Going Above and Beyond
Anyone can do the bare minimum. But the ones who break free from the pack are the ones who go above and beyond. Not for applause, but because of who they’ve chosen to be.
“To infinity and beyond.”
It’s a beloved quote from Buzz Lightyear, but in today’s world, it might not go over so well on LinkedIn. The idea of going “above and beyond” has become surprisingly controversial.
When I posted online encouraging young professionals to show initiative, volunteer for projects, and take ownership of their growth, the response was intense. Thousands of people chimed in. Many agreed but many more pushed back.
Here are just a few of the comments:
“Do NOT work for free. Do what your job requires and NOTHING more.”
“Going above and beyond doesn't get you anything but more work.”
“Corporate job = abject slavery.”
While I understand the frustration behind these views, I want to offer a different perspective. One that I believe has the power to change your life, far beyond the workplace.
Here are three principles that can help you break out of the bare minimum mindset and build a life of excellence, not just employment.
1. Work for the Future You
Most people work for a paycheck. That’s fine until that mindset starts to shrink your potential. If you’re only working to survive the day, you’re not investing in your future self.
Going above and beyond isn’t about doing free work. It’s about growing capacity, building integrity, and preparing for what’s next, even when no one’s watching. Your current situation may not reward you now, but it’s shaping who you’ll be when the opportunity comes.
2. Separate Effort from Outcome
Excellence isn’t a vending machine. You don’t press a button and get a prize.
We live in a culture of instant gratification. Post a video, get likes. Finish a project, expect a raise. But real growth rarely works that way.
Olympic athletes train for years before the podium. Entrepreneurs grind through failure before their breakthrough. Teachers show up every day for kids who may never say thank you.
Excellence is a seed, not a trophy. It’s about consistency, not applause. So don’t wait for the applause. Build the habit of showing up, doing your best, and letting the results come in time.
3. Don’t Let Dysfunction Define You
Yes, many workplaces are broken. Toxic cultures, bad bosses, and a lack of appreciation are real issues. But if you let that dysfunction change who you are, you lose.
Bitterness is a trap. It may feel justified, but it shrinks you. It hardens your heart, clouds your vision, and limits your future.
You can’t always change your boss. But you can choose how you show up. You can still bring excellence. You can still lead with character. That’s what sets you apart.
Going above and beyond isn’t about being a corporate pawn. It’s about becoming the kind of person that opportunities chase. Excellence creates gravity. It pulls people in. It makes you unforgettable. Not because of your job title, but because of who you are.
Anyone can do the bare minimum. But the ones who break free from the pack are the ones who go above and beyond. Not for applause, but because of who they’ve chosen to be.
So today, wherever you work, whatever you do, choose to do it well. Even if no one claps. Even if no one sees. Because you’ll know. And you’ll be ready.