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.
Tina Cusker
I believe my work ethic came from both genetics and family expectations (nurture). My ancestors came to Montana from Ireland and Germany. They were farmers; hardworking, resilient, focused people with aspirations for a new life, and new opportunities for their families. Read More>>
Genev Sattam & Lavanda Kenaya
Our work ethic is deeply rooted in the resilience and determination of our first-generation parents, who migrated from Iraq in pursuit of a better life. Watching them build from nothing, working tirelessly to provide for our family, instilled in us a relentless drive to succeed. Read More>>
Erin Cotter
I grew up in Buffalo, New York, a city best known for its long, grueling winters. Sometimes it’s hard work just to get out of bed and out of the house! My dad is a Buffalo native and I grew up watching him constantly stay busy. He had a full time job, multiple part time jobs, and would spend his weekends fixing things around the house or doing favors for his friends and siblings. Read More>>
Mary Leighton
Work ethic has been a part of our family from the time the past generations came to the United States. The forefathers had to work at odd jobs such as a cook, a gardener and a delivery person upon entering the United States. Read More>>
Carrie Vanderhoof
It is without a doubt I inherited my work ethic from my family. My mother and father passed down traits they inherited from their parents, as well as clear expectations to be a kind, compassionate, and hardworking member of society with strong sense of oneself and a high regard of ethics and morals in all actions and undertakings. Read More>>
Karvon Owens
My work ethic comes from my mom! My mom was always a hustler and instilled that in me at a young age. I remember we would go to Sam’s Club to get candy, chips, soda, juice and ice cream snicker bars to sell in our neighborhood, on the school bus and at school. Read More>>
Payal Parida
I was brought up by two immigrant parents.
A simple, but deep rooted answer stated above – My father moved to the U.S at the age of 18 from India. He completed his bachelors and masters in electrical and mechanical engineering from NJIT. Read More>>
Hanna Hebrank
Personally, my work ethic is a mix of influences from my upbringing and life experiences. From a very young age my family instilled in me the idea that hard work and consistency are the keys to achieving anything you want. Read More>>
Tim Kweeder
Early on in life working at a restaurant with a management team that put a lot of effort into what they were doing, cared about the products they made and services they provided and did not cut corners. Working every position in that place, starting as a dishwasher, instilled passion, a sense of urgency and attention to detail that sticks with me to this day. Read More>>
El Carrel
This past year I have started tabling at various art fairs and conventions. While the deadline and timeframe help spur me into action, the smiles I have seen my work bring to people’s faces have given me enough energy to work for the rest of my life. Read More>>
Christopher Schafer
I believe that I get my work ethic from my grandpa. I was young when he passed away but I like the way he lived his life. He was a big inspiration for me. I’ve been working since the 5th grade when I delivered the local newspaper. Read More>>
Heejai Park
I think my work ethic is rooted in my fascination with the intersection of human creativity and technology. Digital design, especially when it involves AI and generative systems, requires both precision and imagination—a combination that pushes me to approach every project with intention and curiosity. Read More>>
Jaylen Brookins
I get my work ethic from both of my parents but more so my mother she worked more then one job told me it’s nothing wrong with having more then one source of income. My father worked one good job that helped take care of the bills Read More>>
Daniel Steigman
I have always worked. As an 8 year old, I was mowing lawns at my grandparent’s care facility. I was always tinkering, trying to make something new. I was given a chemistry set when I was around 10 years old. I was a mad scientist! I blew up more stuff. Read More>>
Dana Rebmann
Long before I became a features writer, I learned how to write and report quickly in a handful of television newrooms. Long days, late nights, and last-minute working weekends were the norm. Read More>>
Nikki Kucharski
I’m a very type A organized methodical person, I’d say. I feel like I get my work ethic mostly though from realizing if I work hard and follow things all the way through correctly, I generally can get things done better and faster than if I outsourced or lazily waited until someone else does it. Read More>>
Karyn Chabot
I was born with a strong Saturn, the planet that governs work ethics. It’s so strong that it has a title: Maha Pancha Purusha Yoga. I must be careful not to overwork or burn myself out consequently. Read More>>
Kwasi El
I got my work ethic from my dad, he was very consistent in the things he choose
To take on as endeavors. “Why even do something if you not gone do it all the way” he once told me. Read More>>
Fernando Abalo
Travaillez dur et de manière constante, restez concentré sur les tâches importantes et évitez de vous laisser distraire.
Cultivez l’autodiscipline en éliminant la procrastination et en adoptant un état d’esprit proactif. Read More>>
Charles S. Walker
I got my work ethic from my mom and dad. They were 2 of the hardest workers that I’ve ever seen. They worked 2-3 jobs to make sure we had not only everything we needed but mostly everything we wanted as well. Read More>>
Alysa Gumto
I got my work ethic from my parents. When my dad was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis over 20+ years ago, his doctor told him that he could no longer work. Read More>>
Nichole Suemnick
My work ethic comes directly from my parents, who have been my greatest role models in life. Day after day, I watched them pour their hearts into everything they did and always giving their absolute best. Read More>>
Luigi Rana
I have assimilated my work ethic throughout the process of my entire career, essentially from my professional path combined with the human side of cooking. In my opinion, ethics has a common thread with any type of work, there are the same parameters. Read More>>
Megan Cook
From my first job at the age of 16, I distinguished myself as a dedicated employee, consistently putting forth 100% effort and striving to make each day productive and successful. While I never deeply analyzed the origins of my strong work ethic, it undoubtedly stems from my parents, both of whom have exemplified hard work since childhood. Read More>>
Giovanna Martin
I’d say my work ethic is a mix of nature, nurture, and pure, unfiltered stubbornness. My dad was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army—the human embodiment of discipline and drive. Even after retiring, he kept grinding, proving that “taking it easy” is apparently not in our DNA. Read More>>
Margie Dotson
Oh that comes straight from my mom! My work ethic is deeply rooted in the example set by my mother. She had an entrepreneurial spirit that was impossible to ignore. Growing up, I watched her build and manage businesses with a level of strength and perseverance that left a lasting impact on me. Read More>>
Kelly Swavely
The desire to succeed has always been deep within me . Even as a little girl , I was always competitive , whether it was a school field day, team sports or grades, I always wanted to be at the top . Read More>>
Aziz Halabi
As a photographer, my work ethic is driven by a deep passion for storytelling and a commitment to capturing the raw, authentic moments that define my subjects. I believe in documenting more than just images; I aim to share the stories, emotions, and identities behind them. Read More>>
Kaleb Knight
Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity”. – Seneca
We may not always control the opportunities that come our way, but we do have control over how prepared we are to encounter serendipity. In late 2023, when freelance work for me nearly ground to a halt, I decided to pick up a part-time position at the local library. Read More>>
Aga Hosking
Being born in communist Poland and experiencing big economical turmoils happening in my country taught me my survival skills. My work ethic definitely comes from then as well. On top of that my family happened to be a hard working people who demanded the same devotion to work as well as small home tasks. Read More>>
Anya Elsebai
I get my work ethic from making mistakes, and keeping a positive outlook! I’ve always been passionate about creating, and starting new hobbies can be exciting, yet challenging. I like a challenge, as long as I see some type of progress. Read More>>
Kat Irwin
This is a great question and very timely as I’ve just spent four days visiting my parents. During this visit I realised how similar we are and how much I’ve learnt from them – including my work ethic. Read More>>
Astrid and Maria Jimenez
Our dad is one of the most disciplined people that we know. Since we started elementary school, he always emphasized the importance that our education had on our future. Read More>>
