At the end of the day, it may feel like if you show up, do your thing, don’t make any big mistakes, then you’ll be fine. But there’s something to be said for going farther–staying later, answering emails on the go, even thinking about work when you’re not at your desk.

But ultimately, there’s a big difference between going the extra mile for show and going the extra mile because you actually want to accomplish more. The employee who jets out the door as soon as the boss has left or the person who hits “reply all” unnecessarily so everyone knows he or she is answering emails late at night–this kind of “working hard” does no one any good, breeding competition instead of good work ethics.

If you’re serious about going the extra mile, do it when no one else is around. Work nights at home, and don’t make a big deal about it. Your real work is what is going to stand the test of time, not the facade of working late just to be seen doing it. Focus on progress, not applause, and over time, you’ll earn both.

What can you do this week to go the extra mile? To develop yourself more, become a better employee, friend, spouse, sibling, or parent? Don’t settle for average–give the effort that you want to see returned, with interest.