The ability to work hard has always been underappreciated and devalued by various elements in society. In our experience, it’s crystal clear that having a strong work ethic and positive attitude towards working hard is highly predictive of success. Below, you’ll find highlights of our conversations around how one might go about developing or leveling up their work ethic.
Maya Bethke
My story begins in Ukraine, where some of my earliest memories trace back to when I was just 4 or 5 years old. I would accompany my grandmother into the forests to gather various herbs, flowers, roots, and plants, all of which had incredible healing properties. We would also collect wild berries, mushrooms, and even certain fruits from trees—many of which I don’t even know the English names for. These outings were so frequent that by the time I was 6, I had my own little wagon, just like my grandmother’s, to carry back our harvest. Read more>>
Julie Fedeli
My work ethic is deeply rooted in the incredible examples set by the women in my family. My grandmother, who graduated with a degree in philosophy in 1934, was ahead of her time. Not only did she prioritize her own education, but she also selflessly supported her two younger sisters through their college journeys. Afterward, she built an impressive career as an assistant principal at a top high school in Chicago. She didn’t marry until later in life, preferring to focus on her professional and personal growth first. By the time I came along, she had already traveled the world, and it wasn’t long before she started bringing me along on her global adventures. Watching her fearlessly navigate life instilled in me the importance of independence, curiosity, and passion for work and life. Read more>>
Nina Shayan Depatie
My work ethic is a product of my family’s history and the values that have been instilled in me since childhood. When my parents moved to America, they left behind everything they knew and worked for, in search of safety, freedom, and opportunity. Starting over in a new country is never easy, and my parents’ story and values shaped my outlook on hard work and perseverance. Their journey taught me that success is rarely handed to anyone; it must be earned through sacrifice, dedication, and a relentless drive to push through challenges. Read more>>
Steven Golden
My work ethic come from my family. Though there wasn’t much my father, mother and grandfather and others worked tirelessly. I used to find things to do to make money as a child. I would take out my neighbors trash for 50 cents, and help her with groceries. By the age of 14 I had a part time job at The Car Wash Company in Mckinney Texas. And as soon as I could work full-time, I did. Working was able to provide me with a life that I believe I deserved. And my work ethic is reflective of the life I want. Working hard everyday makes that possible… Read more>>
Yanira Rubio
Definitely my parents, I watched both my parents work until the day they retired. I always thought my parents where hard on us but I now understand that it was a way to show us how to be independent. Nobody owes you anything and it’s up to us to make something of ourselves. Read more>>
Nicki Puckett
I got my work ethic from playing sports when I was a kid, which taught me discipline, and also desiring to be independent so strongly that I would do anything to achieve that lifestyle. Read more>>
Lashell Johnson
Simply put…I inherited my work ethic from my mother. During my childhood, i grew up with my mother having multiple jobs at once to care for her household. God gave her the strength to do it every day – most of the time 7 days a week. In my adult life, I operate under the same premise. As an independent contractor in the real estate industry, this level of work ethic is crucial to have because the clients come at any time. I make my schedule available to accommodate the needs within their schedule. Read more>>
Zahra Amir
My work ethic comes from a combination of my passion for staying busy and the values I’ve developed over time, such as discipline and time management. Balancing academics with my henna business requires me to be organized and flexible, but it’s also something I enjoy. I’ve learned to stay committed to both because they each fulfill me in different ways, and being my own boss as an entrepreneur allows me to have control over my schedule. Read more>>
Francine Bejarano
My work ethic began with a drive to be the hardest worker in the room. Right out of high school, I joined the workforce in telemarketing and later spent 13 years at a family-run real estate title company. During those years, I believed success meant working the most and the hardest, often putting in 20+ hours of overtime while earning my undergraduate degree. I was focused on proving myself, hoping that this dedication would lead to recognition and growth. Read more>>
Kia Neill
