The Power of Moments: Creating Meaningful Experiences in Life and Wealth

By Robert J. Schaefer, CFP®

At SJS Investment Services, we believe the client experience is about more than numbers on a page. Our mission is to empower you to build better lives. Recently, our internal SJS Book Club explored The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact by Chip and Dan Heath, a book that examines why certain experiences stand out — and how we can intentionally create more of them for our clients, colleagues, and communities.

Defining Moments Do Not Happen by Accident
The Heath brothers highlight that defining moments — the ones we remember long after they occur — rarely happen by chance. They are built. According to the authors, powerful moments often share four key elements:

  1. Elevation: Experiences that are uplifting beyond the everyday routine.

  2. Insight: A sudden realization or new understanding – an “aha” moment.

  3. Pride: Recognition of effort, achievement, or growth.

  4. Connection: Deepening relationships and things we both care about.

These principles apply as much to our personal lives as they do our professional and client relationships.

Creating Impactful Moments at SJS
The discussions within our SJS Book Club reinforced how closely these ideas align with the work we do. Each relationship represents an opportunity to create defining moments that bring clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.

We strive to design SJS Moments for our clients including:

  • Moments of Elevation: Celebrating progress when you achieve long-term goals, such as selling a business or reaching retirement readiness.

  • Moments of Insight: Helping you see the complete financial picture with clarity, turning uncertainty into understanding.

  • Moments of Pride: Recognizing the discipline and decision-making that build lasting wealth and secure legacies.

  • Moments of Connection: Building trust and long-term relationships grounded in shared purpose and transparency.

Why Meaningful Moments Matter
The essence of The Power of Moments is simple yet profound: how people feel during an experience determines how they remember it. For SJS, that insight is especially relevant. Every client interaction — from a planning conversation to a portfolio review to talking about the family dog — has the potential to create a lasting impression.

By being intentional about those experiences, we aim to ensure you feel supported, informed, and confident at every stage of your financial journey.

Building a Culture of Learning and Connection
Our book club discussions reflect our commitment to continual learning and improvement for the benefit of our clients and our team. As we deepen our understanding of what makes certain experiences special to who we serve, we strengthen our ability to create a meaningful, lasting impact through our work.

At SJS Investment Services, we do not just manage wealth — we help build moments that matter.

If you’d like to learn more about creating meaningful moments in your life, we encourage you to read the The Power of Moments by Chip and Dan Heath.


Important Disclosure Information & Sources:

The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact. Chip Heath & Dan Heath, 2017, Simon & Schuster.

There is no guarantee investment strategies will be successful. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Diversification neither assures a profit nor guarantees against a loss in a declining market.

Advisory services are provided by SJS Investment Services, a registered investment advisor (RIA) with the SEC. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.