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[Halftime: Moving from Success to Significance] [By: Buford, Bob P.] [October, 2015]
Midlife is no longer a crisis, but a growing awareness. The achievements that energized your success no longer seem as rewarding. You find yourself thinking, there's got to be more. You're ready to move from success to significance.Welcome to your personal timeout in the game of life. Time to pause and take inventory of what really matters to you in order to chart an even more meaningful and satisfying second half.'My passion is to inspire business and professional leaders to embrace God's calling and move from success to significance,' writes Bob Buford. Proven in the lives of thousands of men and women worldwide, the values, wisdom, and hands-on applications in Halftime are timeless.Features of this newly updated edition include a foreword by the bestselling author of Good to Great, Jim Collins; new questions for reflection or discussion; brand new 'halftime' stories of men and women enjoying a second half of significance; specific halftime assignments to guide readers into their second-half mission; and a special update from the author on how the halftime movement is growing nationally.
Hardcover
First published December 23, 2008
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* They are officially published under that name
* They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author
* They are religious texts not generally attributed to a specific author
Books whose authorship is merely uncertain should be attributed to Unknown.
See also: Anonymous
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 26, 2026
Buford writes an encouraging and uplifting book on the second half of life. It is true that we have all lived, and in many cases, the first half wasn't so great, or perhaps it was good but not great. Either way, there is a clock that will not stop for anyone. It will continue ticking until the Good Lord calls everyone home, but in the midst of it all, time needs to be used wisely. Buford cites the parable in Matthew 13:3-9 and hopes to be the seed that produces 100 times what was sown, a great point to make. The book takes the reader through planning, success, self-help, and reflection, including an interesting chapter, "Leaping into the Abyss." Some people, due to their age, may feel too old to leap into something new, but you must believe God and learn to "believe what God speaks quietly inside us." There are lots of Bible verses that accompany the advice on making the right decisions, and even when you are on the other side, halftime is a place to recenter and replan. Toward the end, the book covers the big question: Is this about wealth, financial wealth, that is? Wealth doesn't necessarily mean success. It is about legacy and making a difference. Clearly, more financial freedom helps us do many things, but success is more about using our abilities for the greater good.
The book is a motivational explosion of information, regardless of age group, male or female, teenager or mature person in middle age. It offers great advice when you are in the halftime period of your life. By understanding the losses in the first half of life, where perhaps relationships were severed, opportunities were missed, and even the chasing after the wind was evident, the book is extremely moving and encourages the reader to seek the important things in life. It also encourages us to become aware of God's voice, His Word, and His whispers, as well as the importance of seeking and acknowledging the gifts and strengths given to us by God. It emphasizes focusing on the eternal instead of the ephemeral and identifying the box, as Buford mentions. One critique of the book would perhaps be that Buford had great financial success, and the reader should focus more on making an impact and leaving a legacy regardless of financial gains. The book was a great and easy read, and the ideal target audience is probably people in their mid-30s to late 40s. However, if you are younger, it might save you from some unnecessary challenges.
The book is a motivational explosion of information, regardless of age group, male or female, teenager or mature person in middle age. It offers great advice when you are in the halftime period of your life. By understanding the losses in the first half of life, where perhaps relationships were severed, opportunities were missed, and even the chasing after the wind was evident, the book is extremely moving and encourages the reader to seek the important things in life. It also encourages us to become aware of God's voice, His Word, and His whispers, as well as the importance of seeking and acknowledging the gifts and strengths given to us by God. It emphasizes focusing on the eternal instead of the ephemeral and identifying the box, as Buford mentions. One critique of the book would perhaps be that Buford had great financial success, and the reader should focus more on making an impact and leaving a legacy regardless of financial gains. The book was a great and easy read, and the ideal target audience is probably people in their mid-30s to late 40s. However, if you are younger, it might save you from some unnecessary challenges.
