is finding the right keywords still worth the effort?

yep. and keep a list of the ones you rejected with a note why. saves you researching the same terms again in six months.

the step most people skip is googling the keyword before deciding on it. look at what's ranking. if it's all big brands or forum threads or product pages and you were planning a blog post, it's the wrong keyword for you even if the volume looks great. free way to start: type your topic into google, note the autocomplete and the people also ask boxes, and check search console for queries you already show up for on page 2. those are the cheapest wins.