Sometimes the best advice we receive is simple, and easy to remember.

A few weeks ago I watched the ESPY awards on ESPN.  The annual awards show celebrates the great moments in sports in the past year.  Needless to say Michael Phelps was the big winner of the evening.

My favorite moment came late in the show when Don Meyer, a coach from a small school in South Dakota, was awarded the Jimmy V Award.  The award is presented to someone who overcomes challenges, and in the process inspires many. 

Don Meyer's story definately meets that criteria. Hear about his story and watch his speech.

In his acceptance speech, Don talked about a conversation he had the previous day with legendary UCLA basketball coach, John Wooden.  Mr. Wooden took out a card from his wallet, that his father had given to him when he graduated from grade school, on it are the words:

"Don't whine, complain, or make excuses"

Simple and profound.

Since then, I've posted those words right beside my computer in my office, and have shared them with a few close friends.  I have asked a few friends to hold me accountable to those words and to please let me know when I complain, whine or make excuses.

Although I thought of myself as being a very positive person, I was surprised by how many "little" things I complained about or how many excuses I made daily.  It was a great reminder that each of us is 100% accountable for our actions and results.

Thank you Don and John, for the reminder.

Listed below are a few easy ways to keep this message alive daily:

1) Post these words where you will see them daily, beside your computer, on a card in your wallet, by the door in your house, etc...

2) Wear an elastic band on your wrist and snap yourself every time you complain, whine or make excuses.

3) Enlist your friends to hold you accountable, or to hold each other accountable.  Make a game of it and deposit one dollar in a jar everytime you complain or make excuses.