Mattering

The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose

By: Jennifer Breheny Wallace

Narrated by: Jennifer Breheny Wallace

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

“A timely, vitally important read.” — Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again and host of the podcast Re:thinking

“Beautifully written and deeply felt. Wallace gives readers the insights we need to understand each other, and the actions we can take to enhance each other’s lives.”— Susan Cain, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Bittersweet and Quiet

“Mattering is an essential guide for how to restore meaning, comfort, and joy to our lives.” — Vivek Murthy, MD, MBA, 19th and 21st Surgeon General of the United States

From award-winning journalist and bestselling author Jennifer Wallace comes Mattering—a landmark book that introduces a transformative new framework to confront the loneliness, burnout, and lack of purpose so many of us face today.

In this groundbreaking work, Wallace makes an urgent case: mattering—the feeling that we are valued and have an opportunity to add value—is a core human need, as essential to our well-being as food and water. And yet, in today’s world, that fundamental need is going unmet, with perilous consequences. As mental and social health crises surge, we often blame social media, the pace of modern life, and polarizing politics. But beneath these issues lies a deeper crisis, what Wallace calls “an erosion of mattering.”

With her signature warmth and insight, Wallace weaves together research and deeply moving stories of mattering lost and regained. From burned-out employees to overwhelmed caregivers to people grappling with grief or struggling through a destabilizing transition, Mattering explores how our lives are transformed when we are reminded, in small and intentional ways, that we are valued and that we have value to offer. Wallace provides the essential elements to building what she calls our “mattering core”: recognizing your impact, being relied on (but not too much), feeling prioritized, and being truly known and invested in. Strengthening this core helps us reconnect to our sense of purpose, deepen our relationships, and navigate life’s uncertainties and challenges with greater resilience.

For readers of Brené Brown, David Brooks, and Adam Grant, Mattering is a rare, culture-shifting book that offers both a diagnosis and a remedy. With a clear road map and actionable takeaways, Wallace reveals how to unlock this powerful force within ourselves and how to build cultures of mattering in our homes, workplaces, and communities. 

Mattering is both a call to action and a blueprint for living a meaningful life and creating a world we so urgently need.

Many solid observations

On point discussion of a situation that impacts many of us in different degrees. Also reminds us that we can be part of the solution.

Great concept but better suited for an article

Mattering is a great concept. It helps us understand why retirees can feel depressed, employees burn out at work, and even why some desperate individuals are motivated to commit heinous crimes.

I remember reading about this in the Wall Street Journal article, and it had a big impact on me.

My problem with this book is that it is far too long. This concept could be conveyed in a long essay or blog post rather than an entire book. It started to feel tedious and repetitive in the second half.

Read this book, or grab the Wall Street Journal article on the same topic

Very simple and small connections with others matter!

Lovely book that reminds us that human connection is vital to our ability to thrive in life.

Interesting

Insightful and inspiring book especially for someone looking for ways and tools to connect with others.

Beautiful idea, deftly woven.

My life and career in community development, physical and social, informed me about being a regular at third places and importance of connection. Even so, I wandered away. Thanks for bringing me back.