Etienne was 10 years old at the time. His parents were never around. He was confident, self sufficient and absolutely stuck to my side every time I walked around the Olympic speed skiing venue. Although he's 32 years old today you have to wonder what impression was made at the Olympics then... and what kinds of impressions are being left on young minds today.

At this very moment, a Russian boy or girl is following an Olympian somewhere in Sochi. The dynamic is heartwarming. The power of the Olympic movement plays out on both highlight reels and in chance encounters at the Games themselves.

Etienne only spoke French. I used to think I spoke pretty good Francais, but alas, every time I would speak to Etienne he would raise an eyebrow, shrug his facial features and then nod. He was shy and reserved. 

After the speed skiing competition, Etienne knew I was disappointed. He grabbed my hand, gushed a flurry of empathetic commentary and he locked his eyes with quiet assurance. The roles of reverence were flipped. 

On the day before I would leave Albertville, Etienne showed up again. I had been accumulating a bag of pins. It took this young French lad both hands to receive this unexpected gift. His mouth dropped open. He stood motionless. 

Knowing this would be the last time I'd see the youngster, but wanting to keep it light, I said, "à bientôt mon ami." (I'll see you later my friend.) Tears welled in his eyes but he held his head up to keep eye contact. 

You and I... we make decisions in life at times of emotional intensity.

The first impression of the Olympics I can remember were the Opening Ceremonies at the Summer Games in 1976. Even though Montreal was 2,000 miles away and the march of the athletes was coming across a small television... the energy was visceral. It was captivating for a 14-year-old boy to be struck by the emotion of the moment.

As an Olympic keynote speaker, I sometimes relate the story of my own emotional buzz moment. It was two years later, at 16 years old, as I was experiencing the opening ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games. My mom still reminds me of how I was pumping my hands in the air saying, "I love this. I love this. I love this."

Think back in your youth and identify what impressions you had from influencers in your past.

• How did they impact you? 
• What did they say and do that stays with you today?
• Just as important, what impressions are you making to those around you?

You never know when an Etienne will cross your path - or what impact you will have. You may never know. But are your actions held to the highest standard - an Olympic standard?

One of the principles of the modern Olympic Games supports international understanding.

In Sochi and across the globe, this is happening one child at a time. 

When Canadian, Karen Lee Gartner won Gold in the Women's downhill, it was infectious for the rest of us in the other ski disciplines. Twenty two years later, as an Olympic public speaker, I still remember how contagious another Olympic athlete's experience was.

If memory serves correctly, Karen's highest result in previous world class competition was a 5th in a world cup. The highest world cup result I had was also 5th at a Les Arc World Cup. 

And, yours truly used what I called, The Yahoo Theory.

"If that yahoo and do it, so can I."

The Olympics is an entirely new experience for most athletes. We are normally in our own world. Our circuit is different from all other sports, including the ski disciplines. We never cross paths with figure skaters, hockey players and curlers. 

Yet, at the Olympic Winter Games, the circle becomes very tight. 3,000 athletes converge into a tight knit community. We exchange stories and ideas. 

But, when a compatriot wins a gold medal, it becomes infectious for the rest of the athletes around him or her. 

NOW... when the media announces that an athlete has "No hope of winning a medal." This is pretty much not the case. Every athlete hopes they can win a medal. Look at the Australian short track speed skating gold medal winner in Salt Lake.

Steven Bradbury trained hard and made the Olympics. In the semi finals guys in front of him fell and he advanced to the finals. In the gold medal round, a handful of speed skaters fell in the last lap and voila... the unlikely hero takes home Gold.

Steven's preparation, persistence and being the right place, at the right time - paid off. No different than any athlete who is more than just an Olympian tourist (there are a few of those).

Enjoy the Olympics and make those Olympic Gold medal dreams an infectious part of your dreams and aspirations.

A normal part of parenting teens involves worrying about the choices they make. Talking with other parents, the conversation quickly leads to the unknown damage if phone cameras and social media were part of their own youth. Can you imagine the come-to-Jesus meetings between Olympic officials, parents and their young Olympians about the hazards of social media during the Sochi Games?

When getting accredited and prepped by Olympic officials in Albertville the conversations were about banned substances and conduct. At these games the conversations include social media and even terrorism.

