Something you’re trying hard to make (6)
I believe the answer is:
effort
'make' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?
'something you're trying hard to' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'to' could be 'for' and 'for' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'eft' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for effort that I've seen before include "For eft (anag.)" , "Strain" , "The use of physical or mental energy" , "Serious industry - attempt" , "Endeavour, elbow grease" .)