Above and Beyond

I’m at the point in my University degree where I’ve had to start applying for placements.

For those that have never had to do this, consider yourself lucky. It’s an arduous process which involves filling out pages of seemingly meaningless questions.

I was filling yet another one out the other day when I realised something interesting — companies spend as much time finding out about your extra curricular activities as they do your academic background.

This got me thinking, people spend a hell of a lot of time and money concentrating on academics, but are neglecting to do things that build them up on an individual level.

Things like volunteering, sport, and socialising — although seemingly trivial, are just as important to employability and personal development as getting a 1st class degree.

People that go beyond what’s necessary are above average, period.

I’ve seen too many brilliant people fall into mediocracy through complacency. People that are complacent are more easily satisfied with the work they do, and as such don’t push themselves to achieve more.

This doesn’t just apply to work though. The same is true of almost everything else. For example, would you rather be in a relationship with a person who is complacent, or a person that goes above and beyond to put you first. Easy answer.

The harder you work, the luckier you’ll get.

So the next time you’re getting something done, think about this… how can I go the extra mile?