Things That Matter

Overcoming Distraction to Pursue a More Meaningful Life

By: Joshua Becker

Narrated by: Joshua Becker

#1 WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER • Discover practical steps you can take today to live a life focused on things that matter, from the bestselling author of The More of Less and The Minimalist Home.

“Things That Matter points the way to free ourselves from the distractions of everyday life so that we can build the lives we seek to create.”—Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project

Everywhere around you are distractions: That text you respond to quickly, just to get it out of the way. The newest money-making side hustle to cross your mind. The evening spent organizing your overflowing kitchen cupboards.

Disruptions are the enemies of a life well lived—both the new distractions of our generation and timeless ones that have existed for centuries. They all add up to make you feel restless, tired, and unfulfilled. They’re keeping you from living with joy, from accomplishing the good that only you can do.

But that can change today.

In Things That Matter, Joshua Becker uses practical exercises, questions, insights from a nationwide survey, and success stories to give you the motivation you need to:

• Identify the pursuits that matter most to you
• Align your dreams with your daily priorities
• Recognize how money and possessions keep you from happiness
• Become aware of how others’ opinions of you influence your choices
• Embrace what you’re truly passionate about instead of planning that next escape
• Figure out what to do with all those emails, notifications, and pings
• Let go of past mistakes and debilitating habits

Things That Matter is a book about living well. It’s about overcoming the chatter of a world focused on all the wrong things. It’s about rethinking the common assumptions of today to find satisfaction and fulfillment tomorrow.

How do we get to the end of our lives with minimal regrets? We set aside lesser pursuits to seek lasting meaning. And we discover the joy of doing it every day.

©2022 Joshua Becker (P)2022 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"The thought-provoking insights and stories inside Things That Matter will help you live your one precious life with more presence, purpose, and peace.”—Rachel Macy Stafford, New York Times bestselling author of Hands Free Mama

“This book’s siren call—that we should aim to be generous, not wealthy, and get dirt under our fingernails by serving others—cements Joshua’s status as a much-needed voice of reason and kindness in the modern world.”—Helen Russell, bestselling author of How to Be Sad

“Ten years from now it won’t really matter what shoes you wore today, how your hair looked, or what brand of clothes you wore. What will matter is how you lived, how you loved, and what you learned along the way. And Things That Matter is a beautiful guide for getting there.”—Marc and Angel Chernoff, New York Times bestselling authors of Getting Back to Happy

I love you, Joshua!

I am again blown away by Joshua’s wisdom, love, and commitment to so many different people and things that matter. I love all his books, and each have helped me become a better person. I listened to this book on Audible (which was performed wonderfully by Joshua)! And, I am going to buy the book! Joshua, you’ve changed my life! Thank you! ~Malia

Really sums up what really matters

I’m so glad this audible is read by Joshua. His voice, his message, his writing are what makes this book to me so powerful. I hear his message from inside my gut and heart…. That’s a gift he has. Makes see the change that is needed in my life. Thank you!

Inspirational

Inspirational insight providing guidance and direction for a well lived life. Suggest to take notes on ideas that will evolve as a result of these Inspirations.

A reminder to what’s important

This book made me think of my values and my priorities in life. It resonated on a deep level.
It encouraged me to look into how I spend my time each day and be mindful of how valuable a resource time is.
Thank you.

Reality Check

A direct reminder of prioritizing your purpose. A wake-up call to focus on living your life with meaning.

What a game changer!!!!

Been a big fan of Joshua for years. Finally reading this book has solidified my desire for minimalist. Will gladly read/listen to several times over.

Not what I expected, but better!

I’ve been minimizing for 6 months now. I have a huge house that can hold anything I want to keep but it also takes up my time and energy to keep all the inventory managed, clean, organized and accessible. I’m done with all that so I ordered the book sight unseen hoping for any help from Joshua. What I got was a huge dose of Is-this-how-you-really-want-to-spend-your-life?! By focusing us on the things that matter, it woke me up to all the time I spend moving stuff around, remembering where I put all the stuff, and cluttering my brain. I’m done wasting my time. Marketers enticing me to buy the next time-saving, life-enhancing fabulous product are now wasting their time on me. I have solidified my intentions: I will pare down so I can spend my free time reading, creating and contributing to my community. Thank you, Joshua!

A needed call to action

As someone in social media as a blogger and influencer as well as a mother and wife, I needed this book to put things into perspective and help me see things in a different way! Grateful to the author for his honesty and thought-provoking perspectives. I’ll be giving this to our adult children. There’s something in here for everyone.

I really liked this book

It makes you question and helps you to see some aspects of life in a different way to bring yourself to the centre a live a proposed rich life

Life changing

As always a very inspiring book from one of my favorite authors. I have been greatly blessed by all of his books. This book does a great job helping you to focus in on what matters the most in your life.