My work ethic comes from my father. His attitude that your work could always be better, paired with him finding every minute time wise to improve on his work, definitely has influenced my dedication to completing projects until my vision comes to life. However, the curse of perfectionism is that your work can takeover your life, keep you from life experiences that inspire future work and innovation, strain your relationships and strain your health. In my mid/late twenties I realized that the family legacy of perfectionism was something that I was going to have to manage in myself. Read more>>
Stephan Jacobs
My work ethic is deeply rooted in a relentless inner fire that drives my musical endeavors. This passion, tied to a clear sense of purpose, has not only shaped my projects like Bigger Than Us, BOSA and Psychedelic Tracotor but has also driven me to empower others in the music community. Read more>>
Ethan Jones
I get that from starting work at a young age. I started working part time at the age of 16 years old in order to make some extra cash while still in High School. Starting at a young age, you learn the value of investing your time into an endeavor and seeing it pay off over time. Fast forward to today, I don’t see what I do as necessarily “work” as I’m lucky enough to do what I love for a living, so I’m able to devote long hours to my craft without getting burnt out from it. Read more>>
Allison Fuller
I grew up in a household where nothing is more valued than hard work, and nothing worse than being called lazy. I am a third generation American and a third generation entrepreneur. Growing up, work was something that kept my dad away from 3am until 9pm, and in turn, his business that he owned along with my grandfather and uncle, was the vehicle that propelled our family from little resources into one of homeowners and business owners. My Dad was hard on us about work, but my mom is even more intense about it, Even though when I was young my parents had limited resources, my mom worked hard to create a home for us that, looking back on it, required an absolutely huge amount of effort considering my dad was almost always working.. Everything homemade, everything beautifully executed. Read more>>
Chicome Itzcuintli Amatlapalli
I have a terrible time relaxing. I work constantly – from about 6 in the morning, until 7 or 8 at night. I work for 3 to 4 hours a day most weekends as well. Being self-employed, and the boss of my own small business of 5 employees, requires an unceasing amount of labor from me. However, while part of this labor is tedious – paperwork, emails, taxes, and all that sort of thing, at least half of it is spent painting. I am an artist, and the long hours include time spent working on my artwork, which, while technically “work,” is something I find relaxing, meditative, and a great joy. When I was a child my mother was a seamstress, with her own shop. Read more>>
Alecia Savage
My work ethic was instilled in me early by my father. He was a hard worker. My father taught me to work for the things I wanted in life. And that people don’t mind helping you when they see you trying to help yourself. My father taught me the importance of being responsible. Read more>>
Xincong Zhao
I’d say my work ethic comes from a real love for storytelling and respect for the craft. Watching filmmakers put everything into each frame inspired me to do the same. Over time, I learned that being disciplined and pushing through challenges is just part of the job. In the end, it’s about putting in the effort to make every project the best it can be. Read more>>
Alahji Dáquan
My work ethic started at home. My father was a go-getter. He always wanted my siblings and I to keep going, keep learning, keep asking questions and keep working until our goals are met. That mindset stuck with me ever since. There are many days where I am tired, but I have to keep pushing on. Read more>>
Tiffany Guckin
Growing up my parents were an excellent example of what hard work looks like. I also think it’s the Leo in me that is always pushing to work hard and give more where I can. I tend to be the hardest critic on myself and complacencies is not something that fulfills me. Although there have been challenges and obstacles that I’ve had to overcome in life, in the work environment, in the social world, I have always tried to think of the positives and what that would do for me in the long run. Read more>>
Sophie Grabau
My work ethic has been deeply shaped by the values my parents instilled in me from a young age. They’ve always been my biggest supporters and role models, teaching me that the only way to reach the places I want to go in life is through hard work, determination, and persistence. I remember my dad’s words every morning as he’d send me off to school: “Carpe Diem”-seize the day. This simple phrase became a daily reminder to make the most of every opportunity, to stay focused and to face each challenge head-on. Read more>>
