If you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it every single time. It’s a powerful reminder that without a clear target, your efforts are just busywork. This idea is the absolute foundation of any real success.
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Meaning
This quote means that a lack of a clear, defined goal guarantees a specific outcome: failure. It’s about the direct, causal relationship between intention and result.
Explanation
Let me break this down for you. I’ve seen this play out with so many teams and in my own projects. The “aiming at nothing” part isn’t about being lazy. It’s about vague intentions. You know, saying “I want to grow the business” or “I need to get healthier.” That’s not a target. That’s a direction. And when you fire an arrow in a general direction, you’ll hit… something. Probably the ground. That’s the “hitting it every time” part. You will, with 100% certainty, achieve that vague, non-goal. It’s a law of the universe. The real magic happens when you replace “nothing” with a specific, measurable, and wildly exciting target. Suddenly, every action has purpose.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Success (341) |
| Topics | direction (15), focus (155), goals (48) |
| Literary Style | concise (408), metaphorical (61) |
| Emotion / Mood | reflective (382) |
| Overall Quote Score | 78 (178) |
Origin & Factcheck
This one comes straight from the legendary motivational speaker and author, Zig Ziglar. It’s a central theme in his 1975 book, See You at the Top, which was a massive bestseller. You’ll sometimes see it misattributed to other self-help figures, but Ziglar is the definitive source. He built an entire career around this kind of practical, no-nonsense wisdom.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Zig Ziglar (36) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | See You at the Top (29) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Modern (530) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| 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 | If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time |
| 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 6: Goals and Growth, Approximate page 210 from 2010 edition |