Zig On…Failure

By Zig Ziglar

Failure is an event - it is not a person. Two of the most striking examples of this great truism are the stories of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. The two men could not have been more different. Washington was an aristocrat - aloof and very serious. Lincoln, born in a log cabin, was folksy and had an incomparable sense of humor. Despite their differences, both men accomplished great things. They are recognized as America’s two greatest presidents. They shared the same moral and ethical values. Both were devoted to their country and the welfare of their fellow citizens. Both were religious. Both were models of honesty and integrity and each faced adversity, criticism and rejection. In Lincoln’s case, it was outright ridicule.

They also shared the trait of persistence and, despite defeats, their vision drove them onward and upward. In Lincoln’s case, twelve of the fifteen major events of his life were defeats. He failed in business, was defeated for the legislature, failed in business again, was elected to the legislature, his sweetheart died, he had a nervous breakdown, he was defeated for Speaker, defeated for elector, defeated for congress, elected to congress, defeated for congress, defeated for senate, defeated for vice president, defeated for senate and elected President of the United States.

George Washington won only two battles in the Revolutionary War, but he won the last battle and that’s the one that counts. The British drove Washington down through Long Island, into Brooklyn, across the East River, and up to Manhattan Island. They drove him on and on, but ultimately Washington was victorious. A few days later at Yorktown, General Cornwallis, the British General, surrendered to Washington. As he handed over his sword he said, “Sir, I salute you. Not only are you a great leader of men, but an indomitable Christian gentleman who wouldn’t give up.”

The message is clear. As long as we pursue our dreams, we will ultimately - if the cause is right - emerge the winner. Buy that idea and I’ll SEE YOU AT THE TOP!