Principle 4: Going the Extra Mile

Introduction

The fourth principle of Napoleon Hill's 17 principles of success is the habit of going the extra mile. This is the habit of rendering the more and better service than s/he is expected to render and doing it with a positive mental attitude. We must give in order to get something. The principle of going the extra mile is based upon the Law of Reciprocity. Law of Reciprocity says that when you give something to someone then he or she will feel obligated to give something in return. Napoleon Hill explained this principle with the help of a QQMA formula. Let’s explore QQMA formula in detail.

QQMA Formula

a) Quality of service you render: Whenever we serve others we must focus on our quality. We must not superficially try to help others. Service to the others must be done wholeheartedly.
b) Quantity of service you render: We must not limit our services to limited people. Always try to touch maximum lives through your efforts.
c) Mental attitude in which you render services: We must render service in a good mental attitude. We will get positive vibes only if we have positive mental attitude while serving others.

15 Benefits of Going the Extra Mile

1. This habit will surely put you in good books of people who can make you more successful.
2. You will be backed by the great natural Law of Increasing returns which will give you greater compensation then others in return of your exceptional services.
3. You will become indispensable in your chosen profession or occupation. Therefore you will be able write your own future.
4. You will definitely excel in your profession as you have the habit of rendering better service each and every time.

5. If you are working for an organisation then this habit will give you a preference when work is less and others are being laid off. You can relate this point with current COVID crisis.
6. This habit will surely benefit you with the help of law of contrast, because your competitors will not run even for 1st mile but you will cover 1st mile, 2nd mile and then many more miles with sheer resilience.
7. Doing all your services and putting best effort every time with a positive mental attitude will improve your personality. Due to this habit, people will start liking you.
8. By following this habit, you will develop a keen and alert imagination because you will always try to serve others in a better way
9. You will start moving on your own personal initiative and do not wait for other's instructions.
10. You will become self-reliant and do not worry about criticism. Moreover, this habit will give you more courage.
11. The habit of going the extra mile will help you to overcome the destructive habit of procrastination. The habit of procrastination is the topmost reason of failure.
12. People will start respecting your integrity and they will start cooperating with you in a friendly manner.
13. This habit will help you to develop definiteness of purpose. The definiteness of purpose is the starting point of all achievements.
14. You will be in a better position to ask for a hike in your compensation at your workplace
15. You will be able to maintain a mastermind alliance with others.

Summary

This principle can be understood with the example of farmer growing his crop. The farmer must develop the habit of cleaning the ground, fencing it, ploughing it and planting the seed at the perfect season of the year. All of these hard work must be done in advance and without any compensation and benefits. After doing his job properly, he then handover the work to the mother nature and waits for her part. In return mother nature gives him seeds and surplus food. Thus, we can say Law of Increasing Returns helps a person who goes extra mile. Similarly, we can implement this principle while performing our jobs in corporate set up as well. Now we have covered four steps towards success.
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