Zig Ziglar on...life. The excerpts

Most of you are aware of my appearance July 8, 2010 on the Ziglar Success 2.0 Show. A huge honor…I'm quite a small-fry in relation to their normal celebrity guests. But my topic of 'free agency' (self-employment) is very viable for their audience, and Tom Ziglar (Zig's son and CEO of Ziglar) has become a friend.

20 pictures from my time with Zig are here on the FreeAgentUnderground Facebook fanpage:
-http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=185165&id=175999913196

In keeping with my belief in community, I was accompanied by my dear friend and partner Chuck Bowen, as well as Dave, Jonathan and Trish Munson. Dave owns Saddleback Leather Co. and Jonathan and Trish work with him there. We all went to lunch together, then Chuck and Dave actually sat in the studio for the show.
 
The time was a pure gift. Zig amazed me. He's 83 and showing his age, yet full of heart and encouragement and exhortation to play big! He impacted all of us in a significant way…on multiple levels. He shared openly with us, and held our feet to the fire to encourage others and achieve more.

I could write a novel on the rich experience I had with Zig and Tom Ziglar and everyone involved. But you are here for…you. As you should be. So I'm going to list out the highlights out of my notebook that I had on hand…literally as they happened. As it turns out…this almost is a novel:

Will, Skill & Refill
This actually came from Tom first, then Zig repeated it later. These are the necessary ingredients to achieve more: 'Will' is your attitude, heart and passion. 'Skill' is the how-to and technique. 'Refill' is what makes you sustain success. I really appreciated this because it's the 'REFILL' I think most folks miss. You don't just get new knowledge and make it happen. It's got to be daily deposits and steps. Thus why we created Free Agent Academy where we are talking 24/7 together.

Know what you're talking about
Literally, right out of Zig's mouth. That's it regarding success in work. Know what you are talking about, and here I'll ad lib…that you need to stick to what you know and don't talk much outside of that. Everyone tries to showcase knowledge in too many things. Know one subject, know it well, and speak on that. As a piece of that he also said, "The truth is always in vogue." So speak truth. Speak what you know.

Encouragement is the fuel of hope
Ultimately that was Zig's main charge…to encourage others. That encouragement is missing for most folks and it's our responsibility to give it voraciously. Think about it…who really encourages you? Supports you and gives credence to your hopes? And who do you do this for? Look at that title again regarding hope. You have a hope…which is void without 'fuel', which is encouragement! Not just generic pats on the back…but real world encouragement that validates and equips that hope?!

This…is the heart of Free Agent Academy, so was a dramatic confirmation to me in what we are doing here.

Courting your spouse
Zig came back time and time again to his marriage and his love and admiration for his wife Jean (aka 'The Redhead' or 'Sugar Baby'). His platform here is "If everyone courted their spouse AFTER the wedding like they do BEFORE…the divorce rate would plummet 90%. So…there you go. Deal with THAT in your marriage. How did you treat and pursue and serve your spouse before you married? How are you doing now? I bet you stink in relation. And I bet like me, you have a list of reasons. Work, kids and other circumstances. Well, tough. We'll always be busy. We've got to do it anyway.

Sharing your faith
Right off the bat in Zig's speaking career he was cautioned not to openly share his faith…which is a Christian faith. Upon hearing that, he immediately felt God told him that was some of the worst advice EVER. And he of course shared his faith publicly from the get go…and the rest is history. He's arguably one of the most influential men of the past century. We're in a society today that is less and less tolerant of stances of faith, especially Christian. Yeah, well…Christ and His disciples were martyred for their professions of faith. I'm sure your persecution will not be so severe. Speak it with boldness and compassion and don't back down. If you hide your faith…I'd argue you don't really have much of any.

Read to teach
Zig reads 3 hours per day, always. And always non-fiction…his intent is to read information that he can then teach. So if we look at him as an example…then we need to get to reading good info so we can pass on great counsel!

How to be the best parent…
…make sure your marriage is healthy and the best example it can be. When he once asked Tom as a child what he most liked about his Dad…Tom's response was "I most like how he loves my Mom." That pretty much says it all eh? So what are you more focused on…being a good parent or a good spouse? Ditch the former and focus on the latter. Our society cops out on being a good spouse by hiding behind our parenting. If we really have our kid's best interest in mind...love your spouse well. See the bit on 'courting' again above.

Sex before marriage
Dave Munson asked Zig at lunch, as Zig was talking about his wife, when was the first time he'd held Jean's hand. Zig replied…on their wedding day! And went on to say that the only thing he wanted from her prior to their marriage was for her to say "Yes!" How does that relay to today…where folks feel they must fully 'test drive' their spouse first?

Work early
Due to his father dying early, he worked full time from the age of 12. And he didn't complain. Look how it paid off. What is your 12 year old doing? I came home with a more concrete plan for my kids to get to work. Next week they'll have a booth at our local Farmer's Market, selling their Aspen wood furniture and home roasted coffee and African beads.

