The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact

The authors indicate that many significant experiences are unremarkable due to their reliance on routine, convention, or convenience. They suggest that purposefully designing these defining moments will result in greater significance to the people involved.

The book suggests identifying moments of significance such as firsts, transition points, and milestones and determine which of these moments may be most impactful. Leaders can decide how to make each of these moments intentional and what is required to elevate their significance.

While this process does require more thoughtfulness and creativity, it does not necessarily require additional time. Once the purpose of a defining moment has been identified, it can be designed in ways that will result in its being perceived as intentional versus routine. This may be achieved by creating a sense of ritual, including personal touches, providing surprise elements, or by establishing a structure for the defining moment.

One of the major takeaways from the authors’ experiences is that peak moments are typically created by disrupting the status quo (i.e., by not allowing the individual to go into autopilot). When individuals cease to notice what is customary and repetitive, they typically remember what surprised them in a positive manner.