Carolina Garcia Herrera
I often think about where my work ethic and drive come from, and it always leads me back to my parents and the experiences that shaped me. Growing up, I watched my parents work hard to provide a stable life for us. We didn’t struggle with basics like food, but I felt the difference in other ways. At school, I’d notice when my classmates had the latest name-brand clothes, Uggs for winter, or tickets to concerts. I didn’t have those things, and while it might seem small, it made me feel left out and fueled a desire to achieve the things I couldn’t have back then. Read more>>
Dr. Linetta Clemons
The irony of answering this question at this time in my life is, it results in feeling sad and happy all at the same time and looking deep into my childhood memories during a time where I am also mourning. I received my work ethnic from my father, Mr. Willie D. Clark Jr. and in 12 days, (at the time of this interview) it would be one year since he lost his battle to colon rectal cancer. My father, or my “daddy” as I called him, was as country as country could get. He was born in the early 1940’s in Yazoo County, Mississippi. What came with him was an 8th grade education, plenty of racist incidences, and a migration here, to Cincinnati or as he coined it, “up north” to a place where he wouldn’t get lynched for no reason, and would be able to work, and send money “down home” to the family members who remained. Read more>>
Taylor Quinn
My work ethic stems from overcoming challenges early in life. In the first grade, I was diagnosed with dyslexia. Even before the diagnosis, I sensed I was different—I struggled with reading, writing, math, and other basics, which became apparent to my parents, too. After testing confirmed my learning disability, my parents took several supportive steps. I changed schools, repeated the first grade, and began an intensive four-year regimen of tutoring and therapy. I spent countless hours on extra homework and attended tutoring sessions twice a week. Read more>>
Joseph L
I can still picture my dad, sleeves rolled up, working tirelessly in the jewelers bench, even on weekends. His dedication to hard work was infectious. At home, there was a constant hum of activity, and a sense of urgency to get things done. Playtime was a reward, not a right, earned only after chores were completed. Read more>>
Cara Neff
I was raised by two very young and very hard working parents. My first job was at the age of 14, cleaning rooms at a hotel/resort. I road my bike to and from work every day, because my parents were working 6 days a week for most of my childhood. That work ethic carried me through all of the teenage years, on into college. When I was in college, during the summers I worked two jobs, a full time administrative job and then waitressed evening and weekend. After undergraduate school, I found a full time job in my field of study, and went to graduate school evenings and weekends for 3.5 years. My parents showed me that if you work hard, you can create the life that you truly want to have, but nothing will ever be just handed to you. Read more>>
Kevin Leysath Ii
I get my work ethic from a combination of my parents, the mentors I’ve had throughout the years and my own passion for music and storytelling.The dedication my parents had in their careers instilled the value of hard work in me and their endless support for me throughout my journey as a composer and musician is something I will always be grateful for. This foundation was strengthened by the guidance of teachers not just from composition but also from conducting and saxophone. Teachers such as Octavio Vazquez, Diana Rosenblum, Chisato Eda Marling, Anne Kunkle, Jared Chase, Alba Torremocha, and Shruti Kumar have each contributed unique insights and guidance helping shaping my view and commitment to music. Read more>>
Ruoxi Hua
In my childhood, my parents bought me model kits for me. Sometimes, I had difficulties putting certain parts together and I would go to my father. My father is an electric engineer, and he makes sure everything is done the right way. I remember he taught me to file the plastic parts so that they fit better together. Later, when I went to elementary school and sometimes my father helped me with my math homework, he told me to make sure each step was correct before moving on to the next. Read more>>
Andrea Hunter
Since I was a child my parents have always instilled work ethic into my life. I had my first job at the age of 10 and never stopped working since then. I would sometimes work 2-3 jobs at a time to fill my plate and allow me the freedom to buy what I wanted, travel wherever I wanted to and also invest into my growing business as a photographer. Read more>>
Kari Yarbrough
