GIVING 100%
Anyone can do what is required.
The extraordinary people do what is not required.
That is where excellence lives.
That is where character reveals itself.
That is where people remember you.
GOING THE EXTRA MILE
GIVING 100%
During Roman times, a law existed that allowed a Roman soldier to compel a citizen to carry his burden for one mile.
One mile.
No choice.
No discussion.
No negotiation.
Just do it.
Then came one of the most profound teachings ever given:
“If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two.”
At first glance, it sounds simple.
It is not.
It is revolutionary.
The first mile was demanded.
The second mile was chosen.
The first mile belonged to obligation.
The second mile belonged to character.
THE SECOND MILE IS ON ME
Anyone can do what they have to do.
Most people do.
They show up.
Punch the clock.
Do the minimum.
Meet the requirement.
Then stop.
But every now and then you encounter someone different.
Someone who gives a little more.
Someone who stays a little longer.
Someone who cares a little deeper.
Someone who serves a little better.
Someone who says:
“The second mile is on me.”
Those people leave a mark wherever they go.
THE SIGNATURE OF EXCELLENCE
I have always admired people who keep their word.
People who show up.
People who finish what they start.
People who honor commitments.
But those who go beyond what is expected stand out even more.
They leave their signature on life.
Their work speaks.
Their attitude speaks.
Their effort speaks.
Their generosity speaks.
And long after the details are forgotten, people remember how they made them feel.
One of the Pearls truths is:
“Credibility is the true coin of this realm.”
People who go the extra mile continually deposit into that account.
The result is trust.
Respect.
Influence.
And opportunity.
WANT TO MAKE A STATEMENT?
Many spend enormous sums trying to impress others.
Advertisements.
Promotions.
Titles.
Awards.
Recognition.
But there is a statement far more powerful.
Give your best.
Consistently.
Quietly.
Faithfully.
The world notices.
Perhaps not immediately.
But eventually.
Character has a way of introducing itself.
THE WORLD REMEMBERS
Think about the people you admire most.
A teacher.
A coach.
A parent.
A mentor.
A friend.
A business owner.
A military leader.
A spouse.
What made them memorable?
Usually it was not talent alone.
It was effort.
Commitment.
Sacrifice.
Service.
The willingness to give more than was required.
That is the extra mile.
100% IS THE WHOLE ENCHILADA
I often hear people say:
“I gave 110%.”
I understand the sentiment.
But mathematically speaking, there is only 100%.
There is no more than all.
And perhaps that is the greater lesson.
Give all you have.
Not all someone else has.
Not all you wish you had.
All you have.
Today.
In this moment.
In this circumstance.
At this stage of your life.
That is enough.
GIVE…
ALL YOU HAVE
One of my favorite Pearls reminds us:
“The moment is its own reward.”
When you give your best in the moment before you, something wonderful happens.
You stop worrying about outcomes.
You stop comparing yourself to others.
You stop measuring.
You start participating.
You start living.
You start becoming.
The reward begins before the result arrives.
THE PEARLS CONNECTION
Throughout Pearls for the Soul runs a consistent theme:
Do not hold back your gifts.
Do not ration your kindness.
Do not dilute your character.
Do not compromise your integrity.
One of the recurring Pearls principles states:
“No one got to where they are without the help of another.”
The people who helped us often did more than was required.
A teacher who stayed after class.
A parent who sacrificed sleep.
A friend who listened.
A mentor who believed.
A stranger who offered a hand.
Someone gave us a second mile.
Now it becomes our turn.
THE COMPANY OF THE GREATS
The greats are not always famous.
Many never appear on television.
Many never write books.
Many never receive awards.
Yet they change lives daily.
They are the people who quietly go the extra mile.
The husband who stays.
The wife who encourages.
The employee who cares.
The employer who honors.
The friend who remains loyal.
The parent who sacrifices.
The neighbor who helps.
These are the giants among us.
FINAL THOUGHT
If asked for one mile…
Consider giving two.
If asked for your effort…
Give your best.
If given an opportunity…
Show up completely.
At the end of the day, there is a peace that comes from knowing you left nothing on the table.
You gave all you had.
And when you do that…
You walk in the company of the greats.
Visit:
PearlsForTheSoul.com
Explore the Pearls Series:
📘 Pearls for the Soul
📘 Pearls for Girls
📘 God I AM
📘 It Is Finished
📘 When Will Men Come Back Again?
📘 Epilogue of Ebenezer Scrooge
The books support the posts.
The posts support the books.
Together they help people discover the treasure already within themselves.
You found me…
Now let’s find you.
— Richie
Pearls for the Soul
when you feed the soul, you feed everything.
https://pearlsforthesoul.com
Been expecting you