Working hard precedes working smart

I constantly hear talk about working smart, as if we can cut out a thousand miles to arrive immediately at our desired destination (and business coaches can be some of the worst offenders).

My observations, research and personal experience would suggest that the most successful in any field have worked hard to get their smarts. The road to working smart is through working hard - no two ways about it. No book, coach, get rich scheme, cab drivers advice will give you what the process of working hard will do. And, in working hard you will find the 'smart'. And that's where external advice becomes useful...as you're found working.