One year ago, we released Things That Matter: Overcoming Distraction to Pursue a More Meaningful Life.
Thank you for making it such a wonderful success.
Over the last year, the book debuted at #1 on the Wall Street Journal Bestseller List, has been translated into 9 languages, received over 1,000 reviews on Amazon, and has sold over 50,000 copies!
As a matter of fact, just last week, it was still #1 in Happiness and #2 in Self-Help on Amazon.
Immediately following the release of Things That Matter, my family and I visited 12 cities on a Midwest Summer Book Tour where I got to meet many of you.
Since then, I have been able to speak on the topics covered in the book frequently in a large variety in contexts. In fact, I spoke on the topic of overcoming distraction last weekend here in Phoenix and will be speaking at Journey Church just outside Omaha, NE on Sunday May 07. If you live nearby, come say hello. :)
As always, you can find my speaking schedule here, or invite me to your next event.
The Becoming Minimalist Community makes all of this possible. So I wanted to take this opportunity to both celebrate the one-year anniversary of the book and thank you for making it (and this blog) such a wonderful success.
I get to do what I do only because of your love and support.
Things That Matter is an important book and I am proud of it.
It takes the principles of minimalism I am known for and paints a bigger picture of how distractions can keep us from meaning, purpose, and satisfaction. It calls to our attention other distractions than physical possessions that keep us from fulfillment in life. Distractions such as money, accolades, technology, leisure, even fear and regret.
Anyone who is looking to live a more focused and intentional life will benefit from it.
I receive emails every week from people who have read the book and want me to know how it helped them. Here are just a few messages that people have given me permission to share:
“I absolutely loved the book! It resonated with me and continued to spur my love for quality moments and times with family over material possessions. I am a homeschooling mom of four and I am requiring this book for my children to read in high school.” —Katie Washburn
“The book didn’t just have me think about how I want to be better… it actually helped me do that with self-reflecting questions. It is, by far, one of the best books out there. In fact, I’ve read it twice and still don’t think I’m done applying it to my life.” —Jodie Hermes
If you’ve read Things That Matter, what type of impact did it have on your life? It would be so much fun to read a collection of stories in the comment section of this one-year anniversary post.
And if you haven’t read the book yet, consider this your helpful reminder. It’s available everywhere books are sold including: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, and Independent bookstores all over the world.
I appreciate all of you for helping to spread the word. Let’s all live focused on things that matter.
This book was able to help me put ideas into action. I finished reading it in December last year, with a goal to start taking my guitar and voice out on the street and singing publicly in January, as a first step to making music a much bigger part of my life. I succeeded in doing this, and now for almost every weekend in 2023, and it’s been absolutely wonderful as I continue down the path.
Thanks for the life changing book, Joshua.
I’ve re-read this book twice and continually look back at the notes I’ve taken. This furthered my journey of minimalism into spending my time intentionally and really taking a leap into the things that mattered to me as far as volunteering. I really like that Joshua addresses stay at home parents’ work as worthy of things that matter as well! Work is not exclusive to paid work. I felt seen. Thank you, Joshua!
Emily, I’m in my 70’s. I’ve worked jobs in the past around my 3 children’s needs. Nights, some weekends. We had a family gathering with all of our children last weekend and as I looked around I was filled with appreciation for the fine people they’ve turned out to be. Being home when my children needed me was the most rewarding work I’ve ever done. There were many times I felt unseen but it turns out that wasn’t the case.
Wow! I can’t believe it’s been a year since this life-changing book hit the market! I have given it out like Halloween candy to my family and friends!! :) When you said, Joshua, that you were made to write this book, it is really apparent — This message is powerful, timely, well written, convicting, applicable, and deeply moving. Thank you for saying “YES” to giving us the gift of “Things That Matter”, and I pray that you continue to share your story and your heart with many others who want to make their lives count!
“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.” – Jim Eliot
I bought the book as soon as it came out and immediately began reading it. Taking the course and reading the book together have truly helped me to develop a much stronger sense of how I want to spend my time and has motivated me to get rid of things that interfere with my big goals. I no longer hang on to things I don’t need, use or love. I find it easier to not acquire things. I take a lot of joy in doing things every day that help me live a healthier and happier life. I make decisions more easily because I keep the big picture in mind. I don’t get as easily discouraged because I can see the progress I am making. The mindset change has been immensely positive for me.
Purchasing your book and reading it cemented and reinforced all my journey into minimalism for the last couple of years. Everything had been pared down in my home.
In order to pass on your knowledge I donated my copy of “Things That Matter” to our library. Hopefully it resonates within my community.
Wow! This is amazing timing. I just received my copy yesterday and started reading today. Ready to change my life 😇