The people who get the furthest in their careers are those who think outside the box and go the extra mile to ensure they do everything they can to make the most out of every opportunity, as those who do more, learn more. Each day you want to have a worth ethic that you can look back on and be proud of so why not go the extra mile?
Going the extra mile is the difference between being average and being a top performer in your area of expertise. Of course this is easier said than done but this very concept is one that speaks true to the notion of Be More, Do More, Have More.
Be More
You might ask what going the extra mile has to do with you you are and who you become. Going the extra mile speaks volumes about your character. Whether you're working a 9 to 5 job, training to make a Rugby team or putting together an event for a friends birthday, going the extra mile speaks volumes about the level off care you have towards what you want to achieve. If we didn't pay attention to the efforts we put into what we do, know that those around you would. Your boss notes when you drop everything and leave at 5pm on the dot to go home. Your coach is aware of the times you skip the last set because you've been training for an hour. You friend notices that everything was done last minute but didn't say anything.
When you choose to go the extra mile, it immediately shows you care about the quality of your work, that you take responsibility for your results, you have initiative, or simply that you care.
Do More
Of course the previous examples are times that if you do choose to go the extra mile other people will notice, however there will be more times than nought when you go the extra mile and no one else will see it. These are the moments that count.
Some simple ways to go the extra mile include;
Volunteering your strengths: Be aware of what is going on around you day-to-day. There may be things happening around you that you know you are more than capable of helping with.
Ask Questions: If you don’t know how to do something, or you would like to learn something new, just ask! A student mentality will drive you to seek more knowledge and answers. Seeking certainty will demonstrate your level of initiative.
Be Willing: Always be willing to improve. The best way to improve is by asking for feedback. Arrange a weekly meeting with your supervisor to discuss areas you could improve or develop in. This will show them that you are determined to succeed which is an impressive trait.
Your actions determine the extra mile. When you know that you did everything in your power -and then some - to make a difference then you can feel good knowing that you are cultivating a personal habit to success.
Have More
This step is simple. Jim Rohn once said that "you can have more than you’ve got because you can become more than you are" and do more to get there. The real opportunity starts in the extra mile.