Halftime

Moving from Success to Significance

By: Bob Buford

Narrated by: Max Bloomquist

Length: 5 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's Summary

Your midlife doesn't have to be a crisis. In fact, the second half of your life can be better than the first. Bob Buford's best seller shows you how.

What do you want to do with the rest of your life?

In Halftime, Buford provides the encouragement and insight to propel your life on a new course to true significance - and the best years of your life. Buford focuses on this important time of transition to the second half of your life, leading you to....

• Take stock of your successes and accomplishments thus far
• Redefine significance and what it means to you
• Identify your personal goals
• Develop a mission for serving God in the second half of your life
• And more

©2008 The Leadership Network, Inc. (P)2008 Zondervan

Couldn't make it past the first chapter.

He can't keep religion out of it. Multiple bible verses and references to Jesus in the first 3 minutes. Can't do it.

Good Book for Those in Transition

This book was recently recommended to a friend of mine by a leader we both respected who has recently retired. Being at the same stage of life as my friend, I decided to read the book as well. This is an updated and revised edition of the author’s best-selling book. It includes new stories, questions and answers, and a new chapter on doing “Halftime” if you can’t quit your job.
Using the analogy of a sports game (think football or basketball), the author tells us that the first half of our lives (usually our first 40 years or so), is when we focus most on our careers and less on others and significant causes. It is the time for following our dreams, chasing and acquiring success. It is also the season to develop our faith and learn more from the Bible about how to approach life. It is here that we learn, gain and earn.
“Halftime” is when you take stock of what you have accomplished thus far in your life and look for ways to move from success to significance. It’s a chance to dig more deeply into what you believe and evaluate whether your life is heading in a direction aligned with your beliefs.
The second half is the time when you can truly make a significant contribution to the world. The author states that the biggest mistake most of us make in the first half of our lives is not taking enough time for the things that are really important. The second half is the season for us to use our gifts in service to others.
Throughout the book the author tells his personal story. His father died when he was in the fifth grade. His mother went on to found a successful radio and then later television company, which she would later turn over to him. His mother died in a hotel fire when the author was only 31. Later, the author would lose his only son at 24 years old in a drowning accident.
At just 34 years of age, the author developed 6 life goals. He was very successful, but what came after success? He realized that it was time to take stock, to stop and listen to the Voice.
He was challenged by a friend to determine what was in his “box”, what was his “one thing”. What would he do with what he believed? He needed to move from success to significance with Jesus at his center. He tells us that the key to your second half, which he believes can be better than your first, is a change of heart.
He suggests developing a personal mission statement as you seek to regain control of your life in your second half.
He writes of the importance of life-long learning in your second half. We should never stop learning. He also addresses money issues. He writes that the second half is not about money, but about mission.
He writes that getting from your first half to your second half isn’t easy, nor are the lines between the two halves clear. It is on ongoing journey about living a fulfilling life and leaving a valued legacy.
He tells us that “Halftime” is the opposite of retirement. Once you have your “what”, you can start working on your “how”.
The author’s passion is to multiply all that God has given him, and in the process to give it back. What is your passion? What is in your “box”? What is your “one thing”?
This helpful book ends with appendices on the wisdom of Peter Drucker, who was a large influence on the author and questions and answers with the author.

GREAT BOOK AS ONE JOURNEYS THROUGH LIFE!

What did you love best about Halftime?

For people that have lived enough life that they are at a point where they may be asking "Is this all there is to life?", it is very helpful in answering that question.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Bob Buford, the author of the book. He was real.

What about Max Bloomquist’s performance did you like?

Very easy to listen to.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No.

Mislead

I didn’t realize this is a Christian philosophical journey- would not have downloaded this book.

It's written for Christian readers

A lot of examples and stories came from Christian religion and culture where sometimes couldn't understand and map the example to the idea accurately.
I preferred books most focused in business examples and professionally addressing the idea instead of capitalizing on religious understanding to connect ideas.

I stopped listening to this book from beginning chapters.

Religious book disguised as a business book

Too much religion for it to be useful to me

I really wanted to listen and work through it but no luck

Nothing new, very superficial

First of all the book is too preachy. If you can set aside the fact that is written for christian audience it can be tolerable. But the real issue is that the book doesn't offer the level of depth, insight and action to really face true half time challenges. Rather is the story of a rich man who lost his son and decided to dedicate full time to his church.

Great Read! Finally!

I’ve heard about this book for years and even gave a copy to a friend before I finally read (listened) myself!! Great information and a tutorial on how one can live a more meaningful life.

Not quite for me

A little too much God I get it but don't care to be preached at

Breakthrough!

This book came to me from John Maxwell. It books is brilliant and it came to me in a right time! It excites me the most and have an insight what future is gonna be like.. Amazing book!

A phenomenal book.

If you could sum up Halftime in three words, what would they be?

Absolutely masterpiece. Love it. Loads of fantastic points and insights to use straight away.
Highly recommend to anyone. I am very happy with that book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My main character was Jesus. And his influence on the author. Stunning performance.

What about Max Bloomquist’s performance did you like?

He did a fantastic job.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Both.

What's Next...

Good book with practical insights.
Eliminate condescending reference to talking about Natives around a campfire