"It is not enough to do your best; you must know what to do, and then do your best"

Trying hard and putting forth effort are often praised as the ultimate ingredients for success. Many people are told from a young age that as long as they try their best, that is all anyone can ask for. However, W. Edwards Deming challenges this notion by emphasizing the importance of direction and knowledge before effort is expended. Without a clear understanding of what needs to be done, sincere effort may lead nowhere or, worse, to failure.

Deming’s insight underscores the value of knowledge, precision, and preparation. Before engaging in a task or pursuing a goal, reflection and study are critical. One must first determine the correct approach, gather essential information, and set a well-defined objective. Only then can dedicated effort yield meaningful results. Otherwise, no matter how diligent or passionate a person might be, their energy could be wasted on the wrong tasks or misguided actions.

In practical terms, imagine someone preparing for an exam without understanding which topics are relevant, or an employee working tirelessly on the wrong project deliverable. Their effort is real, and their commitment is genuine, but without a clear plan and proper direction, results will fall short. Effective achievement requires both knowing the right course of action and committing fully to pursue it.

Deming’s message is especially powerful in complex, modern environments, be it in business, education, or personal development, where working intelligently is just as important as working hard. It is a call to combine competence with effort: to pause, think critically, and ensure that actions are aligned with goals before committing oneself to the task. Only when understanding and execution work hand-in-hand can the best possible outcome be achieved. This philosophy encourages continuous learning and improvement, where one aspires not only to try hard but to try wisely.