The Secret to Success in the 4th Quarter

Everyone loves to talk about excellence, but few are willing to do the boring, unsexy work of building the habits that make it happen.

In business, especially in the 4th Quarter, excellence isn’t one big swing. 
It’s not the pitch deck, the product launch, or the perfect sales call. 
It’s the daily grind of doing the small things well, over and over, until they compound.

If you’re starting a business at 50+, your advantage isn’t energy; it’s consistency. 
You’ve already proven you can show up for decades. 
Now it’s about channelling that into the right habits:

• Pick up the phone when others make excuses.

• Follow up when others flake.

• Listen more than you talk.

• Write, post, create - even when no one responds at first.

The younger crowd will try to out-hustle you with all-nighters. 
Let them. 
That’s not your edge. 

Your edge is discipline.
Its execution.
It’s that you know success comes from boring, repeated actions that no one applauds until it’s too late to ignore.

Excellence isn’t about getting lucky once. 
It’s about building a system of habits so strong that results become inevitable.

So stop waiting for the big break. 
Stop obsessing over the one perfect idea. 
What you do daily is who you become and what you build.

Excellence isn’t an act. 
It’s the 50 phone calls, the 100 posts, the thousand small reps that no one sees.

Do that long enough, and excellence stops being a goal. 
It becomes who you are.

#The4thQuarter #MondayMusings #SilverEntrepreneurship #Habits

Caregiving in the 4th Quarter

Many of us in the 4th Quarter are being pulled in two directions
Kids growing up and parents growing older. 
Some call us the “sandwich generation.” 
I call it reality.

Caregiving comes with late-night worries, tough decisions, and more responsibility than we feel ready for. 
It can test marriages, strain careers, and drain our energy. 
And yet… it also reveals something profound.
It’s a chance to show up with gratitude. 
To repay kindness with kindness. 
To show our own children what it means to love with patience, even when it’s hard.

In the 4th Quarter, caregiving is not just a burden.
It’s part of our legacy.
The truth is: you don’t have to do it alone. 

Build a circle of support, including siblings, friends, and professional resources. 
Share the load.
Talk about how you are feeling - emotionally and practically.
And remember that someday, those watching us now (our kids, colleagues, and friends) will face their own caregiving journey. 
What they see in us today will shape how they handle it tomorrow.

Yes, caregiving is heavy. 
But it’s also one of the clearest ways we can prove that legacy isn’t built by what we achieve - it’s built by how we show up, and how we care.

Do Better.

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
- Maya Angelou

This one resonates differently in the 4th Quarter.
When we look back, it’s easy to judge our past decisions:
the jobs we stayed in too long, 
the risks we didn’t take, 
or the times we didn’t speak up. 

But, the truth is that we were doing the best we could with what we knew at the time.

That’s not an excuse. 
It’s a challenge. 

Because once you do know better, you can’t hide from it. 
You can’t pretend you didn’t learn the lesson. 
You can’t go back to playing small.

After 50, we’ve lived enough to see the patterns. 
We’ve learned from the mistakes. 
We’ve collected wisdom. 

And now the real question is:
What are you going to do with it?

Knowing better demands action. 
It means reinventing. 
Trying new paths. 
Leading with more courage. 
Choosing health over hustle. 
Relationships over ego. 
Purpose over comfort.

In the 4th Quarter, it’s not about rewriting the past. 
It’s about using everything you know now to play a sharper, braver, more intentional game.

Because when you know better, you must do better.

“More is lost through indecision than wrong decision.” - Cicero

In the 4th Quarter, this truth hits harder than ever.
A wrong decision gives you feedback. 
It teaches you something. 
It moves you forward.

Indecision? 
It leaves you stuck, 
staring at the clock, 
wondering what if.

For too long, many of us were taught to play it safe. 
Follow the well-worn path. 
Don’t take risks. 

But here’s the reality: in a 40-year career, most wrong turns are recoverable. 
You can bounce back from a poor choice. 
You can’t get back wasted years.

In the 4th Quarter, the urgency is real. 
The clock is ticking louder. 
The cost of hesitation feels greater. 

This is the moment to bet on yourself. 
Whether it’s a career shift, starting a side hustle, or a personal change.
Do that “thing” you always wanted, but are paralyzed by indecision.

