Shawn Anderson, Extra Mile Day Founder: Why Going the Extra Mile Matters in Life

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Sep 03, 2025, 08:59 ET

Anderson: "Extra Mile message has the power to impact everything about our lives."

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 1, over 500 mayors from across the United States will proclaim Extra Mile Day - a day recognizing the inspiring individuals who unselfishly "go the extra mile" and volunteer in their local communities.

According to Extra Mile Day founder Shawn Anderson, the message of the unique declaration extends even further than the celebration of volunteers. It also has the power to impact everything about our lives.

Shawn Anderson, Founder of "Extra Mile Day." On 11/1/24, 517 U.S. cities made the Extra Mile Day declaration recognizing their local heroes "going the extra mile" in volunteerism in their communities.

Since 2009, over 800 different cities have declared Extra Mile Day.

"Imagine if you asked your boss, 'What is something extra I can do to help us succeed?' Imagine if you asked a friend, 'What can I do to help you reach your goal?' Imagine if you reached out to a nonprofit whose mission you cared about and said, 'I want to help,'" says Anderson. "It's living with that sort of extra-mile attitude and effort that has the power to influence everything about our lives."

Anderson's message is consistent and to the point: "Want a better life? Go the extra mile." Whether it is encouraging others to pursue goals with passionate purpose or uplifting people who have been rocked by disappointment, Anderson, the author of A Better Life: An Inspiring Story About Starting Over, dedicates his life to empowering others to live the best version of themselves.

Besides creating Extra Mile Day, Anderson is a lifetime entrepreneur who walks his talk. He is the author of seven books, has pedaled a bike solo across the United States twice, and has walked across nine countries since 2014 - the furthest being 750 miles in Shikoku, Japan.

"We easily point out what we don't like about our lives and spend time wishing for better jobs, richer bank accounts, improved health, and happier relationships," says Anderson. "But all the complaining and wishing in the world won't change our lives. It's when we do more and give more than we currently are that we create the opportunity for change to happen. Extra Mile Day reminds us that the positive change we seek begins with the person in the mirror."

For more information about Extra Mile Day, visit ExtraMileAmerica.org.

Contact:
Extra Mile America
Shawn Anderson
[email protected]
310-402-4826

SOURCE Extra Mile America