Blog - The Second Half Is About To Begin! - Andy Andrews

The Second Half Is About To Begin!

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Thank God for the second half!

Have you ever had that thought? Has your team ever performed below expectations in the first half, only to seem like a different group altogether in the second half? Well, in a way, they were a different group. The team that takes the field for the second half is never the same team that played in the first. Why? Because of halftime . . .

If you’ve never been in a locker room at halftime, let me tell you what goes on. First, the team comes in tired. Occasionally, they are confused. Or mad. Or scared. Or disgusted with their effort or execution . . .

Halftime does not last long. Huge changes are never necessary. Small shifts in thinking are necessary. The team is reminded of the game-plan and its goals and dreams. Players review strategy with coaches and determine one of two things about the second half: “That didn’t work—so let's not do that anymore.” Or “That worked—so let's do that more often!”

The competition is quickly reviewed. Ideas are discussed and, if they are good ideas, become part of the strategy for the second half.

You see, the players who take the field for the second half are more experienced than the team who played in the first half. Individually and collectively they know more and their entire strategy—while changed only slightly—takes on new power. The team recognizes the immediate opportunity to cast off ineffective actions and attitudes and replace them with renewed energy and tactics.

And that is why a team that appears flat or fearful or confused or unprepared often turns things around and wins in the second half.

Thank God for the second half!

The second half is as real for you and me as it is for any team. Right now . . . this very minute . . . we are in “halftime”. We exist for a time—right now—in the locker room of our lives. How did things go for you in the first half? What did you learn? What will you change this very minute, during halftime? Is your game-plan working? Does it need to be tweaked?

In a few moments (it could be tomorrow or January 1 or five minutes from now) the referees will knock on your door and require your appearance on the field. The second half is about to begin!

The tragedy of life is not recorded in our failures. The tragedy is that so many of us never take the field for the second half!

Question:

What will you do differently in the second half?

I eagerly await your answers!

Your friend,

Andy

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Posted in Uncategorized | Make a Comment (49) |

1. Jaye - December 29, 2009 @ 10:10 AM

"I will play the 2nd half as part of a team, and remember it's not about me! That says it all, thanks for putting yourself out in the world, you make the difference that makes the difference.

Jaye"

2. Marge - December 29, 2009 @ 10:23 AM

"This year I was a new teacher without a job. My dream was to work with children who already had three strikes against them. Well the school I worked at last year was just the school I wanted to be at 55% poverty and 45% of the children not living with parents or homeless. I was asked to be a sub for one day and here I am starting the second half of the year. My students are a challenge but all of them are showing improvement. The second half of the year is testing State testing. I haven't done that before so I am going in with all the energy I have to continue to make a difference for these children. Not many met the state expectations last year and this year will be different."

3. Rogelio - December 29, 2009 @ 10:30 AM

"The 2nd half already started (approx. 19yrs ago when I got sober)...How wonderful to have encountered your view using this analogy! It's awesome coupled with the butterfly effect...Namaste,Rog !"

4. Baltimore Bob - December 29, 2009 @ 10:32 AM

"Quote: Thank God for the second half!
Not so fast. If you were watching my Philadelphia Eagles play this past
weekend they were really sharp in the 1st half and then came the 2nd Half.
They blew a 17 point lead to Denver before making some good plays
and winning with a last second field goal 30-27.
On one blog a guy stated about our TE who appeared had gone
into the Witness Protection Program in the 2nd half as he had
an excellent first half but disappeared in the 2nd half.
So the moral is try to put the team you’re playing away
before they get the chance to mount a comeback.
Late in a game the opposing team with a lead goes into the "Prevent Defense"
what this does is "Prevents You from Winning the Game."
You should play the same defense that got you that lead.
By winning on Sunday and the Vikings losing on Sunday means if the Eagles
beat Dallas this Sunday they get a bye as the #2 seeded team in the NFC and
get a much needed rest and their Coach Andy Reid in 11 seasons has never
lost a game after a bye going 11-0 in the regular season.
A far cry from starting this season and at one point were only 5-4.
Eagles will be going for 7 wins in a row matching their 7 wins from their
Super Bowl 2004 season when they started 7-0 then lost to New England
in the Super Bowl. So as you can see it’s the 2nd half that is most important
in a football game and probably life for that matter.
Baltimore Bob"

5. Diane - December 29, 2009 @ 10:38 AM

"I will incorporate into my daily life the concept of "the 2nd half" and this means always looking to improve in whatever I do whenever.