Talk to an 80- or 90-year-old and they’ll tell you the same thing: regret is the heaviest burden. 
And when there’s no time left on the clock, it’s not the wrong decisions that haunt people. 
It’s the choices they never made.

Me? I’d rather live with wrong than die with regret.

#The4thQuarter #MondayMusings

Sleep Is My New Superpower

For years, I used to say, “I only need four to five hours of sleep.” 

When I started my career, I worked five nights/week until 5:00 AM.
(Shout out to The Dome and other bar staff alumni from the 90s who can relate.) 

Then it was agency life. 
Fewer late nights, but it was hard to shut my brain off, and I would often wake up with ideas. 

Then it start-up life and the “Hustle” culture that told us that sleep was for the weak.
That you could grind harder, go longer, and somehow outwork biology.

But here’s the truth: the whole “Sleep when you’re dead” is a fast track to getting there sooner.
And at 55, I feel no need to speed that up.

In the 4th Quarter, quality sleep isn’t optional. 

Dr. Matthew Walker, author of the bestseller Why We Sleep, has shown in decades of research that quality sleep is the single greatest lever for memory, recovery, and even mortality. Sleep-deprived adults don’t just feel tired they increase their risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and early death skyrockets. 

And cognition? 
Forget it. 
You don’t make sharper decisions on less sleep.
In fact, most of the time we make worse ones. (Walker interview here)

For me, the shift came when I realized I wasn’t impressing anyone with late nights.
Lately, I’m enjoying getting an early start on the day. 

So what can you do to improve the quality of your sleep? 

• Consistency. Making sleep non-negotiable.

• Wind down for 30–60 minutes. Shut the laptop, dim the lights, and read something calming.

• Keep a schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same times. Your body loves rhythm.

• Set the stage. A dark, cool, quiet room beats any productivity hack.

In the 4th Quarter, your edge isn’t pulling all-nighters. 
It’s showing up with clarity, energy, and presence when others are running on fumes.

Sleep isn’t wasted time. 
It could be the most productive thing you can do.

Let’s play to win.

Mobility > Muscle

At 25, it was all about strength and how you looked in the mirror.
At 55, it’s about mobility and overall quality of life.

Because what’s the point of big muscles if… 
Your hips ache, 
You’re struggling with balance, 
or you can’t easily get up from the floor or a chair. 

The key to longevity isn’t moving heavy weights. 
It starts with your joints.

The National Institute on Aging emphasizes that flexibility and balance training reduce fall risk, which is one of the leading causes of lost independence as we age (nia.nih.gov). 

And once you lose mobility, quality of life takes a nosedive. 

• Travel gets harder. 

• Simple things become complicated. 

• Confidence disappears.

The truth? 
If you’re not training for mobility in your 50s, you’re setting yourself up for decline.

Here are a few practical ways to stay active in the game:

• Stretch daily. Even 10 minutes matters.

• Try yoga or tai chi. Great for flexibility and balance.

• Don’t ditch the weights. Strong muscles protect your joints.

• Practice balance. Stand on one leg while brushing your teeth.

Let’s be honest. 
Mobility training isn’t glamorous.
But I know it’s the difference between sitting on the sidelines watching life and living it fully. 

You know the saying, “When is the best time to plant a tree?”
20 years ago. The next best time is today.

If you start now, your 20-year-from-now old ass will thank you. 

Let’s play to win.

Your Brain Is a Muscle, Too

I believe that you’re never too old to press reset. 

The brain doesn’t just slow down with age. 
It adapts, strengthens, and even rewires… but only if you challenge it.

Neuroplasticity research, including a 2024 study in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience (https://tinyurl.com/3955c4mc), showed that learning new skills throughout life strengthens memory, executive function, and cognitive resilience. The study tracked adults over 60 learning a second language and found measurable improvements in multitasking and attention span.

In the 4th Quarter, mental sharpness is more than a luxury. 
It’s essential for performance, leadership, decision-making, relationships, and life choices. 

You need your brain to be sharp when problems arise, during negotiations, and when opportunities knock.

Want to stay sharp and give your brain a workout?

Here’s what you can do now:

• Take up a new skill you’ve always avoided (language, musical instrument, artistic craft).

