THE EXTRA MILE

 THE EXTRA MILE

 

“Drive the extra mile.” These words flashed across the billboard as Liam walked through the crowded city streets. It was a vague inspirational slogan to an ordinary observer, but to Liam, it felt like God was giving him a sign; it felt like a beacon of hope. His life had become a struggle, a monotonous grind, working round the clock on a job that seemed to suck every ounce of enthusiasm he had. Despite his sincere efforts, his bosses found joy and immense satisfaction in pointing out every tiny flaw in a packed conference room every morning, their criticisms echoing like a constant drumbeat in his ears.

 

Liam’s apartment was cramped, barely large enough to move around in, and his finances were always stretched thin. He often contemplated quitting his job, a decision he knew would only plunge him into more profound uncertainty and instability. But something about the billboard ignited some emotions in him: a promise of potential beyond the stark frustrations of his current reality.

 

Following his hunch, Liam contacted the number on the billboard. The call leads him to Sean, a seasoned coach renowned for his transformative training programmes. Sean was an imposing father figure with a calm demeanour, and he welcomed Liam with a warm embrace and a firm handshake. “Ready to drive that extra mile?” he asked, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm and conviction.

 

The training began the next day but could have been smoother sailing. Liam faced obstacles and health issues that made each session a struggle. Yet Sean was steadfast in his belief that perseverance would pay off. “It’s only a matter of time,” Sean reassured him and hammered the thought into his head during the darkest moments.

 

Days they turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Liam’s progress was slow but undeniable. The harsh criticisms from his bosses grew less frequent every morning as they struggled to find fault in his improving work, no matter how hard they tried. It was clear that something had changed.

 

One crisp winter morning, as Liam walked to work, he noticed the billboard was gone, replaced by a flashy new ad featuring an attractive female model. Yet the words “Drive the extra mile” still lingered and played in his mind like a chant, a mantra that had carried him through countless gruelling, exhaustive sessions.

 

Liam’s hard work reached the intro at a pivotal moment: a significant project presentation that impressed and shut the mouths of even the harshest critics. His bosses, who had once revealed and revelled in his shortcomings, were now left dumbfounded and speechless. Liam detected a faint sign of respect for him in them for the first time.

 

The transformation was not limited to his job. With newfound confidence and success, Liam was able to relocate to an upscale neighbourhood. His new address wasn’t just a location change; it was “an address crafted for generations,” a symbol of hard-earned triumph that marked his rise from extreme struggle to success, from rags to riches.

 

Liam’s success story became a local legend. He and Sean were celebrated as the toast of the town, their journey and association a testament to the power of perseverance and patience and the profound impact of going the extra mile.