A Zig Ziglar Quote: The Secret to Becoming a Great Author

Do you like to be inspired? I do. It is why I have enjoyed collecting inspirational quotes for at least ten years. Inspiring words can be a powerful tool to motivate the mind and guide our energies to fulfill the dreams we want to see become reality.

Today, I want to share an inspirational quote attributed to Zig Ziglar, a motivational speaker and author known for his messages on personal development and success from the 1970s through the 1990s. I often apply it to the goal of becoming an author. In fact, as the title of this article states, it really is the secret to becoming a great author. Since Ziglar wrote and published over 30 books, I think he would appreciate the sentiment.

I will begin by sharing this timeless quote that encapsulates the essence of overcoming hesitation and taking the first step towards becoming an author of books:

"You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great." ~ Zig Ziglar

Four Inspirations to Reflect On

I know many of my followers enjoy reflecting on inspirational quotes as much as I do. Such quotes can serve as a guide to open our eyes to new ways of thinking and pathways we can follow. As I reflect on this powerful message in the above words, I find four key inspirations that can encourage both current and aspiring authors to follow the dream of authorship.

Reflection #1: Let You Be the Judge of "Great"

Reflecting on Zig Ziglar’s quote, I believe it is important we each define what “great” means to us. Being the judge of our own greatness gives us a more personalized and healthier growth experience. It frees us from external pressures. By giving ourselves permission to ignore comparisons that can often hinder our progress and self-esteem, we set our own standards and value our unique strengths. This allows us the freedom to grow authentically and at our own pace. In this way, how we define “great” becomes our own definition, shaped by our values and what we see as important. As we move further along our journey, we gain a deeper understanding of who we are.

Additionally, we want to project our authentic self to audiences. After all, I think readers and clients are looking for authentic voices more than ever. Why? Because the messages and images surrounding us today are not always “real” or are retouched to create almost an alternate reality. Authenticity is truly the key to a genuine connection with our audiences. Readers are drawn to authors who are real and relatable, those who share their journeys, struggles, and triumphs candidly. By being true to ourselves and our unique definition of greatness, we create work that resonates more deeply with our readers. In the end, this authentic connection not only enriches our readers’ experience but also validates our journey as authors.

Reflection #2: Greatness is a Journey, Not a Destination

Ziglar’s quote reminds us that greatness is a journey, not a destination. I believe this perspective instantly changes one’s attitude towards the task of writing books. If I may, let me interject a related quote by Lao Tzu: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." As any author would tell you, book writing is about taking it one step at a time. And, it is indeed a journey that is an exciting adventure.

Think about it: achieving greatness comes through the process of starting and persisting. We should not put the expectation of perfection on ourselves, but rather embark on the journey as a learning experience along the way. For authors of all stripes, this means that the initial draft need not be flawless, nor the first book cover idea exactly match your vision. Instead, the act of book production itself is a step towards refining your craft and achieving your goals.

Reflection #3: Overcoming Fear and Embracing Growth

These simple words from Ziglar can inspire us to overcome fear and embrace personal growth. It is fear that often holds people back from pursuing their dreams of becoming an author. Whether it is fear of failure or the uncertainty of doing something new, starting small, such as with an ebook, can gradually build confidence through learning and refining your process. Each step forward helps you overcome the barriers that fear creates, which brings me to my final reflection.

Reflection #4: The Power of Taking Action

The most profound lesson from this quote is the power of taking action. Dreams and aspirations remain unfulfilled without the initial step. Writing a book is a commitment of time, no matter the length or type of book, but it all begins with the first word, the first page. By starting, you set the wheels of progress in motion, transforming your ideas into reality. Each action you take brings you closer to your goal of becoming an author.

Zig Ziglar’s quote is an inspirational call to action for all of us. It reminds me that we do not have to be perfect to begin our journey. The important thing is to start, embrace the process, and continue moving forward. For those aspiring to write books, this journey can begin with the simple, yet powerful, act of creating an ebook.

Friends, I encourage you to take that first step today. Your path to becoming a great author can start now!

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