Always Give More Than What is Expected of You

Always be willing and prepared to give more than what is expected of you. I learned this principle from my parents at an early age as I worked with them in the farm and the retail business. They both taught me by precepts and examples the value of going the extra mile.

Why is it important to give more? Here are few reasons. No one wants to invest in a reduced package, or a lukewarm spirit-minded person. As an investor (whatever the type of investment), would you like to enter that relationship with the mindset that you are going to invest your resources just to get a breakeven? No. you want a return that is bigger and better than your initial investment.

In term of expectations there are basically three levels of measurement; below (failure to meet) expectation, meeting expectation, and exceeding expectation. There are some people who have developed a habit of just getting by. They want to give the very minimum of their effort. It seems they are saving their energy and talents so they can be buried with them. Another group of people are very good at just doing what they are asked of – no more no less. They know how to meet expectations. In a transactional environment they do perform well. Then you have a third category. I believe you belong to that group. This group of players always give more than what is expected of them. They leave all on the field. This group of individuals have an abundant mindset. Everyone wants them on their team.

Here are 2 of the reasons that can cause someone to give less or to just meet the minimum expectations: 1) They are motivated by a spirit of self-centeredness and 2) they nurture a scarcity mindset.

Now I want to share with you 3 things you can do that will help you always give more than what is expected of you:

1)     Always take time to grow yourself and to add value to yourself. If you continue to grow, you will be like a flowing river. I was in Costa Rica in November of 2018. I visited a waterfall. Not only it was beautiful, but it was also powerful and constant. When you stop growing and stop learning, you become a reservoir. As a reservoir it’s easy to develop a scarcity mindset.

2)     You need to want to add value to others. When you become someone who wants to add value to others, you are energized by these thoughts and questions. What can I do to make my community or organization a better place? How can I help my team perform better? What can I do to continue to delight my customers? How can I serve others better?

3)     You continue to focus on causes that are bigger than you are. You are not afraid of playing big. You rejoice in the success of your fellowmen. You cherish a growth environment.

Let’s all resolve to always give more than what is expected of us. Know that we will never run out of that supply.

Thank you for reading!

Your friend,

Illens Dort

Author: Thinking and Acting with a Compassionate Heart