In business world, there is a saying, "under-promise and over-deliver". Analogously, what about if I "under-pray and over-achieve"?

First perspective. It is possible that I ask for X, not "X plus", because I do not believe it is his will to give me "X plus". But maybe he will tolerate X.

If his will is "X plus", but I only ask for X, what will I get? I think he gives according to my faith, so I will get X. Sure God wants to give the best for me, despite what I ask. Keep in mind that I may get "X minus", or even Y, instead of "X plus". Trust his will.

Second perspective. Maybe actually I do not have enough faith to ask God for the thing I truly want to accomplish. I want to minimise my potential disappointment.

When I pray, "God, I want to achieve X", that is not the whole truth, because what I really want to achieve is "X plus". I do not think I can achieve "X plus" even with God's help, so I only pray for X.

Either way, aiming for "beyond answered prayer" is a symptom of something else. Do not forget to fix this "something else".

See: Beyond answered prayer