I talk a lot about setting goals and reaching new heights; it’s not just my job, it’s something I’m passionate about and excited to share and experience with others. One of things I hear often from people is that they want to make a difference and contribute to a positive environment, not just in the big scheme of things but in little ways, such as with their health, fitness, community and home life. As we continue to explore what it means to go the extra mile, let’s take a closer look at all the ways we can take action, go the distance, and improve our daily lives in both small and large ways.
1. Take responsibility
When we stop making excuses for why we don’t accomplish things, we can finally take advantage of the myriad of opportunities that lie waiting for us. Didn’t research for the job interview because your internet was down? Hmmm, the odds were pretty good that there was a friend’s house, library or café to hit up for that. Excuses just don’t work for grown ups. We never truly fool ourselves when we keep blaming external forces if things don’t work out. Deep down we know that despite trying to convince ourselves (and others around us) that the world is against us, the hard truth is that it’s often our lack of effort or commitment that’s usually to blame. Life can be tough, but we’re tougher. We have it in us to push harder next time.
2. Have gratitude
The phrase ‘first world problems’ is a great reminder of just how much we have to be grateful for. When we put into perspective some of the seemingly annoying ‘challenges’ we face in Western society (such as our car being in the shop for the day and we had to ask for a ride), we realize that most of us have it pretty good. Even when there isn’t much money to go around, we can be grateful for friends, family, good health, fresh water, clean air, food, a roof over our heads, and sunsets…just to name a few. Without gratitude, we may not work as hard for what we want if we are too busy taking everything for granted. Go the extra mile every day to appreciate what’s good and you’ll see just how amazing life really is.
3. Take care of the mind and body
We can’t give our best efforts to much of anything if we are running on empty. We all have a good idea of what we should be doing to keep us healthy and happy, but we often put ourselves and our health on the back burner. Make yourself a priority and get that much-needed sleep, eat well, try to exercise, and surround yourself with positive people and positive energy.
4. Make your home an oasis
Everyone deserves a happy, safe, comfortable and loving home. If yours isn’t, find out why and then roll up those sleeves to get to work on it. It may just need some surface work such as repairs, purging or a few touch ups, or it may go deeper such as working out unhealthy relationships and emotions. Whatever the case, going the extra mile to make your home life more positive is a big leap in the right direction for leading a happier life.
5. Get involved
As Gandhi so famously said, we must be the change we want to see in the world. Whatever your cause, your passion, your frustration…go ahead and take it on with all the energy you can muster up! We can all make positive change within our own neighbourhoods and communities, as well as with larger pursuits worldwide. Even if we don’t have a particular cause that we’re rooting for, we can share our skills and kindness with those in need. Go the extra mile to volunteer or join a group, club or team. It’s an incredible way to honour those around us as well as ourselves.
Life is a gift, so there’s no need to take shortcuts. We all have areas in our daily lives where we want to see improvements, and they are SO worthy of that extra effort. A little here, a little more there, and before we know it, we’re living our best life because of those efforts.
“Today, do just a little bit more. Turn going the extra mile into a habit – it is what lifts most successful people above the crowd.” – Bob Proctor