Just That Little Bit Extra

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One of the most useful and untapped sources of power that exists in our lives is

Just that little bit extra.”

Who really pays much attention to it?

The difference that little bit extra makes

Ever asked for just that little bit extra of chili in your curry?

It’s just a little bit extra, you think, just to give it a little bit more of a kick. But, you didn’t realize that that little bit of extra kick was going to start a raging fire in your mouth and dare I say, buttocks, the day after.

that little bit extra chili
Just a little bit lights a fire

A little bit extra of washing up detergent, can create a bubble blowing monster out of your sink when it comes time to wash up.

A little bit extra of cream, can add weeks of hard aerobic activity to your work out schedule, a lit bit of an extra smile can form friendships across race and religious beliefs, and a little bit extra degree of heat can move a locomotive.

Just a little bit extra.

Most people don’t understand the power that lies behind these words and of course the actions that follow when you do that little bit extra.

The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is just that little bit extra.

That is all it takes.

That is all I have been doing in my life since I graduated from Uni and decided that my dreams were worth pursuing. Without even realizing it, I knew that if I just did that little bit extra to what ordinary people were doing then I could live an extraordinary life.

Really, when you look at it as being just that little bit extra, then you see just how easy it is.

I continue that philosophy into my life now. It is the reason Craig and I have been travelling for many years. It’s the reason we had lots of financial success and the reason why we didn’t, (that little bit extra in reverse) It’s the reason we have had so much success with our travel blog.

The little bit extra comes from doing these four things:

1) Dreaming

a woman swimming in water
dream that little bit extra

You would think this would be the easiest area to be extraordinary in. Not so much. You see most people don’t give themselves permission to dream. They take themselves out of the game before the hooter blows with thoughts of

“I’m not good enough… it will never happen to me….. I can’t because…”

I knew that all I had to do was dream that little bit extra.

What if a Genie really did grant me three wishes? What if there truly were no limitations? Why can’t I or how can I?

Sometimes dreaming is all we have, and it is the only thing that no one else can take from you. Only you can do that.

Dream big, no limitations. You can be, do, have whatever you want if you just believe in it.

2) Learning

If you are ripe you are rotten, if you are green you are growing.

Never stop learning. I can rarely be found without something in my hand or thinking thoughts that is contributing to my learning somehow.

Shangri-la China - y Travel Blog
Learning over tea

I make that little bit of extra learning applicable to my dreams. I never waste time learning things I am not going to need. That is why I suck at game shows. It’s not because I am not smart enough, it is because I have no need for that information in my life.

If you want to be extraordinary, you have to learn as much relevant information as you can from a wide variety of sources.

If you don’t know then go that little bit extra by asking. I’m a teacher, I know and advocate the power of asking questions. I don’t care how stupid I look.

The only stupid question is a question not asked.

I’m sure I annoy the crap out of people in forums and help desks because I keep asking the questions until I learn the answers.

Make sure you learn from the right people. The people who are where you want to be.

Dont’ listen to broke people give you advice about making money; don’t listen to people content with living their life on the couch advise you about how you should live your life travelling the world

Learn from those who can truly help you

And turn off that bloody CNN- Constant Negative News- make the news you learn something that will give you that little bit extra to help you achieve your dreams.

3) Taking Action

Hiking the Tiger Leaping gorge
Just a little extra step

“How do you travel like you do?”

“Easy, I just do it. I just pack my bags and jump on the plane.”

The frown of incredulous disbelief always appears on the face of the person asking the question. They like to think I possess extraordinary powers, as it makes them feel better about not following their dreams themselves.

I do possess extraordinary powers. It’s called just doing that little bit extra.

There is a reason why there is only 20% of people in any given field having success. It is because they are willing to do what the other 80% are not. So if you want to have success just do what the 20% do.

Do just that little bit extra. Take the extra action.

Get on that plane,write one extra blog post, talk to that one extra person, take on that extra job.

All it is is just that little bit extra.

4) Interacting with Others

people sitting at a table
Dinner with our life long Thai friends in Bangkok

So this is the one that really bothers me.

Why don’t people get this?

I am so astounded by the number of rude, unfriendly, ill-mannered, arrogant pigs that I come across in my daily life. Every time I feel as if I have entered a parallel universe. How on earth don’t they get this very simple, yet very powerful principle?

Just be that little bit extra when interacting with others. Just that little bit friendlier, that little bit warmer, that little bit more interested, a little bit more well mannered, a little bit more open, a little bit more encouraging, a little bit kinder. It does not take much yet it can go so far.

One of my frequent lectures to my students (yes visualize eye rolls) is the powerful part manners can play in our lives.

There is no other thing in your life that you can do that will cost you nothing, yet bring such rich rewards in return.

Here is the truth.

We have a natural inclination to want to spend time with and help those who have beautiful manners, are kind, and who are friendly to be around.

When a student uses their beautiful manners, I just want to wrap them up in a big bear hug. For the remainder of the day I am drawn like a magnet to help them as much as I can. This is a very subconscious thing. The children who are ill-mannered and rude, kind of really repel me.

Opportunities will come to you so often in life through other people.

That little bit extra you do in your interactions with others can result in massive rewards.

You can never do this just do get something in return, it doesn’t work that way.

