The Extra 5%

The difference between good and excellent can sometimes just be a matter of just 5% more of the effort. It’s easy to just go for “good enough” when we know that we have the skills to make some money, be comfortable, and get by. While most companies are willing to hire people who are “good enough,” there are many companies willing to invest more money into someone who shows further promise.

It’s hard to find the motivation in the typical 9-5 jobs to be excellent. It can seem that no matter how hard you work, you still just get the same pay. The extra 5% is where your attitude goes. Our co-workers and bosses are more intuitive than even they would give themselves credit for. People don’t need to be geniuses to know that you don’t want to do your job.

It doesn’t require a large amount of effort, but often that 5% turns an extra 5 minutes in to another 30 minutes. Soon that 5% turns into an extra 20%. It’s not a waste of time when you are putting your energy into something that’s important to you. It’s usually just a matter of actually getting the ball rolling – everything after that becomes easy. You may just get that job raise when you thought no one was looking.

Ironically, we work better when we don’t expect rewards. This is why it’s important to be intrinsically motivated rather than be motivated by the external. If we can do work that doesn’t need additional motivating, then we are at an advantage. When we do what we love, it takes less effort to motivate ourselves. We can then spend the rest of our energy pursuing other interests.

When it comes to the moments that really matter and you need someone to vouch for your reputation, it’s better to have it be a professional resource rather than just a buddy. Putting in 5% helps guarantees that you’re going to get that professional recommendation.

I used to work a job installing office furniture and offices. While the job was quite uninspiring, I always showed up 15 minutes before we began work because I believed in being responsible, regardless of task. Eventually, I overheard my supervisor talking with an even higher supervisor about my performance. I got promoted effortlessly when I had asked for a change in position. All I had to do was apply for the job and I got it through reference. Life likes to pave a way for those who give it respect.

For further related reading, please check out: Accomplishments, Validation, and Fame.