• Do puzzles regularly (crosswords, logic games, chess).

• Switch up your reading material (something outside your comfort zone).

• Teach others (mentoring forces you to recall, explain, and stretch yourself).

Look at Warren Buffett, still reading five hours a day in his 90s, sharpening his mind daily. Or Jane Fonda, who reinvented herself (again) in her 70s with a hit Netflix series while still championing activism and fitness. Even the late Maya Angelou kept writing, teaching, and speaking well into her 80s, constantly reinventing and sharing her art and voice.

Age doesn’t stop you from growing.
If anything, it multiplies the returns if you stay in the game.

Let’s play to win.

Food is Fuel. Eat for Energy.

In recent years, it seems like there has been a new diet craze every year promising to melt away fat, build muscle, make you smarter, sexier, and even improve your eyesight. But in the 4th Quarter, your diet isn’t about six-packs, beach bodies, or the next crazy fad. 

It’s about fueling focus, energy, and longevity - not vanity.

A 2023 study of 25,000+ adults found that those who followed a Mediterranean-style diet had a 23% lower risk of death from any cause over 25 years. The benefits came largely from reduced inflammation and improved metabolic health (JAMA Network Open).

But science only matters if it makes it on the plate. 

Here are practical ways to turn meals into vitality boosters:

• Protein at every meal. Aim for 15–30g of protein, depending on your body weight and activity level. (Mayo Clinic Health System)

• Fiber goals: Adults over 50 should aim for about 21g/day (women) and 30g/day (men). (Mayo Clinic)

• Cut processed sugars. Minimize added sugars and ultra-processed foods that spike inflammation.

• Hydrate first. Start your day with a tall glass of water (with lemon) before caffeine or breakfast.

In the 4th Quarter, every meal is an investment in vitality. 
You aren’t chasing trends. You’re choosing fuel and optimizing energy for what matters.

Because without energy, nothing else matters.

Let’s play to win.

Stress is the Silent Killer, but there is a Cure.

Stress. 

It’s something we don’t talk about nearly enough. 
But here’s the thing. Stress in the 4th Quarter compounds faster.

By the time you’re in your 50s, the stakes feel much higher. 
Career, family obligations, finances, aging parents… they all add up.

• Less personal time for you. 

• Less physical activity. 

• Less sleep.

• More time at the desk (or on the couch).

• More snacking. 

• More drivethru.

Then… the weight starts to pile on, you have less energy,
It feels like you are falling behind, running out of time, or you “missed” your shot. 

These are ALL signs of chronic stress. 
And here’s the danger. 
Chronic stress doesn’t just feel bad; it will shorten your life.

The American Psychological Association calls stress a “silent killer,” linking it to heart disease, hypertension, weakened immunity, poor sleep, and depression (APA). 

The thing is, stress doesn’t announce itself. 
It chips away at your energy, your focus, your vitality.

But here’s the good news: resilience is built in recovery.
Recovery isn’t laziness. 
It’s a strategy. 
It’s how you make sure your body and brain can keep performing.

Practical recovery habits (backed by research) include:

• Move daily. Light exercise reduces stress hormones and boosts mood. Even a 20-minute walk makes a measurable difference.

• Breathe. Controlled breathing (box breathing: in for 4, hold for 4, out for 4, hold for 4) activates your parasympathetic nervous system.

• Disconnect. Constant inputs keep your nervous system on high alert. Phone-free walks or quiet meals create space for calm.

• Prioritize sleep. Poor sleep magnifies stress; consistent, high-quality rest is one of the best recovery tools available.

• Connect. Community and relationships buffer stress. Loneliness does the opposite.

The takeaway? 
Stress will always exist, but you don’t have to let it consume you. 
In the 4th Quarter, recovery is not optional. It’s the key to longevity, clarity, and energy.

Your best years don’t depend on eliminating stress. 
They depend on building a life where recovery is non-negotiable.
Because without your health, nothing else matters.

Let’s play to win.

You Don’t Have to Have an Opinion on Everything

“You always own the option of having no opinion.”

- Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 

Those words were written nearly 2,000 years ago, and it is just as relevant today.
Scroll through the news, social media, or even listen to colleagues chatting. Everything today seems to be about provoking a reaction. Spilling the tea, a “hot take”, or a conspiracy theory.

