Chapter 3 of What Matters Most opens with a timeless insight from Henry David Thoreau, drawn from the conclusion of Walden:
“I learned this, at least, by my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.”
This quote sets the tone for a chapter that encourages readers to pay attention to their “someday” dreams—the aspirations, experiences, and accomplishments they imagine pursuing one day. These daydreams are presented not as idle fantasies but as valuable clues revealing what truly matters most.
Almost everyone has entertained thoughts of what they would like to do, see, or become “someday.” Smith suggests that reflecting on these desires provides important guidance for the deeper self-discovery work ahead. He invites readers to consider the hypothetical of living life over again, but quickly shifts focus: every morning offers a fresh start, a genuine “do-over” with the same twenty-four hours gifted anew. The real question becomes what to do with the remaining time on earth—whether to continue postponing meaningful pursuits or to decide that “someday” begins today.
In a busy world dominated by external pressures—demands from others, financial needs, health concerns, and constant urgencies—people often delay or neglect the things they deeply desire. Fulfillment, Smith argues, emerges when individuals honestly confront three questions: What really matters most to me? What would I truly like to accomplish? What legacy would I like to leave? Regardless of your age the remaining time is finite, making it essential to begin acting on these priorities now.
The chapter includes a practical invitation: take a few minutes to jot down “someday” possibilities without judgment about feasibility or social approval. These notes will serve as a foundation for later chapters, illuminating core values.
Smith also addresses the familiar pattern of New Year’s resolutions. Many people set ambitious goals at year’s end, only to abandon them quickly. The reason resolutions so often fail, he explains, is that they are written before identifying governing values—the foundational principles without which life would feel meaningless or unfulfilling. These values lie at the heart of identity and aspiration. Once governing values are clarified, resolutions become more authentic and sustainable.
The chapter concludes by highlighting the inner pain that arises from the gap between what one values deeply and what one actually does. This discomfort signals misalignment. The primary purpose of the book is to help close that gap, much like healing a wound. Readers are encouraged to ask themselves each morning: “What am I going to do today to close the gap between what I am doing and what really matters most to me?”
Questions for Reflection:
1. What are some specific “someday” dreams or goals that come to mind when you let your imagination wander freely?
2. Have you ever experienced the pain Smith describes from the gap between your actions and your deeper values? What does that feel like for you?
3. If today marked the beginning of “someday,” what one small step could you take toward a long-held aspiration?
Please share your thoughts in the comments below. The process of reflection is where meaningful change begins. In the next entry on March 9th, the discussion will continue with pages 67-72, and learn about the “What Matters Most Tri-quation”.
