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RIP Zig Ziglar: King of Motivation…

28/11/2012

“Of all the attitudes we can acquire, surely the Attitude of Gratitude is the most important and by far most life changing. ” Zig Ziglar

RIP Zig Ziglar: King of Motivation… via Wikipedia

“What you GET by achieving your goals is not near as important as what you BECOME by achieving your goals.” Zig Ziglar
“The foundational stones for a balanced success are Honesty, Character, Integrity, Faith, Love and Loyalty.” Zig Ziglar
“When you THROW DIRT at people, you’re not doing a thing but LOSING GROUND.” Zig Ziglar
“Where you start is not nearly as important as where you finish.” Zig Ziglar

Zig Ziglar was a giant in the motivational speaking field who inspired millions of devoted fans around the world with his wisdom, wit and generous spirit.  Even if you’d never heard of this inspirational motivational speaker/leader, you’d have come across his quotes on this blog and elsewhere. His hugely popular quotes are found all over the internet and I, like many others, used them for emphasis and to give clarity to a point of view. When I heard Zig had passed away, I was saddened by the loss of an inspiring teacher/speaker, motivator, author, wordsmith, and visionary. As far as motivational speakers go, he was best of the best…

Of course motivation is not permanent. But then, neither is bathing; but it is something you should do on a regular basis.” Zig Ziglar

RIP Zig Ziglar: King of Motivation… via facebook.com/ZigZiglar

“The chief cause of failure and unhappiness is trading what you want most for what you want right now” Zig Ziglar
“You were Designed for accomplishment , engineered for success and endowed with the seeds of greatness.” Zig Ziglar
“We don’t meet people by accident. They are meant to cross our path for a reason.” Zig Ziglar
“When you have nothing to hide you have nothing to fear. When you do the right things in the right way you have nothing to lose because you have nothing to fear.” Zig Ziglar

Zig Ziglar, a World War II veteran, grew up in Yazoo City, Mississippi, and worked as a salesman for a number of companies before devoting his energies to motivation and performance training work. Even though he started his motivational career in his 40s, he traveled, spoke, taught and published over 30 hugely successful, motivational books in the span of 40 years. I loved his warmth and kind smile and how,  when he spoke, everyone in a room felt he spoke directly to them and their struggles… I will miss that. I have put together some of my favorite Zig quotes and I encourage all to read his books (See listed books below). More below

“Among the things you can give and still keep are your word, a smile, and a grateful heart.” Zig Ziglar

RIP Zig Ziglar: King of Motivation… via facebook.com/ZigZiglar

“I Honestly believe I have felt your feelings. I HAVE WALKED IN YOUR SHOES. You may have made some mistakes and you may not be where you want to be, but that has NOTHING to do with your future.” Zig Ziglar
“Money will buy you a bed but not a good night’s sleep, a house but not a home, a companion but not a friend.” Zig Ziglar
“You don’t have to be great to start but you have to START to be great.” Zig Ziglar
“Look Back in forgiveness, forward in hope, down in compassion and up in gratitude.” Zig Ziglar

After 9/11, I threw myself wholeheartedly into the real estate business. I’d spent  years in academia and wanted a change, and Zig’s books, like See You At The TopBetter Than Good: Creating a Life You Can’t Wait to Live, and Sell Your Way to the Top, were there to guide me and cheer me on. I turned to his writings for motivation and courage and even attended events where he spoke powerfully and beautifully about many topics including;  living a fulfilling life, developing excellence, sharing goodwill, honoring others and self, and creating a balanced life.  Zig passed away today at a hospital in Plano, Texas. He had pneumonia and was 86. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jean, his son Tom, and two daughters, Julie Ziglar Norman and Cindy Oates. May he Rest In Peace… Thank You Zig!
What are your thoughts? Did you hear Zig Ziglar speak over the years? Do you have any favorite Zig Ziglar quotes that touch your heart? What are your memories of him? Do share! Thank you.

*Please bear with me as I continue to catch up on your blogs and commenting… Thank you all for your patience! 🙂

Positive Motivation Tip: Follow your dreams fearlessly. As Zig would say: Fear has two meanings… The choice is yours.

PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All photos Zig Ziglar at Cow Palace, via Wikipedia Zig Ziglar memorial via His Facebook Page

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet

BOOKS BY ZIG ZIGLAR
Goals: Setting and Achieving Them on Schedule By: Zig Ziglar
Sell Your Way to the Top By: Zig Ziglar
5 Steps to Successful Selling By: Zig Ziglar
A View From The Top By: Zig Ziglar
Born To Win The Ultimate Seminar By: Zig Ziglar
See You At The Top 25th Anniversary Edition By: Zig Ziglar
Success and the Self-Image By: Zig Ziglar
How to be a Winner By: Zig Ziglar
Embrace the Struggle Living Life on Life’s Terms By: Zig Ziglar and Julie Ziglar Norman
How to Get What You Want By: Zig Ziglar
Top Performance: How To Develop Excellence In Yourself And Others by Jim Savage, Zig Ziglar, Krish Dhanam, Bryan Flanagan
Secrets of Closing the Sale by Zig Ziglar
Something to Smile About: Encouragement and Inspiration for Life’s Ups and Downs by Zig Ziglar
Over the Top by Zig Ziglar
How to Be a Winner and Influence Anybody: The Fruit of the Spirit As the Essence of Leadership, by Zig Ziglar, James Merritt
You Can Reach the Top by Zig Ziglar
Selling 101: What Every Successful Sales Professional Needs to Know by Zig Ziglar
God’s Way is Still the Best Way (Spanish) by Zig Ziglar, Marcela Robaina (Translator), Madeline Diaz (Editor)
Dear Family by Zig Ziglar
The One Year Daily Insights by Zig Ziglar, Dr. Ike Reighard
Better Than Good: Creating a Life You Can’t Wait to Live by Zig Ziglar
Ziglar on Selling by Zig Ziglar
Raising Positive Kids in a Negative World by Zig Ziglar
Courtship After Marriage: Romance Can Last A Lifetime by Zig Ziglar
The Secret of the Wooden Witness by Zig Ziglar, Sal Murdocca (Illustrator)
Embrace the Struggle: Living Life on Life’s Terms by Zig Ziglar, Julie Ziglar Norman
Network Marketing For Dummies by John P. Hayes, Zig Ziglar.
Zig: The Autobiography of Zig Ziglar by Zig Ziglar
Staying Up, Up, Up in a Down, Down World: Daily Hope for the Daily Grind by Zig Ziglar
God’s Way is Still the Best Way by Zig Ziglar
Ziglar on Selling: The Ultimate Handbook for the Complete Sales Professional by Zig Ziglar
Success For Dummies by Zig Ziglar
Paperback, For Dummies (March 1998) by Zig Ziglar
Great Quotes from Zig Ziglar by Zig Ziglar
Conversations With My Dog by Zig Ziglar
Confessions of a Grieving Christian by Zig Ziglar
Zig Ziglar’s Life Lifters: Moments of Inspiration for Living Life Better by Zig Ziglar
Zigology: Zig Ziglar on Life, Love & Faith by Zig Ziglar
Breaking Through to the Next Level by Zig Ziglar
Zig Ziglar’s Leadership & Success Series: Library Edition by Zig Ziglar
Better Than Good by Zig Ziglar
Qualities of Success & Biscuits, Fleas and Pump Handles: Library Edition by Zig Ziglar, Zig Ziglar (Narrator)
Winning With a Balanced Life by Zig Ziglar, Zig Ziglar (Narrator)
Winning With a Balanced Goals Program by Zig Ziglar
Qualities of Success by Zig Ziglar, Zig Ziglar (Narrator)
Biscuits, Fleas and Pump Handles by Zig Ziglar, Zig Ziglar (Narrator)
Zig Ziglar’s Little Instruction Book: Inspiration and Wisdom from America’s Top Motivator
by Zig Ziglar
Persuasive Selling and Power Negotiation: Develop Unstoppable Sales Skills and Close Any Deal by Made for Success, Brian Tracy (Narrator), Zig Ziglar (Narrator)
Christian Motivation for Daily Living: The Complete Series by Zig Ziglar, Zig Ziglar (Narrator)
Zig Ziglar’s Leadership & Success Series by Zig Ziglar, Zig Ziglar (Narrator)

91 Comments leave one →
  1. 29/11/2012 6:36 am

    I feel silly to admit this but I have never heard of him – now I have thanks to you and what a wonderful guy!

