Sometimes, we believe that achieving something great requires a huge talent or big opportunity. But often, it’s just the small effort that makes a big difference. Doing a little more than expected—whether it’s staying an extra 10 minutes to complete a task, giving someone kind words they didn’t ask for, or practicing a skill just a bit more—can turn something simple into something special. The “extra” may seem small, but it has the power to separate average from excellent.

For example, imagine two students preparing for an exam. One studies what was taught in class and stops there. The other student reviews the same material but also takes time to look up real-life examples and watches a video to understand better. Both students are smart, but the second one adds that little extra effort. In the end, they not only score better but also understand the subject more deeply. That “extra” was the key to doing something extraordinary.

Going beyond what’s expected doesn’t always mean working harder—it can mean working smarter, being more thoughtful, or taking one more helpful step. When we start adding a little extra to our actions, we begin to see real growth. Over time, these small efforts build up, and what once felt ordinary turns into something truly amazing.