See You at the Top Book Summary - See You at the Top Book explained in key points
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See You at the Top summary

Zig Ziglar

The “How To” book that gives YOU a “Check Up” from the “Neck Up” to eliminate “Stinkin Thinkin” and AVOID “Hardening of the Attitudes”

4.3 (283 ratings)
20 mins

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'See You at the Top' by Zig Ziglar is a motivational book that teaches how to achieve success by setting goals, improving communication skills, and having a positive attitude. It emphasizes the importance of hard work and persistence in reaching one's goals.

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    See You at the Top
    Summary of 7 key ideas

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    A poor self-image leads to self-defeating behavior. 

    So you’ve decided it’s time to change your ways and start aiming for the top. Where do you begin?

    The first step on the ladder to success is to evaluate your self-image – that is, how you view yourself. Self-image is a crucial building block for success because it determines how you perform.

    For many people, self-image issues can be traced back to childhood. Let’s say your son accidentally drops a plate; without thinking, you tell him he’s the clumsiest boy you’ve ever seen. You might not intend for your comment to be destructive, but for many children, offhand remarks like this can lead to an inferiority complex. When parents, teachers, or friends imply that a child is inept, that child might come to believe that he doesn’t deserve good things in life, such as love or success.

    On the other hand, imagine how you’d feel if you received a phone call from someone who simply wanted to tell you how great you are. Whether you’re a doctor, a student, or an athlete, this kind of boost to your confidence would likely make you perform better. In fact, the link between a positive self-image and high performance has a proven track record – in elite sports, athletes often visualize themselves succeeding in order to achieve real-life success. Top golfers, for example, “see” themselves sinking their ball into the cup before they even tee up. 

    But developing a positive self-image can be hard. This is especially true for children, who not only face criticism from parents and teachers but also feel the weight of society’s emphasis on appearance. Multiple surveys have found that over 95 percent of young Americans would opt to change some aspect of their physical appearance. Later in life, this dissatisfaction often leads to an unhealthy obsession with material possessions and body image. 

    Having a negative view of yourself also informs your behavior in your professional life. 

    Imagine a salesman with a negative self-image. He lives in constant fear of rejection, and this mindset causes him to be a people pleaser. This doesn’t just undermine his ability to make sales – his need to be accepted by his teammates also stops him from adopting the leadership skills that would enable him to rise into management. 

    Unless he finds a way to alter his self-image, the salesman will never be able to envision success for himself on either a personal or professional level.

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    What is See You at the Top about?

    Widely regarded as a classic of the self-help genre, See You At The Top (1975) is a step-by-step guide to achieving personal success. These blinks arm you with psychological and behavioral tools, such as positive thinking and goal-setting, which will help you live an enriching social, professional, and spiritual life.

    See You at the Top Review

    See You at the Top (1975) by Zig Ziglar is a powerful book that offers invaluable advice on personal development and achieving success. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:

    • It provides practical strategies for setting and achieving goals, empowering readers to take control of their lives and reach new heights.
    • The book combines inspiring anecdotes and stories with Ziglar's own experiences, making the content relatable and engaging.
    • With its timeless wisdom and positive insights, the book challenges conventional thinking and motivates readers to strive for excellence.

    Best quote from See You at the Top

    ...the price of success is much lower than the price of failure.

    —Zig Ziglar
    example alt text

    Who should read See You at the Top?

    • Christians seeking career guidance
    • Entrepreneurs and freelancers
    • Self-help aficionados

    About the Author

    Zig Ziglar (1926-2010) was an American author, motivational speaker, and salesman. His more than 30 books include the bestsellers Success and the Self-Image, Secrets of Closing the Sale, and How to be a Winner.

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    See You at the Top FAQs 

    What is the main message of See You at the Top?

    The main message of See You at the Top is to achieve success by building a positive mindset, setting goals, and taking consistent action.

    How long does it take to read See You at the Top?

    The reading time for See You at the Top varies, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is See You at the Top a good book? Is it worth reading?

    See You at the Top is worth reading as it provides practical advice on personal and professional success in a straightforward and engaging manner.

    Who is the author of See You at the Top?

    The author of See You at the Top is Zig Ziglar.

    What to read after See You at the Top?

    If you're wondering what to read next after See You at the Top, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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    • Radical Respect by Kim Scott
    • Meaningful by Bernadette Jiwa
    • Set for Life by Scott Trench
    • Beyond the Pleasure Principle by Sigmund Freud
    • Phaedo by Plato
    • The Law of Success by Napoleon Hill
    • Maps of Meaning by Jordan B. Peterson