Anyone can exceed the expectations of others. It makes you a better friend, person and colleague.
People who somehow do a bit more, a bit sooner than others have that special sauce that makes them look and feel successful. If you’ve ever wondered why few people meet their deadlines with a slew of excuses and even fewer exceed them, I’m with you. Under promise, over deliver.
It’s not just college professors who hear excuses – this year’s most popular in my view is food poisoning. It seems eating off those trucks on Manhattan streets is not conducive to stomach health.
We’re always looking for a way to distinguish ourselves from others in a busy, over-connected world and the answer is right there in front – exceed expectations and win the day.
Or as Atomic Habits author James Clear puts it: “The best way to stand out is to quietly do more than anyone expects.”