Zig Ziglar’s Over The Top Essay Example for Free

Zig Ziglar’s Over The Top Essay In his book, Over the Top Zig Ziglar reminds us that we are capable of moving from the level of basic survival to exceeding our goals. Regardless of where we begin in life, and no matter how our lives are right now, we each have the power to do something to change the situation. He directs us to make the choice to take actions that will change our lives for the better. I enjoyed reading this book. It has something to offer to everyone. I believe it should be required reading for all college students. Zig Ziglar teaches people to take responsibility for their lives instead of making excuses. He does refer to God and make references to the bible, but you don’t need to be a Christian, have a religion or even believe in God to benefit from reading this book. It is filled with practical principles useful in everyday life for everyday people. In terms of education, the book provides an abundance of information that could impact the way educational administrators manage our schools, as well as shape the knowledge of educators. For example, the book discusses the premise that when we help other people get what they want this helps us to get to the top and beyond. What does this mean in terms of education? Well, if the principals and administrators in charge would help the teachers get what they want it would probably improve the overall academic environment. When administrators are effective leaders, and give guidance and supervise with more of an authoritative approach as opposed to an authoritarian approach, it would lead to more positive results. According to Ziglar, authoritarian people simply say that you must do something because they say so. An authoritative person would explain the reason why a certain decision was made and why it is best to move in that direction. Thus, an authoritative principal treats his or her faculty members with respect, and authoritative teachers, likewise, treat their students with respect. Moreover â€Å"all of us perform better and more willingly when we know why we’re doing what we have been told or asked to do,† (p. 77). This applies equally to children as it does to adults. The book also points out the importance of being dedicated and feeling positive pride. There are a lot of administrators and teachers dedicated to the field of education. However, society in general seems to lack respect for educators; teachers are often blamed for many social problems such as the deviant behavior and poor academic ability of today’s young people, while parents and society at large are assigned little responsibility for these problems. Over the Top will actually help teachers feel more pride in being teachers. They will know that they can make a positive difference in the lives of their students. The book will motivate them to set goals both inside and outside the classrooms and take the steps necessary to accomplish those goals. They will be committed to being excellent teachers regardless of the financial compensation because they will know that eventually they will be rewarded. Being rich alone does not equal success. Zig Ziglar informs readers that being successful, and over the top includes being â€Å"happy, healthy, reasonably prosperous, and secure, to have friends, peace of mind, good family relationships, and hope,† (p. ). We are reminded to keep a positive attitude, to work towards improving our weaknesses, to view personal growth as a lifetime commitment, and to be willing to change. Haven’t you heard that to be insane is to repeatedly do the same thing and respect different results? Change leads to progress. Zig Ziglar provides the perfect instructional manual for changing our lives for the better. Over the top is interesting, inspirational and will make a difference in the lives of those fortunate enough to read it.