Born to Win book cover

Born to Win by Zig Ziglar & Tom Ziglar Summary

Born to Win
Zig Ziglar & Tom Ziglar
Self-growth
Business
Leadership
Overview
Key Takeaways
Author
FAQs

Overview of Born to Win

In "Born to Win," Zig Ziglar's final masterpiece reveals the holistic success code balancing all life areas. Endorsed by business leaders worldwide, its "Wheel of Life" concept has transformed corporate cultures. What secret mindset did Ziglar call the ultimate key to unstoppable achievement?

Key Takeaways from Born to Win

  1. The three-step success code: Plan to win, prepare to win, expect to win
  2. Balance life’s seven areas with Ziglar’s “Wheel of Life” framework
  3. Desire fuels winning more than talent or luck
  4. Build success on character and integrity—not just achievements
  5. Stop waiting for motivation—success demands daily action
  6. Ziglar’s eight universal desires define true holistic success
  7. Turn setbacks into comebacks with relentless perseverance
  8. Feed expectation with hope—not wishful thinking
  9. Your business exists to serve others first
  10. Grade your life monthly using Ziglar’s 1-10 assessment
  11. Winning requires mentoring others while being mentored
  12. Success begins when your “why” outweighs your “how”

Overview of its author - Zig Ziglar & Tom Ziglar

Zig Ziglar (Hilary Hinton Ziglar, 1926–2012) and Tom Ziglar, co-authors of Born to Win: Find Your Success Code, revolutionized personal development as bestselling authors and motivational leadership experts.

Zig Ziglar, a legendary salesman turned self-help pioneer, founded Ziglar Inc. and authored 30+ books like See You at the Top and Secrets of Closing the Sale, blending practical sales strategies with his iconic philosophy: “You can have everything in life you want if you help enough others get what they want.”

His son Tom Ziglar, CEO of Ziglar Inc., extends this legacy through keynote speeches, The Ziglar Show podcast, and books like Choose to Win, emphasizing “Coach Leadership” for modern teams. Their collaborative work in Born to Win merges Zig’s timeless success frameworks with Tom’s contemporary organizational strategies, offering actionable steps for career alignment and personal growth.

Translated into 38 languages, Ziglar’s books have sold 40+ million copies worldwide, with principles adopted by Fortune 500 companies and featured in Tom’s 2022 TEDx talk. Explore their related works Secrets of Closing the Sale and 10 Leadership Virtues for Disruptive Times for expanded insights into relationship-driven achievement.

Common FAQs of Born to Win

What is Born to Win: Find Your Success Code about?

Born to Win: Find Your Success Code by Zig Ziglar and Tom Ziglar provides a roadmap for personal and professional success through a three-phase framework: Plan to Win (clarity on goals), Prepare to Win (skill development), and Expect to Win (positive mindset). It emphasizes life balance using the Wheel of Life tool, integrating character, integrity, and continuous learning as foundations for achievement.

Who should read Born to Win: Find Your Success Code?

This book is ideal for professionals, entrepreneurs, and salespeople seeking holistic growth. It’s particularly valuable for those navigating career transitions, aspiring leaders, or anyone needing motivation to realign personal and professional goals. Ziglar’s principles also resonate with readers new to self-improvement or fans of his earlier works.

Is Born to Win by Zig Ziglar worth reading?

Yes, Born to Win is praised for its actionable strategies and timeless wisdom. Reviewers highlight its life-changing insights on goal-setting, mindset, and relationships. Bonus QR codes link to supplemental materials, enhancing its value for both newcomers and longtime Ziglar enthusiasts.

What is the Wheel of Life in Born to Win: Find Your Success Code?

The Wheel of Life is a self-assessment tool evaluating seven areas: physical health, family, mental growth, finances, personal development, spirituality, and career. By scoring each “spoke,” readers identify imbalances and set goals to achieve harmony, ensuring success isn’t limited to one domain.

How does Zig Ziglar define success in Born to Win?

Ziglar defines success holistically as achieving eight core desires: happiness, health, financial security, meaningful relationships, peace of mind, family harmony, hope, and personal fulfillment. He ties success to character, arguing that integrity and a positive attitude are non-negotiable for lasting achievement.

What are the key phases in the Born to Win success framework?
  1. Plan to Win: Clarify goals and align actions with purpose.
  2. Prepare to Win: Acquire knowledge, practice skills, and seek mentorship.
  3. Expect to Win: Cultivate optimism, focus on effort over outcomes, and embrace resilience.
How does Born to Win apply to business growth?

