Whether you are in the fourth quarter of life or not, this book will change the way you live the rest of your life. Intentionality is the key to successful fourth quarter living. People don't accidentally age gracefully. People don't accidentally die peacefully. And people don't accidentally leave behind legacies of hope, love, and encouragement. These all require the intentionality this book will help you develop. The purpose of this practical guide is to help you...
• Live the fourth quarter based on proven life principles • Clearly establish meaning and direction for your life • Develop the clarity necessary to make good decisions • Identify hopes and dreams • Establish what you need and want most at this time in your life • Learn to say no
It is never too early to think seriously about what matters most. Many readers will wish they had been exposed to these ideas earlier in life, even those who are not yet in their fourth quarter. Football games are won or lost in the fourth quarter. We have all seen it. It can be heartbreaking or exhilarating. But football is just a game. Life isn't. There is a lot more at stake. What's at stake? Everything.
Don't let the Description fool you. This book has great concepts but leans very heavy into God and making a commitment to reading the Bible. This is not mentioned in the description, so read about the authors before opening your money. Yes, they are motivational speakers but they are men of the cloth as well. That's not a bad thing, it's just not for everyone and I would not have purchased it if I had known.
In addition, the book is very repetitive and really isn't much of a book. The concepts and ideas about living your life to the fullest, having a plan for the 4th quarter, dealing with your guilt and regrets are all great. Again, this book is just concepts, with questions you can answer, but not much substance or answers.
Food for thought now that I'm entering the fourth quarter of my life. I actually created a document listing all the questions in the book and then answered each one. My plan is to continue to consult that document to see how I'm progressing on my goals for this vital time in my life. My plan is to make the best of this time and work every day on being a better version of myself.
A smart clear summary. The 8 magic words are all the same. And remain equally important! Change. Health. Positive. Learning. Relationships Newexp. Purpose. Legacy. Found this sweet summary of the 8. . 1. Embrace change: As you enter the fourth quarter of your life, its important to recognize and accept that change is inevitable. Embracing change allows you to adapt to new circumstances and find joy in different experiences.
2. Prioritize your well-being: Take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Engage in regular exercise, maintain a healthy diet, and nurture your relationships. Prioritizing self-care ensures that you can enjoy a fulfilling and meaningful life.
3. Cultivate a positive mindset: A positive mindset can greatly impact your overall well-being. Focus on gratitude, practice self-compassion, and surround yourself with positive influences. By cultivating a positive mindset, you can navigate challenges with resilience and optimism.
4. Pursue lifelong learning: The fourth quarter of your life is an excellent time to pursue new interests and continue learning. Engage in activities that stimulate your mind, such as reading, taking classes, or exploring new hobbies. Lifelong learning keeps your mind sharp and opens doors to new opportunities.
5. Nurture relationships: Invest time and effort in nurturing your relationships with family, friends, and loved ones. Meaningful connections provide support, companionship, and a sense of belonging. Prioritize spending quality time with your loved ones and creating lasting memories.
6. Find purpose and meaning: Discover and pursue activities that bring you a sense of purpose and meaning. Engage in volunteer work, mentor others, or pursue hobbies that align with your passions. Having a sense of purpose gives you a reason to wake up each day with enthusiasm and fulfillment.
7. Embrace new experiences: Dont be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Travel to new places, explore different cultures, or engage in activities that challenge you. Embracing new experiences keeps life exciting and helps you grow as an individual.
8. Reflect on your legacy: Take time to reflect on the legacy you want to leave behind. Consider the impact you want to have on future generations and how you can contribute to society. Reflecting on your legacy can provide a sense of fulfillment and guide your actions in the fourth quarter of your life.
Remember, the fourth quarter of your life is an opportunity to embrace change, prioritize well-being, and find joy and fulfillment. By following these lessons, you can make the most of this stage and create a meaningful and purposeful life.
The early chapters were useful and well written, but don’t buy this unless you are fundamentally religious. As chapters progressed, the book moved more in the direction of a religious guide.
Why wait until the 4th quarter of your life to read this book? So much good advice on being intentional with your life - don't wait until the fourth quarter - read it now & live intentionally every day!
Book Review: The Fourth Quarter of Your Life: Embracing What Matters Most
Authors: Matthew Kelly and Allen Hunt Introduction to the Book
The Fourth Quarter of Your Life by Matthew Kelly and Allen Hunt is a reflective guide aimed at helping individuals navigate the later stages of life with intentionality and purpose. Drawing parallels between life’s final phase and the critical fourth quarter of a football game, the authors emphasize the importance of proactive planning to ensure a fulfilling and meaningful existence. The book encourages readers to engage in deep self-reflection, prioritize what truly matters, and cultivate virtues that lead to a well-lived life. 
Key Themes and Takeaways
1. Embracing Change and Adaptability
The authors highlight the inevitability of change in life’s later years and advocate for embracing it with grace. They suggest that adaptability is crucial for personal growth and fulfillment during this stage.
