I say going the extra mile is the best way to get where you want to go, because going the extra mile is always the emptiest mile.
Let me explain what I mean.
Most people stop at “good enough.” They do what’s expected. They follow the job description, they hit the bare minimum, and they check the box. But the problem is, when you live in the land of “good enough,” you’re surrounded by competition. You’re stuck in a crowded, noisy space where everyone is doing just enough to get by. That’s not where leaders live. That’s not where success compounds. And that’s not where your dreams come true.
You’ve got to get uncomfortable. You’ve got to separate yourself. You’ve got to go the extra mile.
And here’s the truth: the extra mile is lonely. It’s quiet. It’s often thankless. But it’s where champions are made. It’s amazing how many people don’t have that little something extra—that “lagniappe,” as they say in New Orleans—that bonus, that finishing touch, that bit of effort that makes all the difference.
That extra call. That handwritten note. That 10 more minutes of prep. That one more rep at the gym. That moment of kindness when no one’s watching.
That’s the extra mile.
And it’s in that extra effort, that uncommon commitment, that you find uncommon results. If you’ve never gone the extra mile, that might explain why you’re stuck in a competitive field—fighting for scraps, trying to get noticed, wondering why things aren’t breaking your way. The people who consistently succeed don’t live in that crowded space. They live on the edge. They live where the average don’t dare go.
That’s what I mean when I say the extra mile is the best way to get where you want to go. You can’t lose in the long run if you consistently do more than you’re paid to do, if you give more than you take, if you show up early, stay late, and ask “What else can I do to help?”
That’s not just work ethic. That’s a mindset. That’s a commitment to excellence. That’s how you build a brand people trust, a business that lasts, a life that matters.
Be the exception. Be the person who does more than expected. Who delivers without being asked. Who keeps promises even when it’s hard. Who stays when others leave. Who chooses growth when comfort calls.
Be extraordinary. Not because you were born with more talent or got lucky, but because you made a simple choice: to do more, give more, become more.
If you want to set yourself apart from the pack, if you want to make a real impact in your life and the lives of others, then pack your bags and live on that lonely mile.
Because that’s where the magic happens.
That’s where you become who you’re meant to be.
And that’s where greatness lives.
P.S. If you're interested in a Free signed copy of my book, just email me directly at david@dmeltzer.com or click HERE