Thank you for the "2nd half" message, it's so much larger than making New Year's resolutions. It's about making significant shifts in your thoughts and behaviors. It's about 2nd chances all the time and owning your choices."

6. Micki - December 29, 2009 @ 11:09 AM

"In the first half of my life like many I was looking for direction, meaning, what I was placed on this earth to do. Frustrated that I would leave this earth not having contributed in a meaningful manner. With the feeling of just mere existance I constantly felt a sense of urgency. I have stepped back taken a good look and realized that opportunities to fullfill why I am here are given to me on a daily basis. Always looking for that miracle milestone I was missing out on everyday every moment events right in front of me. Not living in the moment I was seldom aware of people my interactions or should I say lack of connections with them. Looking directly into someones eyes or really listening to what was going on inside of them was something I did not seem comfortable with or have the time to do. In my second half of life I realize that no matter where I am and what I am doing every second I have the opportunity I have been looking for my whole life. Never realizing it is always and always as been right in front of me. Whether I am being a mother, grandmother, friend, citizen, nurse or just being a human being. I will be genuinely engaged and give 100% every moment no matter where I am or what I am doing. Through me maybe all these little things will make a difference to someone,somehow, somewhere, someday."

7. Gayle - December 29, 2009 @ 11:22 AM

"Bob Buford has a great book called "Halftime"-I liked it so much a few years ago that I bought 50 copies and gave them to everyone I knew. It's a great read on the subject."

8. Bob Law - December 29, 2009 @ 11:28 AM

"So true - so true. I have used the 2 minute warning as a tool to teach that most of the critical strategies and plays are more thought out and executed in the last 2 minutes of the game than before. The half-time gives us more time so we don't have to rush."

9. Mike - December 29, 2009 @ 11:55 AM

"I LOVE this week between Christmas and New Years when just this sort of message comes along! I am one semester into my return to grad school after 30 years following my calling to serve Christ with my gifts, including theatre, music and writing. Grad school is all about my "half time": it won't last long (only a tithe of my career to date); but in it, I intend to make the shifts necessary to make the second half of my career better and more productive than the first -- and I do intend to play every bit as long and hard (but smarter) in the second half. Most of all I want to use my second half to inspire my younger, less experienced teammates to get in the game and make a difference. I hope they'll learn from the hits I took in the first half and not make the same mistakes, and I hope the Coach will use me not only on the field but on the sidelines as well to encourage them to victory! Retirement? BAH! Put me in, Coach!"

10. jan burch - December 29, 2009 @ 12:02 PM

"I'm afraid my first half is long gone. I am now in the fourth quarter and trying to make it the best quarter of my life. I want to be remembered as kind and joyful and the joyful part was helped by one of your books, Andy. Thanks. JB"

11. Jamie In The Keys - December 29, 2009 @ 12:12 PM

"In the second half, I will believe more in myself and my ability to win at the game of life, understanding that it is not about "me" it is about how I make a difference in the lives of the people around me."

12. Belina Hooper - December 29, 2009 @ 12:20 PM

"I'm not going to fear or be afraid of the coach that yells. I will relax, take a deap breath, and hand it over to God. I will do my best every practice & every game... That's the sport, now for everyday life? I will put myself last, think of other people, and be the postive and upbeat person in the group. I will not think I'm too good for someone, and I will begin to appreciate the little things in life...For that's where I find God the most. "I won't give up, I won't give in, I'll be O.K"."

13. Pam in the Midwest - December 29, 2009 @ 2:28 PM

"What a wonderful message !! In my second half I will believe in myself. I will put the limiting beliefs behind me and know that I can have it all, in every area of my life. May 2010, 31 years after graduating from high school, I will graduate from College, a goal I was told by others, all those years ago, I would not obtain. This is just the first of many goals & dreams to come true."

