Lessons from Zig Ziglar
Lessons from Zig Ziglar
Today the personal development industry and the world lost one of its legends, Zig Ziglar, at the age of 86. Known for his passion, southern style and relentless optimism he was arguably the most influential motivational speaker in the world over the past 40 years.
I was blessed to see Zig speak on many occasions and I was always amazed at his wit, storytelling ability, and genuine mastery to inspire and motivate others. The last time I saw him speak was probably seven or eight years ago and I was blown away by his energy and mastery of the stage.
Speaking is an art form and being in his late 70’s at that time he made the other, very good speakers that day, look like amateurs. I think this a testament to not only his genius but more importantly how much he treated speaking as a true art form.
I can say without a doubt that watching him made me realize that practice, passion and commitment to be a world-class speaker would require years of discipline and practice.
Fast forward to today, after hundreds of paid speeches and several books later, I can attest that my goal is to keep growing, improving my skills and never resting on my laurels.
In my mind I always want to make sure that when people see me give a presentation they say to themselves, “This guy is a really good speaker.” I say this out of confidence and without apology as getting in front of a group of hundreds of strangers for 60-90 minutes is no easy task.
I’ve put in the miles, the trips, the hundreds of hours in training, and many a missed family event, to aim high and pursue a major goal of mine to be considered as one of the best speakers in the world.
This intensity and commitment to excellence comes from many within in the speaking industry who’ve pushed me onward, but I can say without a doubt that the day I saw Zig fire up a stadium with 12,000 people I was not only mesmerized, but more importantly inspired.
Thanks Zig! We will miss you, but your message and influence will never die.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes from Zig. Please make sure if one or more of them ‘Capture’ you in a positive way, to share them with others in need of a dose of motivation!
| “Of course motivation is not permanent. But then, neither is bathing; but it is something you should do on a regular basis.” |
| “Lack of direction, not lack of time, is the problem. We all have twenty-four hour days.” |
| “You can have everything in life that you want if you just give enough other people what they want.” |
Lessons from Zig Ziglar By Tony Rubleski, Author of Mind Capture
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Note: Like Tony, I also had the pleasure of meeting Zig and hearing him speak from the stage. The last time was at Dan Kennedy’s marketing event in 2006 in Los Angeles. May Zig’s memory be always for a blessing. See a photo of me, Sherrie Rose, and Zig Ziglar on my Facebook Profile.