Be polarizing
In your work and your message (and your work should BE and HAVE a message at the core)…be polarizing. Be bold. Make a stand. Amen!

Don't worry
He states often that he never worries. I'm not going to define that, it's an aspect of faith. And I…don't have it figured out. Something to aspire to for sure.

God don't make no junk
People sell themselves short and limit their potential. This is a big one for me…as the primary problem folks deal with is not a lack of ideas or abilities, but just faith in themselves. The world will fight to pull you down and keep you in it's system. Your friends and family will caution you against stepping out to pursue anything more and different. You've got to come to the point of believing in yourself…in who God made you to be and what He's enabled you to do and be capable of. And take action. This takes us back to...'faith.'

The key is asking for help
That's it. He says he owes his success to asking for help. Nix your pride or fear or insecurity and just ask. I'm a product of this. In my past, I didn't ask, I went it alone. Today I'm flourishing and spend half my days asking for help and counsel and advice. And I see those who are really succeeding and overcoming being the biggest students and 'askers.'

This is the key benefit to Free Agent Academy. Community. Counsel. Guidance. Encouragement.

Write a book
Zig is adamant that everyone does it. No excuses. Doesn't have to be published or even sold. Write a book. Write about what you care about, or write your story. I'm in the process of doing both. And I've got to share this…

Long ago he did a 3-hour workshop for the Mary Kay organization. She (Mary Kay Ashe) asked him to do a 6-hour seminar. So he created new content. That content became 'See You At The Top' which has sold millions.

In prep for my appearance on the Ziglar Success 2.0 Show I finally created the outline to the book I've been writing content for. So Zig is now part of my story…!

Credit others
Right away in Zig's offices is his 'Wall of Fame.' Literal pictures of all the folks in his life who have benefited his life in significant ways. This was funny, and poignant...he said there were two folks on there who he didn't really even like much. But they gave great value to his life and he's grateful to them! He implored us to create our own list of people who have given value to our lives. I'm making my list...

It's never too late
This wasn't a quote from Zig, I'm saying it in response to a reality about him. The Ziglar we all know…the speaker and motivator and inspiration…didn't really start till after he was 45 years old. That is when he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior and his speaking career really started in earnest. Look what he's done in almost 40 years since then. I just finished his autobiography. It's amazing what he did in the first decade alone. So if you are reading this and you are 73…you can still knock it outta the park by the time you are Zig's age. He's writing two books right now!

Encourage…regardless
I'll end with this, because he did. He said, "Find something that encourages others and do it regardless." So in your pursuit for free agency, find what you care about and can offer value to others with…and use it as a platform to inspire and encourage others. REGARDLESS!! Regardless of your:

• Age
• Circumstances
• Discomfort
• Finances

…anything!

This journey to knowing your calling, finding a viable work opportunity within that, owning your work (self-employment) and using it all to inspire yourself and in turn inspire others…is your responsibility. Not for your own good, but for others! Do it…regardless. Don't get caught up in our world's agenda of all efforts being to pad our own comfort and security. You can be comforted and secure in eternity when you die. Till then, do what you are supposed to do…regardless.

My immense thanks to Tom Ziglar, his sisters and staff, and of course Zig...for giving me this opportunity and experience. For enriching my life and hopefully through me…enriching the lives of others. Of you.

Be blessed today.

20 pictures from my time with Zig are here on the FreeAgentUnderground Facebook fanpage:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=185165&id=175999913196

Comments

[Michelle]

I already have your blog bookmarked, but I'm creating a bookmark just for this post. Very good stuff. Thanks for sharing, Kevin!

Wanna see your book when you're finished with it! :-)

[Theresa Lode]

Kevin- You outdid yourself on this post. Wish I could have been there listening in but I guess....Your great notes allow us to do that!
Way to go!

[Mike Estes]

How cool!!! Zig is one of my all time hero's! I've really enjoyed getting to know Tom as well. Thanks for sharing your time with Zig!!

Mike

[Kevin Miller]

Michelle - its worth it for these nuggets from Zig

[Kevin Miller]

Theresa - well here Im just the messenger. A proud one at that.

[Kevin Miller]

Mike - my hero too...and Tom Im proud to call friend

[Randy Cantrell]

Well done, Kevin. Well done.

[Deb Ingino ~ Strength Leader]

Love this Kev!
Plain simple truth with a healthy dose of encouragement!

[Josh Bulloc]

Great job. I listen to Zig's podcast (along with your's) and a lot of this information is the core of what he teaches. I like to look into the things that were said but not really said, if you know what I mean. Give, Give, Give, but you cannot give something you do not have and that thing is the gifts God has given you. Once you identify those gifts you will realize you will have abundance of giving through that gift. Use that gift to carry you to free agency.

Josh Bulloc
Kansas City

[Dave Munson]

Kevin, thanks for refreshing my memory. You wrote it all down and I just listened and recorded. The most amazing man I've ever met, easy. And Zig's a close second. A thing that really stuck with me is that he kept telling us to try to make everyone around us successful. "You will get all you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want". It's really true.

