The origin story of Matters

Hi, I’m Manuel, and I spent many years feeling like I was always falling short when it came to focusing on what really mattered. It wasn’t that I didn’t care - I just kept getting sidetracked. I’d set goals, but life would get busy, and suddenly, I’d find myself back where I started, or worse, with bad habits. It was exhausting. How do you balance everything in a world constantly pulling you in different directions?

For me, the same struggles kept popping up: managing my diet (thanks, histamine intolerance!), getting in shape, and being a better friend and partner. I’m the kind of person who starts out strong, but then, inevitably, something throws me off track, and I’m left wondering, “How did I end up back here?” Weeks would pass, and I’d feel further from my goals than ever.

It was frustrating - and even heartbreaking. I felt like I was wasting time, always wondering, “What if I had just stayed on track?”

I searched for tools to help, but nothing fit. Either they were too theoretical, offering big ideas without any practical help, or they were so rigid that following them felt like a chore. I didn’t want my life to feel like a never-ending to-do list. I wanted to be a better version of myself while actually enjoying the process.

After years of experimenting with different systems, one day my wife (who had heard countless versions of my “solutions”) told me, “This one sounds promising. Stop overthinking and just try it.” She was right, though I’d never admit it out loud. So, I set up a simple Google Sheet - and guess what? It worked.

Funny thing is, when I first sat down to define my “Matters,” I was surprised by how tough it actually was. I thought I knew, but putting them into words? That was another story. It forced me to confront what I truly valued, not just what I thought I valued.

Each week, I reviewed my Google Sheet, making sure I stayed on track. I didn’t expect much at first, but week after week, I noticed changes. I was more present, more in control, and less overwhelmed. I called these things my “Matters” because, well, they actually mattered.

My original google doc for Matters

Things slowly started to click. I was eating better, working out more, and staying connected with the people I cared about. Even my wife noticed the difference - and you know how a spouse can be a tough critic sometimes. This wasn’t just a temporary fix. It was real, lasting change. When a few friends tried it and experienced the same results, I realized this wasn’t just a personal project - it had the potential to help others too.

That’s when it hit me: this could be more than a Google Doc. I’ve been in the app world for 20 years, so why not turn it into something that could help even more people?

That’s how Matters was born. What started as a simple tool for myself has become an app that’s helping people live more intentionally. And I couldn’t be more excited to keep growing it with you all. I’m still learning every day, and hearing how users are making meaningful changes in their lives through Matters has been incredible.

I’d love to hear your story. What matters to you? How have you made small, meaningful changes? Let’s keep this journey going - reach out anytime at feedback@thisappmatters.com.

Manuel, creator of Matters