One Friday, my son and I, along with two friends and clients, were playing a round of golf. It was a beautiful day with a slight breeze, great temperature, wonderful companions — ideal circumstances for golf.

The three of us — not counting Tom — were having a fair-to-good day. Tom, who at one time played sub-par golf, was having a phenomenal round. He had eight birdies going into the 17th hole. As we were climbing the steps for the putt-out on the 16th green, I commented to one of our guests that unless there was a disaster, Tom would shoot in the 60s today.

When we got to the 17th, which is really a difficult par 3, he took his second bogie of the day. Unfortunately, the 18th turned into the "disaster" I had inadvertently mentioned, not realizing Tom could overhear the conversation. He missed his approach shot to the green and hit it into the water. His next shot landed in the bunker next to the green. He finished with a seven and ended up shooting a 70, which is a great round of golf.

I'm convinced that had I not made that unfortunate remark, the disaster would not have taken place on the 18th. He did all he could to assure me that was not the problem, but knowing what I do and believing what I believe, I know that it does have an impact on an individual when negative thoughts are planted.

The message is this: When you are talking with or about someone, say things that encourage them. Suggesting they will have difficulty, for many people, is the first step for that difficulty to arise. Follow that advice, and I'll see you at the top!

To find out more about Zig Ziglar and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com. Subscribe to Zig Ziglar's free email newsletter through ziglar.com.