Habit of Going the Extra Mile | Napoleon Hill's Master Key Series | Episode 3

Summary

Napoleon Hill, renowned author of 'Think and Grow Rich', shares the success principle of 'going the extra mile' in this inspirational talk. He introduces the 'QQMA' formula, emphasizing the importance of quality, quantity, and mental attitude in service to achieve success. Hill outlines the benefits of this habit, including attracting opportunities, earning higher compensation, and developing leadership. He encourages listeners to practice this principle deliberately for a week to experience a transformation in their personal and professional lives, promising to reveal the master key to success in the next session.

Takeaways

• 🚀 The habit of going the extra mile is a key principle for success, which involves providing more and better service than expected with a positive attitude.
• 📈 The QQMA formula (Quality + Quantity + Mental Attitude) determines the space one occupies in their chosen calling and the compensation received.
• 🔍 Observing unusually successful people reveals that they often follow the QQMA formula, even if unconsciously.
• 👀 Going the extra mile brings you to the attention of those who can provide opportunities for self-promotion.
• 💰 The natural law of increasing returns means that the service you render will bring back greater than average compensations.
• 🔑 Following this habit makes you indispensable in your occupation, allowing you to 'write your own ticket'.
• 💼 It provides job security during times when others may be laid off due to slack work.
• 🌟 The law of contrast benefits those who go the extra mile, as they stand out among those who do not.
• 🧠 Developing a keen, alert imagination is a benefit of this habit, as it encourages seeking new and better ways to render service.
• 💪 The habit fosters self-reliance and courage to move ahead without fear of criticism, which is essential for leadership.
• 🔄 It helps to master the destructive habit of procrastination, which is often a leading cause of failure.
• 🤝 The habit influences others to respect your integrity and cooperate with you in a friendly spirit.
• 🎯 Developing definiteness of purpose is facilitated by this habit, which is the starting point for personal success.
• 💰 The habit provides a valid reason for asking for a promotion or higher pay, as it demonstrates value beyond the current compensation.
• 🧲 It conditions the mind to maintain a mastermind alliance with others, which is crucial for success.
• 🌱 The principle of going the extra mile is in harmony with natural laws, as illustrated by the farmer's efforts in producing food.
• 📝 The speaker suggests a one-week experiment of rendering unexpected service to others to experience the benefits of this habit firsthand.

Q & A

Who is the speaker in the transcript?

The speaker in the transcript is Napoleon Hill, the author of 'How to Raise Your Own Salary', 'Think and Grow Rich', and other inspirational books.

What is the main principle discussed in the transcript?

The main principle discussed in the transcript is the habit of going the extra mile, which involves rendering more and better service than expected with a positive mental attitude.

What is the QQMA formula mentioned by Napoleon Hill?

The QQMA formula stands for Quality of service plus Quantity of service plus Mental attitude, which determines the space one occupies in their chosen calling and the compensation received.

According to the transcript, why is the habit of going the extra mile important for personal advancement?

The habit of going the extra mile is important for personal advancement because it brings one to the favorable attention of others, leads to greater compensations, makes one indispensable in their occupation, and helps to master the habit of procrastination, among other benefits.

What are some benefits of following the habit of going the extra mile as listed in the transcript?

Some benefits include gaining opportunities for self-promotion, receiving greater than average compensations, becoming indispensable in one's occupation, improving personality and likability, developing a keen imagination, and inspiring personal initiative.

How does the transcript suggest one can apply the habit of going the extra mile in their daily life?

The transcript suggests starting by rendering some form of useful service to someone nearby that one is not expected to render, without expecting or asking for compensation, and doing so with a pleasing mental attitude.

What is the significance of the QQMA formula in determining one's success in their chosen field?

The QQMA formula is significant because it encompasses the key elements that contribute to success: the quality and quantity of service rendered, as well as the mental attitude with which the service is provided.

What does Napoleon Hill suggest as a practical exercise to experience the benefits of going the extra mile?

Napoleon Hill suggests a practical exercise where one renders useful service to someone without expecting compensation for seven days consecutively, observing the changes in their atmosphere and relationships.

How does the transcript relate the habit of going the extra mile to the law of increasing returns?

The transcript relates the habit of going the extra mile to the law of increasing returns by stating that the service rendered will bring back greater than average compensations, illustrating the principle that more effort leads to greater rewards.

What is the connection between going the extra mile and developing leadership qualities as per the transcript?

The connection is that going the extra mile inspires personal initiative, which is the first step in leadership. It also develops greater self-reliance and courage to move ahead without fear of criticism from others.

Why does Napoleon Hill emphasize the importance of a positive mental attitude in the context of going the extra mile?