14. Roberta - December 29, 2009 @ 2:39 PM

"I will have written goals and a plan. I will persevere without exception. I will not let fear of failure hold me back. I will not beat myself self up when things don't go as planned. I will try again. I will never stop until I have achieved my goals."

15. Gayla - December 29, 2009 @ 3:15 PM

"Remember, Time/ Life is short... forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably... and never regret anything that made you smile...

Now, let's go Play!"

16. Jerry H - December 29, 2009 @ 3:50 PM

"The second half message is where I'm living. My age say's I'm in the last half but I still have the fight and desire to win. This "old body & mind" requires more REST than before but I am finding how to put my "REST" in the Lord's hands and everything that's in my future, THE REST IS UP TO HIM !"

17. audrey - December 29, 2009 @ 4:29 PM

"The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra. I will take a little extra time...a little extra effort... a little extra care to make a difference in the lives of the people I encounter everyday."

18. Mary Lou Roark - December 29, 2009 @ 4:57 PM

"I am in the last quarter of my life, also. I am stilll active in several
organizations and plan to do this as
long as possible. I enjoy being around people and try to give my best- so that when I am gone "my life will not have been in vain"."

19. HeatherO - December 29, 2009 @ 5:10 PM

"Hmm...they also don't sit around thinking about how they screwed up the first half!
Thanks Andy :)"

20. Jean Skipper - December 29, 2009 @ 5:46 PM

"As a lifetime fan of The Pittsburgh Steelers, I understand the how important "The Second Half" or even the last few seconds of a game can be. :-)

My halftime this year will begin with a two-week "time out" for myself. I'll use this time to catch-up in the areas of my life that are over-due for attention, and I'll also be working through a strategy that will lead me to a more peaceful year. It will be a year of less procrastination and more action...a year filled with responses instead of reactions...and a year of thoughtful dedication to the people and projects that matter most to me.

It promises to be a year to remember, and I'm really looking forward to it!"

21. Jim Kane - December 29, 2009 @ 6:08 PM

"Taped to my desk is a quote from Thomas Merton that basically says that mature people give their love, intelligence, and care. Today, I watched my boys create things with their hands in the oldest's former shop teacher's home shop. It was amazing and inspirational and awe inspiring to watch. I am in the second half not for myself but for others in more focused ways."

22. Harold - December 29, 2009 @ 9:17 PM

"I will remember when the experiences I have aren't going as I would like, I will go into halftime and determine my course of action knowing what did not work. In the second half I will put forth the same effort as the first, but focus on what I have determined will work. Success is 90% perspiration and 10% inspiration."

23. Anonymous - December 30, 2009 @ 10:06 AM

To All...

I am loving reading your messages. Thanks for taking the time. This helps me, too. Personally, this week has become a "half-time" for me. Especially this year. I believe some amazing things are about to take place. So let's be alert and on top of the changing that always takes place!

By the way, I call HALF-TIME several times during the year, too!

AA

24. Brandon - December 30, 2009 @ 10:13 AM

"I will remember that mountaintops are a great place to stop for a moment, take a deep breath while enjoying the view, and begin looking for the next peak; while valleys are just the avenues we travel to get to that next peak. Insead of feeling as though the valley weakens me, I will allow it to be the strength I need for the climb, and preparation for what lies ahead. Then I will appreciate the next mountaintop all the more because of it...as I stop for a moment, take a deep breath while enjoying the view, and begin looking for the next peak."

25. Andy Andrews - December 30, 2009 @ 10:19 AM

By the way....I am number 23. I am Andy Anonymous Andrews. Not sure why it did that. But then, technologically speaking, I am not sure about a lot of things. I'm just sayin...

AA

26. Elisa - December 30, 2009 @ 10:42 AM

"Andy, as always your timing is almost spooky. This past year has been fraught with challenges that have compelled me to determine what it is I'm supposed to do with my life from here on out, mainly in the form of meaningful work. Yesterday I began reading a book titled Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life. Then I find your email today with this message. Serendipity reigns supreme! Thank you for being in tune with the Universal vibe, and for firing us up, Coach."

27. Joy - December 30, 2009 @ 10:55 AM

"I will liken it to a race instead of a football game. Three were passing the wand, and ahead in the race. They passed it the fourth person and half way around he just stopped. They ran out to see what was wrong, and he said he just did not want to run anymore. The three said it is not about just you! So keep I will keep running the race to the best of my ability to the finish line. I won't give up-I won't quit. I'm staying in the ball game doing all I can to hopefully hear "well done" by my Master when I come to the end of my game!"

28. Timothy Dunn - December 30, 2009 @ 11:00 AM

"After being laid off and then rebounding. After having many personal disappointments - I have one simple plan.

I will take this year to prepare so that I NEVER get blindsided by the unobstructed "blitz" of life again.

Aftyer having sufficient time to lick my wounds and pout and cry - I am now angry, determined and calm enough to resolve to build my plan B so that I am no longer caught off guard.

2010 is my year."

29. Dana - December 30, 2009 @ 11:03 AM

"You continue to give your readers excellent food for thought and inspiration.
My second half will be me "Being" in the game and not just being on the sideline watching and hoping for victory.
Staying focused on the end result will result in my victory.
Thanks, Andy!

Dana"

30. chris - December 30, 2009 @ 11:30 AM

"I'm just thinkin' the second half starts every morning as we are refreshed, learn from our experiences and grow in our faith!! Thank you Andy for another awesome inspirational message for the New Year."

31. Helena - December 30, 2009 @ 12:33 PM

"I am one of those in the fourth quarter of life. It's time to re-assess what I can do. I have always feared being a "been there, done that", "now this is what you should do" kind of mother/friend! I'm praying for the wisdom to know when to share experience and when to keep it to myself!"

32. Dr Bill Toth - December 30, 2009 @ 1:39 PM

"Re: "HalfTime" - How very appropriate as we come upon the infamous day of "introspection" and "resolution"!!!! Thank you for being who you are!.

Live With Intention,
DrBillToth.com/blog"

33. Thami - December 30, 2009 @ 2:35 PM

""Very angry with myself because of decisions I made along the way,I allowed myself to be easily distracted resulting in my year-end being totally different(almost disastrously)from how it started.I definitely have to keep my mind and thinking focussed in my second half. I must say that your concept of "Second Half" is very appropriate, thanks Andy.""

34. Ralph - December 30, 2009 @ 3:05 PM

"I am so thankful that God's first half plan includes second half revisions!!"

35. hobie cat - December 30, 2009 @ 9:48 PM

"call me..251-510-8457"

36. Dawn Fletcher - December 30, 2009 @ 9:59 PM

"My second half I want to talk less and listen more..Decide it's more important to be kind than right..Live each day with purpose..seeing the dignity in the smallest act done with excellence and heart..worry less, pray more..focus on the strengths of those I love and with intentional love, let little things go..and remember to look to Christ for my inspiration--the only One who ALWAYS makes wise choices. Thanks Andy, for inspiring others and caring like you do for the wellfare of people's spirits--it's obvious you're following a grand calling!"

37. Sybil - ATL - December 31, 2009 @ 2:13 PM

"I just drove up and back from ATL to Chicago and listened to "The Noticer" and the audio from the event I attended with you in 2007 in MCO. As always, I wa blown away. I pledge to become a "Jones" to others in my second half. Miss you much , Andy. Hope to keep you very much a part of my "Second Half"

Much Light & Much Love To You, Polly, Adam & Austin,

Sybil"

38. tomkitten06 - December 31, 2009 @ 10:15 PM

"My second half will be different because for the first time ever I have a plan. I always have NY resolutions, but this year is different. I read The Noticer this year (best book I've ever read--truly life changing) followed by The Traveler's Gift. I am now in the middle of writing my personal development plan for 2010 using your Seven Decisions calendar pages. Thank you for helping me create a better second half!"

39. Martha Kessler - January 1, 2010 @ 1:58 PM

"What do I intend to do after half time?
My accomplishments of the past fell short of what I would hope. So I prayed this year would be the most profitable year of my life.
All I can say is, “Be careful what you pray for.”
I got a DVD from the library called ‘The seven decisions’ by Andy Andrews. You are right about the difference in who will be playing the second half.
I am well into my second half and I am not the same person I used to be.
What will I do this coming year? I don’t know for sure but I will hit the ground running and give it all I’ve got by persisting without exception.
Thank you Andy!"

