The most important trophy you’ll ever win isn’t for what you achieved, but for who you became.
Standing on the IIBA stage in Phoenix to receive the Personal Development, Self-Help & Resilience Award for The Second Half was a moment I’ll carry with me for a long time.
The story began years ago, with two people who never stood on a stage.
Philomena Britto taught me that compassion is strength. Reginald Britto taught me that courage is a choice.
Those two lessons became the foundation for every page I wrote.
The Second Half was born from a belief I’ve come to embrace through life, leadership, and soccer: the first half is about building a career.
The second half is about building a legacy.
We all experience setbacks. We all hear the halftime whistle.
What we choose to do when we walk back onto the field is what matters. Will we play with fear? Or will we play with purpose?
This recognition belongs to my family, my readers, and everyone who has shared their own second-half story with me.
You’ve reminded me that resilience is about finding the courage to rise again, and helping others do the same.
Thank you to the International Impact Book Awards (IIBA) for this honor, and congratulations to every author whose words are making a difference in the world.
No dream has an expiration date, setbacks are not final. And sometimes, the most meaningful chapter of our lives begins after halftime.
Here’s to playing our second half with purpose, and helping others discover theirs.
Credit: International Impact Book Awards