Working out is another example, depending on what your workout goals are. I had a relative who went into body building. Lifted for years and put on some muscle

Working out is another example, depending on what your workout goals are. I had a relative who went into body building. Lifted for years and put on some muscle mass, more than me but not much for all the time he spent. Started steroids and tada, muscles just grew and didn't have to go to the gym nearly as much. I on the other hand didn't care, just wanted to improve health and strength a bit, but was interesting to watch such shortcuts to some forms of success. This whole protestant rooted idea in our culture that working hard is what yields results, even happiness, is misguided. Working hard is something you can control and dedication can set you apart/add advantage, but as you point out, strategy, and I'll add luck, add significantly to your success for a lot of ventures you may take on life. If you enjoy working hard then by all means do it but don't think it is any sort of assured pathway to success or even happiness.