WARNING: This post might be somewhat US ethnocentric.

Do you remember how the Olympics used to be? When I was a kid there was nothing bigger than the Olympics. For months beforehand advertisers waged fierce campaigns. Then during the event it dominated everything in our lives - TV, newspapers, our conversations.

This week when I saw an ad that the Olympics were beginning in 5 days, it caught me by surprise. I had no idea.

Why is that? What’s changed?

There are two explanations. First, they split the Olympics in two. Now it comes around every two years. It’s more regular and when it happens it doesn’t last as long. It’s a two week event instead of an 8 month extravaganza.

Second, the Cold War ended. We used to care deeply about whether the US or the USSR won more medals. It was more important than who won the World Series or Super Bowl that year. It was more important than who won the election that year. (Yes, remember that? We used to have the winter and summer Olympics and the Presidential election all in one year.)

Think about this in your own life. Do you want to make a really big deal out of something? If you do, concentrate it in a single, focused event, and find yourself a rival.

Want your company to start the year strong? Run a sales competition.

Doing a PTA fundraiser? Create a competition with another school.

Releasing a new product (like a book)? Make a big deal out of the launch, focusing everyone on a specific event.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go watch the Olympics. Or maybe not. No big deal either way.