It Matters A Lot: A New Perspective on Meaningful Living
It Matters A Lot is a thought-provoking book by author and bureaucrat Shubhra Saxena, launched on October 16, 2026, at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. Published by Rupa Publications, this book features a foreword by the Dalai Lama and delves into themes like self-awareness, conscious decision-making, and the essence of a meaningful life.
The launch event gathered numerous distinguished figures from literature, diplomacy, academia, healthcare, and public service, such as Gurcharan Das, Pavan K. Verma, Prof. Kusum Lata Kedia, Abha Sharma, and Dr Shweta Mathur Lall. The discussions echoed the book’s message of pausing to reflect on one’s beliefs, relationships, and aspirations.
In a world where success is frequently defined through professional achievements and societal recognition, It Matters A Lot challenges readers to contemplate if they are living according to their own values or merely adhering to others’ expectations. The book spans various life stages, from childhood to old age, analysing how factors like upbringing, relationships, social conditioning, and experiences shape perspectives. Rather than providing a rigid formula for happiness, Saxena motivates readers to rethink their assumptions and uncover what truly brings meaning to their lives.
Five Important Lessons from It Matters A Lot
1. Question What Success Means to You
Success is often framed by societal norms that include career advancement, financial stability, recognition, and social status. While these accomplishments can hold significance, they do not automatically equate to personal happiness. It Matters A Lot invites readers to reflect on whether their ambitions stem from genuine desires or are mere reflections of family, peer, and societal expectations. The pursuit of traditional milestones tends to become automatic if one does not examine the underlying motives for wanting them.
The key takeaway is to cultivate a personal definition of success. Instead of aligning life solely with someone else’s benchmarks, individuals should ponder what instils a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and tranquillity in their lives.
2. Understand How Your Past Shapes You
Self-awareness begins to form much earlier than one can verbalise their beliefs. Influences like childhood experiences, family dynamics, parental aspirations, and societal conventions play a significant role in shaping how people approach relationships, navigate challenges, and view their self-worth. These influences can persist into adulthood, guiding decisions often without conscious awareness.
Saxena’s exploration of various life stages encourages readers to revisit these foundational experiences and reflect on their lasting impact. Recognising the roots of one’s beliefs does not endorse blaming the past but advocating for understanding which patterns are beneficial and which need to shift. Self-awareness flourishes when individuals discern what they have inherited versus what they actively choose to believe.
3. Make Choices Instead of Following Expectations
From education to careers, and from relationships to family duties, life is filled with choices often dictated by societal norms. Differentiating personal preferences from the urge to conform can be challenging. The book prompts readers to consider whether their decisions are in line with their values or primarily driven by the need for approval and acceptance.
Living consciously does not entail outright rejecting every expectation or ignoring the contributions of others; rather, it encompasses understanding the rationale behind one’s choices and accepting responsibility for their outcomes. Before setting a goal or making a critical decision, individuals are encouraged to ask whether it aligns with the life they wish to create. Even brief moments of contemplation can pave the way for a more intentional and independent approach to life.
4. Treat Relationships with Greater Empathy
Developing self-understanding extends beyond personal growth; it also reshapes how individuals engage with others. By becoming aware of their insecurities, emotional reactions, and assumptions, it becomes easier to recognise that others are grappling with their own struggles, experiences, and perspectives. This awareness can diminish unnecessary conflicts and foster more considerate communication.
It Matters A Lot interlinks conscious living with empathy, compassion, and accountability towards others. The overarching message is that a fulfilling life is not solely measured by personal achievements but also by the quality of relationships and the care extended to others. Enhancing one’s self-understanding can serve as a springboard for deeper understanding of surrounding individuals.
5. Accept Change and Rethink What Matters
Life seldom unfolds as anticipated. Goals evolve, relationships change, opportunities may slip away, and loss is an intrinsic part of the human experience. As individuals progress through adulthood, midlife, and old age, their priorities may shift in concert with their circumstances.
The book encourages a reflective stance towards these transitions rather than clinging to outdated ideas of success or happiness. Acceptance does not equate to relinquishing personal development; it signifies acknowledging that some factors are beyond control and learning to respond to them with clarity. As life transforms, elements once deemed crucial may wane in importance, while connections, inner peace, compassion, and a sense of significance may become more vital.
Why It Matters A Lot is Relevant Today
Modern life presents little opportunity for reflection, with work obligations, digital distractions, and the drive for achievement often taking precedence over deeper questions of meaning and fulfilment. Saxena’s book encourages readers to scrutinise their habits, beliefs, and values. Instead of providing quick solutions, it incorporates questions at the end of each chapter to assist readers in uncovering insights that resonate with their experiences and personal values.
The narrative also associates self-awareness with empathy and accountability towards others, illustrating how individual reflection can influence relationships, communities, and overall lifestyle.