HALF-TIME

All eyes remained glued to the screen, the anticipation in the room heightened. It was a deciding match with 45minutes gone. The game was tough, it demanded a lot from each player. It seemed a team was beginning to have an edge over the other. Just then, the referee blew the whistle HALF-TIME! The field emptied into the locker rooms.

Our time and seasons mirror football matches. We begin; get to halftime and then to full time. Depending on our style of play, victory might be clear else, we get into penalty situations. At times, we get more extra time and at other times we wished we had more time. Do not overrate my knowledge of the game – I am not a football enthusiast. I watch at times but I have refused to make it a second religion.

We can be ushered into half-time in our lives by age, events, force majeure or by self. Today is 1st of June 2019, and it is half-time! It is the sixth month of the year already! How has been your game so far – are you on top of it, have you abandoned it or are you yet to get into the game? Ask any Sports Coach, they will tell you that half-time is as important as the game itself. Regardless of who you are or not, where you are, or not, where you’ve been or not, half-time is always a gift. It is a time of possibilities and new beginnings. It is a time to WIN!

The extent to which the performance of the first half influences the game is tied to what goes on in the locker room at half-time. The happenings in the locker room will either make or mar the outcomes of the second half and by extension the entire game. The only time it’s late to get into the game of life is when the life of the game (YOU) is gone.

Half-time offers us the opportunity to:

•      Review & appraise the outcomes of the first half. Ask the questions – how did I fare? Could it have been better? What do I need to get better at? Who do I need on my side to achieve my goals?
•      Re-assess our style of play – is it time to change strategy? You may change strategy but keep your focus.
•     Reinforce your strengths and go to work on your weaknesses.
•     Refuel for the second half by encouraging yourself – self-affirmations, get some coaching, read books that infuse strength into you, go to places which breathe life to your inner creative self.
•     Bring necessary endings to bad/vision limiting habits.
•     Clarify & agree with self the focus of the second half.
•    Redefine your objective for the game – are you playing to win or are you satisfied with participation?
•     Define you role in the game – an active player, dormant or non-existent player?
•     Renew your faith in God and self.

After this, the only thing you need to do is PLAY HARD, Play for the trophy, Play to enjoy the game. Influence other team members – family, friends, and colleagues. Play the game with every ounce of energy, dedication and commitment to excellence. Play as if your life depends on it, because it does. Register your presence on the field of play and take the game to a higher level.

The whistle just went off; everyone is back in his or her seat. The renewed sense of determination and commitment in the room is palpable. All I have to say is; “I wish you a fruitful second half, I look forward to seeing you at full time and oooh! I need to go get my boots it’s time for my second half”

Welcome to JUNE!