The most creative and sound advice that I was given was on a golf course. I was playing with a group of people who seemed nice enough. The goal was to keep the ball moving forward, indicative of the relaxed no pressure atmosphere. That still didn't keep me from "talking trash." As I was mentally teeing up, I saw myself swinging perfectly, the ball was fully poised to take immaculate flight. I had no problem sharing this with the rest of the players.

I commented on another player's stroke. Meaning to be complimentary, I told her that the clubs she as using must have improved her game somehow. I didn't realize until later that this would become an issue. The next round, I was allowed tee up. My mind was like a Tiger and my execution; however, was not even remotely similar. The player of whom I was "complimentary" told me to try again but she told me this time to use one of her clubs. At this I was completely thrilled and shortly thereafter disappointed when my execution still left a lot to be desired. As we began picking up after ourselves, I heard her say something like "it definitely is not the clubs that make you a better player."

As the lightbulb went off in my head, I started to smile because I realized that she not only taught me how to be a better player but a better person as well.