“How do we get to the end of our lives with minimal regrets? We choose well. We set aside lesser pursuits to seek meaning in our lives. And we do it every single day.” —Joshua Becker
My new book, Things That Matter, is now available.
The Book I Had to Write
Three years ago, I sat in a Conference Room in Mesa, AZ attending a workshop called Start Finishing. At the beginning of the seminar, Charlie Gilkey, our trainer for the event, asked each of a pointed question:
“With your eyes closed, answer this, ‘If you were to die today, what is the one project you would be most disappointed that you weren’t able to complete?'”
After the question, we shared around the table what work we saw as most important. The young woman next to me mentioned an art project she wanted to complete. A mother of two spoke about her desire to prepare her two teenagers for life.
For me, without hesitation, I answered Charlie’s question this way: If I were to die today, I would be most disappointed that I never got a chance to write that book I’ve been thinking about for a long time now.
A book that 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.
Things That Matter is that book. And I’ve spent the last three years working on it.
There is one message that drives me more than any other—and it’s not helping people clean out their closets, as useful as that is. The one message that burns most in my heart is the invitation to live an intentional, meaningful life.
I’ve used this blog for the last thirteen years to write on many of the distractions that are covered in the book: Money, Possessions, Fame, Technology, Leisure… even Fear and Regrets.
It’s one of the reasons people keep coming back to Becoming Minimalist year after year—this blog has always been about more than owning less. It’s about living a meaningful life—one that accomplishes the most good for the most number of people.
About Things That Matter
Things That Matter is a book about living well. It’s about overcoming the noise of a world focused on all the wrong things. And rethinking the common assumptions of today to find satisfaction and fulfillment tomorrow.
More specifically, Things That Matter will help you:
• identify the pursuits that matter most to you
• align your dreams with your daily priorities
• recognize how money and possessions can 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
• let go of past mistakes and debilitating habits
• figure out what to do with all those emails, notifications, and pings
I’m proud of the book. If you have found benefit from my writing here on Becoming Minimalist in either owning less or living more intentionally, you will enjoy and appreciate Things That Matter.
Where to Find Things That Matter
The book is available in three formats:
1. Hardcover
You can support your community by purchasing Things That Matter at your local bookstore.
Or at any online retailer:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Books-a-Million
Bookshop.org
Changing Hands
ChristianBook.com
Hudson Booksellers
Powell’s
Target
Walmart
2. Ebook
Things That Matter can be read on your mobile device:
Kindle
Apple Books
Nook
Google Play
Kobo
3. Audiobook
And it is available as an audiobook narrated by me:
Apple Books
Audible
Audiobooks.com
Google Play
Libro.fm
—International
If you are outside the USA, check your regional Amazon site for pricing and release dates. However, many international outlets are already out of stock!
If that is the case in your part of the world, Book Depository is currently offering free shipping to anywhere in the world for Things That Matter.
—
As I write in the acknowledgment section of the book, “Thank you to the entire Becoming Minimalist community, your encouragement and support have allowed me to do what I do.”
I am grateful to finally share this work with you.
PS: I’ll be hosting a live, 4-week virtual book club to discuss the book directly with you. The online Book Club begins Friday, April 29 and is free for anyone who orders the book this week in any format, from any retailer. Simply register here using your receipt number.
Lisa Carden says
I loved the book. This is the catalyst to get me back to unloading things, both material and emotional.
I bought the audiobook, but am wondering whether the last chapter with all the questions is available in a PDF.
joshua becker says
I do not believe the publisher has made that available except in the audio format for the audiobook.
Laurie Hanson says
Hello, I am in a bookclub and we meet weekly to discuss 2 chapters at at time. Do you have bookclub discussion questions by chapter and can I have access to the questions at the end of the book as I have the audible version and don’t have a print out of the questions. Thank you for your help!
Laurie