You build a successful career not through one big break, but by the dozens of little things you do consistently. It’s the small, daily disciplines and choices that compound into remarkable results over time.
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Meaning
The core message here is that success is a cumulative process, not a single event. It’s built in the margins, through small, consistent actions both professionally and personally.
Explanation
Look, we all get obsessed with the big moments—the promotion, the launch, the “big win.” But what I’ve seen, time and again, is that those moments are just the result. The real work, the real building, happens in the tiny, almost invisible choices. It’s sending that one extra follow-up email when you’re tired. It’s taking ten minutes to organize your desk before you leave. It’s actively listening to a colleague instead of just waiting for your turn to talk. Off the job, it’s what you read, the people you connect with, how you manage your energy. These things seem insignificant in isolation. But they compound. They build your reputation, your skills, and your character brick by brick. That’s the foundation no one can take from you.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3669) |
| Category | Career (192) |
| Topics | discipline (252), habits (85), work ethic (8) |
| Literary Style | clear (348), structured (37) |
| Emotion / Mood | inspiring (392), realistic (354) |
| Overall Quote Score | 76 (131) |
Origin & Factcheck
This is pure Zig Ziglar, straight from his 1975 classic, See You at the Top, which was published in the United States. You sometimes see this sentiment floating around attributed to other motivational figures, but the specific phrasing about “dozens of little things” is Ziglar’s signature. He built an entire career on this philosophy of incremental improvement.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Zig Ziglar (36) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | See You at the Top (29) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Modern (528) |
| Original Language | English (3669) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Zig Ziglar inspired generations with his upbeat, practical lessons on sales and success. He started in door-to-door cookware sales, rose to corporate leadership, and then founded Ziglar, Inc. to train leaders worldwide. His books—like See You at the Top and Secrets of Closing the Sale—blend ethics, optimism, and actionable steps. He spoke to millions across the globe and built a lasting legacy in personal development and professional selling. If you’re exploring his writings, check the
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | You build a successful career, regardless of your field of endeavor, by the dozens of little things you do on and off the job |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 1975; ISBN/Unique Identifier: 978-0-88207-957-2; Last edition: Revised & Updated, Pelican Publishing 2010; Number of pages: 416 |
| Where is it? | Chapter 19: Small Steps to Success, Approximate page 490 from 2010 edition |