Turning Moments into Memories

By: Jackie White

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Moments come and go, but memories are burned in our brain. So, how do you take an ordinary day and turn it into a memory of a lifetime? In the book, The Power of Moments by Chip Heath and Dan Heath, they have researched what are the ingredients that make up a lasting memory.

Life moves fast and besides the occasional birthday or holiday celebration, life can sometimes feel like a blur. How can you slow down that blur and pop some excitement or interest into the flatness of the day to day routine? You begin by being intentional about setting up those moments. Here are some strategies and actions you can take to make an ordinary day and turn into an extraordinary day:

Rise Above the Routine
These experiences make us feel joyful, engaged, amazed and motivated. Examples of these moments are those that make you want to pull out the camera (and no, I am not talking about photographing your breakfast). Think spontaneous road trip, competing in a sports event or going to a party.
Your Turn: A great way to step out of the routine is to create a list of Your Perfect 30 Days. If you are given a limited time to live – really live, what would you do in your Perfect 30 Days? Choose at least 3 items off your list and go do them!

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Stretch out of your Comfort Zone
I know, immediately you don’t like this one. It can make you feel uncomfortable. Hear me out. What would you do if you could not fail? What if you walked through that fear of failure? Anytime, you step into the arena of trying something new, it can be exhilarating and revitalizing! To keep the excitement in life, you have got to do this!
Your Turn: Pick one thing (or more!) to do that takes you out of your Comfort Zone. Do this in the next 30 days. You have been in that Comfort Zone for so long, you might need to brainstorm and write down ideas until you get back into the flow of what is possible.

Be Nice
This one is easy! We can all do this, yet many of us don’t take the time to extend niceties or gratitude towards others. How does doing this make a memorable moment for you? Being kind to others has a boomerang effect. Expressing gratitude to others not only makes the recipient feel good, it makes the grateful person feel good too.​
Your Turn: Choose someone who you know you could make a positive difference in their life just by acknowledging them or doing something for them. A great way to do this is through doing a service project for others. An example would could visit a nursing home and brighten the day of a resident.

Connect with Others
It is great to get together and have coffee with a good friend. Those moments are enjoyable, but not always memorable. The key to strengthen those connections through meaningful conversation or activities you do together.
Your Turn: Find an activity or purpose you can engage in with a friend. Maybe it’s a shared love of helping others, cleaning up a local park or discussing a mutual passion. For example, if you and your friend like reading, you could discuss a book or better yet, create a book club. Take that everyday interaction and strengthen the connection.

You now have some concrete ways you take the day to day routine and infuse more memorable moments. For more information on how to create moments, check out The Power of Moments by Chip Heath and Dan Heath.