You set a target in your life. (That usually happens when you are in high school or earlier. The earlier the better.)
If you are smart, the target should be achievable.
Most people with average intelligence usually reach their goals in life. (Making decent money, having a decent salary job, wife&kids, a yacht etc)
If you are smarter, you achieve your target faster than the others. A lot faster. That makes the real difference. I am not that smart but I can identify a smart guy instantly. Most people don't have that talent. :p
Hard work in smart way will make the things easier than others doing.Being in a decent salaried job is not a good achievement it is same as being a slave to king which makes no difference to being a slave to civilian. Do business and start cashflow on your own by hardwork don't work hard to make someone rich (job).
There are two classes, ownership and wage slaves. You are correct if you are working for a salary you are pretty much a financial loser in the capitalistic society. I don't think highly of people with money because they are usually scumbags but you have to be an owner if you want to be rich.