  2. 29/11/2012 6:39 am

    Elizabeth, I read this story yesterday. I am so glad you got to write about him. I admire him and have most of his books. It is an honor to know you and feel as If I know Zig Ziglar.

    • 04/12/2012 2:14 am

      TY Jackie… He was a gifted teacher and motivator and will be sorely missed.

  3. 29/11/2012 6:58 am

    I had no idea he wrote so many books.

    • 04/12/2012 2:15 am

      Indeed he wrote them… he was quite the prolific writer too. 🙂

  4. 29/11/2012 7:38 am

    Thank you for introducing Ziglar to us! Very inspiring. I want to read more of his quotes…

    • 04/12/2012 2:17 am

      TY Amy! His quotes and writings are all over the internet. Worth the follow up. 🙂

  5. 29/11/2012 8:22 am

    Just when I think your writing couldn’t get any smoother, more beautiful..you top yourself! What a warm heart-felt post. Adios to a great and generous spirit – Zig. Adios

    • 04/12/2012 2:18 am

      TY and adios amigo to the great Zig! TY for your feedback. 🙂

  6. Bree permalink
    29/11/2012 9:20 am

    He was the best and always had a warm smile and wise words to share. This is a beautiful tribute and I bet he is with God in safe arms now.
    Be blessed,
    B

    • 04/12/2012 2:21 am

      I concur…. yes, I believe he is resting with the Lord. TY! 🙂

  7. 29/11/2012 9:28 am

    I was fortunate enough to attend one of his seminars when I was selling radio. He was truly inspirational in the best possible way. I often use his quotes for social media clients. I doubt there will ever be another like him.

    Tony Robbins is great at what he does but he’s almost too high energy sometimes, I think. Zig was like listening to your father/grandfather giving you common sense advice. He will truly be missed.
    b

    • 04/12/2012 2:23 am

      Well said Barb! He was a fatherly figure and inspiring too. He will be missed! TY. 🙁

  8. 29/11/2012 10:10 am

    You can’t help but smile when someone is introduced as “Zig Zigler”! There’s a appreciation article in today’s Wall Street Journal. A pretty good article, but it could have been much much longer than it is, your post gave a lot more info than their article!

    • 04/12/2012 2:26 am

      TY for your feedback Peter.. I haven’t had a chance to read the WSJ story… Will check it out. Zig was a special teacher in my life and I will miss his wisdom.

  9. 29/11/2012 11:31 am

    Your post makes me want to read all of his books! I forgot what an amazing man he was. What a legacy to leave the world, and a fantastic impact he’s had on so many lives. Thank you!

    • 04/12/2012 2:28 am

      TY and well said… he sure did write a lot. I’ve read some and plan to read more. TY! 🙂

  10. 29/11/2012 12:46 pm

    I have not heard of him (until now!) I’m absolutely blown away by the quotes you have put in this post. Thank you so much for the introduction!
    It’s such a shame I had to hear about this great person after his death 🙁

    • 04/12/2012 2:30 am

      TY Dianne! It is never too late to enjoy the works of a master teacher. I’m glad you stopped by to check out his work. His books will live for posterity and we can continue to enjoy them. TY! 🙂

  11. 29/11/2012 1:28 pm

    I’ve never heard him in person, but love his quotes. Motivation is definitely “like bathing” not only because it needs to be done regularly, but the more you immerse yourself, the better you’ll come out.

    • 04/12/2012 2:31 am

      True… I’ve always loved that quote because of the humor attached. He will be missed…. TY!

  12. 29/11/2012 3:35 pm

    A fitting tribute to a great man. Not only was he a wonderful motivational speaker, but a down to earth, straight-speaking, really nice man. He will be sorely missed. A great loss.
    RIP Zig.

    • 04/12/2012 2:41 am

      True Barb! he was humble man in a field filled with giant egos. TY! 🙂

  13. 29/11/2012 3:51 pm

    Zig was the very first of the motivational speakers I connected with some 40 years ago. At that time my friends all thought I was crazy – who was this pots and pan salesman teaching us “how to”. I missed the fact that he had died. I used his wise words in many of my communication courses and of course my blog. One of them that sits above my desk is “You can eat an elephant a bite at a time” Thanks for this. RIP Zig.

    • 04/12/2012 2:44 am

      TY for sharing your memories Judith… he was a special soul with a great message. TY!

