Halftime scores are rumors. Final scores are facts.

Partial results get treated as conclusions constantly. A rough first semester, a bad opening month at a job, an early deficit; all of it is information about a middle rather than an outcome. Positions change, and people who fold usually do it while the thing is still genuinely open. Deciding early costs more matches than being behind ever did.

When you catch yourself concluding something about how a year is going, check what month it is. Adjust whatever needs adjusting and keep playing. Wait for the whistle before writing the report.