As for social media, an athlete's conduct can be photographed, videoed and broadcast to millions. Sochi is already taking a hit by people latching onto the damaging photos of unfinished hotel rooms, toilets with viewing chairs, surveillance videos of people leaving their showers on, last minute construction and so on.

All it would take is a poor decision by an athlete with a snap happy buddy holding a camera phone and the world would know within seconds.

Now I can neither confirm nor deny we tried to steal the Olympic flag at our Olympics, nor would I ever admit our entire team trying to moon a VIP delegation passing by in limos when we were riding in short little busses they put athletes on. So, thanks to the lack of phone videos and Twitter these "hypothetical" deeds were never captured (if they ever, in fact happened) in digital forever-tude.

One thing that did get caught on video was a short incident where I was joining a bunch of tourists at an Erdinger Weisbeir sponsored pub in Albertville. Some camera crews were there and I held up a beer stein with some new friends. I wasn't drunk - nor out of control - but that might not be what it looked like. I never did catch any serious heat over this PR left-turn but had there been social media posts on Twitter or Facebook - things might have gotten way out of hand.

From an Olympic keynote speaker to the athletes attempting to enjoy their Olympic experience, use your best judgment. Err on the side of not taking any big chances away from the competition arena. Or, as my mom always says, "When in doubt, don't." You don't need to step on any social media metaphorical landmines.

The most asked question (in private) as Olympian speaker is, "What's it like in the athletes' village? Are there all the 'hookups' you hear about?" Based on the evidence, what do you think? 

In this case, take a group of coeds at one of the biggest parties in the world, at the peak of their physical and hormonal prime, away from home, boyfriends/girlfriends and a whole lotta steam being blown off... the evidence seems to add up.

In Albertville there was no central athletes village, but I've had the good fortune to be at both winter and summer athlete villages.

The summer Olympic Games, by far, out-shines the athlete proclivities of the winter Games. The summer Olympians typically have a few central relaxation areas. Swimming pools and recreational areas, condusive to flip flops and less clothing. Thus removing a step or two in the path to friendly encounters.

Winter Olympians have a smaller village but still have the movie rooms, perfect for dark, intimate hand holding. 

As you watch the events, know that there is a whole story unfolding away from the Olympic sport venues. Snow boarders who never cross paths with hockey players have chance encounters in the cafeteria or at the backgammon table. Lugers are laying down while ski jumpers are jumping. Bobsledders are ___________ while biathletes are ___________ (you fill in the blanks... I'll attempt to keep this PG).

The story lines at the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi are a plenty. The ones you don't need to know about are happening between two consenting adults (hopefully, after they have competed ;-).

If you're an Olympic Athlete you either realize you need to be 'chill' or get consumed by 'the jitters.' If your event is towards the beginning of the Olympic program the jitters are pretty intense. If you compete later the jitters just fester. Either way you need to chill. It's the Olympic Winter Games after all.

Our speed skiing event in Albertville occured on the last three days of the games. Each of us had been training and competing for years leading up to a brief 72 hours. Yet, a bunch of the speed skiers were so amped up, they marched in in the Opening Ceremonies, then dashed back to a training facility in Vars to cram some last minute work.

Me, I did the opposite. I didn't ski. I didn't train. I became a tourist until our official training runs. It was a blast! 

The way I figured it,

"If you don't know it by now, you won't know it by race day."

I resisted the temptation to join my fellow Canadian Olympic speed skiers. I didn't want take the chance to be secummed to 'the jitters.' I wanted to 'chill' instead. 

Being chill, whether you are a plumber, physician or a top closing keynote speaker... the payoff is always better than being overtaken by the jitters.

Right now a collection of skiers and skaters are struggling with the same issues. It's a pretty sure bet,

"If you don't know it by now, you won't know it by race day."

For the Olympic athletes, the Olympic Winter Games' opening ceremonies  are not what you think they are. The celebration, the smiles, the waving, the I'm-really-here-at-the-Olympic Games is what you see. But inside every athlete is one pervasive thought.

"This is nice, but I'm really here for some hardware."

