How can I lean into “going the extra mile” this week without burning out?

Start each day by defining what “extra” means for you in one sentence—make it specific and doable. Afterward, journal on two columns: (1) value added, (2) cost to me. If the cost repeatedly outweighs the value, scale back. Use the daily prompts to check your balance—especially the ones on burnout and responsibility. Goethe’s line, “As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live,” is your filter: if the extra mile aligns with your values, it’s fuel; if it’s driven by fear or people-pleasing, it drains you. In Stoic, reflect in the evening on one sign you were nearing your limit (fatigue, irritability, resentment) and one boundary you’ll try tomorrow. Hesse’s “stillness and sanctuary” reminds you to pause—take a minute of quiet before committing to any extra ask.

Can you give me a simple nightly journaling flow for this theme?

Try this 5-minute flow in Stoic each night: 1) Moment: Describe one instance you went above and beyond today (or chose not to). 2) Motive: Was it driven by care, curiosity, or fear? 3) Outcome: What changed—for you and for others? 4) Cost check: Energy spent (low/medium/high) and was it worth it? 5) Alignment: Which quote guides you tonight? • Nelson on focus (joy follows focus) • Frick’s “be who your dog thinks you are” (integrity) • Obama on keeping the door open (service). 6) Tiny extra for tomorrow: Name one small, sustainable extra step—or one boundary to protect your energy.

How do I journal through regret when going the extra mile backfired?

Use a compassionate debrief: 1) Facts only: What did I do? What actually happened? 2) Needs check: Which need was I trying to meet (belonging, excellence, being helpful)? 3) Lesson: What would I repeat, and what would I revise? Tie this to the prompt, “Is there an ‘extra mile’ moment you’d choose to do differently?” 4) Boundary sentence: “Next time I’ll help by X, and I won’t take on Y.” 5) Reframe with a quote: Thoreau’s “dreams awake”—aim for efforts that keep your dreams alive, not efforts that exhaust them. Close by noting one way you’ll keep the door open for others (Obama) without closing it on yourself. Capture this in Stoic so the lesson is easy to revisit later this week.

On Going Extra Mile

This week, we’ll reflect on the times we went above and beyond.

August 31, 2025

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