https://lifehacker.com/the-extra-mile-is-never-crowded-1748474610
https://lifehacker.com/consider-going-the-extra-inch-instead-of-the-extra-mile-1749321685
The Extra Mile Is Never Crowded
This principle advocates for putting in significantly more effort than what is required or expected. The core idea is that very few people are willing to do this, so by making the extra effort, you immediately stand out from the crowd. It's about distinguishing yourself from being "average" and becoming "extraordinary."
- Key Learning Point: The path to exceptional success is often less competitive because most people settle for doing just enough. Willingness to do more than what's necessary is a key differentiator.
- Action Point: Identify areas in your work or personal projects where you can do more than the bare minimum. This could be conducting extra research, making an extra follow-up call, or adding a thoughtful, unexpected touch to a project. Don't wait to be asked; proactively offer more.
Consider Going the Extra Inch Instead of the Extra Mile
This article offers a more sustainable and consistent approach to excellence. Instead of making occasional grand gestures of "going the extra mile," which can be exhausting and lead to burnout, it suggests making small, consistent, incremental improvements in everything you do. It's about applying a little extra effort on a regular basis.
- Key Learning Point: Consistent, small improvements compound over time and can lead to significant results without the risk of burnout. The "extra mile" can seem daunting, but an "extra inch" is an approachable and repeatable action.
- Action Point: Reframe your approach to be about rhythmic consistency. Identify small ways to add a little extra to your daily tasks. For a student, this could be 10 extra minutes of study each day. For a developer, it could be one extra round of testing. These small, consistent efforts add up to substantial progress over time.
Synthesized Action Plan
The two concepts are not mutually exclusive. The "extra inch" can be seen as the daily practice that builds the capacity to go the "extra mile" when a significant opportunity arises. A balanced approach would be to cultivate a habit of consistent, small improvements (the extra inch) while remaining ready to exert a larger, more focused effort (the extra mile) when it will have the most impact.