So how did the first half of 2010 go for us personally, for our
business, and for our family? Are we in the lead at halftime,
slightly ahead, tied, a little behind, or are we getting
slaughtered?
Whatever the situation is, the good news is that there is time
to plan and prepare for how we can all maximize the remainder of
2010, while building our success strategies for 2011. That’s what
coaches do at halftime right, or in between innings in baseball and
between periods in hockey and basketball? The coach will meet with
assistant coaches and players to review what is working and what
isn’t and then make adjustments to the game plan.
If we are in the lead or slightly ahead, we need an approach
that will build up or at least preserve our lead, taking nothing
for granted and not getting lazy or complacent. If we are faced
with a tie, stuck in a rut, and want to distance ourselves from
mediocrity, our plan may include some positive reinforcement and
motivation to re-light the fire that was there when we first began
playing this year’s game in January.
When trailing by just a few at the break, sometimes it is a
simple or minor adjustment that needs to be made. Maybe the plan
has been solid and we need to focus a little more on execution.
What activities, tasks, and tactics can we modify, amp up, or step
up to get back on track and ahead in the game?
And if the score isn’t even close and we have abandoned our
goals, objectives, and game plans in exchange for hope and Hail
Mary’s for the remainder of 2010, we need to realize that some of
the greatest comebacks in sports history have come in the second
half, fourth quarter, 9th inning, and 15th round of a heavy weight
boxing match.
Why did these teams and individuals rebound and come back to
win? With a little bit of luck and a lot of fire and passion, they
realized they were in the wrong place both mentally and physically.
Getting slaughtered didn’t feel good and their self respect and ego
couldn’t handle such pain or loss. So they went back into the
locker room, changed the plan, inspired and motivated one another,
and most importantly, committed to each other or to themselves that
they would give it their all in the second half.
Finding ours elf, our team, or our business so far behind plan
but committing to getting back in the game will also require that
we have fun while attempting to retake the lead. What do we have to
lose? Go big or go home right? Get after it, smile, laugh, and we
will enjoy the effort that much more.
Our second half starts now, it is halftime and we are in the
locker room with chalk boards and clip boards, coaches and
assistant coaches, fellow players, co-workers, family members, and
friends. We can still win the game regardless of what the score
board says right now.
Let me know how you finished the first half of the year and what
your plans are for the second half at msnorton@comcast.net and make it
a better than good second half of the game.
Michael Norton, a resident of Highlands Ranch, is the former
president of the Zig Ziglar organization and CEO and founder of
www.candogo.com.
