In a world where mediocrity is becoming alarmingly common, it’s a refreshing change to encounter people who are willing to go the extra mile.

If we are lucky, we encounter such people on a daily basis. A checkout clerk who is particularly courteous, a co-worker who helps you do something not in their job description, or even a family member who does something to lighten your load.

Going beyond what others expect of you can never be a bad thing.

It’s a great principle to live by no matter who you are or what you do.

Your attitude is something that shines out beyond the boundaries of what you present to others.

There’s nothing that beats the feeling when someone surprises you by going the extra mile.

Ten reasons to go the extra mile: it fosters a sense of direction, develops a positive mental attitude, encourages initiative, creates a more pleasant environment, gives job security, often involves extra compensation, has a positive effect on all those around you –– coworkers, clients etc., clear conscience, can prevent procrastination, and can stimulate your soul.

That warm feeling you get inside when you go the extra mile for someone else is irreplaceable.

There’s no substitute for a heartfelt thanks and you can rest easy in the knowledge that you have made life just a little bit easier for those around you.

Why not try to incorporate this idea into your daily life. By setting a goal that you will go out of your way for someone else on a daily basis –– you commit yourself to that warm fuzzy glow daily too.

My challenge to educators: go the extra mile for a student today.

Find a student who has gone the extra mile in your classroom and let that student know that you appreciate his or her attitude and work ethic and that you are proud of his or her accomplishments.

When you go the extra mile, you really benefit as much as anyone else.

Try it.

Dr. Mark Isley is the principal of the Shelby County Alternative School. He can be reached at 682–5910.