Everybody is looking for the recipe to success. Plenty of people have tried to publish it, shout it, and sell it. Some formulas work; for example, playbooks with actionable steps and milestones. Most are just vague maxims that sound nice, but really boil down to eloquently-stated common sense.

The reality is that, to be successful, you have to work hard at the right thing.

The first thing you need is good direction

Despite what a lot of people say, sheer hard work isn’t going to get the job done when it comes to true success. You need a vision for all that energy. So many people have the ambition and drive to make something happen, but they burn themselves out because they’re misguided.

The second thing you need is drive

There are a lot of people who have a great idea, but just can’t execute. They’re easily distracted and spread themselves too thin. In the digital age, when there are so many diversions vying for your attention, it’s easy to take your eyes off the prize and waste time on silly entertainment and pipe dreams.

It kills me when I see people nearly exploding with ambition, chasing some dream, but misdirecting all that energy. And I can’t help but roll my eyes when I see people who talk a big game about a good idea, but clearly don’t understand the amount of hard work it requires. Even the greatest ideas require incredible dedication to get off the ground.

Third, find your truth

The reasons why certain entrepreneurs are so ridiculously successful are that they have a great plan, but they also have laser focus for all their efforts. They want to be putting in 12-hour days, not just here and there, but for years. Not everybody is cut out for that kind of grind, and that’s OK. Anytime you are about to start a project, big or small, make sure you are working hard at the right thing.

Finally, find a mentor

If you really can’t, study the successes and failures of other entrepreneurs. Analyze the mistakes of the people that came before you and apply the lessons to your work. Ask people you look up to for their unfiltered, honest opinion. If your idea passes through the litmus test, then study the work habits of everyone and anyone because your success will be a reflection of your routine. You need to fine tune it to a point of perfection.