Something I frequently tell my teammates: Putting in effort is important, but it’s not everything. Before committing effort to something, first, ensure that you are addressing the right problem. There’s nothing more futile than working hard to solve the wrong problem. It is crucial to understand the problem accurately.
So, before diving into committing effort, always take a step back and spend time understanding the issue. This will help you think strategically about where and how to invest your time and energy.