Born to Win Book Summary - Born to Win Book explained in key points
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Born to Win summary

Find Your Success

4.5 (228 ratings)
15 mins

Brief summary

Born to Win by Zig Ziglar and Tom Ziglar is a motivational book that provides a step-by-step guide on how to succeed in life and business. It offers practical tips, strategies, and stories to help readers unlock their potential and achieve their goals.

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    Born to Win
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    Winning starts with a vision and the desire to make it happen.

    Have you ever watched an athletics championship race? Or the final game in a big sports competition, like the Super Bowl or soccer World Cup? In all these events, winners emerge and bask in the glory of their success.

    But here’s a question: How do these winners arrive at that moment? Most likely, they showed potential earlier in life, but that’s not all it takes.

    As far as the authors are concerned, everyone has potential. What separates those with potential from those who become winners is desire. Before an athlete crosses that finish line or a winning football team lifts the trophy, they first have to want to win. This drives them to plan, prepare, and ultimately, expect victory.

    The key message here is: Winning starts with a vision and the desire to make it happen.

    Desire is what motivates people to do the hard work that leads to winning. Think of it as a motor powering you toward success. And the motor first starts running when you establish a clear vision for yourself and your future. Often, this vision is the result of an event or an encounter.

    For example, Zig Ziglar’s vision for success was inspired by a conversation with a supervisor that he admired. He was working as a salesman and his supervisor told him that he could become the best salesman in the country. Before this conversation, he’d never imagined doing anything beyond making ends meet. But when he was introduced to the possibility of greatness, he became excited about the vision. And his desire to make it a reality was born.

    Once you have desire, it sparks two qualities that keep you working toward your vision: commitment and perseverance.

    Commitment keeps you focused and consistent in chasing down your vision – you’ll do everything you need in order to succeed. And perseverance is what keeps you going even when the road gets rough, which it inevitably will. Think about it, when you experience setbacks or challenges, you have to be able to press on. Otherwise, your vision will never materialize.

    To set off on the path to success, look for moments that inspire vision and spark your desires. Knowing exactly what you want provides the motivation you need to plan, prepare, and expect to win. In the following blinks we’ll look at how to do just that.

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    What is Born to Win about?

    Born to Win (2012) teaches a simple but effective philosophy for success: you have to first plan and prepare to win, only then can you expect to win. The book demonstrates how to implement this philosophy, from establishing a vision and goals to equipping yourself for success. It also highlights the importance of thinking positively and nurturing your entire being.

    Born to Win Review

    Born to Win (2012) by Zig Ziglar with Tom Ziglar is an empowering book that explores the keys to success, happiness, and fulfillment. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • With its insightful stories and inspiring examples, it offers practical wisdom for navigating life's challenges and achieving personal and professional goals.
    • The book provides a step-by-step action plan for unlocking your full potential and living a purpose-driven life.
    • Through its motivating perspectives and timeless principles, it encourages readers to embrace a growth mindset and overcome obstacles with unwavering determination.

    Best quote from Born to Win

    Individuals who keep growing in knowledge are the ones who succeed.

    —Zig Ziglar with Tom Ziglar
    example alt text

    Who should read Born to Win?

    • Anyone wanting a roadmap for success
    • Christians seeking faith-based self-help
    • Fans of Zig Ziglar’s teachings

    About the Author

    Zig Ziglar was a successful salesman, motivational speaker, and author. Over four decades, he traveled widely and spoke in front of millions of people. He wrote over 30 books on topics such as faith and personal growth, including the bestsellers See You at the Top, How to be a Winner, and Success and the Self-Image.

    Tom Ziglar is a motivational speaker, and the CEO of Ziglar, Inc., a personal and professional development company founded by his late father, Zig Ziglar. He hosts The Ziglar Show, a leading business podcast, and is also the author of Choose to Win.

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    Born to Win FAQs 

    What is the main message of Born to Win?

    The main message of Born to Win is that everyone has the potential to achieve success and fulfillment in life.

    How long does it take to read Born to Win?

    The reading time for Born to Win varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Born to Win a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Born to Win is a worthwhile read. It provides valuable insights and practical strategies to help readers unlock their full potential and achieve their goals.

    Who is the author of Born to Win?

    The authors of Born to Win are Zig Ziglar and Tom Ziglar.

    What to read after Born to Win?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Born to Win, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Goals by Zig Ziglar
    • The Earned Life by Marshall Goldsmith
    • One Small Step Can Change Your Life by Robert Maurer
    • I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was by Barbara Sher with Barbara Smith
    • Return on Ambition by Nicolai Chen Nielsen and Nicolai Tillisch
    • See You at the Top by Zig Ziglar
    • It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want to Be by Paul Arden
    • Habits of a Peacemaker by Steven T. Collis
    • The 12 Traits of the Greats by Dave Martin
    • The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel