mutual support.
Another major theme in Ziglar’s teaching was goal-setting. He often used the acronym SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound) to help his audience understand how to set and achieve their goals. His philosophies were heavily influenced by his Christian faith, which he often incorporated into his teachings.
Books and Publications
Ziglar was a prolific author and wrote over 30 books during his career. His first book, “See You at the Top”, was rejected 39 times before it was published in 1975. It went on to sell millions of copies worldwide. Some of his other notable works include “Zig Ziglar’s Secrets of Closing the Sale,” “Top Performance: How to Develop Excellence in Yourself and Others,” and “Over the Top.”
Legacy
Zig Ziglar passed away on November 28, 2012, but his legacy lives on. Today, the Ziglar Corporation, run by his son, Tom Ziglar, continues to provide individuals and organizations with motivational training. His books continue to be widely read and have been translated into many languages, touching the lives of millions around the world.
Zig Ziglar’s life is a testament to the power of positivity, determination, and the belief in the potential of every individual. His teachings continue to inspire and motivate individuals and organizations to achieve their personal and professional goals.
