Many people like to say "Hard work isn't important," but that statement is only half correct. Hard work is certainly important; however, effort alone doesn't determine the outcome—direction is what makes effort meaningful. Hard work is a tactic, while choice is a strategy. Choosing the wrong direction may lead to more wasted effort; choosing the right direction allows effort to generate compound interest. Truly impressive people are not just more determined than others, but are also able to see earlier what is worth investing in for the long term and what will become more valuable over time.