From a very young age my parents instilled in me the importance of having a good work ethic with attention to detail. Whether it meant working hard on my academics or putting all my efforts into whatever job or project I was working on. The emphasis that my parents put on working hard and teaching me how to be capable to face any task or situation that comes my way has greatly contributed to my company KEY’S Southern Spice®. Read more>>
Kristen Puma
It goes without saying, but I got my work ethic from my parents. Both of my parents worked incredibly hard to create a better life not only for themselves, but for my brothers and me, too. Not only did they show us what it means to work hard, but they also showed us the power of time management. They both would work 9-5 jobs, and then come home and still have time for my brothers and me. Before it was time for my brothers and I to get our first job, we were helping at home and learning the ins and outs of self sufficiency. Read more>>
Lily Tomasula Martin
I’ve always been a driven person. My mom often jokes that I was packing my own diaper bag at 18 months, and that sense of independence and determination has only grown over time. In college, I was a Division I runner, which taught me invaluable lessons about the power of hard work, resilience, and showing up, even when things feel tough. That experience was pivotal for me—it proved that I’m capable of accomplishing difficult things, even when I’m not sure I can. Read more>>
Timothy Tran
My work ethic is deeply rooted in my upbringing. Both of my parents came to this country from Vietnam, and their relentless commitment to providing a better life for their family has been a constant source of inspiration. I vividly remember seeing my dad come home after long hours at work and my mother balancing the challenges of raising us. Their dedication motivated me to adopt the same mindset—work hard, persevere, and always strive to provide for my family. Read more>>
Elizabeth Plot
My parents. They moved to this country from Mexico and worked hard to become citizens, ensuring that my brothers and I had opportunities they didn’t have. I saw how hard they worked to put food on the table, and it made me want to do my best so that one day I could take care of them, and they wouldn’t have to work as hard. Read more>>
Teri Nelson
My work ethic is inspired by my mother, who raised three children on her own. She worked tirelessly to provide for us, often sharing stories of her own resilience and dedication. Her ability to be both driven and nurturing taught me the importance of balancing hard work with compassion. In my work as a therapist and business owner, I strive to embody her example by pursuing my goals with the same dedication while creating a supportive space where my clients feel secure and understood. Read more>>
John Millett
Growing up in poverty makes one appreciate the value of the Dollar. When you grow up where people around you have absolute wealth but you live in poverty; it can make you angry or ambitious. I choose the later. The best advice I ever received was from a German Girl who said “Education is your ticket out of poverty.” That really resonated with me. In America, you can be anything you want. I choose to never be poor again. I put myself through college (with a newborn baby) graduated Top of my Class. My Work Ethic comes from real life experience. The harder I work, the more success came to me. Read more>>
Chad Fishburne
I get my work ethic from my Dad. He is the reason I am who I am and I couldn’t ask for a better role model or father. He worked for 30 years for the same company rising through the ranks to the executive VP level. It wasn’t his dream job, but he did it all for his family. Read more>>
Alfonso Chávez “alf”
I think music or any other arts do not necessarily require the same work ethic you would use at a more traditional job since it is a very personal experience, but if you’re working for someone, you do have to keep a certain level of decency (learning the material, being aware of deadlines and try not to be a burden to your boss and collaborators). When it comes to how I work, you know what they say “you are what you eat”. I think the best way to keep your creativity flowing is by always feeding your mind things that you are not necessarily familiar with. In my case as a musician, I try to listen to all sorts of things in a wide variety of styles from all around the world, and I do not limit myself to my medium because I think there’s some great stuff you can learn from other mediums that will help you, but I think the most important thing is to live; just go out there and do stuff, there’s so many things out there, and there’s at least one waiting for you. But it is very important to not keep things in the world of imagination because it ain’t real until you have it in tangible from. Read more>>
Nye’ Lyn Tho
