In Memory of The Amazing Zig Ziglar

Let’s reflect on Zig Ziglar’s amazing life and the advice he left behind.

A motivational giant has passed…. On November 28th, 2012, at the age of 86, Zig Ziglar died due to complications suffered from a bout of pneumonia.

R.I.P Zig Ziglar, few men leave their mark upon mankind as this man, who proved through his own life that “Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.”

The Wonderful Life Of Zig Ziglar

Zig, or H.H. (Hilary Hinton) Ziglar was no stranger to adversities, obstacles, and other stumbling blocks that might have discouraged a lesser man. He viewed hard times, not as horrid events to be avoided, but as challenges to be seized and capitalized upon.

It is quite possible, probable even, that Mr. Ziglar learned this philosophy from his mother. Widowed unexpectedly as a young mother of 12 children, in the lean and difficult era of The Great Depression, Lila Wescott Ziglar imparted to her children the values of hard work, gratitude for even the smallest measure of material goods, and a positive attitude throughout.

Zig, who later referred to his mother as “a remarkable woman“, may not have realized his innate ability to motivate others until he began working in sales. His superiors soon recognized the rare ability possessed by this young man, to influence others. He soon found himself working as an intra-office salesman, motivating the sales staff to be the best that they could be, in order to succeed in their careers. It was in this foray that he discovered that “You will get all you want in life, if you help enough other people get what they want.”, And he did.

Zig Ziglar went on to expound upon his newly found love of motivating others. Zig’s first book, “See You At The Top“, was rejected 39 times before being published in 1975 by Pelican Publishing Company. He went on to write and publish more than two dozen additional best-selling books.

In addition to his success as a motivational author, Zig Ziglar’s gift for motivational speaking earned him top billing as one of the world’s best life coaches, encouragers, teachers, and philanthropists. He was inducted into the Speakers Hall of Fame, which is sponsored by the National Speakers Association, and which is no small or easy achievement. In addition to this, Mr. Ziglar was also honored with a lifetime member award from the NSA, a designation enjoyed by a total of only ten people.

His diligence in working to help keep America’s youth safe from drugs, as well as his campaign to preserve America’s system of free enterprise earned him three distinguished inclusions in the Congressional Record of the United States.

Zig Ziglar was also awarded the following honors from the National Speakers Association during his lifetime:

-The Master of Influence Award

-The Cavett Award (most honored award to be bestowed by the National Speakers Association)

Additionally, Mr. Ziglar was honored to receive the Silver Buffalo Award from the Boy Scouts of America. This award, of which none is higher in the Boy Scouts organization, recognizes exemplary and outstanding work by individuals towards helping the youth of America. Zig Ziglar shared this distinction with such notables as Norman Rockwell, Walt Disney, and a number of U.S. Presidents.

Zig Ziglar – Attitude Makes All The Difference

Even with such notable awards, honors, and in-demand status for speaking engagements, Zig Ziglar never lost his penchant for humility, helping others, and enjoying the most basic gifts of life. He frequently appeared on television news programs to impart motivating wisdom, or to help aid the country in keeping a positive perspective in tough times.

Zig further exemplified success through obstacles when, in 2007, he suffered a horrendous fall down a steep flight of stairs. This fall resulted in a brain injury that caused his short-term memory to suffer ill effects; however, in typical Zig fashion, he assessed the situation and determined how to turn this opportunity into success. His daughter began accompanying him on his speaking engagements and public appearances to assist him when his short-term memory failed. And Zig continued on his quest to motivate, inspire, and encourage.

Besides his books, and his general engaging personality, there is another facet to Zig Ziglar that gives him a touch of immortality where his body could not – in his wonderful and inspiring quotes.

No tribute to Zig Ziglar would be complete without including these gems of truth and wisdom as only Zig could provide:

Zig Ziglar Quotes To Live By

“If you can dream it, then you can achieve it. You will get all you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want.” – Zig Ziglar

““Happiness is not pleasure, it is victory.” – Zig Ziglar

“The chief cause of failure and unhappiness is trading what you want most for what you want right now” ― Zig Ziglar

“Look back in forgiveness, forward in hope, down in compassion, and up with gratitude. – Zig Ziglar

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

R.I.P Zig Ziglar – the world today is definitely a better place because you were once in it.

Article By Joel Brown | Addicted2Success.com