Do You Want the Extra Mile? (For Your Car and Your Life)

 Do You Want the Extra Mile? (For Your Car and Your Life)

If you own a vehicle—especially in a place where fuel prices are high—you’ve probably wished it could go just a few extra miles on every tank. And when it does, you feel genuinely happy. We’ve all had that conversation when buying a new car: “What’s the mileage like?” Sometimes the answer is satisfying; other times, it’s a disappointment. Since fuel costs are unpredictable and recurring, most of us want to keep them under control.

There’s one group of people who take great care of their vehicles. They drive at steady speeds, follow maintenance schedules, and stick to the rule book. And sure enough, they enjoy great mileage. Then there’s another group—the complete opposite. The initial excitement of buying the vehicle fades with use. These are the ones who suffer from poor mileage, unexpected repairs, and rising fuel bills.

Now, let’s relate this to life.

Many of us dream of a long and healthy life—and we work for it. Morning routines, healthy lifestyles, and early bedtimes. Some people call us overly cautious; others call us disciplined. But it doesn’t matter what the world thinks. Like careful vehicle owners, we’re simply trying to get that extra mile out of our own bodies and years.

Then there’s the second group. They believe: Live as you desire. Tomorrow is a bonus. Just chill out and enjoy this minute. But here’s the catch—when sickness hits, even taking an extra step can feel impossible. That’s when regret creeps in. It’s just like the rash driver who never cleans their car or bothers with periodic service, only to end up spending a fortune on repairs.

 Yes, we all have choices—how we maintain our vehicle, and how we maintain ourselves. We all know that discipline makes a difference. But knowing alone has never changed anyone’s life. It’s doing what we know, and doing it well, that helps us get that extra mile—from our car, from our health, and from our time on this earth. And when we do, we gain not just more miles, but more meaning—for ourselves and for others.

 M.L. Narendra Kumar