The 4th Quarter Bookstore

The following aren’t just good reads. In my opinion, they’re game-changers. Each book on this list has shaped how I think, lead, and live in this stage of life. If you’re in your 40s, 50s, 60s or beyond and thinking about what's next, these books offer clarity, courage, and new ways to grow. They’ve helped me sharpen my mindset, challenge old assumptions, and take bold steps forward. I hope they do the same for you.

Note: These are affiliate links. If you buy through them, you help support the work I’m doing here—and I’m grateful for that.

Cover of a book titled 'The Challenger Sale' by Matthew Dixon and Brent Adamson, featuring illustrations of two men and dialogue bubbles, with a red background.
Book cover of 'Atomic Habits' by James Clear, highlighting its success with over 20 million copies sold, and emphasizing small changes leading to remarkable results.
Book cover for 'Traction' by Gino Wickman, with a dark background, orange title text, and a hammer and wrench crossed symbol. Includes quotes and mentions over 2 million copies sold.
Cover of the book titled 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People' by Stephen R. Covey, 25th anniversary edition, with a gold seal indicating over 25 million copies sold.
Cover of the book 'Never Split the Difference' by Chris Voss featuring a black, white, and red color scheme with the title in large bold letters, and a quote from Adam Grant, along with a small black circle with white text about the author's FBI hostage negotiation background, and a Penguin Books logo at the bottom right.
Cover of a book titled 'Who Not How' by Dan Sullivan with Dr. Benjamin Hardy, featuring a bright yellow background and bold blue text.

The Challenger Sale

Those who know me or have spent any time with me in a business environment have probably heard me recommend this book. I don’t think I am exaggerating when I say I’ve gifted it more than 100x. If you are thinking about becoming a consultant or fractional leader, I can not recommend this book enough.

Atomic Habits

Never Split the Difference

Who, Not How

This is one of my favourite books in recent years. This book takes a practical approach to habit forming and breaking bad habits. James Clear introduces the idea of atomic habits, which are small, incremental changes that have a remarkable impact over time. By focusing on the tiny, seemingly insignificant actions that make up our daily routines, he demonstrates how these habits can compound and lead to remarkable transformations. Are you feeling like you need a change? Check this book out.

Traction

7 Habits of Highly Effective People

If you’re building a business or even thinking about it, this book gives you a practical, no-fluff operating system to run it well. From accountability to vision to execution, the EOS framework has helped leaders around the world simplify, systemize, and scale. In the 4th Quarter, clarity and momentum matter more than ever. This book will help you build both.

The OG of personal improvement books. This is the book that teaches you how to lead yourself before you lead others. Covey’s principles are timeless because they’re rooted in character, not tactics. In the 4th Quarter, when you're thinking about impact, legacy, and alignment, The 7 Habits serves as a compass. It’s not a quick read; it’s a lifelong playbook.

This is an interesting and entertaining read. Most of us (I hope) will never have to negotiate under the conditions Chris Voss mastered his craft. Whether you're leading a team, making a deal, or navigating change, everything is a negotiation. Former FBI negotiator Chris Voss breaks down how to stay calm under pressure and turn conversations into outcomes. Never Split the Difference is a 4th Quarter must-read: it’ll make you sharper, more persuasive, and better at getting what matters most.

At this stage, your time is too valuable to spend doing everything yourself. Who Not How flips the script: instead of asking “How can I do this?” you start asking “Who can help me get it done?” It’s a mindset shift that frees up time, reduces stress, and unlocks momentum. This is especially important in the 4th Quarter when clarity and speed matter most.