Motivational Monday: 7 Must Read Motivational Lessons from Zig Ziglar

Hilary “Zig” Ziglar was an amazing American author, salesperson, and motivational speaker. He was born in Coffee County, Alabama the tenth of twelve children. Ziglar became a salesman and worked for several different companies.

During this time his sales skills grew, as did his desire to become a motivational speaker. And in 1970, Ziglar decided to become a full-time motivational speaker. 

7 Must Read Lessons from Zig Ziglar:

1. Motivation is Critical

“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why I recommend it daily.”

Never underestimate the power of motivation. The world is filled with negativity; it’s important that you get your “motivational fix” daily!

Make time every morning for some time of inspiration and motivation, which will give you the boost to be successful throughout your day.

2. There Will Always be Little Men

“Little men with little minds and little imaginations go through life in little ruts, smugly resisting all changes which would jar their little worlds.”

There will always be critics; there will always be people saying, “How you can’t, why you can’t, and how you’re going to fail when you try.” 

There will always be “little men,” and it’s not that they intend to do you harm; they just can’t fathom “big things.” They live in a “little world,” …so never try to force a million euro idea, in an 8 euro per hour brain, it just won’t fit.

3. Balance is Necessary

 “I believe that being successful means having a balance of success stories across the many areas of your life. You can’t truly be considered successful in your business life if your home life is in shambles.”

Success means balance! There are people who have financial success, but who are miserable. There are people who have great family lives, but can’t purchase the basic necessities of life. 

Success means balance, it means having the best of both worlds, it means having your cake and eating it to. What good is cake if you can’t eat it?

4. Talent Utilization is Key


“It’s not what you’ve got; it’s what you use that makes a difference.”

Use what you got! I will never be a great singer, it’s not in the cards for me, but that’s okay, I can still have everything I “really” want in life. 

You may not be the smartest, you may not be the tallest, but you are “you,” and there’s not anyone who can be “you,” like you. You must learn to utilise this priceless advantage.

5. Positive Thinking is Certainly Better than Negative Thinking

“Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will.”

Positive thinking gives you the advantage; it allows you to see opportunities that you may have otherwise missed. It opens your eyes, so to speak. Negative thinking, of course, does the opposite, it allows you to miss opportunities, and it numbs your ability to perceive the possibilities.

In short, positive thinking is better than negative thinking, besides, no one likes to hang around a negative person. They’re like “dead weight,” dragging everyone down around them. Decide to be positive; lift up all those who enter your domain.

6. Vision is Crucial

“If you don’t see yourself as a winner, then you cannot perform as a winner.

You cannot perform in a manner inconsistent with the way you see yourself.”

The person you see, is the person you will be! This is so important, so many people struggle for the simple reason that they are unable to see themselves as successful. If you talk to someone who is unfit, chances are you’ll find that they are unable to see themselves “fit,” they can’t consistently perceive it. 

Now, I’m not picking on individuals who are unhealthy or overweight. And that’s not to say that everyone can’t imagine something for a second, what I’m saying is that some people don’t really believe it’s possible for them. They can’t consistently see it.

“If you can’t see it, you can’t have it.”

You must see it! Your life is exactly what you’ve been able to see and believe up until this point.

7. Success Defined


“Success is the maximum utilisation of the ability that you have.”

I love this! Success is not making it to the pros. Success is not becoming a billionaire. “Success is the maximum utilisation of the ability that you have.” 

Success is being you’re very best; it’s giving your all, to worthy goals. It’s fully utilising the unique talents and gifts that you have been given.

So the question is, “Are you going to succeed, are you going to give your very best?” If you are, then success will be yours!