A Christmas Carol’s Hidden Gem: The Spirit of Mattering | EP 552

If you were visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, what would they show you about how you’re living?

Welcome to this special episode of the Passion Struck Podcast, where host John Miles explores the timeless story of A Christmas Carol. But instead of focusing on the well-trodden themes of redemption and holiday cheer, we’re uncovering a hidden gem: the spirit of mattering.

Have you ever stopped to wonder about your own significance? Do you question whether you matter in the grand tapestry of life? It’s a subtle yet profound question that shapes our daily interactions, aspirations, and even our deepest fears. And it’s a question that A Christmas Carol answers in the most unexpected ways.

In this episode, we will explore how Charles Dickens’ classic tale offers timeless lessons on recognizing the inherent value of ourselves and others. We’ll dissect Scrooge’s transformative journey, not just as a redemption story, but as an exploration of what it means to truly matter.

Key Insights:

Rediscovering life’s purpose through the lessons in A Christmas Carol.The power of compassion, connection, and recognizing the inherent value of ourselves and others.Scrooge’s transformation as a mirror to our own lives.

Download the Leave Behind in the full show notes at: https://passionstruck.com/the-enduring-spirit-of-mattering/

Call to Action: Don’t miss out on this inspiring discussion that goes beyond holiday cheer to explore what really matters. Tune in, reflect, and start showing those around you that they matter.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review—it takes just a moment and helps us share our message with more people. Don’t forget to include your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!

How to Connect with John:

Connect with John on Twitter at @John_RMiles and on Instagram at @John_R_Miles.Subscribe to our main YouTube Channel here and to our YouTube Clips Channel here.For more insights and resources, visit John's website.

Want to explore where you stand on the path to becoming Passion Struck? Take our 20-question quiz on Passionstruck.com today!

If you found value in this episode, share it with a friend and leave us a review to help spread the message of intentional living. Let’s bridge the gap between theory and action and live our lives with purpose!

In this episode, you will learn:

The subtle yet profound question of significance: How it shapes our daily interactions, aspirations, and fears.A Christmas Carol’s answers to this question in unexpected ways.Scrooge’s transformative journey as an exploration of what it means to truly matter.The invisible threads of connection that bind us all.The impact of showing someone they matter: How it can transform their life and yours.Practical ways to incorporate the spirit of mattering into daily routines.

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For more information on advertisers and promo codes, visit Passion Struck Deals.

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Speaking Engagements & Workshops: 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 johnrmiles.com/speaking.

Episode Starter Packs: With over 500 episodes, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. We’ve curated Episode Starter Packs 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 passionstruck.com/starterpacks.

Catch More of Passion Struck:

Check My solo episode on Why We All Crave To Matter: Exploring The Power Of MatteringCatch My Episode with Jessica Zweig on How to Be the Light You Seek in the WorldWatch my interview with Robert Waldinger on What Are the Keys to Living a Good LifeCan't miss my episode with Angela Duckworth on the Keys to Achieving Long-Term SuccessMy solo episode on The Art of Listening: How to Make People Feel Like They Matter

If you liked the show, please leave us a review—it only takes a moment and helps us reach more people! Don’t forget to include your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally.

How to Connect with John:

Connect with John on Twitter at @John_RMiles and on Instagram at @John_R_Miles. Subscribe to our main YouTube Channel here and to our YouTube Clips Channel here. For more insights and resources, visit John’s website.

Want to explore where you stand on the path to becoming Passion Struck? Take our 20-question quiz on Passionstruck.com and find out today!

Stop Waiting. Start Living.
Most of us have been conditioned to believe a lie.

We’re told that our worth is something to be earned, that we need to achieve more, hustle harder, and prove ourselves before we can finally feel like we matter.

But no matter how much we accomplish, something still feels missing.

Why? Because mattering isn’t something you prove—it’s something you create.

And everything changes when you stop proving your worth—and start embodying it.

Why Passion Struck is Different
Most personal growth podcasts focus on hacks and habits—but they miss the deeper question:

👉 Why do we feel unfulfilled, even when we’re doing everything “right”?

Passion Struck is different because it’s built on a deeper truth.

✅ You don’t find meaning—you create it.
✅ Fulfillment isn’t external—it’s built from within.
✅ The life you want isn’t ahead of you—it’s in the choices you make today.

What You’ll Learn
Hosted by John R. Miles, a former Fortune 50 executive and expert on intentional living, Passion Struck brings together top scientists, psychologists, health experts, and thought leaders to explore:

🧠 The Science of Purpose—How your brain is wired for meaning.
💡 The Psychology of Transformation—Why lasting change is hard—and how to make it stick.
⚡ The Mind-Body Connection—How holistic health fuels passion, energy, and performance.
🚀 The New Rules of Success—How to lead, thrive, and matter in a fast-changing world.

This Isn’t Just a Podcast—It’s a Wake-Up Call.
A challenge to stop waiting.
To stop proving.
To start creating a life that truly matters.

🔹 Rewire Your Mind. Redefine Your Life.

🎙️ New episodes drop every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

👉 Follow now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform.

• No. of episodes: 606
• Latest episode: 2025-05-01
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