Tuesday Motivation by Zig Ziglar: 'Remember that failure is an event, not a...' - The inspiring lesson about why one mistake or disappointment should never determine your identity, your potential or the direction of your future

Legendary motivational speaker Zig Ziglar’s quote, "Remember that failure is an event, not a person," carries a powerful message about how we should view setbacks. Failing at a goal, making a mistake or experiencing disappointment does not mean you are a failure. It simply means something did not work out as planned. The quote encourages us to separate what happened from who we are. A setback is temporary, while labeling yourself as a failure can create a lasting negative mindset. Instead of allowing one disappointing experience to damage your confidence, Ziglar’s message suggests using it as an opportunity to learn, adjust and try again. Everyone faces failure at some point. Successful people are not necessarily those who never fail, but those who refuse to let failure define them. Each mistake can reveal what needs to change and provide valuable experience for the next attempt. Ultimately, Ziglar’s words remind us that one event cannot determine our identity or our future.

Zig Ziglar was one of America’s best-known motivational speakers, sales trainers and authors, whose lessons on personal growth, perseverance and success influenced millions of people. Born Hilary Hinton Ziglar on November 6, 1926, in Coffee County, Alabama, he was raised in Yazoo City, Mississippi, after his family moved there when he was young. Ziglar’s early life was shaped by hard work and responsibility. Before becoming a nationally recognized motivational speaker, he spent years working in sales. His experience as a salesman became an important foundation for his later career. He learned firsthand that success depends not only on ability, but also on persistence, preparation, communication and a positive attitude.




After developing a reputation as an effective sales trainer, Ziglar began traveling extensively as a professional speaker. His energetic style and practical approach helped him connect with audiences across the United States and eventually around the world. He encouraged people to set meaningful goals, develop confidence, maintain discipline and keep moving forward when they encountered setbacks.

Family was also an important part of Ziglar’s life. He married Jean in 1946, and the couple remained together for more than six decades. They had four children. Ziglar often incorporated lessons about relationships, character, faith and family into his motivational philosophy rather than limiting his message to business success.

His writing career further expanded his influence. Among his best-known books is 'See You at the Top!', first published in 1975, which became a cornerstone of his motivational work. He later wrote 'Secrets of Closing the Sale', 'Over the Top', 'Born to Win', 'Goals', 'Better Than Good' and 'Raising Positive Kids in a Negative World'. His books covered everything from sales and goal-setting to confidence, parenting and personal development.

Ziglar continued speaking and writing for decades, building a reputation for turning complicated ideas into memorable, practical lessons. He died on November 28, 2012, at age 86.

Although Zig Ziglar is no longer here, his message continues to reach new audiences. His philosophy emphasized that setbacks do not have to become permanent labels and that success is built through consistent effort, optimism and the willingness to learn. His life remains an example of how experience, persistence and a commitment to helping others can create a lasting legacy.