40. Lisa Hartgrove - January 2, 2010 @ 12:06 AM

"The lessons I have learned during my first half will make me a stronger player in the second half. I will remind myself to enjoy each day to the fullest and to see God's hand in the big as well as the small things. I will do the best I can day-by-day, and try not to be a Monday morning quarterback!"

41. Jeff - January 2, 2010 @ 9:44 PM

"Thanks Andy to make me see what life is all about in your books. I heard a saying the otheir day. He said to many people wait for the robin to come out for it to be Spring by then spring has pass.This was me, not any more Im going to set the sail, burned the bridges move forward press on to be person god inteaded for me to be. Make this secound half hole lot better for me,my family."

42. Joe Muennich - January 2, 2010 @ 11:55 PM

"Rather than just existing, I pledge to add tremendous value to other people's lives by sharing ,in new and innovative ways, the hope I have found in recovery from addiction.Praise the Lord,God our Savior,who helps us everyday!"

43. Djivan - January 3, 2010 @ 12:11 AM

"i`ve been following all your grate stories and golden words Andy, and i live every day learning more and more about them by using and implanting the 7 decisions in my life.. and i think that my second half begin the day i saw you on tv and started reading your books..
i think this year will be my second chance to score the last years missing opportunities and i`m gonna do like Andy says... (i mean about everything)when time comes for action stop thinking, just ACT..
thx Andy
God bless you and your family"

44. Stan The AdvoMan - January 3, 2010 @ 9:17 PM

"Andy,
What a Blessings your wisdom has been to me in this last year. I enjoy and put into practice all that I can absorb. This is my Halftime and tomorrow it will be a new day and the Game goes on. Thank you for your books, Blog and tweets. You are an encouragement to us all. I just wish you had written this a day earlier so I could have printed it and given it to the Texas A&M team at the AdvoCare V-100 Bowl. I'm not sure they understand the true meaning of Halftime.
Thanks for being You, God Bless,
Stan
P.S. My wife won't let me read the Noticer in bed anymore, she says my laughing wakes her up... See you in a few Weeks!!"

45. Lynn - January 8, 2010 @ 4:22 PM

"I have two wonderful grand children and I want them to read books that
I wish I had read when I was young.
The Travelers Gift and The Noticer are at the top of my list to share with them.
Thank you Andy for sharing your gift!"

46. Linda O - January 11, 2010 @ 1:49 PM

"My question to myself this year has been, "What does God want me to do?" The last 3 years of my life have been very difficult - a lot of losses, to say the least. To think of halftime for me is like a breath of fresh air. To stop for a minute and reflect. To stop, think and focus in between the project or "the fight" will help me hear more clearly the wisdom of the Lord. My dedication this year is to hear the Lord's voice and taking a halftime break during "the game of life" is just what I need. As always, thanks for all your thoughts and wisdom which come at the most needed times, Andy. This analogy is perfect timing for 2010. Keep up the good work."

47. Joe Muennich - January 15, 2010 @ 1:34 PM

"I will be of service to others. After 20 years of hopeless addiction to meth, I am in my 3rd year of recovery and have committed myself to adding value to the lives of others. As long as we are breathing, there is hope..."

48. MmKr, Mobile, AL - February 7, 2010 @ 1:30 PM

"My second half began on the week before Christmas 2009 when my husband of 32 years passed away. The grief, anger and overwhelming sense of loss was unimaginable! I read The Traveler's Gift and as I prepare for my new job as supervisor for a local company, I am feeling a sense of strength and confidence that I hadn't previously experienced. I've set spiritual and financial goals for myself. The Seven Decisions Calendar is keeping me on track. I still have sudden moments of sadness, but I know that the Lord is ultimately in control. My future is in His Hands! Thank You!"

49. George McGuire - March 8, 2010 @ 7:30 PM

"I am currently living your book The Traveler's Gift. I am 58 years old and was dismissed from my management job of 15 years. No I'm not going to wreck my car, But the curse of depression is strong in my family. I lost both my sister and father in a three year period about 10 years ago. My halftime motto is to give God my best,because I know that He will give me His best in return. Halftime is about over will update you later the results."