Quite a long time ago, a colleague of mine told me he made it a priority to create memorable experiences for people.
No one had ever phrased it quite like that before to me.
We frequently hear that material things in life aren’t what give us happiness and fulfillment. I intellectually knew that investing in life over “things” was the way to go, but I wasn’t really living that way back then.
It dawned on me I had been missing half the equation.
Creating memorable experiences only for myself wasn’t the answer either. That left me feeling empty or guilty.
Like anything else in life, the best way to experience something myself was to start giving it away to others.
So I started focusing more on making experiences great for the people I care about. And why stop there? Why not make experiences great for anyone I cross paths with?
How can I create memorable experiences for others?
How can I go the extra mile? How can I make people feel good because of our interaction?
I can be more engaged:
That can be as simple as leaving my phone home when I meet a friend for coffee and when my husband and I are eating meals.
Whatever the time calls for, my mind and body are there together.
I can be a better listener:
If it’s not an awkward time to do it, I actually write down notes when I hear someone say something important. It’s easy to do this when I’m on the phone or Skype.
If it’s not the right time or place to write things down, I mentally focus to remember the crucial details.
Once in a while my sister will say something that triggers a great gift idea for her. Or I pay attention to her husband’s travel schedule, so I can pay her a little more attention when he’s away.
I can be a better planner:
I admit, I’m terrible about getting birthday cards or gifts in the mail on time. I see the person’s birthday on my calendar, and I take note in my head about it, then I never take action!
It’s easy for me to get lost in my head and forget to actually make the plans. My pendulum swung from being a super-planner to being super spur of the moment.
Making plans ahead of time speaks volumes to others. It shows them I value our time together, and that they’re a priority.
Spontaneity is fun, but without a plan, things tend to not happen. I feel special when someone reaches out to invite me to do something with them, and I like to give that feeling to others too.
I can do what other people don’t do.
I can say thank you for thankless jobs.
I can be a source of peace and calm in a stressful world.
I can talk about what’s working instead of complaining about what’s not.
I can listen instead of giving advice.
Creating great experiences for others doesn’t have to cost a lot of money, or even a lot of time.
A memorable experience is about giving of yourself. It’s not about how much something cost or how long it lasts.
Quality over quantity, right?
I’d rather hold hands with my husband and share a pizza than stare at each other from across the table of a fancy restaurant.
A cup of coffee, a returned phone call, a quick note or text make a big difference to people.
Creating a memorable experience is about what the other person wants.
Don’t assume you know what that is, and if you don’t know, just ask.
People can leave any encounter with positive feelings if you make them feel valued, heard, respected, or admired.
Who’s in your life who could use a memorable experience? You’ll feel great after you help them experience it.
I help people like you transform their thoughts to create the life and health of their dreams. Visit me at www.christinebradstreet.com
I made a 5-day Guide to Mastering Happiness, and it’s yours for free! Click here to get the guide for free!