The little bit extra needs to be authentic.

Help others, make them smile more, be nice…..

Dream bigger, learn more and take more action…..

It is not  hard, it just takes a little bit extra that’s all.

Just like that little bit extra spice in your soup.

It can set your world on fire.

32 thoughts on “Just That Little Bit Extra”

  1. I saw your hiking picture. That doesn’t happen to be Machu Picchu. Looks like it. I did the Inca trail last year. It was amazing. I like the concept on make people smile more. I hope I live my life with that in mind. It seems the world and life would be much happier.

    1. No. It is Tiger Leaping Gorge in China. Absolutely beautiful place. I think a smile holds so much power and it really is just a little bit extra. So easy to do, such huge rewards

  2. La Pham Nikita

    I really relate and appreciate this post. I’ve been following your blog and keeps me inspired. I’m in the middle of going after some new dreams of mine and it does get challenging. Sometimes self-doubt or insecurity creeps in, from various sources, self, parents/family, etc… But keeping in touch with blogs like yours reminds me that I’m not the only one out there going after my dreams, no matter how crazy or unrealistic it seems. Please check out my newest project and would love your feedback…trying to escape the cubicle and combine my passion for art and travel! I’ve been doing a lot of that much extra! 🙂

    http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/laphamnikita/la-pham-nikitas-henna-around-the-world-tour

    1. Thank you La Pham. I am so happy that our blog is helping to keep you inspired and on track. That is really what we want to do for others, to let them know that their dreams are important and can become a reality. The more of us who are living our dreams the happier the planet can become. I love your henna tour. It sounds so much fun and your art work is amazing.

  3. Caz, this is a very inspiring post. The points about dreaming and taking action really resonate with me. I think one can’t follow naturally without the other. If you’re just dreaming and have your head in the clouds all day long wishing for something to happen it likely never will. On the other hand, if you just work hard without listening to your inner self you might achieve great things but be terribly unhappy. I think when you combine both you can achieve your wildest dreams & be completely fulfilled; however, it’s a concept that is not nearly as simple as it is in theory – at times things can pull you down and make you feel discouraged. I feel the key is to really have a clear idea of what you want and know in advance obstacles will be a part of the journey.

    1. Thanks Samuel! I love what you say here. I think you have explained it perfectly. You can’t just mediate on a mountain top you have to take action along side of doing that. There needs to be a perfect balance. I’ve had too much of both sides at one time or another and it doesn’t work. I’m learning to find the zen. I think understanding obstacles is part of it, is absolute key!

  4. This post reminds a lot of a Bryce Courtenay novel–reading my fourth one now!!!–and it’s a great bit of motivation to keep going. Cheers for the Wednesday morning inspiration!

    1. Maybe I should make it a regular Wednesday morning thing- help us all get over hump day! Love that someone loves Bryce as much as me! He has taught me so many things about life.

  5. I just received a hand written note from a fellow travel blogger thanking me for her one night stay in my home. That’s the little bit extra she did – and I’d have her stay here again in a heartbeat. Amazing how a little note can make the recipient feel.

    You’ve made some really good points – applicable to all ages.

    1. I love little bit extra thoughts like these. It goes a long way. I’ve had bosses before who have done little bit extra nice things for me- I’d walk over hot coal for them in return.

    1. I thought of you guys today when I was listening to Seth Godin’s book Tribe. He was talking about the new leaders are those who question the status quo- The disrupters! Way to go. Keep on disrupting.

  6. This is a beautiful sentiment, beautifully written. I could do with this recorded and played back as an alarm clock to remind me of it every single morning. A new business venture perhaps?

  7. Fantastic. It definitely does make a difference. The more you invest, the more you get. Especially as you move out of the mainstream, where most people congregate. That added little umph pushes you up where the ear is thinner and the adventure richer.

    1. I like thinner air and richer adventure. It is worth all the hard work. You don’t see it when you are climbing the mountain but once you get to the top the views are just spectacular.

    1. It sure is. This should be the easiest one. Just practice letting your mind run wild with thoughts of what the genie could bring you.

  8. Thank you so much for your insight, it was indeed a lot more than what I was expecting from this site, thank you so much.

    “The only stupid question is a question not asked.”

    Absolutely.

  9. I love this post. I think it can be intimidating for a lot of people to try and achieve their dreams. I know that’s how I feel sometimes. But this is a great way of looking at things. You don’t have to do something big and huge just out of the blue, but do a series of small things. I’m gonna try to remember to do a little bit extra every day.

    1. I think a lot of people don’t start because they do think it is a mammoth task but if you really just break it down to just a little bit extra it becomes so much more manageable

  10. “That little bit extra.” I wish everybody could read this, understand it and then take action on it. Caz, you guys have a real inspiring blog and this is quickly turning into my all-time favorite blog. It is incredibly motivating to see you achieving your dreams, and making it look so easy. I think it is time that I start doing a little extra to achieving my own dreams. Thanks for the inspiration, the courage, the hope, the motivation and the fact that you are dreamers! May all your adventures be magical.

    1. What an awesome comment Abie! thank you so much. It’s really brightened me up as I lay on my couch right now having fake contractions 🙂 It makes achieving your dreams that much easier when you focus on just doing a little bit extra.

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