Favorite Fridays: The Extra Mile

As you all know I am definitely one of the most inconsistent bloggers in the blogosphere. But rest assured that no matter what, I will eventually resurface with a post. This time it happened to take a month...but today I'm back : )

As a wife, mother, teacher, volunteer and business owner, I have collected various "secrets of success" over the years. I think one of the greatest lessons I've learned is the value of going the extra mile. It really doesn't matter what you do, but taking the time and making the effort is what makes good GREAT.

I am abundantly blessed to be surrounded with people who continuously go the extra mile. I watch my clients achieve excellence, breaking records and belief barriers...all because they've gone the extra mile. I see mothers go the extra mile with their families- sacrificing personal wants and needs for the benefit of their children. Teachers, who stay past the last bell rings, to sit with a student and explain the lesson...for the 5th time.

And let's not forget those friends who go the extra mile. You know who they are. Not only do they send you a happy birthday text message, but they take the time to call you, or better yet, send you a card a few days in advance. Instead of talking about themselves, they ask about you.

In my business I do what I can to accommodate special requests, even if it means I work a little later, or profit a little less. And because I do this for others, I am blessed in return. I have also been lucky enough to work with people who return the favor. Just last week my rock star accountant took the time to write out step by step instructions for my assistant in linking QuickBooks to my business accounts and credit cards. Blah blah blah. This is Chinese to me. Sure, he could have invoiced me for his time, or sent me to an online tutorial, but instead he went the extra mile. This is what makes him a rock star (looking for a good one? Let me know...if you're lucky I might share him with you =)! ).

This post isn't intended as a business plug, or a special shout out to friends, but rather a gentle reminder that going the extra mile, in whatever you do, really makes a difference. Don't be good. Be GREAT. This is my mantra...at least for today.