Napoleon Hill emphasizes the importance of a positive mental attitude because it enhances the quality of service, makes the act of going the extra mile more enjoyable, and improves personal likability and relationships with others.

Outlines

00:00

🚀 The Power of Going the Extra Mile

In this paragraph, Napoleon Hill, introduced by W. Clement Stone, discusses the critical success principle of 'going the extra mile.' This principle is about providing more and better service than expected, with a positive mental attitude. Hill emphasizes that this habit can lead to numerous benefits, such as attracting opportunities, increasing compensation, and becoming indispensable in one's field. He introduces the 'QQMA Formula' to encapsulate the idea, which stands for Quality, Quantity, Mental Attitude. Hill encourages deliberate and purposeful application of this principle to achieve significant personal advancement.

05:03

🌟 Benefits of the Extra Mile and Overcoming Procrastination

This paragraph delves into the specific advantages of adopting the habit of going the extra mile. Hill outlines 14 benefits, ranging from gaining the attention of influential people, to developing a strong work ethic and a keen imagination. He also touches on how this habit can lead to personal initiative, self-reliance, and courage. Hill further explains that going the extra mile can help one overcome procrastination, a common cause of failure, and can influence others to respect one's integrity and cooperate willingly. He concludes by highlighting the importance of this habit in personal success and its role in creating one's own opportunities.

10:05

🌱 Embracing Nature's Principles for Success

In the final paragraph, Hill uses the metaphor of a farmer's work to illustrate the importance of going the extra mile. He points out that just as a farmer must perform tasks without immediate compensation and trust in nature's cycle to yield a harvest, one must also invest effort without immediate reward in their career. Hill suggests an experiment for the listener: to perform a week of unsolicited, uncompensated acts of service with a positive attitude. He promises that this practice will lead to a more favorable environment and personal happiness, bringing one closer to the 'supreme secret of success.' Hill invites the listener to share their experience after the experiment, setting the stage for further guidance in future discussions.

Keywords

💡Success Principle

The term 'Success Principle' refers to the fundamental principles or habits that lead to achievement and prosperity. In the video, it is associated with the idea of 'going the extra mile,' which is a habit of providing more and better service than expected. The concept is central to the video's theme, emphasizing the importance of exceeding expectations as a path to personal and professional advancement.

💡Extra Mile

The 'Extra Mile' is a metaphor for going beyond the basic requirements or expectations in one's work or service. The video discusses this concept as a key to success, suggesting that those who consistently provide more than what is expected will gain recognition and opportunities. It is exemplified by the speaker's assertion that this habit can lead to personal advancement and higher compensation.

💡Quality of Service

The 'Quality of Service' pertains to the standard or grade of the service provided. In the context of the video, it is one of the components of the QQMA formula, which the speaker presents as a formula for success. High-quality service, when combined with quantity and the right mental attitude, is said to determine one's position and compensation in their chosen field.

💡Quantity of Service

The 'Quantity of Service' indicates the amount or volume of service rendered. According to the video, increasing the quantity of service, along with its quality and the mental attitude with which it is provided, is crucial for personal success. It is part of the QQMA formula and is highlighted as a way to stand out and excel in one's occupation.

💡Mental Attitude

In the video, 'Mental Attitude' refers to the mindset or disposition with which one approaches their work and service. It is a critical component of the QQMA formula, suggesting that a positive mental attitude can significantly influence the outcome of one's service and, by extension, their success. The speaker emphasizes the importance of rendering service with a pleasing mental attitude.

💡QQMA Formula

The 'QQMA Formula' is a specific formula introduced by Napoleon Hill in the video, which stands for Quality, Quantity, Mental Attitude. It encapsulates the idea that success in one's chosen calling is determined by the quality and quantity of service rendered, along with the mental attitude in which it is done. The formula is presented as a memorable way to understand and apply the principles of success.

💡Personal Initiative

'Personal Initiative' is the concept of taking action or making decisions on one's own, without waiting for instructions from others. The video suggests that going the extra mile fosters this quality, which is a step towards leadership. It is exemplified by the speaker's advice to move ahead without fear of criticism, demonstrating self-reliance and courage.

💡Promotion

In the context of the video, 'Promotion' refers to the advancement in one's career or position. The speaker argues that consistently going the extra mile provides a legitimate reason for seeking a promotion or higher pay, as it demonstrates value beyond the basic job requirements. It is used to illustrate the tangible benefits of exceeding expectations at work.

💡Law of Increasing Returns

'Law of Increasing Returns' is an economic principle suggesting that the more you put into something, the more you get out of it. In the video, this law is applied to the concept of service, indicating that rendering more and better service will result in greater compensation. It is used to justify the benefits of going the extra mile.

