Career Advice

Key To Success: Going That Extra Mile

There are people and there are successful people. As you can imagine, most do not fall into the latter category. In fact, successful people are more often than not few and far between. While most define successful people as ones who seek out change and take calculated risks, they are always the ones willing to go  the “extra mile”.

Yes, the extra mile.

The effort which easily translates into going over and above what is necessary. Without question, the extra mile separates a common man with the one who is destined to be successful.

The following is a perfect real life example:

Last week, I attended the Azure Tour in Philadelphia, PA. With it being a great networking opportunity, I invited a number of people who I thought could benefit from such an event. While only a few attended, it was more surprising to see those who worked just blocks away failed to show up while those from hours away truly put forth the effort to attend.

In this example you can see what separates a common man with a game changer. You can tell who is going that extra mile and who is willing to settle for mediocrity.

As for me, I started writing articles in 1999. The first C# program I wrote was exactly 15 years ago, My First C# Program. In my career, I’ve seen many coders, authors, and community leaders. Several of them worked hard, achieved a goal, and reached a mountain of success while many of them gave up well short of their potential. In the end, only few ever last long enough to reach the finish line.

Do you ever wonder why people are so afraid of going an extra mile? Why can’t everyone go an extra mile?

Legendary Steve Jobs said (source Inc.):
  • Everyone says they go the extra mile. Almost no one actually does. Most people who do go there think, "Wait...no one else is here...why am I doing this?" And they leave, never to return.
  • That's why the extra mile is such a lonely place.
  • That's also why the extra mile is a place filled with opportunities.
  • Be early. Stay late. Make the extra phone call. Send the extra email. Do the extra research. Help a customer unload or unpack a shipment.
  • Don't wait to be asked--offer. Don't just tell employees what to do--show them what to do, and work beside them.
Every time you do something, think of one extra thing you can do...especially if other people aren't doing that extra thing.

While everyone in life enjoys the parties, going the extra mile is a lonely road. It's about being committed, staying focused and making sacrifices. Yes, success demands sacrifice. The road to success can be unforgiving and disheartening at times, but it makes the accomplishments  much more rewarding in the end. Know that if you find a partner along the way, consider yourself very lucky and enjoy the ride.

Going-Extra-Mile-Alone
Courtesy: Road Warrior

So are you willing to go the extra mile?

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