But here’s the truth: you don’t need to form an opinion on every little thing. 
You get to decide what deserves your attention, and what doesn’t.

Think about it.
How much time do we waste forming opinions on gossip, politics, or the actions of people we barely know? 
How often do we label things as “good” or “bad” when, in reality, they’re just… things?

The power is in realizing that we don’t have to carry all of it.

When you choose to have no opinion:

• You reduce judgment and start seeing situations more clearly.

• You conserve energy for what actually matters.

• You protect your peace of mind.

• You stay flexible enough to adapt when new facts emerge.

It isn’t about indifference. 
It’s about focus. 
It’s about protecting your mental state, exerting your energy wisely, and reserving your judgment for the people, projects, and priorities that deserve it.

In the 4th Quarter, that kind of clarity is priceless. 

We don’t need to be everywhere or weigh in on everything. 
We need to stay sharp where it counts.

So here’s your reminder: Not everything needs your focus or opinion.

If you want to go deeper, I recommend following Ryan Holiday and picking up his books on Stoicism.
They’re all full of practical wisdom that feels as relevant today as it did in the Roman Empire. My favourite is The Obstacle is the Way.

Turns out, sometimes, the best move is no move at all.

Let’s play to win

Your Personal Brand Is Working Capital

Titles change. 
Companies go out of business. 
Industries evolve.

But your personal brand? 
That’s the one thing you take with you into every chapter of your career.
Think of it as your working capital.

Seth Godin says it’s “the story people tell themselves about you.” 
Gary Vaynerchuk calls it “your reputation at scale.” 
I say, “Your personal brand is reputational equity. It’s how people experience you, remember you, and talk about you when you’re not in the room.” And, in the 4th Quarter, it matters more than ever.
Because here’s the reality: when you’re no longer chasing titles, your brand is what keeps doors open. It’s what makes people think of you for a consulting role, a board seat, or a partnership opportunity. 

It’s the reason someone calls you instead of the person with the shinier résumé.

Let’s be clear. A personal brand isn’t about creating a false persona. 
The strongest brands come from authenticity. 
From telling stories rooted in your experience. 
From sharing the lessons you’ve lived, not the ones you Googled or AI made up.

So how do you build it?

• Share your perspective on LinkedIn or in your industry.

• Tell stories that connect your past experience to today’s challenges.

• Be generous with your network. That means making introductions, mentoring, and giving without expecting a return.

• Keep showing up. Consistently. So people know what you stand for.

Your personal brand is already being built whether you work on it or not. 

My question is: Are you being intentional about it?

In the 4th Quarter, it’s not about being the loudest. It’s about being clear, authentic, and visible enough that people know exactly who you are and why you matter.

Titles will change, and Companies will move on.
But your personal brand is yours to protect, grow, and leverage.
And in the 4th Quarter, it might just be your most valuable working capital.

Let’s play to win.

Experience + Energy = Unbeatable

You don’t need to outwork or outpace younger colleagues.
That’s not the game anymore.

Your edge in the 4th Quarter is combining decades of experience with just enough energy to stay in it.
Wisdom plus adaptability is a mix no 30-year-old can match.

But here’s the catch: that “energy” part doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through habits. Small, consistent ones that keep you sharp and moving forward:

• Sleep like it matters - because it does.

• Walk, lift, or stretch daily - mobility is strength.

• Eat for fuel, not just comfort - better food equals better focus.

• Hydrate - simple, but most people don’t.

• Protect recovery - stress compounds faster after 50.

Add those to the judgment and perspective you already have, and you become the most valuable person in the room. The one who can see patterns, avoid mistakes, and still bring the energy to execute.

That’s what makes you unbeatable in the 4th Quarter.
Your challenge: What one habit will you upgrade this week to add more energy to the experience you already own?

Let’s play to win.
#The4thQuarter #Reinvention #Longevity #MidlifeMomentum

It’s time to Start Learning New Tricks

We’ve all heard the cliché: “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”

In the 4th Quarter, that mindset is the fastest way to the sidelines and out of the game. 
Because the reality is that the willingness to learn new skills is no longer optional if you want to continue to thrive. 