[Brenda Dunagan]

Just one word, Kevin: INSPIRING!

Thanks!

[Carolyne Jimenez]

What an honor to be in such rich company! Thank you for sharing all of this valuable wisdom with us.You didn't take all this great info and see how it can solely benefit you. You're doing exactly what Zig preaches, you're using what you've learned in your business to encourage us(FAA,FAU) and in the process you're being inspired yourself. How can it get any better than that!

[Kevin Miller]

Carolyne - thank you...so much. Your encouragement here...is fuel for my
hope!

[Kevin Miller]

Brenda - hey...if youve been inspired, then Ive done my job. Thank
you!

[Kevin Miller]

Dave - hey, youve gotta know that it made the whole experience
better...to share it with you. I know youll impact lots of folks with
what you got from Zig. Honored to be sharing the journey with you
brother.

[Jonathan Pool]

Thank you for sharing this with us Kevin. Outstanding post!

Encourage.... REGARDLESS. I love that!

Jonathan Pool

[Mike Evans]

Great stuff and I haven't read it all yet but wanted to post one idea. I especially enjoyed Zig's comment that he does not worry. Kevin, I too am still learning and I feel it is all about faith. I am co-teaching a Sunday school class and we have been studying the book of Mark for almost a year. Mark was written as a focus on Jesus' day to day life. We are currently studying the week before the Crucifixion. It has been amazing to find out just a little of what went on that week but the most impacting part was to see over and over the energetic but calm unruffled way that Christ walked through this week not just knowing His fiat but being bold in His faith to the point He sealed His fiat and He did it purposefully. He was fully man and had no special help in emotionally and physically going through His experiences except for His love relationship with His Father God. Their hearts were so intricately woven together that Christ consistently displayed His child like faith, never expressing or showing worry even to death on the cross. In it's quietness His faith is more bold, dynamic and impacting than any other actions every reported or sensationalized by mankind. Sometimes I miss it because it is so quietly done in a world that loves loud boasting. Zig's quiet response to your question helped me galvanize my thoughts and feelings. I am currently devoted to becoming a true disciple of Christ. Committed to walk this life as He did with the same love, centred on God, resulting in child like faith that frees me to put incredible energy into loving those around me,with no worry of the outcome. Thank you for mentioning this in your blog.

[Kevin Miller]

Jonathan - Im just blessed to know you ARE encouraging folks...regardless.

[Kevin Miller]

Mike - wow...thank you so much for the thoughtful, and heartfelt
response. And for directing me to Biblical reality. Means a lot to me.

[Dan Miller]

Kevin -- just had a chance to read through this overview of your time with Zig. Wow - there's enough meat there for all of us to move toward excellence in every area of our lives. What a rich lifetime of wisdom. I'm thrilled you had a chance to spend time with a man who has had such a positive impact on me, on you and on the world.

[Kevin Miller]

Dad - hey...thanks for introducing me to Zig as a youth and fully
indoctrinating me...and being an example. Im working to pay it forward.

[Dan Miller]

Kevin - your FAA gang probably would be interested to know that as a little boy you used to get "time-outs" where Mom and I expected you to get an "attitude adjustment" - a Zig term. We would have you listen to Zig for 10 minutes and then report on what you heard. Maybe it's surprising you didn't end up resenting him, but it appears you really did embrace the principles over time. I think it reinforces Proverbs 22:6.

[Chuck]

Kev -
Being with Zig was one of the most amazing times of my life. I came back so refreshed and refocused on the most important things. And, it's spilling over into Lori and Haley. On our long trip home, we listened to Zig and his stories for hours ... and we're only about a quarter way through.

Thanks for making this happen for us brother. Spending a couple days with you was the cherry on top!

[Nina Nelson]

Kevin, thanks for sharing. I never say this because it just feels cheesey, BUT, this was truly inspirational. There's a lot to take away from it.

[Kevin Miller]

Nina - not cheesy...just the truth...Zig IS inspirational.

[Jason V]

Ha, I'm such a dork. I just realized that Dan Miller is your dad. :)

I've been avid fan of Dan for a long time now, and now I can't remember how I found your FreeAgent podcast, through itunes or from 48days...

Also a huge Zig fan, thanks for sharing!

[Kevin Miller]

Jason - yep...thats my Dad. I tend to expect folks to know...but
actually hear this a lot. Grateful youre listening to the FAU podcasts!

[Aron]

It's great that some out there are holding to the good and wholesome. This gives me the hope and curage to keep on keeping on. Jesus Christ is the best. Thank you Kevin! You are a true man of God.

[Kevin Miller]

Aron - thats why Im a fan of Zig...hes the real deal.

[Lisa]

Too funny Dan, thanks for sharing this. More parents should try to take advantage of those dreadful time-outs by pouring some good ole knowledge into those brains :)