"Il n'y a pas de bouchons sur le dernier kilomètre."

Going the extra mile in life often means putting in more effort than what is expected. This core idea is simple: when you do more than the bare minimum, you stand out because not many people are willing to put in that kind of effort. It’s a way to excel in any field because it’s rare for others to tread that path.

Think about the historical context. This idea has been around for ages, rooted in the concept of hard work and perseverance. People have always revered those who put in extra effort, whether it's in ancient times with warriors training beyond the call of duty or modern-day entrepreneurs who work tirelessly to build their businesses from the ground up. The phrase was probably popularized in motivational circles, where the aim is to inspire people to achieve greatness.

Now, picture a real-life example. Imagine you're working on a team project at your job. Everyone's doing their part, meeting the requirements, but nothing more. You decide to dive deeper. You research additional data, create a more comprehensive report, and rehearse a presentation that blows your boss away. Guess what happens? You get noticed. Maybe you get promoted or given more responsibilities. The others on the team? They did fine, but they didn’t go that extra mile. And that’s why there are no traffic jams for you – fewer people are willing to make that extra effort.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by identifying areas where you can contribute more than what’s required. This might be at work, in your personal relationships, or even in your hobbies. Be proactive. Don’t wait for someone to tell you what to do. Take initiative and show that you can add value in ways people didn’t even know were possible. It’s about setting yourself apart in a positive and impactful way.

Let me share a relatable story. Think about Sarah, a high school student who was passionate about art. She didn’t just complete her assignments; she spent hours after school perfecting her technique, joining extra classes, and even volunteering at local galleries. During a school art show, her work stood out so much that a professional artist took notice and offered her an internship. Her classmates? They were good artists too, but they didn’t put in the same level of dedication. Sarah’s journey was clear of traffic because she was on a different level – the extra mile.

You see, it’s not about overworking yourself to the point of burnout. It’s more about consistently finding ways to add that extra touch, that little bit more effort, which makes a huge difference. It’s about standing out in a crowded world where most people are content just doing what’s required.

So, think about your own path. Where can you go that extra mile? Maybe it’s learning a new skill that complements your job, or perhaps it’s making an effort to communicate better in your relationships. The opportunities are endless, and the rewards can be significant. Remember, the extra mile is rarely crowded, so take it – you might be surprised at what you find along the way.