This story was told a long time ago by Dr. John Maxwell, but the message is so poignant and says so much it is a timeless story.

Shortly after the end of World War II, Europe was in ruins. Perhaps the saddest sight were the little orphaned children, starving in the war-torn streets. Early one chilly morning in London, an American soldier was making his way back to the barracks. Turning the corner in a jeep, he spotted a little boy of 6 or 7, who was standing with his nose pressed to the window of a pastry shop. The hungry boy stared in silence as the baker kneaded dough for a fresh batch of doughnuts.

The soldier pulled his jeep over, got out and walked quietly to where the little fellow was standing. Through the steamy window, he gazed at the mouthwatering treats. The soldier's heart went out to the child, so he asked, "Son, would you like some of those?" Startled, the little boy peered up at the tall American and cried, "Oh, yes, sir, I would!" Quietly, the soldier stepped inside, bought a dozen doughnuts, and exited into the London fog. Turning to the child, he smiled, held out the bag and said simply, "Here you are." As he turned to walk away, he felt a tug on his coat. He stopped and smiled back at the boy, only to hear him quietly ask, "Mister, are you God?"

Obviously, the soldier was not God, but he was a genuine unsung hero. He was an encourager, who demonstrated to the child that there were kind and compassionate people in the world. I have an idea that the child never forgot that unknown soldier who had helped to fill an empty life. Think about it. Do a simple deed, and be an unsung hero. If you do it regularly, I will see you at the top!

Close Doesn't Count

Many of you, I'm certain, have heard the old saying that "close doesn't count, except in horseshoes and grenades." In most cases, that little "funny" is right on target because sometimes little things do make big differences. For example, an extra 20 minutes a day can have a profound impact on your future with your company. Instead of making a mad dash to work and racing through the door to clock in by 8 a.m., why not arrive 10 minutes early, unpack your gear, get a cup of coffee if that's your desire, and be at your work station working when the 8 o'clock "whistle" blows?

It's amazing how much more you can get done with a relaxed, prepared starting time than if you have to make that mad dash and still miss the starting gun. Psychologically, you begin to play catch-up, and that's not good. There is a better way. At the end of the day, instead of packing everything up and closing your work station 10 minutes before your official leaving time, wait until 5 o'clock, close your work station and pack your bag, and after 5, casually walk to the abandoned parking lot and, in complete safety, begin your drive home. Many people are injured in the dash to get out of the office or the parking lot.

Your employer takes note of those who make the last-minute dashes to get in and out and those who get a head start and work until the final moment. One reason they notice is those employees get more done. That's an indication of a deeper commitment to the job. Management likes that. Please understand; I'm not talking about working an extra two hours a day. I'm talking about working your full eight-hour day. Give it a try. Do it regularly, and I'll see you at the top!

To find out more about Zig Ziglar and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. Subscribe to Zig Ziglar's free e-mail newsletter through info@zigziglar.com.

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