Chasing Meaningful Moments: A Book Review of The Art of Making Memories by Meik Wiking

As I get older, I find myself often asking, “Where did the time go?” Yet there are certain moments—milestones, small experiences, fleeting scenes—that feel so vivid it’s as if they happened yesterday. That contrast made me curious: why do some memories stay crystal clear while others fade into a blur, or disappear altogether?

In The Art of Making Memories, Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute, explores exactly this question. Drawing on psychology, neuroscience, and everyday examples, Wiking explains why some moments stick with us—and how we can be more intentional about creating memories that last. His central message is refreshingly accessible: memorable moments aren’t about perfection or luxury; they’re about emotion, meaning, and presence.

I enjoyed this book for its blend of research-backed insights and deeply practical ideas. It was a reminder that the memories we make shape who we are—an idea that continues to influence how I develop and refine products designed to help people get out and experience the cities in which they live and visit.

Here are four of my key takeaways from The Art of Making Memories:

1. Firsts, lasts, and peaks matter most

Our brains don’t remember experiences evenly. We’re most likely to remember moments that are a “first,” an emotional peak, or the ending of an experience. This means you don’t need a flawless, all-day adventure—just a few standout moments that anchor the memory.

This insight directly influenced my decision to design The GO Deck with 52 cards instead of a more even number like 40 or 50. With 52 weeks in a year, the deck invites the possibility of discovering something new each week. You might remember the first hidden gem you uncover—or the satisfaction of reaching the final card after a year of exploration.

2. Emotion is the glue of memory

Joy, awe, surprise, and even vulnerability make experiences more memorable. Wiking emphasizes that we remember how something made us feel far more than the specific details of what happened. Emotional intensity—not duration—is what helps memories stick.

I’ll never forget seeing a massive red diamond rattlesnake slowly slither across the trail at Wilderness Gardens Preserve in Pala, or a San Diego horned lizard dart just in front of me while I was hiking uphill at Del Dios Highlands County Preserve. There are also vivid memories of summiting after grueling climbs, or watching the sunset with friends and catching a rare green flash. Each moment was brief—sometimes very brief—but deeply memorable, and at least for me, they all happened to be while I was outdoors, enveloped in nature.

3. Shared experiences are more memorable than solo ones

Humans are social creatures, and memories made with others tend to be stronger and longer-lasting. Even simple activities—a walk, a meal, a small tradition—become more meaningful when there’s genuine connection and presence.

I love hearing from customers that The GO Deck is their go-to tool for connecting with family and deciding what to do together. Early in my entrepreneurial journey, I worried that the time and resources I was pouring into this idea might be wasted. Eventually, I realized that I was already using The GO Deck with my own friends and family. Whether it becomes a huge success or not, creating something that helps people connect—including myself—feels like a win.

4. Rituals and traditions create lasting meaning

Repeated experiences, when done with intention, can become powerful memory-makers. Family rituals, seasonal traditions, and personal routines help anchor time, especially during periods of change or uncertainty.

My daughter and I regularly pull out Games to Play on the GO when we’re stuck in traffic, and we often use the Outdoor Activity Playing Cards to wind down before bedtime. Just as I fondly remember playing games with my grandparents when I was younger, I hope my daughter remembers the joy we shared over those simple moments together.

Ultimately, The Art of Making Memories is a gentle invitation to slow down and live more deliberately. It reminds us that a meaningful life isn’t built from grand, picture-perfect experiences, but from moments we’re fully present for. That philosophy mirrors what I strive for with The GO Deck, simple but meaningful experiences. Years from now, those are the moments that won’t feel far away at all.