Aspirations of Others

This is a quote from an Economics professor called Tyler Cowen.  In itself it is not rar rar, but to my mind it contains an invaluable principle.  The first two paragraphs give it context.  It is the last paragraph I like in particular.
“Yesterday I had lunch with a former Ph.D student of mine, who is now highly successful and tenured at a very good school. I was reminded that, over twenty years ago, I was Graduate Director of Admissions. One of my favourite strategies was to take strong candidates who applied for Masters and also offer them Ph.D admissions, suggesting they might [like] to do the latter. My lunch partner was a beneficiary of this de facto policy.
At least two of our very best students went down this route... neither realized that it was common simply to apply straight to a Ph.D program, skipping over the Masters. I believe this is now better known, but the point is this.
At critical moments in time, you can raise the aspirations of other people significantly… simply by suggesting they do something better or more ambitious than what they might have in mind. It costs you relatively little to do this, but the benefit to them, and to the broader world, may be enormous. This is in fact one of the most valuable things you can do…”
I really believe in attempting to raise the aspiration of others.  From my experience, too often I tend to sell myself short.  As I often say, I do think the hardest part is getting started.  But it seems to me once started I can set my sights higher.  All I need do is my best and who knows where it will lead.
I did a Cert 4 in project management.  I was one of a number.  But I will never forget one girl who did such a good job that when she was tested, she was granted a diploma.
To me the key is not setting an upper limit.  Base lines are the least required to get the job done.  Upper limits to me can restrict possibilities.  I once did better in something than was expected as it was obvious my information came from more than what was provided.  That was done due to my interest in the subject.  I went above and beyond.  
I think the strategy Tyler Cowen mentions is valid.  I reckon it is important to not hold back but to encourage opportunity to dream and go for it.  The possibilities for everyone are above and beyond.  Limited expectations lead to limited outcomes.