25 Gratitude Quotes as You Envision Your Leadership Strategy Plan for 2025 (My First Meeting with Zig Ziglar)

25 Gratitude Quotes as You Envision Your Leadership Strategy Plan for 2025 (My First Meeting with Zig Ziglar)

Zig Ziglar is one of my favorite sources of leadership influence. For those who knew him, I’m sure he inspired you also! I still have my original “See You At The Top!” Is this book one of your favorites too?

My first meeting with Zig impacted my entire career, and still resonates with me today. Want to know what happened?

My First Meeting with Zig Ziglar

In 1982, my first year with Xerox in sales, I attend a seminar by the legendary Zig Ziglar.

When I walk into the room, I see that we’re surrounded by community members who are eager to hear and learn.

From Zig’s opening story, I’m hooked. I hang on to every word he says, especially his famous closing line, “See you at the top.” It feels like he’s speaking directly to me!

At dinner afterward, I had an experience I will never forget…

On the other side of the dining room, I see Zig sitting at a large round table with a group of seasoned business executives, all dressed snappy in their navy blue suits. They look every bit the part—poised, polished, and as though they have everything figured out.

As I watch them out of the corner of my eye, I see Zig looking in the direction of our table. Intrigued, I wonder who he’s looking at. In shock, I realize that he’s looking at me. Our eyes lock…then he points to me and waves me over. Really??? Is he really calling me, a 21-year-old who’s just starting her career over to their table with all these high-powered executives? My legs wobble as I get up from my chair. Awestruck and intimidated, I walk toward Zig.

I’m acutely aware that everyone at the table – no, wait, the entire room – is watching. I summon my very best North Dakota confidence, smile, and lean over to see what Zig wants.

Then my new hero, Zig Ziglar, looks me in the eye and says, “I have some advice for you.”

I can’t believe this! Eagerly, I lean in, holding my breath, waiting to hear the wisdom Zig will share. With a serious look on his face, he says, “You know, if you showed more enthusiasm, you’d go far!”

I’m confused, thinking, “Wait—I’m not enthusiastic enough?  I’ve received lots of advice and coaching in my life;  but nothing even remotely close to this.”

Zig, sensing my confusion, breaks into a high signature laugh,  “I’m joking!  You’re one of the most enthusiastic people I’ve ever met—keep it up, and you’ll go far.”

Relief washes over me—and I’m sure it shows! Everyone at the table laughs, and I join in. I thank Zig—nearly curtsying—before turning back to my table. Every step feels like a mile!

Zig’s unexpected encouragement is a source of encouragement for me. Despite feeling like a small fish in a big pond, his words reminded me of the power of gratitude. We can be thankful for every moment, every lesson, and every challenge that shapes our journey.

Zig once said, “Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you are to have even more to express gratitude for.”

My Favorite Leadership Development Quote

Although that’s an important quote, this is one of my favorites. When starting my sales and leadership journey, I posted a quote by Zig everywhere I found space:

“When you do the things you have to do when you have to do them, the day will come when you can do the things you want to do when you want to do them.” ~ Zig Ziglar

I’m grateful for Zig’s wisdom. I’m reminded of all the opportunities surrounding me…and to be grateful for them.

How do I show my gratitude? By taking that step forward –

• Even when it’s uncomfortable.
• Even when I don’t feel like doing it today.
• Even when I’m afraid.

Gratitude opens the door to unlimited opportunities.

As we approach Thanksgiving, let’s reflect on that wisdom.

Having just completed the Gratitude Series, I’m energized by the power of this leadership strategy…Gratitude fuels growth, inspires resilience, and builds confidence—even when we feel like a small fish in a big pond.

Here’s a selection of 28 quotes on gratitude that have inspired me over the years. May they spark new reflections for your 2025 leadership development journey, helping you see the power of gratitude in every step.

24 More Gratitude Quotes as You Review Your Leadership Strategy Plan for 2025

“Try leaving a trail of little sparks of gratitude on your daily trips. You will be surprised how they will set small flames of friendship that will be rose beacons on your next visit.” ~ Dale Carnegie

“You decide every moment of every day: Who you are & what you believe in. You get a second chance every second.” ~ Dr. Caroline Leaf

“Among the things you can give and still keep are your word, a smile, and a grateful heart.” ~ Zig Ziglar

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can’t be done.” ~ Helen Keller

“Change your thoughts and you change your world.” ~ Norman Vincent Peale

“Life is like a piano. What you get out of it depends on how you play it.” ~ Tom Lehrer

“The Hand of providence has been so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked, that has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations.” ~ George Washington

“What you are thinking now is creating your future life. You create your life with your thoughts. Because you are always thinking, you are always creating. What you think about the most or focus on the most is what will appear in your life.” ~ Dr. Caroline Leaf

“Be grateful for what you have and stop complaining – it bores everybody else, does you no good, and doesn’t solve any problems. ~ Zig Ziglar

“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ G.K. Chesterton

“The most unprofitable item ever manufactured is an excuse.” ~ John Mason

“Silent gratitude isn’t much good to anyone.” ~ John Maxwell

“Gratitude is the ability to experience life as a gift. It liberates us from the prison of self-preoccupation.” ~ John Ortberg

“Gratitude comes from having the right perspective. It’s being able to look at what you have and be thankful rather than longing for what you don’t have.” ~ Max Lucado

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Change your thoughts and you change your world.” ~ Norman Vincent Peale

“You can change your world by changing your words…Remember death and life are in the power of the tongue.” ~ Joel Olsteen

“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” ~ Willie Nelson

“The last of human freedoms is to choose one’s attitude in a given set of circumstances” ~ Viktor Frankl

“Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don’t recognize them.” ~ Ann Landers

As I said in the opening paragraph, Zig Ziglar is one of my favorite sources of leadership influence and inspiration.

Here are two articles I wrote about the influence he had on my career:

Published in Forbes: How To Help Your Millennial Salespeople Focus On Improved Accountability

Published in LinkedIn: Set Goals to Fuel Strong Desire & Commitment

This article was featured in my November Newsletter. You can get a copy here: November Newsletter

Copyright, Danita Bye (This article is NOT AI-generated) 😊