Success philosophers and gurus advocate "going the extra mile" as a prerequisite for accumulating riches. They claim that only the individual who gives more than he is receives-or is willing to put in the extra effort without any immediate returns reaps the benefits of success and prosperity. In his book "The Master Key to Riches" Napoleon Hill convincingly presents his case for achieving success through a positive mental attitude-definiteness of purpose-and going the extra mile to achieve your goals and desires.

The questions we must ask: Is the above a myth? Is going the extra mile altruistic behavior that benefits only the one who receives? Or is it possible that going the extra mile is actually rationally selfish behavior that also benefits the acting individual?

Is Going the Extra Mile Self-Defeating Altruistic Behavior?

You've heard stories about greedy business owners and managers who attempt to get as much work out as an employee as possible-while paying him as little as possible. You know-greedy capitalists exploit the helpless worker whose family will starve and be rendered homeless unless he works his tail off.

Now it is true that some employers act in this manner. The only reason employers can get by with this abuse is that government intervention in the form of excessive taxes and minimum wage laws guarantee that there is institutional unemployment. These and other "progressive" social reforms-that are supposed to benefit the worker-place him at a distinct disadvantage. The result: There are unemployed individuals or those with lower paying jobs ready to replace him. Of course the employer is well aware of his advantage. I believe we can honestly state that it is greedy politicians-not greedy capitalists causing the exploitation of workers.

Under a system of Laissez faire (unhampered) capitalism, labor is scarce. The negotiating advantage in obtaining higher wages goes to the worker-especially skilled laborers and specialists. Fortunately even the unskilled worker is in a better negotiating position.

Government interference with the marketplace is the only source of institutional unemployment. Under a system of unhampered capitalism there would be only transitional unemployment-unemployment caused by changing conditions, new innovative industries and (or) a change in consumer desires. Since unhampered capitalism is an open dynamic system, all unemployment is short-lived.

With many people believing they are exploited by greedy employers it's no wonder that they attempt to work as little as possible-producing just enough to keep their jobs. Unbeknownst to them they are indulging in irrationally selfish behavior. Their behavior is self-defeating-guaranteeing that they suffer a life of mediocrity-if not downright failure.

Rational Selfishness and Going the Extra Mile

The one fact of reality people seem to forget is that going the extra mile and improving their own skills and work ethic is rationally selfish behavior. It is beneficial for the individual who puts out the extra effort. Why is this so? Isn't this giving value without receiving at least equivalent value in return? You could look at it this way if your mind is fixated on only short-term gains.

Obviously, as stated earlier, it is foolish (altruistic) behavior to give value to those who refuse to give any in return. There are always those who attempt to extort value. You've no doubt known people who attempt to improve their situation by using others. A word of advice. Avoid social altruists and people who act in irrationally selfish ways. They are detrimental to your mental, emotional and financial health. Only deal with rationally selfish individuals who believe in trading value for value-and demonstrate it in their actions. Also make sure you practice rational selfishness on a consistent basis.

Conclusion - Do It for Your Own Sake

When you go the extra mile in all your activities you are doing it for your own sake. You are improving your long-term situation. People know you as a person who gets things done. If your current boss doesn't properly reward you for your extra effort, another farsighted employer will. If your spouse or significant other doesn't appreciate your valiant effort to give extraordinary value, I'm sure there are plenty of other individuals seeking a partner with your qualities.

Individuals who trade value for value are scarce. You are probably aware how highly scarce commodities are valued. We can conclude that going the extra mile is rationally selfish behavior. You come out victorious in two ways.

1. Every time you go the extra mile you are improving yourself and your prospects for a better life.

2. You come to the attention of individuals who believe in trading value for value and practice it as a way of life.