The book stresses that businesses exist to serve customers, not just profit. It advocates for ethical practices, employee mentorship, and balancing ambition with personal well-being. Ziglar’s “Win-Win-Win” philosophy—benefiting clients, teams, and oneself—drives sustainable growth.

What are criticisms of Born to Win: Find Your Success Code?

Some readers note overlap with Ziglar’s earlier works like See You at the Top, making it less novel for existing fans. Others find the spiritual undertones overly prominent. However, its structured approach and practical exercises counterbalance these concerns.

How does Born to Win compare to Ziglar’s other books?

While reiterating core principles like goal-setting and positivity, Born to Win modernizes Ziglar’s teachings with QR-linked resources and a stronger focus on life balance. It serves as both an introduction for newcomers and a refresher for loyal readers.

What role does continuous learning play in Born to Win?

Ziglar emphasizes lifelong learning as critical for adaptability. The book encourages readers to seek mentors, consume educational content, and view challenges as growth opportunities. Knowledge, paired with action, becomes a catalyst for sustained success.

How can Born to Win help with maintaining work-life balance?

Through the Wheel of Life framework, Ziglar guides readers to audit time allocation across priorities. By setting boundaries, delegating tasks, and scheduling self-care, individuals achieve productivity without sacrificing personal well-being.

What makes Born to Win relevant in 2025?

Amid rapid technological shifts, Ziglar’s focus on resilience, ethical leadership, and adaptability remains vital. The book’s principles align with modern demands for mental agility and purpose-driven success, making it a perennial resource.

Similar books to Born to Win

Start Reading Your Way
Quick Summary

Feel the book through the author's voice

Deep Dive

Turn knowledge into engaging, example-rich insights

Flash Card

Capture key ideas in a flash for fast learning

Build

Customize your own reading method

Fun

Enjoy the book in a fun and engaging way

Book Psychic
Explore Your Way of Learning
Born to Win isn't just a book — it's a masterclass in Self-growth. To help you absorb its lessons in the way that works best for you, we offer five unique learning modes. Whether you're a deep thinker, a fast learner, or a story lover, there's a mode designed to fit your style.

Quick Summary Mode - Read or listen to Born to Win Summary in 8 Minutes

Quick Summary
Quick Summary
Born to Win Summary in 8 Minutes

Break down knowledge from Zig Ziglar & Tom Ziglar into bite-sized takeaways — designed for fast, focused learning.

play
00:00
00:00

Flash Card Mode - Top 10 Insights from Born to Win in a Nutshell

Flash Card Mode
Flash Card Mode
Top 10 Insights from Born to Win in a Nutshell

Quick to review, hard to forget — distill Zig Ziglar & Tom Ziglar's wisdom into action-ready takeaways.

Flash Mode Swiper

Fun Mode - Born to Win Lessons Told Through 22-Min Stories

Fun Mode
Fun Mode
Born to Win Lessons Told Through 22-Min Stories

Learn through vivid storytelling as Zig Ziglar & Tom Ziglar illustrates breakthrough innovation lessons you'll remember and apply.

play
00:00
00:00

Build Mode - Personalize Your Born to Win Learning Experience

Build Mode
Build Mode
Personalize Your Born to Win Learning Experience

Shape the voice, pace, and insights around what works best for you.

Detail Level
Detail Level
Tone & Style
Tone & Style
Join a Community of 43,546 Curious Minds
Curiosity, consistency, and reflection—for thousands, and now for you.

"I felt too tired to read, but too guilty to scroll. BeFreed's fun podcast pulled me back."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments12
likes117

"Gonna use this app to clear my tbr list! The podcast mode make it effortless!"

@Moemenn
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it's just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, NYC
Investment Banking Associate
platform
comments17
thumbsUp254

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"The flashcards help me actually remember what I read."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments37
likes483

"I felt too tired to read, but too guilty to scroll. BeFreed's fun podcast pulled me back."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments12
likes117

"Gonna use this app to clear my tbr list! The podcast mode make it effortless!"

@Moemenn
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it's just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, NYC
Investment Banking Associate
platform
comments17
thumbsUp254

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"The flashcards help me actually remember what I read."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments37
likes483

"I felt too tired to read, but too guilty to scroll. BeFreed's fun podcast pulled me back."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments12
likes117

"Gonna use this app to clear my tbr list! The podcast mode make it effortless!"

@Moemenn
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it's just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, NYC
Investment Banking Associate
platform
comments17
thumbsUp254

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"The flashcards help me actually remember what I read."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments37
likes483
Start your learning journey, now

Your personalized audio episodes, reflections, and insights — tailored to how you learn.

Download This Summary

Get the Born to Win summary as a free PDF or EPUB. Print it or read offline anytime.