Salesmanship Corner By Zig Ziglar - He Got Better, Not Bitter

One of my favorite people, and certainly one of America's finest communicators, is Neal Jeffrey. Neal, as quarterback, led the Baylor Bears football team to the Southwest Conference Championship in 1974. Today, he addresses many youth groups as well as adult business people. He is truly one of the most humorous, sincere and capable speakers I've ever heard. The interesting thing is that Neal is a stutterer. He has, however, chosen to make stuttering an asset, not a problem. That's the "Over The Top" way.

Now think about what you just read. A very successful quarterback and public speaker who stutters doesn't compute in the minds of most people. Neal Jeffrey has taken a negative and turned it into a positive. After speaking a few minutes, he tells audiences that in case they hadn't noticed, he stutters. Then with a big smile, he says, "Sometimes I do get hung up a little bit. But don't worry, I guarantee you something's coming!" The audience invariably responds enthusiastically.

Neal is the classic example of an outstanding individual who chose to make an "obstacle" an asset. The "obstacle" has forced Neal to be more creative and to do more reading, research and studying so he can most effectively turn that "liability" into an asset. Result: He got better - not bitter. He's better not in spite of his stutter, but because of his stutter. Like all "Over The Top" people, Neal has reached and is reaching goal after goal in all areas of his life. I believe that you can do the same thing.

The reality is that all of us have liabilities which can hold us back or propel us forward. In most cases, the choice is ours. So, take your "obstacles" or "liabilities," recognize and evaluate them, and then find a way to turn them into assets. If you do, I'll SEE YOU AT THE TOP!

Zig Ziglar is a motivator and teacher. He is the author of 26 books and loved by millions of people world wide for his practical wisdom and his gift of hope.