Maybe five extra push-ups won't matter that night, but what if you do five extra push-ups twice a day six days a week for a year? Or for fifteen years, as I did? Eventually you realize it does make a difference. I was one of those that did extra. If Steve said, "Do a hundred toe-raises and twenty pull-ups," I would do a hundred and five toe-raises and twenty-two pull-ups, while he counted.
The quote reflects the idea that small, consistent efforts can lead to significant improvements over time. While doing a few additional push-ups might seem insignificant on any given day, when repeated consistently—like five extra push-ups twice a day for six days a week for years—those small actions accumulate to create substantial changes. This highlights the importance of persistence and the impact of seemingly minor choices made regularly.
The author, Shannon Miller, emphasizes her commitment to going beyond what is required in her training. By pushing herself to do more than instructed, she was not just following orders; she was investing in her development and performance. This dedication ultimately illustrates how every ounce of effort counts, reinforcing the value of hard work and discipline in achieving one's goals, whether in sports or life.
