When is the last time you said the word “WOW!”? If you can’t remember, it’s been way too long. I’m pretty sure I say it on almost a daily basis. Some would suggest this as an indication that I’m easily amused, and perhaps they’re right. But I’ll take being filled with awe, wonder and excitement any day over complacency and boredom.

I follow Michael Hyatt’s Intentional Leadership blog and started reading his new book “Platform” this morning. In it he discusses what he calls the “WOW Experience” and why recognizing it is critical for success (I’ve included his “elements of wow” list below). Although the book discusses the WOW Experience more from the standpoint of the products we produce or the services we deliver, as I read the list I couldn’t help but think of how truly experiencing “WOW” on a regular basis is critical to cultivating happiness and a passion for life.

My wish for you is to insert a little WOW FACTOR in your life everyday. If something doesn’t make you say it, then do something amazing that causes a WOW Experience for someone else.

10 Elements of the WOW Experience

1-Surprise. A WOW Experience always exceeds our expectations. It creates delight, amazement, wonder or true awe.

2-Anticipation. Anticipating a WOW Experience is almost as good as the experience itself. As you think about it, you begin to live it in advance.

3-Resonance. A WOW Experience touches the heart. It resonates at a deep level and sometimes causes goose bumps or even tears.

4-Transcendence. A WOW Experience connects you with something transcendent. In that moment, you experience purpose, meaning…God.

5-Clarity. A WOW Experience creates a moment when you see things with more clarity than ever before. You suddenly “get it” in a new way.

6-Presence. A WOW Experience creates timelessness. You aren’t thinking about the past or the future. Instead, you are fulling present in what is happening now.

7-Universality. A true WOW Experience is nearly universal in that almost everyone experiences it in a similar way.

8-Evangelism. A WOW Experience has to be shared. You can’t contain it. You immediately begin thinking of all the people you wish were with you and of who you’re going to tell about it as soon as you get the chance.

9-Longevity. The shine never wears off. You can experience it again and again without growing tired of it.

10-Privilege. A WOW Experience makes you proud in a good way. You’re glad to be associated with it. You feel both privileged and humbled that you’ve had the experience.