Two titles released in 2026 — “Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose” by Jennifer Breheny Wallace and “The Mattering Instinct: How Our Deepest Longing Drives Us and Divides Us” by Rebecca Newberger Goldstein — focus on the human drive to feel that one’s life matters, a theme that resonates with many mid‑career professionals.
Authors frame “mattering” as a measurable need
Wallace’s book outlines five indicators that a person’s actions carry weight and are noticed by others. She argues that feeling valued stems from both personal contribution and the perception that one’s absence would be felt. The approach is especially relevant to attorneys, who often handle repetitive casework that can feel detached from larger outcomes.
Goldstein takes a broader view, categorizing strategies people use to assert their significance. She labels “Socializers” as those who prioritize relationships, “Heroic Strivers” as individuals who align actions with their best traits, “Transcenders” who tie purpose to higher ideals, and “Competitors” who gauge worth by outpacing peers. The framework invites readers to reflect on which path aligns with their temperament.
Both authors stress that the search for meaning is not new; it merely resurfaces when routine erodes the sense of impact. Their research draws on recent surveys and psychological studies, suggesting that a clear sense of mattering can improve emotional well‑being.
How legal professionals can apply the concepts
Wallace suggests that lawyers, by virtue of guiding clients through complex systems, already occupy a key role in society. Even routine filings or minor disputes affect real lives. She encourages attorneys to remind themselves of the gratitude expressed by clients and to recognize that colleagues rely on their expertise.
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Mentoring and informal knowledge sharing are highlighted as low‑cost ways to reinforce one’s own sense of importance. A senior counsel who routinely offers guidance can become the go‑to person in a firm, creating a feedback loop of appreciation.
Technology, however, can blunt these connections. Video calls often miss subtle cues like facial twitches or tone shifts, which can make remote work feel isolating. Wallace recommends scheduling brief, in‑person meet‑ups—coffee, drinks after work, or a quick lunch—to preserve the human element.
Goldstein’s “Socializer” strategy dovetails with this advice, emphasizing that genuine interaction builds mutual respect. She also warns that an over‑reliance on “Competitor” tactics may fuel imposter syndrome, a common issue among legal professionals who constantly compare themselves to high‑profile litigators.
In practice, an attorney might blend strategies: using the “Heroic Striver” mindset to pursue pro bono work, while also nurturing “Socializer” relationships within the firm. This hybrid approach mirrors how many professionals balance personal fulfillment with career demands.
Compared with earlier generations of lawyers who measured success solely by case wins or billable hours, today’s practitioners have more avenues to demonstrate value. The shift toward client‑centric service models and collaborative firm cultures offers a broader canvas for showing impact, echoing the authors’ claim that mattering can be cultivated through varied channels.
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Career coaches, now widely available, can help individuals identify which of Goldstein’s strategies feels most authentic. Whether it is mentoring junior staff, leading community outreach, or simply being the reliable point of contact for a vendor, each action reinforces the perception that the individual matters.
One awkward phrase that slipped in during a recent interview: “The coffee is half empty, but you still sip because the mug is yours.” It shows how small, routine moments still carry personal significance.
Both books conclude that feeling mattering is less about external accolades and more about internal alignment with one’s chosen path. For legal professionals, this means recognizing that preventing disputes, drafting contracts, or offering counsel already contributes to societal stability.
Readers are encouraged to view “mattering” not as a fleeting feeling but as a habit that can be nurtured through intentional relationships and reflective practice. As the authors note, the ultimate goal is not merely survival in a demanding field but flourishing with a sense of purpose.
