Are you willing to go the second mile?

“Do your work with your whole heart and you will succeed – there is so little competition.”

Elbert Hubbard

One of my favorite verses from the New Testament is Matthew 5:41-42. Here Jesus is teaching that when one is pressed into work, you are to do so beyond the minimum commitment (in those times, this was one mile carrying a heavy load) and go the second mile. Can you imagine how few people are willing to DOUBLE the required effort and do so willingly? No wonder there is so little competition along the second mile. 

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

Permission to make mistakes…

“The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one.”

Elbert Hubbard

What is the worst thing that can happen as an outcome of the choice you are about to make? Is your decision reversible if things go wrong? If the answer is no, take some time to think it through, understand the risks, and make a well-informed and reasoned determination.  

If the decision is reversible, set a time and date to review the course you plotted against your desired outcomes and be prepared to change direction if necessary. Someone once told me, “always have an exit strategy. You never get on a submarine without knowing where the exit hatches are.”  

If you plan to review and make any necessary changes, you permit yourself to make the mistakes that will inevitably happen.  

Unlimited…

“It is a fine thing to have ability, but the ability to discover ability in others is the true test.”

Elbert Hubbard

What is the maximal impact one person can have in their lifetime? If you measure this based only on what you can personally accomplish it is limited by the amount of time that you have on this earth. But if you measure impact based on whom you serve by helping them unlock their gifts and talents the impact one person can have is truly unlimited.

To help put this in perspective; what is your greatest ability? What is it that makes you unique, special and adds value to others? How did you discover this trait? What was the key to unlocking this gift that you possess? Did you discover it on your own or did someone see something in you and then help you see it for yourself?

If you could write a thank you note to three of the people who helped you unlock your talents what would you share with them? How would you express your gratitude for what they have done for your life? What emotions are conjured up when you think of the impact they have had on you?

Having answered these questions, and connected with the impact someone else has had in your life, how can you go do this for others? Isn’t it time to create a life of unlimited impact?

Do the good work today…

“The best preparation for good work tomorrow is to do good work today.”

Elbert Hubbard

“I don’t have time to do it right today, but I will tomorrow, I swear!” That certainly rings false doesn’t it? If we don’t have time to do the job right today, then when will we ever have time to do it right? Good work only has one definition. If we want to achieve our goals and do good work tomorrow, we have to focus on what we control today and deliver the goods.

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dusty

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