Stay connected to all the Greatness Zone has to offer

You look at your first cup of coffee and think this is good – but how could it be just a bit better. How about adding some ground cardamom to it – or a flavored creamer – the “and then some…”

You look at a report you are preparing for your manager – it is good, but what could make it better? How about adding an “objective” statement at the top to be sure everyone who reads your report knows its purpose and its impact – the “and then some…”

“And then some” is just my way of looking at everything to find ways to do it just a bit better. I am not alone in this thinking. Ken Blanchard, author of Raving Fans calls it the +1. SL Parker in his book and video 212° calls it one extra degree. Emeril Lagasse calls it Bam! and then adds yet more garlic, booze or something that the audience cheers for.

There are two parts to everything we do:

1. Doing what is expected - knowing what “done right” looks like and always doing it – ordinary.

2. Doing something extra – the “and then some…” – extraordinary.

Adding the “and then some” only works if you first commit to getting whatever it is you are doing right in the first place. Emeril Lagasse cooking a fabulous dish (what is expected); making enough for everyone to have some (doing the extra). Developing a complete and meaningful financial analysis at work (what is expected); educating  your teammates how to use the pivot table or sort function in Excel (doing the extra).

These events can happen in every part of our lives. Here are few more examples:

• Dinner is great but why not add the music and candles?

• Cleaning your room (because your parents asked) is good; why not fold your laundry too? (“And then some” can be done at any age.)

• Get your favorite coffee then and why not offer to pay for the coffee for the person behind you?

• Planting beautiful gardens to appreciate your yard is great, why not buy an extra flat of flowers for your elderly neighbor’s yard for her to enjoy?

• You hold the door for the person behind you – why not smile and ask how they are as well?

The only difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra – that “and then some…” And, it is always our choice whether or not to do the extra. We choose to step out of the ordinary – or not.

There are opportunities everywhere to do a little more – to be a little better. And when we do, not only does another person benefit (reason alone to do it), but also we benefit. We improve the quality of the moments of our life. And a day is great when it includes many small extraordinary moments – brought on by doing and receiving the “and then somes…”

Challenge yourself to do 5 “and then some” events each day. See what changes for you – and for them. Then share your events so we all can benefit. You’ll be inspired…

All good news should be shared, and choosing to add the “and then some” to what you do in work and life is great news. Please share this with someone who can benefit from it. Contact me to learn about greatness coaching and how it can help you build an “and then some” life. More details and tools at www.TheGreatnessZone.com.