Going the extra mile

If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.
Mathew 5: 41

I read these verses. Then I read it again to make sure it wasn’t my boss’ words. He always insists we put in extra hours and go that extra mile to make the client (by which he means himself) happy.

As someone reluctant to do even enough, this idea of going the extra mile always felt like holding my breath underwater for an extra minute. His insistence, hence, felt asphyxiating every time.

But this is not my smothering boss, but Jesus, who prompts us to go the extra mile!

I was intrigued. How can we juggle things if we hold on to one for too long in the hope of making others happy?

This is a dilemma. But looking through my window, I saw some people adding color to their own lives and that of others following the very principle.

A Living Example

One of them is Syamal Raj, my mentor. A watch-maker by profession, he has made it a habit of going the extra mile. If you give your clock or a watch to him to replace the battery, for example, he wouldn’t stop his work there!

First, he tests the old battery and sees if it is indeed faulty. If it requires changing, he changes the battery. Then he cleans the insides, thoroughly wipes the outside, corrects the time and date, notes down the date of battery change for future reference, makes sure the watch works well for a minute or so, puts it in a small bag, and gives it back to you with a gracious smile.

Most customers are surprised. They feel like they gave a faulty, rusty wristwatch and got a brand new one in return. The only cost incurred is changing the battery!

If you were one of his customers, wouldn’t you go back there again?

Lessons for the extra mile

This extra mile makes him loved by his customers. I think we can draw some lessons from his example.

Commitment to quality

More than the goal of improving your business, it should be the commitment to quality that makes you go that extra mile. Changing the battery will solve the immediate problem, but the accumulated dust and rust will eventually stop the watch for good. It is this thought that leads to extra work.

It is not about the money

Our intention is sometimes more important than our actions. If remuneration spurs the extra mile, we can’t keep up the act for long. Because judging by the nature of employers—I do not mean all of them, only the ones that are alive—a salary hike request at best begets a stern stare, at worst, a long lecture.

The joy of making others happy

One of the best feelings in the world is the joy of making someone else happy. That’s why we give gifts, donate to charity, and selflessly help others (No, picking up groceries for the beautiful girl next door is not selfless!). Exceeding expectations is a sure bet to make anyone happy.

Little effort, Exponential results

If we look hard enough, there is room for improvement in everything we do. Our relationships, profession, and even day-to-day activities present us with opportunities to go that extra mile.

In fact, it doesn’t require Herculean effort. Doing just a bit more is enough. Expressing love in our relationships, sending a follow-up email to the client, and giving work updates to your manager are all simple tasks. But these qualify as the extra mile.

Sometimes they give exponential results also. In his book, The Compound Effect, Darren Hardy talks about how that extra bit adds a lot to our success. He quotes Arnold Schwarzenegger to make his point. As someone who stood all his life for the perfect technique for lifting weights, Arnold said that anyone could add a few more reps by cheating a bit. By changing the angle of the lift, one can recruit some other muscle groups and do extra reps. According to the seven-time Mr. Olympia, it gives exponential results.

Our mile, Our choice

However, we should not allow anyone to take advantage of our willingness to put in the extra effort. Many would read this willingness as the green flag to dump more work on us. It takes wisdom to say no and prevent ourselves from getting overwhelmed.

But whenever possible, try going that extra mile. You can see for yourself how beautiful life turns out for you and those around you if you add some color with a few extra brush strokes.

Let us strive to go that extra mile.

Thank you for reading. Please post your comments in the comment box below.