As a kid, I spent a lot of time working side jobs with my stepfather. He was a school bus driver with a big family—there were six of us kids, maybe five at the time—and he needed extra gigs to supplement his income. He often took me along to work with him, telling me I was a good kid, a hard worker, and that I was going places. That kind of encouragement fueled my enthusiasm. Read more>>
Ary Sanchez
My work ethic definitely comes from my mom. She works tirelessly for me and my siblings, and she’s also a kindergarten teacher in a private school, so she gets no rest whatsoever. She lives away from her family, and works hard so that her kids can live a better life. When I was little I always helped my mom around the house. It helped me foster a “go go go!” attitude towards everything in life. While it can be draining at times, there’s a sense of accomplishment in doing everything that I do, and honestly I love having a hectic lifestyle! I’m a college student, a model, and I create content for brands on social media. I do a bit of everything! Read more>>
Carla Pimentel Dozal
I was raised by my grandfather, a man who lived by strong ethics and taught me the value of integrity every single day. He didn’t just talk about these values; he embodied them in everything he did. One lesson in particular stands out to me, and it’s one I’ll never forget. One of my favorite memories with him was playing Lotería, the Mexican version of bingo. We would sit together, laughing, talking, and enjoying each other’s company. It was a time I looked forward to, a time when I felt completely connected to him. Read more>>
Rahmat Sarlis
My work ethic comes from basketball, where discipline, resilience, and teamwork are essential. As a teacher, I aim to model these values, showing students that success is built on consistent effort and a commitment to daily growth. Read more>>
C.j. Benoit
My father, Bill. My Dad worked from the ground up, from the family farm in Maryland to construction with my maternal grandfather, then worked his way up in landscaping. My paternal grandfather, Richard, was a landscape architect, Korean War vet in the Army Guard. Dad, worked in landscaping and Town Management. Dad was a founding member of the Bethesda Urban Partnership when I was a little kid, then became Town Manager of Chevy Chase, then took off up the ranks in Chapel Valley, Brickman (now Brightview) and Landcare, where he’s finally retiring. Read more>>
Nancy Marmolejo
I grew up in a family business which means, at some point in your childhood, you’re going to be put to work! As the youngest of six kids, my siblings say I was spoiled and had it easy because I didn’t start working until I was 13. The others started way before that. (Clearly child labor laws weren’t a thing back then!) Read more>>
Delilah Dee
My work ethic comes from a deep-rooted inspiration—being the daughter of a teenage immigrant. I’ve watched my mom juggle multiple jobs and side hustles just to keep a roof over our heads. Despite her hectic schedule, she always found time to show up for our family and give back to the community. Her dedication lit a fire inside me from a very young age. Watching the way she moved and navigated her circumstances always reminded me that I come from a lineage of hard workers. I truly believe that hard work is in my DNA, and it drives me to pursue my goals with the same passion and commitment she continues to demonstrate every day. Read more>>
Jerod Nieder
I absolutely get my work ethic from both of my parents growing up. I never saw either of them take a day off even if they were sick. My dad would be up before the sunrise every day working hard to set up his crews and handle his responsibilities both of my parents set powerful examples always showing up always dedicated and never letting anything get in the way of their commitments that mindset of relentless responsibility and determination became my blueprint for how I approach my own life and work. It’s the only way I know how. Read more>>
PhotosByZo
I get my work ethic from always wanting to be the best at what I do. Also surrounding myself around successful & well rounded individuals. I’ve always had a hustlers mentality which gives me an edge on being consistent. We all have the same 24 hours in a day, it’s about how much you can get done in an efficient way. Read more>>
Zay Keaton
I’d say that constantly manifesting the life that I want is what keeps me working so hard. When I’m passionate about a goal that I’ve set for myself, I become very driven to see it through and I’ll naturally start cutting out the things in my life that aren’t getting me closer to my goal. Read more>>
Ximena Uribe
