HALFTIME: 3 ways to win the 2nd half

Did you know that social science research shows teams that are trailing by one point at halftime win more often than teams that are winning by two points at halftime? There is something about being close, yet not satisfied, that can create a hyper focus. Intrinsically, you know it can be better. Halftime can be a much needed pause when things aren’t going great. That is true in sports and in life. If you’re ‘trailing at the half’ right now, here are three suggestions on how to pause and win the second half

FORGIVE YOURSELF FOR WHAT YOU DIDN’T ACCOMPLISH IN THE FIRST HALF. We often start with the best of intentions and that is all that ever happens. Disappointment settles in and we let what we haven’t done keep us from doing what could be done. The legendary Dean Smith encouraged his teams to ‘RALF it’. Recognize it, admit it, learn from it, and FORGET IT!

REMEMBER THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS and spend time on them. The disappointment at halftime can distract us from what really matters and what really matters is often what leads us to a second half win. The most important things have the biggest impact on the second half. What are those things for you? Earning a degree? Saving more money? Spending more time with loved ones? Developing a reading habit? Do those things in the second half.

HELP OTHERS. Much of life is a paradox and helping others is a great example. When we are too focused on ourselves, it usually leads to disappointment with the world. Do you know why? Because focus on yourself makes the world feel small because it only has space for you. Helping others opens up the world and creates reciprocal energy that always ends up benefiting us in the long run. It is amazing how big the world is, how many opportunities are out there, and how much energy we can experience when we help others.

There is a lot of disappointment in life. The first half of many things goes wrong at some point for all of us. That’s ok. Take a halftime pause, focus on these three things, and get ready to win in the second half. Keep on, keepin’ on, friends!