Identify Your Distractions and Boost Your Writing Life: A Review of Joshua Becker's Things That Matter
- Shawndra Holmberg
- Mar 5
- 4 min read
My thoughts on Things That Matter: Overcoming Distraction to Pursue a More Meaningful Life by Joshua Becker.
All quotes are by ~Joshua Becker ~
Does Things That Matter have insights for the writer?
Things That Matter by Joshua Becker is about clearing the path for your purpose. Rather than getting distracted by things, thoughts, or troubles, Becker encourages you to live with intention and pursue your purpose. If writing is part of your purpose, then use this book to spot your distractions and boost your writing life.
I Liked:
Something has to give, and I don’t want it to be your writing (or your purpose). I am not suggesting you pare down to the extent of being a minimalist, but I encourage you to look at what’s getting in your way of writing. Minimize that—not your creativity nor your writing.
“…everybody is minimizing something. If you’re not minimizing your possessions, you’re minimizing your money, time and potential.”
Different Viewpoints:
I was excited to read this book about purpose and meaning. I felt this would be an excellent book for writers to reinforce the importance of their voice, their message, and their purpose in writing. I was not prepared for the negative response to this book shared by several in my book club. One reader felt the author was calling her selfish because she focused on her family. Another reader felt Becker was telling her to give away all her money and not spend it on her kids. And another reader struggled and didn’t finish the book.
I guess I should have suspected it since the subtitle is … to Pursue a More Meaningful Life. But I came to this book with two things that allowed me to see the text as encouraging rather than finger pointing.
A growing conviction that the grand gestures, actions, and lives that Americans seem to worship are hollow. I don’t need to make “six-figures” in my business to be a success. I don’t need a million followers to feel important or seen. And I’m not impressed by a speaker who brags that they’ve started and sold ten businesses. I want to know how many lives they have improved emotionally, mentally, and physically, not just their own finances?
A realization of how important community is. I’ve been working my way through the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle book list, and can now see the harm that the “rugged individualism” that has been touted for centuries in the U.S. has caused. We’ve become so focused on ourselves and our families that many no longer look to the welfare of our communities.
I Loved:
“The goal of work isn’t more rest.The goal of rest is better work.”
This is a reminder that we writers need to take creative breaks as well.
My Take Away:
“Things that matter are usually challenging.”
Our writing is in service to our purpose. Whatever your purpose and whether the writing is to let one person know they’re not alone, help others to face their challenge with tools and strategies, provide encouragement on the journey, or to entertain, our words matter. They matter to us. They matter to our reader. Do not let the challenge of writing stand in your way of writing.
And one more thing:
Becker suggests that instead of asking “does this spark joy?” when deciding to keep an item, we should ask “does it promote purpose?”
I think that applies to tasks, tools, projects, ideas, and people, as well as possessions. Some things may not spark joy but are crucial to your purpose while other things that spark joy might not aid you in pursuit of your purpose.
I’m applying it to technology and opportunities I’m offered. I want to ask—before I say YES—is this a tool to use in pursuit of my purpose?
Is this Book for Writers?
Becker writes a chapter on overcoming each of the following distractions:
the lesser crowding out the greater
fear
past mistakes
happiness
money
possessions
applause
leisure
technology.
Every single one of those distractions can derail our writing. I’m sure you can find some nuggets to support your writing journey.
So… What is distracting you from your writing journey and your purpose?
Resource Roundup
Things That Matter: Overcoming Distraction to Pursue a More Meaningful Life by Joshua Becker -- support your local library or bookstore, check there first --
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