Fourth Quarter

Fourth Quarter

It’s now October.  So we’re basically finished with this year.  2012 is all but in the history books…so we might as well mail it in, start our holiday shopping, and start conjuring up our New Year’s resolution for 2013…

WOAH!!  WOAH, WOAH, WOAH!!!

Not so fast.  It may be late in the game, but there’s still time on the clock.  There are still 2012 days left on the calendar…roughly 90 of them.  That means there’s still time to make an impact, make a difference, make progress, and maybe even change something, someone, or ourselves for the better…maybe even for good!

I remember our high school football team, growing up…as soon as the whistle blew at the conclusion of the third quarter, every player on the field – those on the sidelines and those in the game – every cheerleader, every fan, and every person in Raider Nation would hold up four fingers.  Everyone would throw up four fingers, high above their head…to signify that it was now the FOURTH QUARTER, as if to say – We’re not giving up, we’re not losing faith, we’re giving it our all, as long as there’s time on the clock, we’ll finish strong, in the fourth quarter.

In basketball practice, growing up, my coaches toward the end of practice, while putting us through extensive drills and/or strength and conditioning workouts, would say, “FOURTH QUARTER”, as if to say, in preparation for real life game situations – I know you’re tired…I know it’s been a long day, a long practice, a long three quarters…but there’s still time on the clock, and the fourth quarter just could be where we make our move…when everyone else gives up, when everyone else submits to their weaknesses, if we can dig deep, reach down, stick together, and go OneMoreStep – mentally and physically – this could be our time to make our move…in the fourth quarter.

So for you and I, today…this could be our moment.  This could be our time.  Right now, with an entire quarter left to make our mark, to make our numbers, or to reconcile that friendship, relationship, or partnership that could potentially make all the difference for 2012.  We can make it happen in the fourth quarter.

No matter how rough, or challenging 2012 has been thus far, for three quarters, you and I have the opportunity to make a difference, a very positive difference, in this the final 90 days – the fourth quarter.  All we have to do is decide to do so.

If it’s been rough at work, and you think it’s a lost cause to continue putting forth so much effort, think again…think differently about it.  Keep being you in the Fourth Quarter, because you never know who’s watching, who’s listening, and who’s secretly loving, appreciating, and valuing your efforts. 

Discouraged? For so long, you’ve dreamed of that next opportunity, the girl, the guy, the life you’ve always wanted…and 2012 hasn’t gone your way at all?  Dream again…dream your dreams, look up, and don’t give up just yet.  Many a fight, many a battle, many a game, and many accomplishments have been won in the fourth quarter.  It just takes courage, faith, and hope…to stay the course. 

So whatever weighs heavily on your hearts and minds today, in the boardroom, the break room, or the living room...I know it’s been a long three quarters, and 2012 has been up and down…the Fourth Quarter could be when it all turns around, for the better.

There’s still time on the clock, and there are still days left on the calendar for 2012.  Finish Strong…encouraging someone, helping someone, lifting the spirits of coworkers, family members, loved ones, students, friends, Guests, Clients, and Customers…

How will we remember 2012 – A good year?  A bad year?  How we approach the Fourth Quarter can make all the difference, in the answer to this question…

Throw four fingers up, high above your head…and finish 2012 strong in the fourth quarter.

Have a great day.

Taylor