

2267 | Zig Ziglar: “You Gotta Put Something in Before You Can Get Anything Out.”
Sep 15, 2025
Zig Ziglar shares a profound lesson on the importance of effort before reward, illustrated by the metaphor of priming a pump. He emphasizes that success requires consistent investment of time and energy. Persistence is highlighted as a crucial driver of achievement, encouraging listeners not to give up too soon. The message is clear: only those who keep pushing forward will enjoy the fruits of their labor. Zig's inspiring anecdotes motivate us to cultivate patience and enthusiasm on our journey to success.
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South Alabama Well Story
- Zig Ziglar tells a South Alabama well story where friends pump and debate whether water exists deep below.
- The tale illustrates persistence: keep pumping until the water (success) finally flows.
Put In Work Before Expecting Rewards
- Put effort in before expecting rewards; don’t wait for external validation to start working.
- Start poorly if needed, learn, and improve—skills and results follow consistent input.
Earn Rewards By Demonstrating Value
- Don’t demand promotions or raises before proving value; demonstrate reliability first.
- Earn responsibility by showing consistent performance, then request rewards or advancement.