Are Good Qualities Proportional to Our Efforts?

I mused that clearly, certain efforts are necessary for the path. But, I can easily imagine a person exerting lots of efforts towards a detrimental goal, or a person exerting a bit of effort towards a *wholesome* goal. So, effort *in itself* seems not directly related to good qualities. Another example is a proficient meditator for whom meditation might be easier, but more potent and pleasant; this contrasts with the beginner who struggles and must apply effort. The experienced meditator might generate more effect with less effort. **What is the relationship in Buddhism of effort to its resulting benefit? Is it indirect?** Thank you