💡Integrity

'Integrity' refers to the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. The video mentions that going the extra mile influences others to respect one's integrity, which can inspire cooperation and support. It is highlighted as a key factor in building trust and fostering positive relationships in the workplace.

💡Mastermind Alliance

A 'Mastermind Alliance' is a concept where individuals with similar goals or interests collaborate and share knowledge to achieve greater success. The video suggests that the habit of going the extra mile conditions the mind to maintain such alliances, which can lead to mutual benefits and success.

Highlights

Introduction of Napoleon Hill by W. Clement Stone, highlighting his inspirational books.

The concept of 'going the extra mile' as a success principle for personal advancement.

The QQMA formula for success, emphasizing quality, quantity, and mental attitude in service.

Unconscious following of the QQMA formula by unusually successful individuals.

Advantages of deliberately applying the 'going the extra mile' habit for self-promotion.

Benefits of the habit including attracting opportunities and increasing returns.

Becoming indispensable in one's occupation by consistently providing exceptional service.

The habit's role in securing job preference during economic downturns.

Utilizing the law of contrast to stand out by going the extra mile.

Improving personality and likability through a pleasing mental attitude in service.

Developing an alert imagination by seeking better ways to render service.

Encouraging personal initiative and self-reliance as a first step in leadership.

Mastering the habit of procrastination by consistently going the extra mile.

Influencing others to respect one's integrity and cooperate through the extra mile habit.

Developing definiteness of purpose as a starting point for personal success.

The habit as a justification for asking for promotions or higher pay.

Conditioning the mind for a mastermind alliance with others through the extra mile habit.

The farmer analogy illustrating the necessity of going the extra mile in nature's laws.

A week-long experiment to practice the extra mile habit and observe its effects.

Invitation to share personal experiences after implementing the extra mile habit.

Promise of revealing the master key to success and a form of power in the next visit.

Transcripts

[Music]

