The Philosophy of Daily Purpose: Zig Ziglar’s “Make Today Worth Remembering”
Zig Ziglar, born Hilary Hinton Ziglar on November 6, 1926, in Coffee County, Alabama, became one of America’s most influential motivational speakers and sales trainers of the twentieth century. His straightforward, folksy approach to personal development and sales psychology resonated with millions of people across multiple generations, making him a household name in self-help circles and corporate training programs alike. The quote “Make today worth remembering” encapsulates the essence of Ziglar’s philosophy: that life is composed of individual days, and each one presents an opportunity for meaningful action and personal growth. This simple yet profound statement emerged from decades of observation about human nature, success, and the importance of deliberate intention in shaping one’s destiny. Understanding this quote requires us to explore not only who Zig Ziglar was, but also the journey that made him a trusted voice in American motivational culture.
Before becoming a motivational icon, Ziglar experienced the kind of humble beginnings that would later inform his compassionate yet direct teaching style. He grew up during the Great Depression in a poor family, and his father, a farmer and pastor, passed away when Ziglar was only five years old. This loss might have derailed many, but instead it became foundational to his character. His mother’s unwavering optimism and determination to provide for her children despite their poverty left an indelible mark on young Hilary. He dropped out of high school to help support his family, working various jobs including selling milk, stocking shelves, and attempting to sell cookware—experiences that taught him more about human behavior and resilience than any formal education could have provided. These formative struggles gave Ziglar an authentic credibility when he later spoke about overcoming obstacles and building a better life. He wasn’t speaking from an ivory tower but from hard-won experience, having climbed from poverty to prominence through sheer determination and positive attitude.
Ziglar’s entry into the motivational speaking world came somewhat accidentally through his sales career. In the 1950s, he worked as a salesman for various companies and discovered he had a remarkable talent for the profession, eventually breaking sales records throughout the South. More importantly, he began to develop a philosophy about what made some salespeople successful while others struggled. He came to understand that success in sales wasn’t primarily about manipulation or techniques, but rather about genuine belief in oneself, understanding customer needs authentically, and maintaining a positive mental attitude. In 1960, at age 34, Ziglar made the pivotal decision to leave his comfortable sales position to launch a career as a speaker and trainer. This decision would have seemed reckless to many, but it reflected the very principle he would later espouse: making a decision that was worth remembering, one that aligned with your deepest values and potential. His first years were lean, but he gradually built a reputation as an effective and engaging speaker who could translate abstract principles into practical, actionable advice.
The context in which “Make today worth remembering” gained prominence was the entrepreneurial and self-improvement boom of the 1960s and beyond. Ziglar emerged as a voice during a time when American culture was questioning traditional paths and seeking new ways to think about personal achievement and fulfillment. His seminars, recorded albums, books like “See You at the Top” (1975) and “Secrets of Closing the Sale” (1984), and later his television appearances brought his message to audiences who were hungry for practical wisdom that didn’t require them to be geniuses or inherently talented. The quote itself likely originated from various speeches and writings where Ziglar repeatedly emphasized the importance of living intentionally. Unlike some motivational speakers who focused on get-rich-quick schemes or grandiose dreams, Ziglar grounded his philosophy in the daily practice of making choices that reflected your values and aspirations. “Make today worth remembering” became a rallying cry for people who understood that success isn’t built in dramatic moments but in the cumulative power of purposeful days.
What makes Ziglar’s approach particularly interesting is how he integrated his deep Christian faith into his motivational philosophy without alienating secular audiences. He believed that making today worth remembering was fundamentally about aligning your actions with your values, whatever those values might be. This created a universal appeal that transcended religious and cultural boundaries. Another lesser-known aspect of Ziglar’s life is his genuine interest in the whole person, not just the sales professional or the businessman. He spoke extensively about family relationships, parenting, health, and integrity—topics that many motivational speakers of his era overlooked. Ziglar understood intuitively that people can’t compartmentalize their lives, that a person struggling in their marriage will struggle in their career, and that true success means achievement across multiple dimensions of life. This holistic philosophy was revolutionary for business training and contributed to the widespread appeal of his message. Additionally, Ziglar was remarkably consistent in his personal life, living according to the principles he taught, which gave his words a weight that purely theoretical advice could never carry.
The cultural impact of Ziglar’s philosophy has been profound and enduring. “Make today worth remembering” has been quoted in corporate training programs, posted on office walls, cited by athletes preparing for competition, and referenced by individuals confronting personal challenges. The quote appeals because it operates on multiple levels of meaning simultaneously. On the surface, it’s simple encouragement to be productive and positive. But deeper down, it’s an invitation to metacognition—to