<p>In Episode 597 of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Gordon Flett, a pioneering psychologist whose decades of research have shaped our understanding of <strong>mattering</strong>—the feeling of being seen, valued, and significant.</p><p>Dr. Flett, author of <i>The Psychology of Mattering</i> and <a href="https://amzn.to/4cpywxv" target="_blank"><i>Mattering as a Core Need in Children and Adolescents</i></a>, explains how mattering is distinct from belonging and self-esteem and why its absence—what he calls “anti-mattering”—can lead to burnout, depression, loneliness, and even hopelessness.</p><p>For full show notes: <a href="https://passionstruck.com/gordon-flett-the-urgent-need-to-know-you-matter/" target="_blank">https://passionstruck.com/gordon-flett-the-urgent-need-to-know-you-matter/</a></p><p>In this profound and deeply personal episode, John and Dr. Flett discuss:</p><ul><li>The difference between mattering, belonging, and self-esteem</li><li>Why feeling unseen or insignificant is a public health issue</li><li>How fear of not mattering drives perfectionism and overachievement</li><li>Why giving mattering to others is just as important as receiving it</li><li>Strategies to rebuild mattering after loss, failure, or transition</li></ul><p>This conversation will change how you see yourself—and how you show up for the people around you.</p><p>Dr. Gordon Flett is one of the world’s leading researchers on the psychology of mattering. A recently retired Distinguished Professor of Psychology at York University, he is the former Honorary President of the Canadian Psychological Association</p><p>Connect with Dr. Gordon Flett: <a href="https://health.yorku.ca/health-profiles/?mid=3719" target="_blank">https://health.yorku.ca/health-profiles/?mid=3719</a></p><p><strong>Sponsors:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Factor Meals:</strong> <a href="http://factormeals.com/factormeals50off">http://factormeals.com/factormeals50off</a> and use code “FACTOR MEALS 50 OFF”</li><li><strong>Rosetta Stone:</strong> Unlock 25 languages for life at “ROSETTASTONE.com/passionstruck.”</li><li><strong>Prolon:</strong> Reset your health with 15% off at “ProlonLife.com/passionstruck.”</li><li><strong>Mint Mobile:</strong> Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at “MINT MOBILE dot com slash PASSION.”</li><li><strong>Hims:</strong> Start your journey to regrowing hair with Hims. Visit hims.com/PASSIONSTRUCK for your free online visit.</li><li><strong>Quince:</strong> Discover luxury at affordable prices with Quince. Enjoy free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/PASSION</li></ul><p><strong>Next on </strong><i><strong>Passion Struck</strong></i><strong>:</strong><br>In the next episode of <i>Passion Struck</i>, John sits down with Anne Marie Anderson, an Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, sports journalist, and leadership expert. Anne Marie has spent years breaking barriers in sports media, navigating high-stakes environments, and coaching top athletes and executives on leadership, resilience, and communication. In our conversation, we'll dive into the mental frameworks of high performers, the art of storytelling, and how to build confidence in any field.</p><p>For more information on advertisers and promo codes, visit <strong>Passion Struck Deals</strong>.</p><p><strong>Join the Passion Struck Community!</strong><br>Sign up for the <i>Live Intentionally</i> newsletter, where I share exclusive content, actionable advice, and insights to help you ignite your purpose and live your most intentional life. Get access to practical exercises, inspiring stories, and tools designed to help you grow. Learn more and sign up <strong>here</strong>.</p><p><strong>Speaking Engagements & Workshops</strong><br>Are you looking to inspire your team, organization, or audience to take intentional action in their lives and careers? I’m available for keynote speaking, workshops, and leadership training on topics such as intentional living, resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Let’s work together to create transformational change. Learn more at <a href="https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/"><strong>johnrmiles.com/speaking</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Episode Starter Packs</strong><br>With over 500 episodes, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. We’ve curated <strong>Episode Starter Packs</strong> based on key themes like leadership, mental health, and personal growth, making it easier for you to dive into the topics you care about. Check them out at <a href="https://passionstruck.com/starterpacks/"><strong>passionstruck.com/starterpacks</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Catch More of </strong><i><strong>Passion Struck</strong></i><strong>:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://passionstruck.com/the-mattering-mindset-in-love/" target="_blank">My solo episode on The Mattering Mindset in Love – Choose the Love You Deserve</a></li><li><a href="https://passionstruck.com/jennifer-b-wallace-achievements-mattering/" target="_blank">Can't