As an athlete competes year after year they drive for excellence. They attempt to be better at their sport. They love to win! All want to achieve a personal best. Each learns from losing. The Olympic Games are a bigger stage for the the same big goal, 'How well can I possibly do?' and 'Wouldn't it be cool to win a gold medal?'

Today I'm an Olympic motivational speaker, but at the Olympic Opening Ceremonies I was just a skier who got lost in the middle of a bunch of hockey players.

Hours before the event, all the athletes stage in a large facility beside the stadium. For the Olympic athletes it is an eternity between staging and walking into the stadium. The Olympians get there early, only to miss the first part of the ceremony. 

Finally, when they enter, they announce the country names in alphabetical order. Greece is always first and the host country is always last. 

By the time we rounded the stadium and headed up the stairs my skier buddies were elsewhere and I was surrounded by a large collection of hockey players. I felt like a Hobbit at a basketball convention. 

We were all starving. Then, in a deep voice the guy on my left said, "Wanna cookie?"

"Are you kidding? YES!"

"My mom made me bring a bag to share with my friends. She shipped them over. Homemade. Pretty good, eh?"

Definitely a Canadian hockey player.

As the bag of cookies were finished we watched the bizarre show put on the Olympic Host Committee in Albertville. Still, one thought was pervasive, as it is for the Olympians in Sochi.

"This is nice but I'm here for the hardware." 

It’s not clear how it works. But it works! If you have a place of inspiration, you need to visit it frequently to accelerate towards your own Goals Fast. 

Last night, your friendly neighborhood Speaker Olympian Dude had a few moments to quiet the mind. Meditation is in important part of an everyday routine but having times of active-thoughtfulness is key too.

The fire pit in our backyard has a creek beside it, providing the serene sound of running water. Sure it was cold outside but to be the best speaker on goal setting I need to take short inspirational thoughts seriously.

Armed with an iPhone and a down jacket (oh… and pants too… in case that isn’t clear) it took a few moments stir up some ideas for the next phase of our Facebook marketing efforts. We strategically release quotes with an inspirational photo and #GoalsFast slogan. All with the intention of the our branded quotes going viral.

It was amazing how a setting can facilitate clear thinking. In less than fifteen minutes the following 26 quotes spilled out in the order they appear:

• The challenge in life is to rise above human nature. 
• Give yourself a chance by giving yourself a change. 
• Choice is certain to disappoint when it is not taken. 
• Those who are lonely have turned their back on the Zen of solitude. 
• Never, ever make a decision based on fear. 
• Hope is at the intersection of optimism and daring. Breath deep when facing uncertainty and you will soar to new heights. 
• Never keep your talent a secret. 
• Step 1. Make a wish. Step 2. Blow out your candles. Step 3. Tell everyone your wish to keep the fire burning. 
• Find the place in your body that holds anxiety. Ball it up and throw it away. 
• Be a seeker. 
• The most courageous journey is the journey within. 
• The path to happiness always right under your feet. 
• Given the choice between money or happiness - take both. 
• Feeling down makes happy possible. 
• Seek fulfillment before happiness. Seek happiness before patience. Seek patience before fulfillment.
• The secret to a long marriage is to not get divorced. 
• Every opportunity has a cost. Be insatiably curious about both.
• Sometimes it doesn't have to make sense. It just has to feel right. 
• Life's great paradox is the comfort and arrogance of being right. 
• Learn how to let go with determination and you will exceed your wildest expectations.  
• Go now. Procrastinate later. 
• Uncover the pain and the anger goes away. 
• If you want more money, start with less fear. 
• When love is above all, fear is no longer a wall. 
• One morsel of evidence does not satisfy the truth. 

LIKE our Facebook Page so you will be the first to see the power of an inspirational quiet spot. And remember to find a quiet place for your active-thoughtfulness.

The art of communication is simpler than you think. How you dial in energy can make you a messaging virtuoso.

It may be overwhelming to absorb all the nuances of effective messaging:

• The art of story telling
• Objection handling techniques
• Non-verbal cues
• Reflective communication.
• Parroting
• DISC interactive strategies
• Neuro Linguistic Programing

Pirouette back, take a lesson from our ballerina daughter, Isabella, and simplify.

Her brother Max is an extraordinary singer, musician and songwriter. He confidently stands on stage and communicates through his art. Isabella’s sister Alex is equally talented in the performing arts. From an unforgettable presentation to 1,500 professional speakers or the lead in recent play or in various improv troupes’, Alex has an uncanny ability to express her verbally.

A couple of years ago, Isabella went in front of her school to sing a song. She froze in front of the entire middle school. Her 11-year-old psyche had a defining moment. About the same time, her passion for dance was starting to flourish. Then, there was an “out of the mouths of babes” moment.

Talking about her student body nightmare, “Dad, I’m not like Max and Alex. I like to communicate to people through dance.”

In a recent performance of the Nutcracker, put on by the Dallas Ballet Company, it was a real time experience in communicating through dance. With the complete spectrum from tiny Sugar Plum fairies to professionals with the New York City Ballet, everyone communicated in an equally diverse range of messaging through dance.

The youngest ones mimicked their teacher in the sound booth. The developing dancers kept up the precipitous balance between muscle memory and staying in sync with their fellow ‘Russian Dancers’ while the more experienced dancers explored the art of letting go in an controlled, choreographed setting. 

Isabella was a Mirliton. She was one of a dozen others on stage. Parents really don’t pay close attention to any other children. Knowing your child well, you can tell what they are going through. In Isabella’s case – it was pure joy. The manner she danced was the way she was feeling.

Whether it’s dance, singing or good ol’ speaking with others, you have the same chance to exude this kind of energy. Express what gives you joy and all eyes will be on you. Revel in your passion and you will be able to have both impact and influence.

Force it and you will flounder.

Dial in on your passionate energy and enjoy.

Movember. A great cause for men’s health. BUT, every time I try to grow a moustache I look like an Amish version of Wolverine. So, I flirted with my own theme. Put the “No” in November. Therefore, say ‘no’ to French Fries for the entire month. Scrreeeech. Then, Josh Kaufman showed up.

Now it’s ‘Yesvember.’

Saying ‘no’ to something is a pretty easy concept to wrap your mind around. Just pick something and don’t do it. Don’t eat it. Don’t say it. Don’t believe it. Don’t buy into it. So, no french fries.

But “Yes?” That’s a whole lot like commitment.

Mr. Kaufman’s TEDx talk refocuses the 10,000 hours rule made famous by Malcolm Gladwell’s book, Outliers. Originally, research determined it takes 10,000 to be highly skilled and occupy the pinnacle of a specific vocation. But, as Kaufman explains, "like a giant game of telephone," the rule has morphed into a watered down version: “It takes 10,000 hours to be good at something.” Kaufman jumped on the TEDx soap box and explains how we are way off.

According to Kaufman, all you need are 20 hours to be acceptably good at anything. 20 hours of focused, targeted time and you're good. Not an expert, just good. Things like learning a language, playing an instrument, learning a new sport, learning a technical skill or selling a certain product or service. He argues the age-old learning curve of aptitude is very steep at the beginning. You start as grossly incompetent, then gain a great deal of ground in the first ten hours or so. Its not until the learning curve starts to plateau (flatten out), the gains become subsequently more difficult to get, and greatness comes thousands of hours later.

If you said yes to learn something this month, what would it be?

Lest you think this is a one-way 70 Second eBrief – here’s my offer to join you.

I pick learning Spanish. I’ve had the Pimsleur Spanish CDs for years. Time to stop procrastinating.

What do you choose?

Here’s how Kaufman suggests we approach our 20 hour challenge.

1. Deconstruct the skill. Target the parts of the skill that make it work. For learning Spanish, what are terms and constructs most likely needed in conversations?
2. Learn enough to self-correct. Being able to notice when you’re making a mistake and doing something a little different.
3. Remove practice barriers. Use a little bit of willpower to remove distractions while you practice.
4. Practice at least 20 hours. Get past the initial-frustration phase, into the quantifiable-gains phase.

Still not sure? Pick something that scares you. Parachuting doesn’t count. That just takes a few seconds.

• Pick something where you can test yourself.
• Stretch your preconceived notions.
• Face your fears.

Here’s to an adventure in your capabilities in Yesvember – or, as they undoubtedly say in Spanish, Si-vember.