Tuesday 31 May 2011

How to Know When You've Walked the Extra Mile

   
       In life, most of us walk the first mile. We'll do what's required. It's expected. If you want to keep your job, stay married, and have friends, you have to walk the first mile. It's the minimum requirement. The extra mile, on the other hand, is the one nobody sees coming. It's a surprise.
     Now, before you think that what I'm saying is only accomplished on a grand scale, let me make this clear. We have the opportunity to walk the extra mile in a big ways and little ways every day of our lives.
     Take, for example, an organization like Four Seasons Hotel. If you ask any employee where to find a restroom, they won't point you down the hallway and tell you to turn right. No matter what they are doing, they'll stop, say, "Right this way," and personally escort you to the restroom. Does a hotel have to do this for their patrons? Of course not. But if they want a reputation of exceeding expectations, they do. They will walk the extra mile, quite literally, again and again.
     It's not a natural impulse to walk more than the first mile. Our first impulse is to say, "I've done what's required, and that's that." We check the task off our list and move on without a second thought, doing just enuf to show we're doing our job or that we are a good person.
     But mastering this impulse has the power to revolutionize your relationships, your career, and your life. Three seconds can be all that stands between the requirements and doing the extraordinary. After all, people who do whatever it takes rarely settle for satisfactory. They're mostly focused on unimaginable. 
     But one thing is for sure, that Extra Mile is Never Found on the Path of Least Resistance. I'll turn back on this statement, tomorrow. Coz I myself have to think on this, like how am I going to frame this by giving the best example I can . Stay tuned. Good Night :)

4 comments:

  1. I am going back and re-read this and coming back tomorrow. Donna

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  2. Greetings from Manitoba! I love this post! So very true. It is a good reminder for all of us. I am following you on GFC and I'd love it if you would visit my blog and follow back:http://darlenesbooknook.blogspot.com. Thanks for the inspirational post!

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  3. I love this. It is Biblical, Matthew 5:41. No matter the situation, walk the extra mile. But oh how we find ways to excuse ourselves don't we. I am too tired, I do not have time, just let me do a few other things first, I want it for myself, how will it benefit me, you never do anything for me, and as you say, "I've done what's required". Your frame is highly anticipated.I will definitely stay tuned.

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  4. I loved this post. And so totally agree - that extra mile, especially in service related jobs and community awareness, especially on a personal level really, counts and does make a difference. I have two grandsons with autism and sometimes in a public setting just a desire to understand and a warm smile from someone is all that is needed.
    Susan

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