October 19, 2026
In Halftime, Bob Buford challenges readers to rethink the second half of life. Drawing from his own journey as a businessman, Buford describes the transition from pursuing success to seeking significance. He argues that the first half of life focuses on achievement, financial security, and recognition, while the second half offers a deeper purpose. This shift does not mean abandoning one’s accomplishments. Instead, Buford encourages readers to use their experiences, talents and resources to serve God and others. He also advocates testing new opportunities before making major commitments, allowing readers to explore their calling without abandoning existing responsibilities. Central to his approach is identifying one’s core values, reflecting on personal strengths, and discerning where these might make the greatest contribution. Halftime is therefore not simply about changing careers, but also about redirecting one’s life toward lasting significance.
This is my third time reading Halftime. I first picked it up at more than a decade ago, which seemed like the right time to consider life’s second half. Reading it several years later, its message felt far more relevant. Further along in my career, I began questioning whether professional success alone could provide lasting fulfilment. Reading it now, I feel I am growing into my own halftime, although questions remain about how best to use my experiences for God. The book’s strength lies in challenging readers to reconsider what they want their lives to count for, with the message resonating differently at various life stages. While Buford’s remarkable journey is inspiring, his exceptional success and resources may not reflect most readers’ circumstances. More examples of people with different backgrounds and resources would make the book’s message more accessible and applicable. I recommend this book to anyone seeking to live a life of greater purpose and significance, regardless of age or stage in life.
This is my third time reading Halftime. I first picked it up at more than a decade ago, which seemed like the right time to consider life’s second half. Reading it several years later, its message felt far more relevant. Further along in my career, I began questioning whether professional success alone could provide lasting fulfilment. Reading it now, I feel I am growing into my own halftime, although questions remain about how best to use my experiences for God. The book’s strength lies in challenging readers to reconsider what they want their lives to count for, with the message resonating differently at various life stages. While Buford’s remarkable journey is inspiring, his exceptional success and resources may not reflect most readers’ circumstances. More examples of people with different backgrounds and resources would make the book’s message more accessible and applicable. I recommend this book to anyone seeking to live a life of greater purpose and significance, regardless of age or stage in life.
October 26, 2026
Although this book was originally published in the 90s, it has seen revisions with the latest coming in 2015. Interestingly, I did not notice this until after I was done with it and was pleasantly surprised as I felt that much of its content is still relevant for today. The author, who is now deceased, spent a good portion of his career in the television industry and was also a social entrepreneur. In this review I will highlight some good things about the book and then will list one area that could be improved.
The Good
I enjoyed this book. Mainly because of the overall tenor and purpose that Buford conveys that I feel is very practical. What he is ultimately attempting to do is give direction to those who are transitioning into their mid-life, or second half of their career. He lays some groundwork by demonstrating that the first part of our lives is characterized by seeking some sort of success. This can include going to college, starting a career, or earning money. After this is reached, we move into the latter part of our lives, taking what he have already learned and acquired, and making it to be much more meaningful.
Chapters 7 through 9 were perhaps my favorite and where the crux of the matter lied for me. This was primarily because here is where one is able to assess what has been done, reached, and achieved in our lives, and how a focus on God should be in order, followed by finding what our purpose is to live out the rest of our lives. Since I will be approaching this part of my life within the next decade, I found it helpful.
Improvement
The only room for improvement would be to perhaps give some advice to those who have careers and who are on a much smaller scale. For example, a small business owner.
The Good
I enjoyed this book. Mainly because of the overall tenor and purpose that Buford conveys that I feel is very practical. What he is ultimately attempting to do is give direction to those who are transitioning into their mid-life, or second half of their career. He lays some groundwork by demonstrating that the first part of our lives is characterized by seeking some sort of success. This can include going to college, starting a career, or earning money. After this is reached, we move into the latter part of our lives, taking what he have already learned and acquired, and making it to be much more meaningful.
Chapters 7 through 9 were perhaps my favorite and where the crux of the matter lied for me. This was primarily because here is where one is able to assess what has been done, reached, and achieved in our lives, and how a focus on God should be in order, followed by finding what our purpose is to live out the rest of our lives. Since I will be approaching this part of my life within the next decade, I found it helpful.
Improvement
The only room for improvement would be to perhaps give some advice to those who have careers and who are on a much smaller scale. For example, a small business owner.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews