Olympic fever has gripped the city of Vancouver, BC. In honour of the 2010 Olympic Games, which 
will begin here in my home city in a few short days, I have taken liberties with the actual Olympic events and have created a winter Pentathlon: five sports which, if we all could master, would help us achieve any business or life project we set out to do. Are there any of the 5 sports below that you have been avoiding, missing or skipping?
Event # 1 LUGE - Getting Started
For any project, we know how important the start is. In the Luge, one of the most dangerous sports in the Olympic Games, the start is the most critical part of the race and the only part of the race where the athlete has control over the outcome. A great amount of force is required to get the luger moving at the start of the course and then gravity takes over. How similar is that to life? Like the luge, it might take a lot to get yourself moving, or your project off the ground, but once you have begun, another energy takes over and will keep you going. You just have to begin!
Event # 2 CURLING - Strategizing
According to the Canadian Curling Association, strategizing is a decision-making process each team goes through before, during and after a game. This includes setting goals, making game plans, deciding game style, shot selection,and game evaluation. Described as "chess on ice", curling embodies extensive planning components. This concept of planning isn't news to most of us but it is a great reminder that to effectively launch any new project one must strategize and create a specific way to follow-through on those plans. "A goal without an action plan is just a good idea."
Event # 3 FIGURE SKATING - Having a Strong Foundation
Although we, as observers, get swept away with the breathtaking triple axels and quadruple toe loops of figure skating competitions, each technical element of every program must be rock-solid before even the contemplation of a successful execution of a jump. Technical mastery is at the foundation of every move the skater makes. What we get to witness at the Olympics is that beautiful moment when the skater transcends technique. How does this apply to your life? You have to have a strong foundation upon which to build innovation and possibility. You must ensure your foundation is in place, that you have done the pre-work before you can even attempt the big jump.
Event # 4 SKI JUMPING- Taking a risk
Imagine a sport where the goal is to fly as far as possible in the air (and with style).
How big do you want to play? If you want to achieve your greatest success you have to let go of solid ground and be prepared for a little "air time". The scary bits are the pieces that really pay off.
"The bigger the dream, the bigger the self-doubt". Now jump!
Event # 5 HOCKEY - Support
Like a successful hockey team, in order to achieve any goal you need to have support. A great team supports each other, and anticipates where and how to back each other up. Good teams become great teams when they trust each other enough to sacrifice the "me for the "we". If you are heading out alone as a "me" on your journey, you will find that you are more vulnerable, and therefore more susceptible to getting knocked down in challenging times. Enlist support from every possible corner. Line up your fans, keep your focus on the greater "we".
Here I am...in my official Olympic garb. Lest you get confused, and think I really am fulfilling my lifelong dream of competing in the Women's Luge, I will dispel those rumours right away and let you know that instead, I have joined the venue management team for the Cultural Olympiad. 
Hearty congratulations to Troy King, who was awarded 2010 Canadian Coach of the Year at the International Coach Federation conference in December in Orlando.
