Extra Mile Day is a day to commemorate those who choose to “go the extra mile” and make positive and lasting impacts on their families, communities, and organizations. According to National Today, Extra Mile Day is all about observing and celebrating “people who go the distance – and then some — all around the world.”
For us here at the Lucas Howard Group, we can’t help but agree with the phrase “the bare minimum has gone out of style, exceeding expectations is the new standard.” We have reaped the true rewards of exceeding expectations, that is, we believe the best service is the kind that truly benefits others and gives them joy.
To celebrate Extra Mile Day, we’re discussing what we do to go the extra mile, and offering tips on what you can do to go the extra mile with at work, as well as listing what you can do to better impact your community and family.
Going the extra mile at work:
1. Define your “why”
Ask yourself the following questions:
- What’s important to me?
- What are my goals?
- What kind of impact do I want to make?
The best way for you to be intentional and stay motivated in your effort to go the extra mile is to focus on what your goals are and what you want the end result to be.
At the Lucas Howard Group, we are big on impact. Whether that is for our own business goals or our community, we just want to make a positive impact that affects future generations in positive ways. Whatever your company or organization’s mission is, try to align your goals in similar ways to remind yourself the work you’re doing is impactful, whether you always feel it or not.
2. Let your peers’ success drive you
One of the best ways to express effort and implementation of goals is to look at the positive work your peers are doing. At the Lucas Howard Group, we are all about company culture that celebrates others’ successes while benefiting from them through mentorship.
- Take notes from those you admire
- Adjust your approaches and attitudes to your goals
We do want to preface that you do not need to copy anyone to go the extra mile. Simply allow yourself to be inspired and adjust accordingly.
3. Take mental breaks
The best way to stay intentionally charged is through mental breaks.
Give yourself time to:
- prepare your work and personal goals
- figure out what energizes you
- be more intentional in what you define as successful
Staying focused on your personal and professional “why” can drive you to go the extra-mile… but you have to take care of yourself first. Centering yourself and gripping onto your motivations can help you to being fresh perspectives to your job.
4. Don’t wait to be asked
In the words of Jeff Haden, “Don’t wait to be asked – offer. Don’t just tell employees what to do – show them what to do, and work beside them.”
A simple way of going the extra mile can be through simply doing what you can. For example, if a coworker or your company is in need of assistance, and you know you have the time or abilities to help move situations forward, help them! It can be easy to fall into patterns of just doing the work you’re given, but appropriately adding onto your workload when it helps others rather than when it’s convenient for you is a way to show you care and go the extra mile.
Now, we want to preface: we do not believe in overloading work just because you feel it’s something you “should” do. Do what you can, with what you have, and if you are putting as much effort as you can given the situation, you’re going the extra mile.
And you’re changing things, whether you believe it or not.
Bonus Content:
Going the extra mile in your community:
- Find volunteer opportunities that directly benefit your community
- Stay updated on events in the area
- Make an effort to become friends with your neighbors and other locals
- Show appreciation for local businesses
Going the extra mile with your family:
- Be open and listen to what the true needs of your family are
- Don’t be afraid to fail in attempts to demonstrate you care
- Show your appreciation of what others do for you
- It’s the Little Things – being present and intentional with how you spend your time with them
Your Extra Mile Playlist:
- “Ain’t No Mountain High” – Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
- “Gonna Fly Now” – Rocky Orchestra
- “Just Like Fire” – P!nk
- “Not Afraid” – Eminem
- “Survivor” – Destiny’s Child
- “Brave” – Sara Barellies
- “The Climb” – Miley Cyrus
- “Learn to Fly” – The Foo Fighters
- “You Learn” – Alanis Morrisette
- “If We Hold On Together” – Diana Ross
- “Beautiful Day” – U2
- “Here Comes the Sun” – The Beatles
- “Man in the Mirror” – Michael Jackson