how are you as you know my name is w

Clement stone as general manager of the

Napoleon Hill associates it is my

privilege to once again introduce you to

Napoleon Hill the author of how to raise

your own salary Think and Grow Rich and

many other inspirational books this is

another in a series of inspirational

talks by Napoleon Hill what do you want

money anything money can buy a healthy

body a healthy mind happiness

are you seeking higher spiritual values

anything you desire is available if you

follow the Napoleon Hill formula success

is yours if you are ready and now I

share with you Napoleon Hill how do you

do I'm very happy to have this personal

visit with you won't you be seated

please well this our third visit brings

us to the success principle which has

marked the turning point of every person

who has promoted himself or herself from

the lower brackets of success to the

higher planes of achievement where one

acquires everything he desires this

principle is called the habit of going

the extra mile which means the habit of

rendering more service and better

service than one is expected to render

and doing it in a positive mental

attitude I'm going to tell you all I

know about this magic principle of self

advancement because it is the one rule

you must follow if you expect to write

your own price tag and to be sure of

getting it let me describe this success

principle for you in a brief formula

which you can easily remember I call it

the qqm a formula which means the

quality of service you render plus the

quantity of service you render plus the

mental attitude in which you renders

determines the space you occupy in your

chosen calling and the compensation you

get from your services if you want

examined carefully the people whom you

know to be unusually successful you will

discover that they follow the qqm a

formula although they may do so

unconsciously now I wish to give you a

big advantage over those who follow this

formula unconsciously I wish to show you

how to make use of it deliberately with

purpose of forethought so you may make

the principle pay off in a big way and

do it quickly and now I shall tell you

some of the benefits you will enjoy by

following the habit of going the extra

mile one this habit will bring you to

the favorable attention of those who can

and will provide you with opportunities

to promote yourself into a better

circumstance two it will place back of

you that great natural law of increasing

returns through which the service you

render will bring back greater than

average compensations and three

following this habit will make you

indispensable in your chosen occupation

or calling therefore it will place you

in a position to write your own ticket

and for this habit will help you to

excel in your line of work because each

time you render service you endeavour to

do a better job than you did previously

and five if you work for a salary or

wages this habit will give you

preference when work is slack and others

are laid off and six it will help you to

benefit by the law of contrast because

the others around you will not be going

the first mile let alone the second mile

and seven following this habit of doing

your very best in all of your efforts

and doing it in a pleasing mental

attitude will improve your personality

and make you liked by others and eight

it will also help you to develop a keen

alert imagination because you will be

continuously seeking new and better ways

of rendering useful service 9 it will

inspire you to move on your own personal

initiative instead of waiting to be told

what to do a habit which is the first

step in leadership in all

the habit of going the extra mile

definitely develops greater

self-reliance and gives one more courage

to move ahead without the fear of

criticism from others and here is one

thing it does which if it benefited you

in no other way but justify you in

adopting it it helps you to master the

destructive habit of procrastination

they one habit which heads the list of

causes of failure 12 going the extra

mile influences other people to respect

your integrity and inspire them to go

out of their way to cooperate with you

in a friendly spirit and 13 the habit

helps you to develop definiteness of

purpose which is the starting point of

all personal success and it stops you

from drifting through life without

knowing what you want or where you are

going and number 14 and here is the

grand payoff which this habit gives you

it provides you with the one and only

excuse for asking for a promotion to a

better station in life or a higher pay

obviously if you are doing no more than

you are being paid for and you are

receiving pay for all to which you are

entitled and you have not a single

excuse for asking for more pay or a

better position you understand this

point and appreciate its significance to

your not 15 last but not least the habit

of going the extra mile conditions your

mind to maintain a mastermind alliance

with others ever so often I hear people

complain about their not receiving

favorable breaks in their relations with

others I never hear this sort of

complaint from one of my students of the

science of success nor from anyone who

has ever read any book that I have

written because all of my students have

learned the secret of how to create

their own favorable breaks they do it by

following the habit of going the extra

mile I can tell you frankly I have never

received a major favorable break during

my entire life that did not come from

having applied the approval of going the

extra mile sometimes I hear people

complain also that their positions are

such that they are not permitted to go

the extra mile and my counsel to these

people is always the same

change positions and market your

services where it pays to go the extra

mile I am sincere in giving this advice

because I know that no one can do better

than earn a mere living unless and until

he begins going the extra mile during my

business career I suppose I have

employed at one time or another at least

a score of private secretaries all of

whom followed the habit of going the

extra mile but I have never been able to

keep but one of those secretaries for

more than a year because invariably they

promoted themselves into better paying

jobs elsewhere and they did so with my

full blessings the one exception is my

present chief secretary who has been

with me for over 10 years I married her

to make sure I wouldn't lose her of

course there were other considerations

too and while I am speaking of

secretaries graduating from my service

into better jobs I believe it will

interest you to know that at least 6 of

them finally married the men for whom

they worked after leaving my service

thus it is not unlikely that the habit

of going the extra mile is one of the

surest routes to a desirable marriage by

a young woman secretary who follows this

habit in her secretarial duties the

reason I know definitely that the habit

of going the extra mile is a sound

procedure is the fact that I have

checked this principle as I did all of

the other 16 success principles to make

sure they were in harmony with natural

laws I can give you a fine example of

how nature forces man to go the extra

mile in order that he may produce the

food with which to exist this farmer for

example must follow the habit of

clearing the ground fencing it plowing

it and planting the seed at the right

season of the year all of which he must

do in advance without compensation of

any kind if he does his part of the work

properly he then has the job over to

nature sits down and waits for her to do

her part and within a brief period

nature germinates the seed the farmer

plants matures it

and use back to him the seed he planted

plus perhaps and increase of a hundred

times that amount to compensate him for

having gone the extra mile first we see

that the law of increasing returns comes

to the aid of the man who goes the extra

mile and this principle applies the same

in rendering service in a job as it does

in the fields of a farmer if the farmer

did not follow the habit of going the

extra mile the human race would starve

to death in one season and I am sure you

will agree that anytime we can copy

Mother Nature's habits we will not go

wrong in doing so you now have a

possession of the third principle of

personal achievement which brings you

three steps near the secret by which you

may take possession of the master key to

success in order that you may test the

magic power of this third principle I'm

going to offer you a suggestion which

may bring you such overwhelming success

that you will not need to attend further

visits with me my suggestion is this

first start tomorrow in whatever

occupation you are engaged to render

some form of useful service to someone

near you which you are not expected to

render and for which you neither expect

nor ask for compensation and to render

this service in a pleasing mental

attitude which will show clearly that

you enjoy doing it and three follow this

practice seven days in succession and

then notice what a changed atmosphere

you will enjoy in your association with

those near issue in carrying out these

instructions do not make known your plan

to anyone but go ahead and do it in the

most natural way possible by the end of

the seventh day you will find yourself

so much happier and so much better like

by those around you that you will never

desire to give up the habit then you

will be within the easy reach of the

supreme secret of success which comes

through the master key to success after

you have tried this experiment for one

week will you please write me a personal

letter and tell me exactly what the

experience taught you in my fourth visit

with you I will give you a very definite

as to the means by which you may

appropriate and use the great master key

and in this same clue I will introduce

you to the source of a form of power

which does not recognize the word

impossible and helps you to transmute

all failures and defeats and all

adversities into assets of great benefit

to you and now until our next visit may

I remind you that if you believe it you

can do it

[Music]