Imagine getting invited to try out for the NBA.

No, not as a player. It happened to me in 2013 as a referee. A lifelong dream since I was younger.

When you get invited, they send you a jersey in the mail to wear during your tryout. My jersey was #86...more on that in a second.

Let's jump to the end of the story: my dream was not realized. I never made it to the league.

But it taught me the most important lesson I have learned in life and I still carry the jersey with me today.

We expect a lot from others and hold them to high standards. But what standards do we have with ourselves? Are they clearly defined?

You see, I had self-limiting beliefs going into that tryout and wasn't prepared to the best of my ability.

Looking back on it, both of those things were in my control.

Accountability is a two-way street. Before anyone else holds you accountable, you must hold yourself accountable.

I look at that jersey every day as a reminder to control what I can control and stay true to my standards.

Your 86 is your personal standard. So, what's your 86?