Mattering Effect: The Breakthrough Formula for Creating a Life of Meaning and Worth

by John R. Miles

A guide to address the urgent crisis of our time—the loss of significance in our lives—by restoring mattering as the missing link between personal well-being and collective repair.

John R. Miles argues that many of today’s most common struggles—burnout, anxiety, loneliness, and disengagement—are not personal failures or mindset problems. They are the result of unmattering: the gradual erosion of felt significance within modern systems that reward performance while overlooking presence. Drawing on research in psychology, neuroscience, social science, and contemplative traditions, as well as deeply personal stories, Miles shows that mattering is not a belief or personality trait, but rather a necessary condition of human functioning. When our systems overload, the result is exhaustion, self-erasure, and quiet despair. Where others have also diagnosed the problem, Miles offers a solution through M.A.T.T.E.R., a research-based framework based on six elements—meaning, autonomy, trust, time, energy, and reciprocity—that, when used together, can reverse the process and restore sustainable significance, dignity, and spiritual coherence. 

Praise for Passion Struck

"It's easier than ever to become complacent or stuck, but John Miles reminds us that we can lead and contribute with intention if we choose." -- Seth Godin, New York Times bestselling author of The Song of Significance

"This book will ignite a fire in your belly! If you're looking to overcome life's obstacles, embrace your passion, and cultivate a profound sense of purpose in your everyday life--there's no better teacher than John." -- Kris Carr, New York Times bestselling author, wellness activist & cancer thriver

"John R. Miles creates the ultimate guide that combines self-discovery, understanding psychology, and taking responsibility for personal growth. Passion Struck is a must-read for anyone seeking to unleash their potential and live a life filled with passion, purpose, and authenticity." -- Dr. Marshall Goldsmith is the Thinkers50 #1 Executive Coach and New York Times bestselling author of The Earned Life, Triggers, and What Got You Here Won't Get You There

"There are many self-help books that discuss how to find your passion. There are many fewer about living your passion - not a fixed state of being, but as an ongoing process that encourages creativity, challenge, and meaning. Passion Struck is such a original, grounded in well-researched wisdom, and thoroughly practical." -- Dr. Mark Hyman, MD, Author of the #1 New York Times bestseller, Young Forever.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 6, 2026

About the author

WINNER The 2024 International Business Awards® (STEVIE AWARDS) for Best Business Book and Best eBook.

Be sure to follow John on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/john-...

John Miles, an award-winning and #1 international bestselling author, is a renowned authority in behavior change, intentional living, and personal mastery. His book, "Passion Struck," offers twelve science-based principles to unlock purpose and ignite intentional living. Host of the globally acclaimed Passion Struck podcast with over 45 million downloads, John engages with influential figures like Gary Vaynerchuk, Gabby Bernstein, Seth Godin, Angela Duckworth, Admiral James Stavridis, and Susan Cain. Recognized as a must-read by the Next Big Idea Club, "Passion Struck" is the winner of multiple awards, including the Business Minds Best Book Award, the Eric Hoffer Award, the International Book Awards for Best Non-Fiction, the Global Book Awards, and others.

"John R. Miles has created a brilliant manual destined to influence its readers for a lifetime."--The Book Revue

"Groundbreaking discoveries that allow you to reshape your past and create an empowered and limitless future" -- Next Big Idea Club

"This book's overwhelmingly positive encouragement will inspire readers to embrace change and openly pursue personal growth" -- the US Review.

Visit John at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_r_miles/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milesjohn/
Twitter: https://x.com/John_RMiles

Catch John on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday on Passion Struck: https://passionstruck.com/passion-str...