In every aspect of life—whether it’s reselling, maintenance work, or parenting—there is immense value in going above and beyond what is expected of you. While it may not always feel rewarding in the moment, the long-term benefits of doing more than what is asked can profoundly impact your life and the lives of those around you. I’ve put together a list of six benefits. I think I might go the actual list form myself Bible or a preacher, I didn’t note the source at the time, but I’ve expanded them a bit.
1. Pleases God
First and foremost, doing more than what is required pleases God. Scripture reminds us to work as if we are serving the Lord and not just people (Colossians 3:23). Whether I’m sourcing items for my eBay store, repairing equipment in the hospital, or guiding my daughter through a tough subject like math, I strive to approach each task with the mindset that I am honoring God through my efforts. Going the extra mile is not just about excellence; it’s about reflecting His love and character in all that we do.
2. Earns Recognition and Advancement
In my role as a maintenance supervisor, I’ve learned that doing more than what is expected often leads to recognition and opportunities for advancement. When you consistently exceed expectations, people notice. For instance, when I address issues before they become problems or step in to help coworkers without being asked, it demonstrates initiative and reliability. The same is true in reselling. Taking the time to thoroughly clean and present an item or package it carefully for shipping can lead to glowing reviews and repeat buyers.
3. Enhances Your Reputation
Reputation is everything, especially in reselling and leadership roles. By doing more than asked, you build trust and credibility. As a parent, I’ve seen how this principle applies when I take extra time to explain concepts or engage in meaningful conversations with my daughter. These moments reinforce her confidence in me as someone she can rely on. Similarly, when buyers see the care I put into my eBay listings or when hospital staff see my commitment to quality, it strengthens their trust in me.
4. Builds Others’ Confidence in You
Going the extra mile helps others believe in your abilities. In maintenance, for example, addressing issues that aren’t technically part of my job fosters trust with the hospital staff. They know they can count on me to keep things running smoothly. As a parent, I’ve noticed that when I put extra effort into supporting my daughter—whether it’s finding joy in math or helping her navigate challenges—it builds her confidence in me and, more importantly, in herself.
5. Gives You More Experience and Knowledge
When you go beyond what is asked, you gain invaluable experience and knowledge. In reselling, this might mean researching an unfamiliar item or learning new ways to source inventory. Each step outside your comfort zone adds to your skill set. In maintenance, tackling unexpected problems has not only expanded my technical expertise but also prepared me for leadership. Even in parenting, taking extra time to nurture my daughter’s growth has taught me patience and adaptability.
6. Develops Your Spiritual Maturity
Lastly, doing more than expected deepens your spiritual maturity. When we choose to serve others selflessly, we reflect God’s love and grow closer to Him. In my daily work and interactions, I’ve found that the more I give, the more I am shaped by the experience. Whether it’s mentoring a coworker, teaching my daughter, or serving customers through my eBay store, these moments are opportunities to develop qualities like humility, generosity, and perseverance.
In conclusion, the benefits of doing more than asked extend far beyond immediate results. By striving to please God, or earn recognition, or enhance your reputation, build others’ confidence, gain experience, and develop spiritual maturity, you set yourself on a path of personal and professional growth. It doesn’t matter if you’re a reseller, a maintenance worker, or a parent, these principles can guide you to make a meaningful impact in every area of your life. So, the next time you face a task, ask yourself how you can go above and beyond? The rewards are worth it.
