Customer Reviews

Halftime: Moving from Success to Significance

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

While not the final authority, Buford has written a good book encouraging the reader to approach the second half of life as a quest for significance instead of success.

Among the points covered in the book include:

1. Do not allow the second half of life to be characterized by boredom, decline, and decreasing effectiveness for God's kingdom.
2. A challenge to think about what you believe and to find the one most important thing in your life and build on that.
3. How to continue to learn in the second half of life.
4. The more you submit to Christ, the freer you become.
5. Practical ways on how to regain more control over your life.
6. Questions to ask and answer as you "go in to the locker" and prepare for the second half of your life.
7. Find something that fits within the following 2 questions: What have you achieved? What do you care deeply about?

Read and be encouraged to believe that the second half of your life need not be a time of waste or past memories!

While I enjoyed the book, I believe his other book "Gameplan" is better in that it describes more practical ways how to have a productive second half.

Most career-oriented individuals reach a plateau in life where they realize there's more to life and happiness than making money and climbing the corporate ladder. They begin to wonder what life would be like if they had a career that permitted them to do what they love to do, rather than what they are good at doing. This book is for anyone who wants to get off of the treadmill but isn't sure how.

I found this book to be en excellent starting point for anyone (more specifically men, written by a man) who is interested in seriously thinking through a life plan of what you are going to do with the rest of your life. Those who find themselves asking the question "do I want to do what I'm doing for the next 10-20 years" will be intetested in what the author has to say.

Even if you have not asked that question yet this book will provide insight into where you are probably headed...

Best considered by those who are determined to be honest with themselves reguardless of the cost and are willing to do something to change their current situation.

Buford's concept of "Halftime," an arbitrary time in one's life when he or she moves from thinking about success to thinking about significance, describes an important process for people to regular go through. He advocates thinking about what is really important and then making adjustments to pursue that one thing and to subordinate all other things in life to that item. The short version of this idea is what the character Curly (Jack Parlance I think) in the movie City Slickers suggests to Billy Crystal's character. Remember him holding up his finger and saying "This one thing." Buford uses that as an example of what he is promoting in his book. He then elaborates with suggestions resembling most motivational and success-oriented types of books.

The flaws in this book include the fact that Buford is continuously and overwhelmingly self congratulatory about his accomplishments, success, wealth, status, who he knows, talents, offerings, etc. Rarely does a page go by on which he does not remind us of how successful he is. I think all of his anecdotes include his success or this or that CEO friend. This undermines the message of the book, because it is off-putting and distracting, even though the author has clearly adjusted his life to help people; the emphasis on altruism is a major theme of the book. He just pats himself on the back quite often.

The focus on wealth and success in the "first half" of life makes the idea of a second half seem like something only for the rich and comfortable who can make changes without making sacrifices. It also conveys a false assumption that one must pursue and gain success and wealth before shifting toward selflessness. Why not forego the first half self-centeredness and play the second half gameplan from the begining?

Another flaw is the mix of self-help, psychology and theology into one. Buford is a Christian, and writes this book from a Christian perspective. Buford however is not a theologian but writes as if he is one, even calling a conflicting idea "heresy." His "theology" reflects the flawed Western approach to Christianity that equates it with the dream of success and wealth and being all one can be using God-given talents and rugged individualism. This is an approach that would make no sense to Christians in most of the rest of the world and does not find resonance in the early church. Buford too often applies worldly success and wisdom to Christianity in the pages of this book and not vice versa. I don't doubt his sincerity, but the core of Christianity is not our power, strength and wisdom; it is as Paul said "Christ crucified, the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men and the weakness of God is stronger than men." I question whether seeking significance itself is supported by Scripture which rather promotes sacrifice and service at the risk of obscurity. This theology leads to advice that I think contradicts Scriptural lessons.

The epilogue to the book also confuses the issue when he imagines being asked two questions as a final exam when approaching God after death. One is what did you do about Jesus and the other is "What did you do with what I gave you to work with?" Like most of the theology in the book, this last question is taking a couple of texts out of context and building a doctrine upon them. It promotes judgement or pride, condemnation or self-righteousness. The Bible rather teaches that because Jesus died for my sins I will be welcomed into Heaven with great rejoicing--that is the message of grace not performance. But the author's message of this book is clearly that he is quite pleased with what he has done about Jesus and what he has done with his life. But according to what standard? Rather than present my works, strengths and productivity to God, I'll relax and rest in Christ's righteousness.

I think the idea behind Halftime is important but the delivery is poor. I think the activities prescribed of self-evaluation and life adjustments are things we need to continually do no matter our stage or age of life. In that sense, this book is helpful but because of the flaws it might do more harm than good, except for those people that closely resemble the author in several important characteristics such as beliefs, age, career, aspirations and resources.

Craig Stephans, author of
Shakespeare On Spirituality: Life-Changing Wisdom from Shakespeare's Plays

Mr. Buford's book is only the 2nd that I have finished in 15 years. I normally read only articles and summaries. But I am in the halftime of life and the book is a big encouragement to assess my abilities and target their deployment for significant, eternal purposes. The book was recommended by a friend who is a "tentmaker" in Singapore and has already made the switch to significance, leveraging the skills and abilities that God has given him. If you want to make a lasting impact with the second half of your life, this book will nudge you into action!

When I decided to take an early retirement from my company of 30+ years, a friend recommended that I read this book. I couldn't believe how it hit the mark with me. Granted, I am what I would consider to be a 'spiritual person', but aside from that, Buford really hit the nail on the head with many of the feelings that I had been experiencing of late.. That is, the entire notion of putting 'significance' ahead of 'success' in life. Isn't that what everyone would want to leave as his/her legacy?
I enjoyed the book, and found it to be relevant, interesting, and a fast read. I recommend it for anyone who is moving into a mid-50s 'retirement' period, sorting out the opportunities that are out there.

This was a nice story about a guy making a journey from success to significance in the second half of his life. Unfortunately, most of us don't have the financial resources to do things the way he did them. Conceptually, what he is saying is appropriate. However, most of us don't have the millions that allow for extended time off to reflect, seek the help of consultants, conduct low cost probes, etc.

If you're looking for a nice inspirational story of one man's journey in faith, this is a good read. If you're looking for some strong Biblical insights on which to make some life change, this is not the book to use for that.

For those seeking something different, the initial spiritual journey or how to begin the process towards individual significance, this book is a must.

Sooner or later, we all need to come face to face with God and our true calling. If your facing that question, this is a great book!

This book is about moving from the first half of life, which is dominated by achieving success, raising a family, etc. to the second half, which is about achieving significance. Bob Bufords book is both thought provoking and was very use to me in my search for what to do with my life as I approach retirement. He really puts life into perspective and asks questions, that when you answer them will help you to plot your course. I particularly resonated to now feeling like I have permission to do what I have a passion for. I am buying a copy of the book for my 22 year old son, and three of my friends that are my age.

Although written from a Christian perspective, this book speaks to everyone -- and conveys a message of great significance about the real choices we face in life and work.