It’s quickly becoming the difference between… 
being in demand or being overlooked, 
staying sharp and slowly fading into irrelevance.

And let me be clear, learning doesn’t mean going back to school full-time. 

It can be as simple as picking up a new piece of technology, diving into an unfamiliar industry, or practicing a skill you’ve avoided because it felt uncomfortable.

Don’t know where to start?
Start small:

• Spend 10 minutes a day experimenting with a new tool or app.

• Take a webinar or workshop on something outside your comfort zone.

• Shadow someone younger in your network and learn how they approach problems.

Pick one skill you’ve avoided, like public speaking, AI tools, or podcasting and commit to trying it.

Here are a few Free or  Low-Cost Learning Resources:

LinkedIn Learning - https://www.linkedin.com/learning/start/welcome
LinkedIn Learning courses are great for professional skills (leadership, communication, technology).

Coursera - https://www.coursera.org/courses?query=free
Many courses are free if you audit (pay only if you want a certificate).

Khan Academy - https://www.khanacademy.org/
Completely free, lifelong learning platform. While often thought of for kids, their finance, math, and science content is excellent refreshers for adults, too.

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com
The world’s largest free classroom. Tutorials on everything you could possibly need.

Salesforce Tailhead - https://trailhead.salesforce.com/

A free, fun, Salesforce learning community. It is designed for all skill levels, covering topics and learning modules for all aspects of Salesforce from Admins and developers, to sales leaders and end users.

HubSpot Academy - https://academy.hubspot.com/

Free online training and certifications in inbound marketing, sales, and customer service. It provides self-paced courses, learning paths, and bootcamps. The platform focuses on digital marketing strategies, sales techniques, and customer service best practices, aiming to educate users on the HubSpot software and the broader inbound methodology.

Your Local Library
Call or visit your local library to see if they offer free access to Gale Courses, Udemy, or even language-learning platforms like Mango or Rosetta Stone.

Podcasts & Newsletters
Industry-specific podcasts and curated newsletters are an easy, no-cost way to stay sharp.

Meetup / Eventbrite
Free or low-cost local workshops, networking events, and skill-building sessions are great for combining learning with community.

Will it feel awkward?
Absolutely. That’s the point.
Discomfort is proof you’re stretching.

I’ve seen people in their 30s who already look outdated because they stopped learning after finishing school.
But I’ve also seen people in their 60s leading the pack because they stayed curious and kept adding tools to their belt.

So here’s the challenge: What new skill are you willing to learn this year?
Let’s play to win.

The Fear of Becoming Irrelevant

One of the quiet fears after 50 is becoming irrelevant.

We don’t say it out loud, but we feel it when companies chase “young energy” or when new tech seems to move faster than we can keep up. 

Yes, ageism is real. 
Pretending it isn’t would be naïve.
But here’s the part too many people miss: staying relevant isn’t about chasing youth. It’s about doubling down on adaptability and judgment.

Experience is a huge advantage! But only if you keep it sharp. 
That means learning the new tools, like ChatGPT, Claude + Cursor, and so many others. 
Staying curious. 
Listening more than you talk. 
Choosing growth instead of comfort.

Because irrelevance doesn’t happen when you turn 50. 
It happens when you stop evolving.

I’ve seen 30-year-olds who are already outdated because they won’t adapt. 
I’ve seen 60-year-olds leading the pack because they’re still hungry, still curious, still in the game.

The 4th Quarter isn’t about fighting the clock. 
It’s about proving that relevance comes from effort, not age.

Stay sharp. Stay curious. Stay in demand.
Let’s play to win.
 

#The4thQuarter #Relevance #Reinvention #MidlifeMomentum

September in the 4th Quarter

For me, September is the kickoff to a new season.

Kids head back to school. 
Routines settle in. 
The air is a little cooler, it starts getting darker earlier (which sucks), and football season begins (along with my fantasy team dreams that always look unbeatable on paper).

It’s not the end of summer. 
It’s the start of something new. 
A reset. A chance to get serious about the goals that still matter this year, while there’s plenty of game left to play.

That’s how I see the 4th Quarter, too.
Not winding down, not giving in to the clock, but shifting gears. 
Setting new goals and improving current routines. 
Finishing your career strong or shifting into something you’ve always wanted while still enjoying the sunshine along the way.

