document.write ('<img src="http://www.igroops.com/bo_column.jpg" align=left border=0 hspace=5><font size=+1><b>Day 78: Going the Extra Mile</b></font><br><i>by Bo Bennett, DTM</i><p><P>Why do so many people do just what they need to do to "get by" in life rather than go the extra mile?&nbsp; Some say it is because people are generally lazy and some say it is because people are generally unwilling to give something for nothing. However, I believe it is because people are just unaware of the chain reaction of positive events that come from going the extra mile.&nbsp; If everyone knew the great effects this gesture has, everyone would take the time to go the extra mile.</P><P>Going the extra mile is simply doing more than you are asked or expected to do.&nbsp; You may have tried this approach before and became discouraged or found it a waste of your time.&nbsp; In order to realize the benefits that come with going the extra mile in business or your personal life, <STRONG>you must not expect anything in return</STRONG>.&nbsp; You must be satisfied enough in knowing that you have helped another in need.&nbsp; If not, this value will be in conflict with your other values and it will not last.</P><P>Why go the extra mile?&nbsp; Why go out of your way for others?&nbsp; Besides the great feeling you get in knowing you have helped another in need, there are many reasons that will ultimately benefit you.&nbsp; I use the word "ultimately" because these benefits are not obvious and not immediately recognizable, however, they do have a very positive effect on your success in life.</P><UL><LI>Going the extra mile will help you stand out from the crowd and be recognized <LI>Going the extra mile will bring out positive emotions in others allowing them to both remember you and feel good about you <LI>Going the extra mile will help you to move ahead of your competition and succeed where others fail</LI></UL><P>How and when do you go the extra mile?&nbsp; Do you give your customers free products or service?&nbsp; Do you do your employees\' jobs for them? Do you give away money to your friends?&nbsp; Going the extra mile is not about becoming a slave or a saint; it is about offering your help in some small way.&nbsp; Giving away products, service, money, or doing too much for others will hurt both your business and the independence of others you are attempting to help.&nbsp; Ask yourself this question, "Is this something I would charge a friend for?"&nbsp; If not, then do it for free and do it with enthusiasm.</P><P>Here are some ways you can go the extra mile for others.</P><UL><LI>run errands for a parent <LI>take a friend out to dinner <LI>call existing customers just to make sure they are happy with their purchase <LI>help a co-worker with their heavy workload <LI>do a personal favor for an employee</LI></UL><P>Waiters&nbsp;who go the extra mile get bigger tips.&nbsp; Employees&nbsp;who go the extra mile get more promotions.&nbsp; Businesses that go the extra mile get more customers.&nbsp; Go the extra mile for others in your life and expect nothing in return.&nbsp; Then just sit back and enjoy the by-product of success that will eventually come your way.</P><p><hr style="color:black"><i>The above article is from the book "Year To Success", a 366 day course in personal achievement. Visit this page tomorrow for the next article in the book.</i><hr style="color:black">');