The Core of the "AND THEN SOME" Philosophy Part 1

Part 1 of 2 in our series: The Core of the "And Then Some" philosophy

Richard L. Weaver II

Both as a college student and as a college teacher I was always astounded at the number of students who would do what they needed to do to “get by” rather than go the extra mile. Going the extra mile (and then some) is simply doing more than you are asked or expected to do.

Often I attributed this to laziness, but in talking to students I discovered that there were a wide variety of causes. Some told me they were stretched too thin, or the course had little value to them. Some said college was simply a hurdle that needed jumping; others stated they were unwilling to give something for nothing. They had tried it before and found it a waste of their time. They could see no value in working harder, doing more, or giving greater effort.

I have discovered there is a great deal more to it than that. First, life is unpredictable, and it is impossible to see exactly what’s coming down the road next. You may think you are prescient (having knowledge of events before they take place), but nobody truly is. A belief in serendipity makes a great deal more sense: making fortunate discoveries when not in search of them. Second, it is impossible to predict how you will feel when faced with a new circumstance, new people, or new demands. Sometimes going the extra mile results in added insights, needed preparation, or the necessary knowledge that will help you deal. Third, it is impossible to gauge all the effects of what you do right now. Sometimes there are effects that can be seen, like smiles as a result of a good deed, clapping after a great speech or presentation, or “thank-yous” for gift giving. But going the extra mile in business or in your personal life may result in no immediate effects that can be seen.

Waiters go the extra mile to get bigger tips. Employees go the extra mile to get promoted. Businesses go the extra mile to get more customers. So, why should you go the extra mile? There are a number of reasons.

First, going the extra mile can make you stand out. Few people, unfortunately, are so motivated. Thus, going the extra mile can set you apart, reveal your conscientiousness, establish your reliability, or increase your value. Second, it is likely to bring out positive emotions in others. When positive emotions are connected either to you or something you did, it will cause others to both remember you and feel good about you. Third, it will help you move ahead of your competition and succeed where others fail. Fourth, and finally, it can bring personal rewards.

In one college course, I became so absorbed in the term project that I exceeded all the parameters of the assignment. I knew what the value of the project would be to me, and what I needed to know to help me, so, like the Energizer Bunny, I just kept going, and going, and going. It resulted in a grade of A+ in the course, but that was never the goal; it was simply an unintended, and unexpected reward for my excessiveness. I did the project and then some.

In another example of personal rewards, Kerrie Moreau, Ph.D. and research associate at the University of Colorado at Boulder, studied postmenopausal women and found that walking an extra two miles every day, in addition to the walking that the participants did as part of their normal daily routines, significantly lowered their blood pressure, regardless of diet. Moreau concluded saying “It gives you another lifestyle strategy to lower blood pressure instead of pharmacological intervention.” 50 million Americans have hypertension. Walk and then some.

Can you apply the “And Then Some” philosophy to others? Of course. When you borrow a pan or dish from a neighbor, show your appreciation for the loan by placing a goodie inside when you return it. When someone asks you for a piece of gum, give him or her the whole pack. When going for groceries, ask a neighbor if he or she is out of milk, needs a prescription picked up, or a loaf of bread. Give people an un-birthday treat—something that they had their eye on but wouldn’t pick up for themselves. Give thank-you notes to people for something they have done for you—even the small, often thankless, little courtesies.

Often, it is the small things—the little ways we have for showing respect and caring—that count the most in others’ lives. Run errands for a parent; take a friend out to dinner; call your existing customers just to make sure they are happy with their purchase; help a co-worker with their heavy workload; do a personal favor for an employee; say little things that will build others up. Do what is expected and then some.

But, too, you can be a model for the “And Then Some” philosophy. Going the extra mile in your own life is often revealed in a positive, optimistic, cheerful outlook. For example, people are more likely attracted to those who avoid swearing, vulgar language, and gossip. People, too, do not like to be talked down to. When you say nice things to others, give out compliments, help others when they are cranky, and tell the truth, you are showing others you are confident and self-assured. When you reveal the traits above, too, you show others you care about them. True, it is hard to do when you are in a bad mood, but by lifting the mood of others, you will lift your own as well. Set an example and then some.

You all know people who say if they paid them more, they would work harder. Or, if the world treated them better, they would be nicer. Or, if they went to nicer places, they would wear nicer clothes. Or, if they were in a better relationship, they would work harder at it. Or, if they were richer, they would give more. If, if, if, if.... You have also probably discovered that the situations are likely to be irrelevant, people who possess this kind of approach, use it no matter the circumstance. Work harder? Be nicer? Wear nicer clothes? Work harder at relationships? Give more? Not a chance.

The “And Then Some” philosophy is clearly revealed by people who work hard because they are a hard worker. They are nice because they are nice people. They believe that everything and everyone is special because that is the kind of person they are. They dress for the kind of person they are, not for where they are going. They give more because they are givers. And, they always do what they have to do and then some, because they follow the and then some philosophy knowing that it isn’t the key to the good life, it is the good life.

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© Copyright 2007. All rights reserved worldwide by Richard L. Weaver II and And Then Some Publishing, L.L.C.

No part of this essay, except in brief quotations embodied in reviews, may be used or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, photocopying, electronic, mechanical, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Richard L. Weaver II or the publisher, And Then Some Publishing, L.L.C.---or, in the case of photocopying, electronic duplication, or other reproductive copying, a license from the United States Copyright Licensing Agency---is an infringement on the copyright law. The best way to obtain copies of the essays is to purchase the book /And Then Some - Book I: Essays to Entertain, Motivate, and Inspire/ (And Then Some Publishing, 2007).