i think working hard is a smart thing to do - but be intentional about it! Don’t just work hard to make your boss happy, that’s dumb.

Work hard to develop the skills you need for the job you want, even if it’s not fun. Work hard to get a job at an employer that pays well and offers good work life balance. Work hard to carve out time for your family. Work hard at the hobbies that bring you joy. Work hard to maintain friendships that matter to you. Work hard to be a good parent, spouse, friend, neighbor.

To me, “work hard” just means “don’t half ass life”. For some reason a lot of people associate working hard with “slaving away for an employer for 40 years while ignoring family”.

You only get 1 life, don’t waste it all at the beach doing nothing.

I totally agree with this, I just want to add:

For fun, working hard can be a lot of fun. I get very bored when I don't, wathever kind of 'work' I'm doing.

And also, the harder I work, the more capabilities I have, this allow me to explore new things that are very fun, it would not be possible without the initial work.