MARINA DEL REY, Calif., Sept. 26, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- September 26, 2012 -- Whether it is empowering others to continue to pursue unrealized dreams or encouraging people not to let life's tragedies derail hope, Shawn Anderson is intent on inspiring others to keep giving life their best. As he travels around the country, this best-selling author and motivational speaker has a clear message for helping others overcome life's unfavorable circumstances and events: "go the extra mile."
Anderson, however, doesn't only speak about going the extra mile, he does it. First spreading the message across the U.S. in 2009, Anderson pedaled a bicycle 4,000 miles from San Francisco to Boston to symbolize the "go the extra mile" theme. On the solo ride, Anderson, a non-bicyclist, created events in 21 cities where he interviewed over 200 people identified as going the extra mile in overcoming setback or who had taken great risk in order to accomplish something significant. After the ninety-day tour, Anderson personally gave away $10,000 to those people whose stories he found especially inspiring.
Since then, as the Founder of Extra Mile America, Anderson has kept the momentum of the "go the extra mile" movement alive by creating "Extra Mile Day." The November 1st date recognizes the capacity each person has in creating positive change in all aspects of his or her life by going the extra mile. In 2009, twenty-three mayors made the Extra Mile Day declaration. In 2012, the movement has expanded to an anticipated 325 cities.
"Although Extra Mile Day is November 1st, it is far more than just going the extra mile on a single day," Anderson says. "It's purpose is to highlight the power we each have to create dramatic change in our own lives every day whenever we choose to dig deep…go further…and try harder."
With a mission of "empowering 1 million people to live a more passionate and purposeful existence," Anderson started his career motivating people by first motivating himself. After graduating from University of California @ Berkeley and with only $300 dollars to his name, Anderson found himself working the graveyard shift at a 7-11 convenience store. While there, Anderson created a success system that would change his life. Years later, Anderson shared his success system in his book, SOAR to the Top!, which has sold over 45,000 copies. He is now the author of six books including A Better Life: An Inspiring Story About Starting Over and Extra Mile America: Stories of Inspiration, Possibility and Purpose.
Why does Anderson do what he does? "It's impossible to go through life without feeling a devastating punch of some kind," Anderson says. "A personal failure, a family tragedy…we've all felt it. But when life knocks us down, hearing someone else remind us that hope still exists can be an invaluable encouragement in stoking our resiliency and helping us get back up and move forward again."
In a time when many people desire more change, Anderson's "go the extra mile" mission is resonating with others. Anaheim, California, resident Gail Marshall had this to say, "Shawn is dynamic…and so is his message. He is all heart and soul, and he pushes the buttons that make us want to live differently." Daisy Larios, a Marriott Hotel Senior Sales Manager in Burbank, California, has also benefitted from Anderson's go the extra mile message. "As a single mom, I had lost faith that I was ever going to live the life I had dreamed. But since becoming an extra mile person, I have exceeded all my work goals, and I was able to buy my dream house."
"There is an alternative to throwing our hands in the air and giving up when things don't go our way," Anderson says. "If we really want more out of life, it starts with the person in the mirror…and a willingness to do more than we are doing to get more of what we want."
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Shawn@ShawnAnderson.com
For more information, visit ShawnAnderson.com or contact Shawn at Shawn@ShawnAnderson.com. For more information about Extra Mile Day, visit www.ExtraMileAmerica.org.
Shawn Anderson is a best-selling author, national speaker and motivational corporate trainer. His "go the extra mile" philosophy and ability to produce winning results have been praised by national political leaders, Olympic Gold Medal and world record holders, and media outlets across the country.
In addition to being a six-time author, Shawn is the Founder of Extra Mile America, a non-profit organization empowering people. Through the Foundation, Shawn will lead the charge in encouraging more than 300 U.S. mayors in all 50 states to declare November 1, 2012, as Extra Mile Day...a day to acknowledge the capacity we each have to create positive change in our families, organizations and communities when we go the extra mile.
With a mission of "empowering 1,000,000 people to lead a more passionate and purposeful existence," Shawn could be the perfect speaking or training voice for your next event.
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