Know the differences between hard work and high- performance

One of the top values in my family had been hard work. My parents had their own business as soon as the political system in my country allowed for it and since they founded it, also I was involved and expeced to help out.
This is when I have learned for myself that by hard work you get successful. We had a bigger house, a nicer car, I went to a private high-school (which I hated after the first semester) and we could travel a lot (which I loved). All paid for with long hours of hard work.
I copied it later to my work environment.
I worked much more than expected, put also hours after work to bring things forward.
But at some point I noticed that it did not bring the results I wanted.
It was not about doing a lot. It was about doing what your surrounding and your bosses wanted from you and slightly overdelivering on their expectations, not on what I knew whould be good for the company.
I am not alone with this mindset. I met many people in my previous role and now I have many clients who realize that just working hard and putting long hours does not bring them far.
Do not work hard.
Work smart.
Know really well what is expected of you.
Keep in touch with all stakeholders - yes, with all of them, and
ask for feedback so you really bring performance as expected and above.
And if you have ideas on improvements and doing stuff better, make sure they are part of the expected performance.
What are your thoughts on working hard?