Second Half Of Game – Focus

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We are approaching one of my favorite times of the (sports) year – NCAA Tourney, “The Big Dance!”

It’s an exciting time as we have the opportunity to watch outstanding players and teams compete we don’t normally get the chance to watch due to limited coverage during the regular season. “On any given day,” a small, Underdog Team is matched against the Giant basketball program and can challenge them to the final buzzer -and- even come out victorious.

The court is the same 94ft by 50ft -and- the rim is 10ft…Indeed, there is the need for scouting, (planning), practice (preparation) and execution of the game strategy. However, there are the intangibles which weigh heavily in to a potential surprise upset — The Players, and every now and again, an individual player may showcase their outstanding talent and become the game changer. It’s the Desire, Passion, Belief in Themselves -and- their HEART that makes the difference and provides for that rare opportunity!

We should all take a lesson from this competitive attitude and not be intimidated, showcase our talents, and on any given day, be a little better than before especially during our Second Half of Life, ( our Encore )! It’s about getting a little bit better every day, compounded over a long enough time, that makes us great!

The same is true when we begin looking down the journey of our Second Half of Life… the first half of our Life we were busy chasing identity, success and security. Maybe it is intended to be this way so we build a foundation upon which to truly begin to focus upon filling up our life’s pursuit with content.

The journey to build upon our true self — our unique blueprint in life, I am seeing extends (more) to the Second Half!

It’s a journey that requires preparation, introspection and a willingness to adapt when reality looks different than our dreams.

Maybe if we feel we did not complete our first half of life as we planned or well enough, we attempt to go back and try again, and at times we over do it.

Our first half forces us to adapt as we grow… maybe that is in phases during our earlier years. However, what is most important is to properly allocate our time to that which is most important and make the best use of our time.

Seeking our destiny may at times may keep us restrained, waiting for the result?

I learned that finding purpose isn’t about waiting for some big revelation—it’s about taking small steps, being intentional, and figuring out what truly matters.

Don’t keep waiting for some spark—some moment of clarity—that would tell You exactly what to do, because the moment may not come.

Motivation isn’t what gets You started—ACTION is.

Most people assume they need to have everything figured out before they start something new… this applies to anything in Life.

If you wait until you feel completely ready, you’ll be waiting forever.

The truth is: No one ever feels 100% prepared for big changes, even during our Encore… taking that first step, eve when it’s uncertain, is what opens the door to the new possibilities You may not even have known would be available for You!

Fear has a way of keeping us stuck. Studies have shown that our brains are wired to overestimate risks and underestimate our ability to handle them. This means that many of the things we are afraid of are not as dangerous or life-altering as the seem.

When You begin to realize that fear is attempting to settle in, begin asking yourself a simple question: “What’s the worst that could happen?” More often than not, the answer wasn’t nearly as bad as your mind made it out to be.

Fear will always be there, but it doesn’t have to control your choices. The key is to recognize it, challenge it and move forward anyway. ( “fear is temporary, regret is forever” )

‘You’ are the center of your life -and- You must permit yourself to define your growth and personal best.

Nietzche said: ” he who had a why to live for, can bear with almost any how.”

During our First Half, we might have believed there was a single right path and we might not have found it?

Maybe we have avoided trying new things because we are afraid of wasting time on the wrong choice, but all that did was leave us stuck in the same place, year after year. Eventually, we learn to accept that purpose isn’t something we find, it’s something we must create. We must allow ourself to explore, make mistakes and follow your curiosity, this will allow things to become clearer.

The search for purpose isn’t about waiting for a grand revelation—it’s about what You do every day.

Psychologists have found that having a sense of purpose is strongly linked to overall well-being and even longevity. People with a clear sense of direction in life tend to live longer, healthier lives.

Every small step, every uncomfortable challenge, every decision to move forward instead of staying stuck—it all adds up. The more we engage with Life, the clearer our path becomes during our Encore phase of Life.

Purpose isn’t found in overthinking or waiting for the perfect moment—it’s found in action.

Quincy Jones said: “Life is a feast, don’t stop until You get enough.”

Let’s continue stepping forward in our Encore phase with enthusiasm and eagerness. Just like the basketball player from the smaller college playing against the mammoth basketball program, when stepping on the court, the floor is the same dimensions and rim is at 10ft, just as all year -and- it’s just another game. If that player thinks inferior, than the outcome will be less than what it could be. When stepping on the floor, the player feels just as competitive as his opponent and knows to leave it all on the floor -and- the outcome, just might be more thatn expected.

After all, what’s the point competing, if You’re not mentally at peace to enjoy it!

Please continue to take care and make the most of your days!

“Never quit searching, never settle and never give up seeking your greater purpose!“