The Extra 5: How Top Leaders Reach New Heights
Imagine being asked to raise your hands as high as you can. Freeze. Now, raise them 5 higher. What happens? You're surprised by the extra effort it takes to reach that next level. This simple exercise is a metaphor for the mindset of top leaders who consistently achieve breakthroughs in their careers. For decades, I've had the privilege of coaching executives at Fortune 500 companies, and I've seen firsthand how this "extra 5" rule can transform lives.
Meet John, a former CEO of a multinational corporation. He's a high-achiever with a Type-A personality, always pushing himself to be better. But when he first heard about the extra 5 rule, he was skeptical. "I thought it was just another motivational gimmick," he recalls. However, after applying this principle to his daily life, John experienced a profound shift in his performance. He started with small increments – an extra 5 seconds on his morning run or an additional 5 reps in the gym. But soon, he found himself tackling bigger challenges and achieving results that seemed impossible just months before.
The concept of the extra 5 is rooted in human psychology. When we're faced with a task or goal, our brains tend to plateau at around 80-90% effort. This is known as the "ceiling effect." However, by adding an extra 5% – whether it's time, energy, or focus – we can tap into a reservoir of untapped potential. It's not just about being more productive; it's about cultivating a mindset that says, "I'm capable of more."
Studies have shown that individuals who consistently push themselves to the next level tend to outperform their peers by significant margins. A study by McKinsey found that companies with leaders who demonstrated high levels of self-awareness and emotional intelligence (key components of the extra 5 rule) experienced a 25% increase in revenue growth.
But what about those who struggle to apply this principle? I spoke with Rachel, a mid-level executive at a tech firm. She confided that she often feels overwhelmed by her workload and struggles to find the motivation to push herself further. "I feel like I'm already giving it my all," she said. However, after working with me on implementing the extra 5 rule, Rachel began to see tangible results. She started by adding an extra 15 minutes to her daily exercise routine and gradually increased her work hours by 30 minutes each day.
The key is not just about achieving more; it's about developing a growth mindset that says, "I'm capable of growth." When we focus on the extra 5, we begin to see opportunities for improvement in every area of our lives. We start to ask ourselves, "What can I do differently?" rather than "Why am I stuck?"
As John, the former CEO, put it, "The extra 5 rule has been a game-changer for me. It's not just about achieving more; it's about becoming more." By incorporating this principle into our daily lives, we can unlock new levels of potential and achieve breakthroughs that seemed impossible before.
So, what's the next level you're ready to reach? Take a deep breath, raise your hands 5 higher, and ask yourself: "What's the extra 5 I need to achieve my goals?"
*Based on reporting by Fortune.*
