To be better than the median, we are often forced to go the extra mile, above and beyond. Whether to get that extra income, that job or even that status among your peers. Taking that extra hour to gain a new skill or that part-time job to earn extra. Going above and beyond is a unique strategy for getting there.
Living life to its fullest is rather intriguing and to say the least an art that we all pretend to know best. Yet unintuitively we all acknowledge that we have no idea what it truly means. Whether to live frugally, as a minimalist, essentialist or lavishly depends on our situation.
I will confess that I do not know what living to the fullest means, so I choose to go the above-and-beyond route.
The idea is not to become better than others, become noticed for that promotion or even please anyone. Going above and beyond is an idea for self-improvement, personal growth and small wins. All these essentially compound to an exceptional and growing yourself to a point of desirable and radiating importance.
I watched this one scene on Family Guy, not exactly what I mean here but a fantastic idea of going above and beyond.
But why?
Well, the phrase in itself means doing everything possible, and even going the extra to be adept at something or to push beyond limits. Now we often can go above and beyond for the wrong reason or idea. Unknowingly this will always lead to regret, frustration, burnout and even unyielding of positive results.
Here are a few wrong reasons to go above and beyond:
- To be a people pleaser.
- To be seen or noticed
- Fear of consequences
- Egocentric competitiveness
- Guilt
- Perfectionism
- Unrealistic expectations
Remember that one time when you did your homework and submitted it two days before the deadline, or that one time you did extra work for your boss outside of your job description to get noticed.
No one cares…..
That is as honest as it gets. Going above and beyond for other reasons rather than those of personal growth, and self-improvement and that aligns with your values and personal growth, rather than being driven by unhealthy motivations.
Investing above and beyond for personal growth and expectations that fulfil you as a person can be very fruitful.
How to go above and beyond
Going above and beyond is not a clear-cut process or a route for all, it all depends on personal goals, intentions and values. However, there are a few things that you can do to be effective in accomplishing those goals:
1. Set Clear and Achievable Goals
Although the idea is going above and beyond, you do not want to work on a blank canvas that has no boundaries, even the universe, the greatest masterpiece has its limits from which it expands.
Setting clear goals helps make a metric upon which we can measure our score of success and improve. If you want to be the best cyclist you do not start with competing in the trancontinental race. Learn to cycle first.
Whether the goals are career goals, personal development or professional acuity, it has to be from a personal and not an unhealthy motivation.
2. Be Consistent
As much as it is important to set standards and goal plans, consistency is key. Consistency is a key factor in achieving success and maintaining it in various aspects of life. It involves steadfast adherence to a set of principles, actions, or behaviours over time.
It helps you achieve your goals, build trust, and maintain positive habits. While it may be challenging at times, the benefits of consistency are well worth the effort, as it leads to long-term success and fulfilment.
3. Embrace Challenges as New Opportunities
Going above and beyond is an extremity it means facing new challenges and exploring new boundaries. To navigate and move around these challenges it is important to approach them anxiously as opportunities to learn.
Continuously developing your expertise, staying up-to-date with industry trends, and embracing a strong work ethic are essential. Being punctual, reliable, and dedicated to your commitments will set a strong foundation. Take initiative by proactively identifying problems and offering solutions. Show enthusiasm and a positive attitude in your approach to tasks, which can inspire and motivate those around you.
4. Learn a New Skill
Your approach to learning new skills can demonstrate your commitment to career advancement and desire to go above and beyond the responsibilities of your position.
In a rapidly changing world, it’s crucial to adapt and evolve. Be flexible and open to change, while continuously seeking opportunities for personal and professional growth.
5. Manage your time
Managing your time is very crucial when you are learning or working more than you would necessarily do. This includes learning how to prioritize tasks and projects to maximize productivity.
Time planning is very crucial as it helps avoid procrastination and manage distractions.
6. Avoid Overextending Yourself
Avoiding burnout is essential for maintaining your physical and mental well-being and sustaining long-term productivity and happiness. Remember that burnout is a serious condition that can have long-lasting physical and mental health consequences.
If you find yourself experiencing severe burnout, it’s essential to seek professional help or counselling to address the issue effectively.
Final Thoughts
Above and beyond could be constructive when used for the right reason, however, if you overspend yourself on working and making efforts for the wrong reason, you end up with burnout. That kind of energy is better spent on self-improvement, career growth and personal growth.
In our pursuit of success, happiness, and personal growth, it’s important to consider the role of balance, self-awareness, and our motivations.
I believe that our biggest priority is ourselves, our goals, and our personal growth. Therefore, if you have to go above and beyond then you have to put yourself first.
Go above and beyond for yourself. Do not kill yourself.