Coaching Action: • Reflect on Past Changes: Identify significant changes you’ve experienced and how they have shaped you. • Develop Adaptability: Engage in activities that push you out of your comfort zone to build resilience.
Apps: • Headspace: For mindfulness and meditation to manage change-induced stress. • Lumosity: To keep the mind agile through cognitive exercises.
Books: • Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson (on dealing with change) • Transitions by William Bridges (on navigating life changes)
Quotes:
“Embracing change is embracing life itself.”
2. Prioritizing Relationships and Community
Kelly and Hunt stress the importance of nurturing relationships and being an active part of a community to enhance the quality of life in later years. 
Coaching Action: • Schedule Regular Connections: Set up regular meetings or calls with loved ones. • Join Community Groups: Participate in local clubs or organizations that align with your interests.
Apps: • Meetup: To find local groups and events.  • Zoom: For virtual gatherings with family and friends.
Books: • The Blue Zones by Dan Buettner (on communities with high longevity) • Bowling Alone by Robert D. Putnam (on the decline of community and how to revive it)
Quotes:
“Relationships are the bedrock of a meaningful fourth quarter.”
3. Cultivating Spiritual and Personal Growth
The book encourages deepening one’s spiritual life and continuing personal development as key components of a fulfilling later life.
Coaching Action: • Daily Reflection: Incorporate meditation or prayer into your routine. • Lifelong Learning: Pursue new skills or knowledge areas that interest you.
Apps: • Calm: For guided meditations and relaxation. • Coursera: To explore new courses and subjects.
Books: • The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren (on finding life’s purpose) • Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl (on finding meaning through suffering)
Quotes:
“The fourth quarter is a time to deepen our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.”
4. Leaving a Legacy
Kelly and Hunt discuss the significance of considering the legacy one leaves behind, encouraging readers to reflect on how they wish to be remembered. 
Coaching Action: • Document Your Story: Write memoirs or letters to share your experiences and values. • Mentor Others: Invest time in guiding the younger generation.
Apps: • StoryWorth: To document and share personal stories. • MentorcliQ: For structured mentoring programs.
Books: • Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom (on life lessons from a mentor) • A Leader’s Legacy by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner (on leadership and legacy)
Quotes:
“Our legacy is built on the lives we touch and the love we share.”
Reader Feedback (Trying this new section out for myself. Let me know if you like or don’t like)
The book has received a mix of reviews: • Positive: Readers have found it thought-provoking and a catalyst for intentional living. One reviewer noted, “This book makes the reader re-evaluate every facet of his or her life to come up with a winning game plan for the future.”  • Negative: Some readers felt the content was overly simplistic or heavily religious. A reviewer mentioned, “This book has great concepts but leans very heavy into God and making a commitment to reading the Bible.” 
Summary of the Book
The Fourth Quarter of Your Life serves as a guide for individuals entering the later stages of life, prompting them to live with greater intentionality. It emphasizes embracing change, nurturing relationships, fostering spiritual growth, and contemplating the legacy one leaves behind. The book encourages readers to reflect deeply on their lives and make conscious choices to ensure their final years are meaningful and fulfilling.
Coaching moments. (toddmckeever.com) 1. Life Audit: Reflect on your current life and identify areas that need more attention or change. 2. Relationship Map: List important relationships and plan steps to strengthen them. 3. Legacy Letter: Write a letter detailing the values and lessons you wish to pass on. 4. New Skill Challenge:
Though I’m not in the fourth quarter of my life yet, this book has truly opened my eyes. It helped me realize that every stage of life offers us meaningful opportunities to grow, contribute, and become better versions of ourselves—even the final one.
🎯 One of the key takeaways for me is that purpose doesn’t expire. Even in the fourth quarter, we should have goals that inspire us, dreams that move us forward, and a desire to serve others. Life doesn’t end—it just shifts focus.
🕰️ The authors emphasize something powerful: the time to prepare for a meaningful fourth quarter is now. How we live today shapes the kind of legacy we’ll leave behind. It’s a call to live intentionally, to prioritize what matters most, and to build something that lasts beyond ourselves.
✔️ I loved how simple, practical, and example-rich the book is. It’s easy to read, filled with wisdom, and incredibly encouraging. It doesn’t pressure you—it guides you.
🔁 I highly recommend this book to everyone, no matter your age or life stage. If you’re already in your fourth quarter, you’ll find hope and renewed purpose. If you’re not there yet, like me, this book will help you prepare with wisdom and intentionality.
📖 This book is a beautiful reminder that the best may still be ahead—if we choose to live with faith, focus, and love.
