What Difference Does That Little Bit Of “Extra” Make?

Last updated on: April 1, 2025 at 9:31 am by Michele Howe

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What Difference Does That Little Bit Of “Extra” Make? 2025-04-01T09:31:34-05:00 Michele Howe

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Give Your Best

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.

Colossians 3:23

Good, better, best; never let it rest till your good is better and your better is best.
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What difference does that little bit of “extra” make? Does it count? Can you quantify it? Measure it? Bottle it? Afraid you won’t be able to keep pace with it once you’ve demonstrated your finest stuff?

Asked another way, can anyone really tell if you’ve given your all or maybe fudged a bit and only meted out a decent (respectable) day’s effort? Who can accurately say if a person has put in the additional time, effort, and attention required to tip the scales beyond mediocrity? In truth, only you can.

Give Your Best 100% Of The Time

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We all know if we’ve done our level best. And we shirk from those memories when we chose not to follow through to greatness. When we go that extra mile, it feels good to know we’ve exceeded what has been expected of us. Who doesn’t appreciate this inner-pat-on-the-back following a job well done? Even a two percent add-on can make a world of difference on the job, at home, and well, anywhere you decide to invest yourself. Could be a hobby, that volunteer position, or simply remaking an acquaintance type relationship into a genuine friendship.

That 2% More Makes A Huge Difference

For any hard-headed, crunch the numbers, cynical types out there who decry the notion that no one really pays attention to that extra couple of percent…let’s take at a look at the numbers (because numbers speak for themselves). Say a young person starts out with an investment of $500.00 at 10% interest compounded continuously from age seven to age eighteen; they’d come up with a meager $1502.08. However, by age 62, this amount grows to $122,346.00 and by age 72 it’s worth $332,571.00.

Nice return over the long haul. Let’s take the same scenario and change only one factor. Instead of a 10% interest, up the ante to 12%…. a minuscule two percent increase. Given the same timeframes this initial investment of $500.00 is now worth: $1871.00 then $367,548.00 and finally, $1,220,300.00 respectively. Note the difference. Note the principle.

Pour Your Life Into Making A Difference

Give a little, get a little. Give a lot; get a whole lot more. Another life truism: it truly is the “little” things that make the most difference. Embracing a consistent attitude of pursuing excellence in all areas will naturally spill over, multiply, and advance any project or purpose. This doesn’t necessary mean monetary returns…but since when did money mean more than quality of life, inner satisfaction, and a good conscience. Never did, never will. So at day’s end, give it your all, and be able to gladly mark the day as one well spent and wisely invested.

Your Personal Two Percent Extra Counts –

P – persistence: the midpoint of any project or problem is the most difficult juncture to get past. Remember that no effort is considered a failing one if you give it your best.
E – excellence: too often individuals compete against others when they should be competing solely against their own previous standards. No two persons come from exactly the same starting point, so it’s not sensible to measure oneself against another successes or failures.
R – resistance: expect and accept that there will be detours and roadblocks along the way. Plan for them, don’t let these obstacles derail you, make preparation for ways to work around and through them.
C – consistent: every day…do one task toward meeting your goal. Large or small, doesn’t matter, it’s the daily exercise of moving toward your trajectory that counts.
E – energetic: take good care of yourself so that you have the stamina to withstand the emotional and physical demands required to endure the course you’re on.
N – never give up: despite setbacks, drawbacks, discouragements, purpose to finish what you’ve begun even if the goal necessarily morphs and changes along the way.
T – thankful: every day, find ten things to be grateful for and speak this list out loud.

General Christian

Family, Parenting and Religion

About Michele Howe

Michele Howe is the author of 29 books for women, children, and families. She has published over 3000 articles, reviews, and curriculum. For more about living one's life for Christ and in service to others, check out Michele's book titled, Finding Freedom and Joy in Self-Forgetfulness. You can read more about the author here.

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