BY JEFF CORBETT
There was a busy candy store, and one clerk always had customers in her line, even when the other clerks had no one.
The store owner asked her why.
“It’s simple,” she said. “The other clerks always scoop up too much, weigh it, then take some away.”
“I scoop up less and always add to it.”
‘And then some’
For the New Year 2025, may I ask you to consider a resolution that will transform your life?
It is to become a person of more, someone with a reputation for always giving more than asked or required.
Dr. Richard Weaver of Bowling Green State University shared this story:
“A prominent salesman friend of mine summed up his success in three simple words: ‘and then some.’ ”
“He discovered at an early age, that most of the difference between average people and top people can be explained in these simple three words.”
“The top people did what was expected of them – ‘and then some.’ ”
“They were thoughtful of others; they were considerate and kind — ‘and then some.’ ”
“They were good friends to their friends – ‘and then some.’ ”
“They could be counted on in an emergency – ‘and then some.’ ”
“Three little words – ‘and then some.’ It could become your philosophy of life — a way of living.”
So how can you become known for always giving more? Here are some ideas.
♦ The Extra Mile: Ralph Waldo Emerson once observed “The man who knows how will always have a job. The man who knows why will always be his boss.”
In your work, don’t just give what’s expected. Give much more, dig more deeply, don’t count the hours or complain.
Make any task, job, or situation better because you were there.
♦ The Extra Smile: It’s an ugly world today. Stress abounds, nerves are frayed, money problems are common, and the evening news is depressing.
Your smile can work wonders, cheering up others, like a ray of sunshine on a dreary day.
As the old adage goes, “A smile is the lighting system of the face, the cooling system of the head, and the heating system of the heart.”
This coming year vow to smile every day, break the ice and speak first to more people, even strangers; say hello or good morning to everyone often and daily. Smiling is contagious so become a carrier.
Make it a point to make more eye contact; it’s how you connect. During Christmas last year, why did you avoid making eye contact with the Salvation Army bell ringer?
The answer is simple: Because eye contact says the communication channel is open, and you didn’t want to give.
When you have the opportunity, smile and speak frequently, brighten someone’s day. Give of yourself ‘and then some.’
♦ The Extra Word: Two things are in great shortage right now — encouraging words and compliments. To change this you’ve got to get out of your skin and turn the spotlight on others.
Your kind, encouraging words can make all the difference to someone.
When you are complimented or offered something, don’t just say “thank you.”
Instead say, “Thank you. You are very kind,” or “Thank you for jumping in to help. You always go the extra mile.”
That’s how you say thanks ‘and then some.’
♦ The Extra Time: We are time-starved; yet we waste countless hours channel surfing or mindlessly browsing the internet.
Give some of that time to someone or some cause that really needs you. Volunteer, get off the couch, support a cause, join a group, make a difference.
When you see someone who needs help, slow down and do so. Your schedule can handle that extra five minutes.
Your time is a precious gift of attention to someone. It may simply be listening or engaging in conversation, and you may be the brightest spot in their entire week.
Loneliness is an epidemic in America, according to Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy.
Life is a lonely place for many. You can change that and then some. Don’t wait for New Year’s. Start these resolutions today.
Remember Reverend Charles Sheldon’s observation: “Good resolutions are like babies crying in church. They should be carried out immediately.”
Jeff Corbett is an experienced public speaker, meeting facilitator and sales/marketing professional. He lives in Statesville.