My work ethic comes from my family, no doubt. I was born and raised in Guatemala City by two parents that had very different backgrounds. My mom grew up in Rio Hondo, Zacapa. Imagine a small village… Now make it smaller, and that’s where she is from. She had to fight for every single thing she wanted. When I was little I used to be so curious about those stories and I would make my mom repeat them to me all the time. She would tell me the story of how she had to fight her dad to wear jeans, how she sneaked out to play basketball, how she fought to keep her elementary education and so many more. She never told those stories to teach us a lesson or to beg for pity, it just was part of her life and she never questioned why she had to work so hard. Read more>>
Shundialaine
I can say my work ethic was instilled in me as a child from my parents. Growing up, they always emphasized the importance of dedication, persistence, and doing your best no matter what! While working full time jobs, they managed to strategically start a church which impacted countless lives in the community. I watched them serve tirelessly with so much dedication and compassion. I consistently noticed how they balanced their personal lives and spiritual commitment with such excellence and efficiency. This inspired me to do the same in all aspects of my life. Read more>>
Keenan High
I got my work ethic from my parents but in a more unique way than most. When I was 2 years old my parents purchased a peach orchard in Palisade, Colorado with hopes of turning it into a vineyard. The peaches were just too good to take out so they slowly acquired more land with more peaches and by the time I was 7 we had over 50 acres of peaches. My parents realized that this was enough peaches to start supplying local grocery stores and built a peach packaging line and began packing peaches. I started working on this packing line at 8 years old and started managing the line and the 20 people needed to operate it at 14 years old and have been doing it since then. Read more>>
Elizabeth Herremans
I draw my work ethic from the exemplary standards set by my parents, who were always busy and engaged in their work and community. My dad commuted to Manhattan for long days, while my mom expertly juggled raising five kids, multitasking, and volunteering. Their dedication instilled in me the importance of hard work and the value of making a positive impact. Read more>>
Amanda Boshard
My work ethic comes from the values my parents instilled in me and the environment I grew up in. I watched my mom pour her heart into helping children with disabilities and their families, doing whatever it took to make sure they had the support they needed. It was tough work, but she cared deeply about making a difference in their lives. My dad, as an artist, showed me what it looks like to love what you do—he was always chasing the perfect way to tell a story through his craft. Their example taught me the importance of showing up fully—caring about the work itself and the people it impacts. Read more>>
Amelia Rozear
I was raised in a family where you eat your broccoli first, and then the mac and cheese. It’s a mindset I still carry with me in many aspects of my life. I want the mac and cheese satisfaction, the feeling of deserving the best part of any situation. In the realm of art, it’s always that final piece– the strings of a series coming together, the color scheme finally working, understanding a new material process. I’m not a kid anymore, so I’ve learned to love the broccoli bits as well. The puzzle of a new idea, the drafting, the trial and error. I always have multiple pieces going at the same time, so I can pick and choose where to focus my energy. While it can be satisfying to have a few things going at once, it can also be frustrating. Read more>>
Lisa Garcia
My work ethic is deeply rooted in examples set by my parents. From a young age, I was observant of their sacrifices and dedication to our family. They taught me the art of mastering persistence and resilience to fulfill my ambitions. Without a doubt, they influenced my drive to succeed and are responsible for my optimism and ability not to dwell on setbacks. Read more>>
Verazonda Walker
My work ethic comes from the feeling I get of being accomplished. I’ve been working since 14, so I’ve had that feeling for a very long time. Read more>>
Devorah Dobson
I believe my work ethic comes from a combination of the responsibilities I’ve taken on and the goals I want to achieve. From coaching cheer to managing clients’ social media, I’ve learned that commitment and hard work pay off, especially when it involves helping others and seeing them succeed. My long-term goals—like building a successful career, being able to support my mom, and eventually buying a home—drive me every day. Knowing what I want and why I’m working for it keeps me focused and motivated. Read more>>
Jamecia Jackson
I get my work ethic from my dad. He’s been a truck driver for almost 30 years! He is one of the hardest working people I know and admire. My dad and many others in my life have sacrificed comfort to be a true providers for our families. With this being said, I couldn’t imagine myself settling and not putting 1000% in everything I do. Thank you dad! Read more>>
