Things That Matter

Overcoming Distraction to Pursue a More Meaningful Life

By: Joshua Becker

Narrated by: Joshua Becker

Length: 6 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

#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

“Packed with insights and practical examples, Things That Matter points the way to free ourselves from everyday distractions - money, possessions, past mistakes, applause, and fear - so that we can build the lives we seek to create.” (Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project)

“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 best-selling author of Hands Free Mama)

“Things That Matter is a must-read to recenter yourself and filter out the distractions of the world.” (Chris Norton, motivational keynote speaker featured in 7 Yards)

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.

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.

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 great listen

I have been reading Becoming Minimalist blog for quite some time and immediately purchased the audio of Joshua's new book. I downloaded and listened in one day. I wish I could convince everyone to listen. I am passing along this title as a "goodie" when my book club and others ask what I have read lately that I enjoyed.
The narration was great ( nothing like when an author reads their own book :) ) and loved every bit of the content. I have listened and I intend to listen again. The message was so good I don't want to forget any part of it. - Thank you Joshua Becker.

Thought-Provoking, Action-Inspiring

Joshua Becker is fantastic about not only offering advice, steps, and suggestions for how to apply his book topic in your own life, but also at diving deep into the "why" that motivates a change in the first place.

I have followed Joshua in his publications and online communities for years. He always demonstrates a sincere passion for inspiring others to live freer, more fulfilling lives. He is honest and compassionate as he challenges his readers to get outside of themselves to find themselves and to in fact find themselves in a life that reaches far beyond the one they are living now!

"Things That Matter" follows suit and is a wonderful follow-up or prelude to Joshua's books on minimalism/decluttering. I love that he has a book-club going (check it out on YouTube) and other additional resources to help you make this story not just another book you read/listen to, but a part of your own story! Thank you, Joshua and family! The work that you do matters so much to so many!