I would say you have to consider the competition. (how competitive is the market you want to participate in). If you compete with very hardworking people ('ever

I would say you have to consider the competition. (how competitive is the market you want to participate in). If you compete with very hardworking people ('everybody in the field works hard') then talent will be a differentiator. If you compete in a competition/market where for some reason hard work is not yet common then your hard work can be your differentiator. Choose your fights wisely.