Helped me to remember how important it can be to think often of your death, especially when you enter the final years of your life. It is so easy to get caught up in the details of life and forget to keep our focus on the meaning of life. This is not a morbid focus because death comes to us all and we love our lives and all of the aspects and people that God has brought into our lives. What a blessing it is to have lived and since that is true we certainly don't want to look back and have missed all the lessons and the gifts that we might receive and leave behind. Matthew Kelly always has a way of reaching the center of us as he writes. I don't want to regret having not given my life all I have and through my life letting all of the beautiful people God has graced me to have in my life know without a doubt how much they all have meant to me. I will keep my copy and read it as I travel these last years encouraging me to not leave anything unsaid and no time not spent loving and enjoying my time here. NO REGRETS
I have read many of Matthew’s Books . I am an ambassador for Dynamic Catholic and have gotten many of his books free . However I enjoy reading books on Kindle so this is the first one I downloaded. I read Matthew’s Gospel chapters every morning. He is part of my routine . I also have followed his daily Advent and Daily Lent specials for years. I love the man ! That is why I am laughing to myself about giving him only four stars . The only thing I don’t like about Matthew is he sometimes morphs into Corporate Seminar mode. I think he teaches corporate seminars in addition to his fabulous work running Dynamic Catholic. I don’t like all the exercises. It reminds me of well Corporate Seminars which I was never a fan of. Other than that the book is absolutely sensational . His advice is incredible. He is a wonderful man. I love you Matthew!
Great reflective book. Resonates in many ways. At peace knowing you lived a life of purpose and looking forward to continuing that sense of purpose from within by knowing who you are and coming to terms with “no”. All good works no matter large or small dictates love, peace and the fortitude to stay healthy, connected and mindful with a sense of clarity.
We are all on a playing field and have unique qualities. Believe in who you are. Humble spirits keep talents and gifts hidden. Find the balance and have fun in the process with no expectations.
If you are younger than 60 and can't imagine yourself being that old, or if you have no belief in God, you may not enjoy this book.
But if you are over 60, believe in God, and find yourself contemplating your purpose for the time you have left, I think you will find this book very valuable. Of course there are things in this book you have heard before, but I found forgotten statements that were inspiring to me about the five years left of my own "Fourth Quarter."
This book has made a difference in my life. Define your own purpose and live with joy.
I’ve read a lot of comments about this book. Some say it is a great book and couldn’t put it down. Others say it’s too simple and elementary. I found it to be a little bit of both, which made it a very good book. It’s very thought-provoking. It helps put you in the right frame of mind and gets you to think seriously about the fourth and final quarter of your life.
A nice book. Small chapters. All stacked in continuation of the things we need for our final years. This is a quick read. You can go in order or jump around. This book is basically a collection of everything that we have been spoken to about, taught, observed, listened to and even forewarned about. These are happy and useful reminders of what we can implement and practice to make our final 20 years easier and enjoyable for us.
I've read a few of Matthew Kelly's books but this one surprised me. It is more like a workbook and there are a lot of reflective exercises that help you discern who you are and what matters most to you. Being that I work with seniors in their fourth or bonus quarters of life; I find a lot of his thoughts to be valid. The author is Catholic so religion is a central theme in his writings. If you read this book; you should know this.
Allen Hunt and Matthew Kelly use question prompts to motivate reflection on our experiences of the past and our dreams for the future. We are urged to consider what matters most in the life of one's soul. I took 2-3 months, a chapter every few days, to work through this thought provoking book. It is one I will revisit as I face the fourth quarter of my life. I have gifted copies to many friends and family members. Essential reading for anyone over 60.
The Fourth Quarter of Your Life is a thought-provoking resource for how to live out one’s final years in style. This book makes the reader re-evaluate every facet of his or her life to come up with a winning game plan for the future. I hope and pray that I will approach my final years with confidence after having read this stellar work.
The Fourth Quarter of Your Life is a workbook for planning out the last twenty-five years of a life, a workbook to help a person develop, with God's help, what the author defines as the twelve virtues of a good person, a person who tries to be honest, humble, generous, responsible, empathic, selfless, patient, kind, moral, courageous, ethical, and grateful.
Ponder these things and your fourth quarter will be the best quarter.
I am 78 years old and I still run 4 miles every seven days, sometimes more. The book made me think or focus on things that really matter in the life I have left. I am grateful for the encouraging words. I have some work to do now.
The Fourth Quarter of Your Life is a stark reminder that the game of our life will end. Will we be prepared? Authors Kelly and Hunt help us see what is important and determining what we can do to enjoy more… the end.
Very disappointed. some ok statements, but nothing original. And, if it wasn't bad enough, he sneaks in advertising to his website so you can donate money, or buy other products or 'spread the movement' so more people can donate or buy things from him.
This book takes you into your soul. The questions and responses make you really think about your fourth quarter. It can be unsettling but mostly necessary to live a better life and a happy death with few regrets. Thoughtful..
I enjoyed reading this book. It is full of wisdom and all the things we should be thinking about in the fourth quarter season. Definitely left me with much to consider.
Gets you thinking about how to finish well. If you are 60+ get this book.
Great read. Short, quick read, but one that requires thought and reflection. Helpful, workbook style questions that help lead us to a preferred outcome in life.
This was an excellent thought provoking book. Leaves me with a lot of homework. I like the way it gives you questions to help prompt your thought process .