However, this method has worked and will continue to work. Lots of people are fine just doing their shift and leaving, that's ok. Some people are not satisfied with that and want more, and there are strategies to do more work and get paid to do so.
Yes, you must do more than average to get promoted.
But also yes, if you do more and more and don't get the rewards you want, don't just continue. Either scale back again, or modify your strategy, or apply this strategy elsewhere.
Do free work. Do good work. Be liked by your superiors.
And sadly "good work" is weighted the lowest. And if you are liked enough by your superiors, that's often enough.
And you are actively disliked by your superiors, it does not matter how much work you do or how good it is. You will plateau.