Change is where the momentum starts. 
For me, September is the reminder that it’s never too late to reset and refocus.

So here’s my question: What are you getting serious about this September?

Let’s play to win.

#The4thQuarter  #Reinvention #SeptemberShift

Made with Love vs Made with Indifference

My wife and I just returned from spending a few days in Québec City.
It was the first time for both of us. 
Wow! What a great trip. 
Btw, a very drivable 10 hours from Halifax, but it felt like a world away.

Vacations have a great way of slowing you down.
Our days were planned, but never rushed. 
We left room to be tourists and to notice things.
And when you start noticing, you see patterns, especially (for me) in businesses.

For example, one morning we stopped at a small, owner-run coffee shop. 
The barista asked what kind of coffee we liked, described the taste profiles of different beans, and then casually suggested a fresh scone with their homemade jam. 
SOLD! 
We left with great coffee, a better breakfast, and the feeling that someone actually cared.

The next day, I was “forced” to grab a coffee at a big chain. 
No eye contact. 
No “good morning.” 
Just “What do you want?” → tap card → “Do you want a receipt?” 
Transaction complete. 
Efficient, sure. But indifferent.

Both gave me the caffeine I needed. 
Only one gave me an experience worth sharing.
That’s the lesson and my reason for this post. 

Whether you’re running a coffee shop, a professional services firm, or a software company... it’s the little touches, the genuine care, the attention to detail that set you apart. 

Let’s be honest. 
Most products are pretty similar. 
The majority of prices are pretty comparable. 
But products and services made with love are the ultimate differentiator.

I’m willing to pay more for that. 
Are you?

Do you go out of your way to support businesses “made with love”? 
Drop your local favourites in the comments.
I’d love to help spread the word and check them out.

This isn’t the end of your career. It’s the start of your legacy.

The 4th Quarter isn’t about fading out.
It’s about showing up. Bring everything you’ve learned, built, and earned.

By now, you’ve seen a lot.
You’ve made decisions under pressure.
You’ve even led through chaos.

You’ve learned how to let go of what doesn’t matter and double down on what does.
You don’t need to prove yourself to anyone. 
But I bet you still have something left to give. 

Maybe more than ever.
This is the part where experience counts.
Where clarity beats noise.
Where the right move matters more than a fast one.

What you do next is up to you.
Let’s play to win.

Success takes time. And that’s your advantage.

We celebrate “overnight success,” but the truth? Most wins take decades.

If you’re in your 50s or 60s, you’ve likely already done the hard part.
You’ve built the network. Learned the lessons. Taken the hits.
You’ve been laying the groundwork for years - maybe without even realizing it.

Now? 
You’re not starting over. You’re starting from experience.

In the 4th Quarter, you don’t need to move fast.
You need to move right.

Play smart. Play bold. 
Use what you’ve earned.
The clock is ticking, and you’ve never been more ready.

Let’s play to win.

You’re allowed to become someone new.

At 25, they expect you to change.
At 35, they still cheer you on.
At 55? People get uncomfortable.

But here’s the truth: reinvention doesn’t expire.
You can walk away from a career you hate.
You can leave a relationship that’s no longer healthy for you.
You can build a business.
You can move, switch industries, go back to school, or finally bet on yourself.
You don’t owe anyone the old version of you.

The 4th Quarter is your chance to rewrite the story.
You’ve bought and paid for your experience. You’ve paid the dues.
Now you get cash in and decide who you want to be.

Let’s play to win.

"Freedom 55" was never real.

It was brilliant marketing designed to sell mutual funds, not build realistic or meaningful futures.
Yachts in the Caribbean. 
Golf in Hawaii. 
Bike rides along the Seine. 

Many of us bought into it. 
And for most of us, it’s not happening.

I’m not knocking retirement savings. 
We should prepare. 
But no one saves their way to true financial freedom.

But let’s be honest: hopefully, many of us will live to 85+. 
That’s 30 years after 55.

The question isn’t just how you’ll afford it.
It’s what you’re going to do with all that time.

Maybe “Freedom 55” needs to start meaning something different to us.
Not freedom from work.
Freedom to choose your work.
Freedom to build. To lead. To do something that matters.

Let’s play to win.