Better Than Good: Creating a Life You Can't Wait to Live

Overview

Zig Ziglar frames "Better Than Good: Creating a Life You Can't Wait to Live" as a practical, upbeat blueprint for turning everyday choices into a compelling, purposeful life. He pushes beyond conventional success measures and argues that "better than good" means designing a life aligned with personal values, meaningful goals, and relationships that matter. The book blends motivational storytelling, faith-based insight, and step-by-step guidance aimed at people ready to upgrade their daily habits and aspirations.

Core Message

The central idea centers on intentional living: deliberately choosing attitudes, goals, and actions that produce satisfaction rather than settling for routine comfort. Ziglar stresses that a life worth living is built from small, consistent behaviors, how one thinks each morning, the priorities one sets, and the commitments honored over time. Optimism, perseverance, and a commitment to continual improvement are presented not as optional traits but as practical tools for reshaping a life.

Goals and Planning

Goal-setting is treated as the engine of transformation. Ziglar lays out methods for identifying clear, measurable objectives, linking daily tasks to long-term visions, and using accountability to maintain momentum. He urges readers to write goals down, clarify the reasons behind them, and break them into manageable steps so progress becomes visible and motivating rather than vague or overwhelming.

Attitude, Faith, and Values

Attitude receives substantial emphasis as both a choice and a skill to cultivate. Ziglar argues that optimism, gratitude, and a strong moral compass create resilience in the face of setbacks. Spiritual faith and biblical principles are woven into advice about purpose and character; he presents faith not merely as personal comfort but as a source of direction that informs relationships, ethics, and meaningful priorities.

Habits and Daily Practices

Practical routines are presented as the architecture of lasting change. Ziglar highlights morning rituals, time management practices, and habit-stacking techniques that transform intentions into automatic behavior. Readers are invited to adopt small, sustainable habits, reading, deliberate reflection, consistent exercise, focused work blocks, that compound into major life improvements when practiced with discipline and joy.

Relationships and Contribution

Relationships are cast as central to a "better than good" life. Ziglar emphasizes service, generosity, and emotional investment in family and community as measures of true success. Networking, mentorship, and genuine kindness are offered as practical means to build social capital and personal fulfillment; giving back and helping others are depicted as pathways to deeper satisfaction and legacy.

Style and Tone

The voice is warm, conversational, and peppered with anecdotes, humor, and memorable aphorisms. Ziglar's background as a motivational speaker shapes a brisk, encouraging tone that mixes storytelling with concrete exercises. The book balances inspiration with structure, providing enough narrative to engage and enough tactical detail to apply immediately.

Practical Takeaways

Readers receive action-oriented guidance: set written goals, audit daily habits, cultivate a positive mindset, and align choices with core values and faith commitments. The emphasis is on executable steps that fit into ordinary life and build momentum through consistency. Accountability, celebration of progress, and an ethic of service complete the practical toolkit.

Impact and Audience

The book speaks to anyone seeking more meaning than material success alone, professionals, parents, students, and seekers of personal renewal. Its faith-friendly framework and pragmatic exercises make it accessible to readers looking for both spiritual grounding and tactical life design. For those ready to move beyond complacency, the message is clear: small, disciplined choices create a life that's not just good, but eagerly anticipated each day.