I first heard about Zig Ziglar in 1973 when I attended one of his events. Over the next several years, if he was speaking in Portland or in Seattle I did my best to be there, and I had the opportunity to speak with him in person a few times.
Zig had the best advice for both business and personal issues, and his son Tom has continued his legacy. They recently published 4 tips on building your career and it’s so good I wanted to share it, with permission from Ziglar.com.
The definition of career is: The general course or progression of one’s working life or one’s professional achievements.
How would you characterize your career?
You see…your career isn’t just a series of jobs; it’s a pivotal chapter in your life’s story.
When it comes to professional growth and success, Zig offered timeless advice that can illuminate our career paths today.
Here are 4 tips from Zig Ziglar on Career:
- Embrace Your Unique Abilities: Zig often reminded us, “You are the only person on earth who can use your ability.” This isn’t just about acknowledging your skills; it’s about actively bringing your unique talents to the forefront of your career. By doing so, you create a space where passion and proficiency meet, leading to unparalleled satisfaction and success.
- Cultivate Meaningful Connections: “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want,” Zig advised. This profound insight reveals the essence of networking—it’s not merely about advancing your own career but about fostering genuine relationships where mutual growth is the goal. In helping others, we often find our paths become richer and more rewarding.
- Commit to Lifelong Learning: Zig was an advocate for continuous improvement, believing that “Lack of direction, not lack of time, is the problem. We all have twenty-four-hour days.” This quote underscores the importance of dedicating ourselves to constant learning and skill enhancement. In a world that’s ever-evolving, staying curious and committed to personal development is key to staying relevant and resilient in any career.
How many times have you heard me say, “read one hour every day?”
- Set Goals and Take Action: Zig Ziglar didn’t just talk about goals; he showed us how to achieve them. “A goal properly set is halfway reached,” he stated. This means articulating clear, actionable objectives and then, crucially, pursuing them with tenacity and grit. Your career should be a reflection of not just your aspirations but your achievements.
As you navigate the complexities and opportunities of your professional life, consider how Zig Ziglar’s insights can guide you toward a career that’s not only successful but also fulfilling and aligned with your deepest values.
Zig Ziglar’s advice was responsible for much of my business success which is why I wanted to share it. I’m going to close with a quote from his son:
The knowledge and experience Michael Stone gained in his 60+ years in construction has helped thousands of contractors improve their businesses and their lives. He is the author of the books Markup & Profit Revisited, Profitable Sales, and Estimating Construction Profitably, and is available for one-on-one consultations.
Listen to the audio here, or select dots on the right to download: