Blog #716: Four Words That Changed My Life

Extra Mile Day.

On November 1, 2009…
There were 23 cities.

On November 1, 2025…
There will be over 500.

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In 2009…

I envisioned a day dedicated to honoring the inspiring selflessness of volunteers. The day’s name, Extra Mile Day, came from those choosing to “go the extra mile” in volunteerism and service to make life better for others.

And although the day pops up on the calendar each year on November 1, it captures my time and energy for the six months that precede November 1.

This year, mayors from all 50 states – from Honolulu, Hawaii, to Little Rock, Arkansas, to Orlando, Florida – will issue a proclamation to acknowledge and celebrate the impact of volunteers and organizations who are “going the extra mile” to make a difference and fill needs in their local community.

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BUT…

It was an extra challenging year getting cities officially onboard.

Sadly, many once-participating cities referred to the clapping for volunteers as being “too political.” And although “No” was frustrating to read and hear (especially from my home city of Sacramento), we persevered mightily.

As of this email today…

There are 507 participating cities that are celebrating their cool volunteers.

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Examples?

In Kennewick, Washington…

Kevin Veleke has been honored for his “unwavering commitment to restoring dignity and respect to veterans’ memorials.”

In Waterford, Michigan…

Anne Mobley was recognized for making blankets to donate, working every senior luncheon cleaning dishes and serving meals, volunteering at the Harvest Happening annual festival, and working every election.

In Lewes, Delaware…

The Lewes Beach Patrol was celebrated for their extra-mile commitment and swift response service to community beachgoers. In 2025, they made 35 rescues, responded to 99 injury and health emergencies, treated 1,595 jellyfish stings, and trained 47 junior lifeguards.

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The great news is…

There are a million people doing a million awesome things in our communities.

The unfortunate news is…

We don’t do a very good job of acknowledging them. Volunteers may not be the people making news and TMZ headlines, but they are the inspiring people who are restoring hope, optimism, and kindness.

And they are my heroes.

If you are one of these awesome volunteers…

Thank you.

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It’s hard for me to believe, but…

I have been doing Extra Mile Day for SEVENTEEN years.

And in all these years, a few lessons have been cemented into my heart.

1. Start. And stick.

No matter how crazy your idea, if you have passion in your heart to do it… do it. And then stick with it. If you don’t, you’re only offering regret a chance to find you later in life.

2. Small grows BIG.

Inside us lives the power to build something far greater than we can imagine. I never dreamed there would have been 825+ different cities participating in Extra Mile Day over the years. And it all started with me mustering up the courage to pick up the phone, share the idea…and then go for it.

3. “Going the extra mile” creates change.

The “go the extra mile” theme has never resonated in my head more strongly than it does today. After having walked my life’s walk and experienced the fruit that grows from “going the extra mile,” I know what doing more than the norm consistently grows into. We can improve our health, finances, opportunities, our everything…when we rise up and do MORE.

As for me?

The “go the extra mile” message changed my life.
It has become my guiding philosophy.

If you have a vision to create more in your life…
I hope it becomes your driving philosophy, too.

It’s never too late.

S.