  14. 29/11/2012 4:46 pm

    Hi Eliz,
    You always have a wonderful heart of gratitude! Lovely 😀

  15. 29/11/2012 6:49 pm

    Looking at his list of books written is WOWZA!! His quotes I would see here and there but somehow I missed delving into this man’s work. After reading your post though, I think I better go and get some Zig wisdom in me…pronto! 😉

    • 04/12/2012 2:49 am

      You won’t be disappointed… Read up. There is plenty out there. TY!

  16. 29/11/2012 7:26 pm

    OMG – my dad used to love this man! RIP Zig 🙁

    • 04/12/2012 2:50 am

      TY Pam! He was a fantastic teacher/motivator.

  17. 29/11/2012 9:42 pm

    “Of course motivation is not permanent. But then, neither is bathing; but it is something you should do on a regular basis.” Zig Ziglar

    I am going to cherish that 🙂
    motivation is an ongoing process that needs to be worked on actively.

    • 04/12/2012 2:51 am

      Yes, it is and Zig was the best at teaching it. TY!

  18. 30/11/2012 12:36 am

    This is an excellent piece on Zig Zigler. 🙂 Thanks I’m going send out on my Facebook page. 🙂

    • 04/12/2012 2:56 am

      TY Liz!!!! Appreciate the share… and I’m glad you enjoyed his writings too.

  19. 30/11/2012 4:00 am

    Sounds like an inspiring man! Thanks for introducing him, will try to get some of his books!

  20. 30/11/2012 5:13 am

    I had not heard of him. I was going to skip a few posts today because I’m behind in my reading. I’m so glad I didn’t pass this one up. Bathing and motivation regularly. I do one ( you’re welcome). A little boot in the butt reminder to do the other. Thanks, Elizabeth. 😀

    • 04/12/2012 3:00 am

      TY Gemma! You are always so witty in your comments… I’m glad you checked in. He was the best…

  21. 30/11/2012 2:21 pm

    “We don’t meet people by accident. They are meant to cross our path for a reason.” Zig Ziglar
    Thank God for putting you in my path. The quotes on this post are priceless. Thank you for sharing. Hugs, Kozo.

    • 04/12/2012 3:02 am

      Thank God for same… It’s a pleasure to know you too! TY! {{{HUGS}}}

      • 04/12/2012 8:29 am

        Oh, I’m “borrowing” that hugs symbol–{{{HUGS}}}. Did you just make that up? That is brilliant. I can feel the energy of the hug.

      • 04/12/2012 10:59 am

        I wish I could claim originality on this one but no… I saw it somewhere. TY! 😛

  22. 30/11/2012 6:30 pm

    HI, i’m relatively new to blogging, thank you for visiting me. Question: do you like Feedjit? I’m looking at options to increase readers. Thank you.

    • 30/11/2012 6:39 pm

      I use feedjit as a visitor counter and as a way to keep track of where people come from. The service I have is free. They have a paid service for more visitors and so does StumbleUpon and a few other sites so feel free to visit them and inquire. There are lots of ways to increase readership but the first way is connecting with others here on WordPress. For example, our exchange is taking place because you sent a pingback to me and I followed up on it and left you a comment… and the rest is a new connection. Be patient with yourself as it does take some time to grow; especially organically. I’m glad we connected. 🙂
      Best wishes,
      Eliz

  23. 01/12/2012 1:38 pm

    I have always enjoyed his quotes because they are from a genuine, honest and funny point of view. He said what many of us were afraid to and will be missed. thanks for such a great tribute.

    • 04/12/2012 3:04 am

      Exactly Miriam… He was transparent and wise and direct. I learned a lot form his writings. TY!

  24. 02/12/2012 1:18 pm

    Truly one of a kind and a class act all the way!

  25. Author Brandi Kennedy permalink
    07/02/2017 7:55 am

    I have loved various quotes from him for a long time, but I found them mostly be accident or reference from other people that I follow. I didn’t follow his blog and haven’t read his books – I didn’t even know he was gone. But the loss of him still saddens me, as he was truly a wise man. I’ll have to look into his books, too.

    • Author Brandi Kennedy permalink
      07/02/2017 7:56 am

      Aarrgh. Typos – the bane of my existence!

  26. jojo vito permalink
    26/01/2020 1:28 am

    One of my most adored author. Very inspiring. His wisdom will live forever.

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