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.
Maria Perme
My work ethic comes from my family, both close and extended. Both of my parents worked traditional jobs when I was growing up; my dad a teacher, my mom stayed with us til I was about 6 and then she went back into the corporate world as an Executive Assistant. The seeds of work were planted around 7-8 when my dad decided it was time for us to work in the garden. Read more>>
Ric Westman
My father was a firm believer in doing a job right the first time. As a kid if I didn’t cut the grass right he would make me recut the whole until I got it right. I quickly learned that taking shortcuts only result in me spend more time than if I had done the job right the first time. Read more>>
Steve Barnard
My work ethic was formed by my parents. My father was a perfect example of finding a way to solve a problem. Even if it meant several attempt’s. Mom was the youngest child of a large family, She would often be sent to live with an older sister to help on a farm or take on whatever chores needed to be done. It was expected of me being the eldest of five children, to work along side Dad. He would take on any job around the house. Read more>>
Michael Evins
I have always thrown myself into anything and everything that I have found to be interesting to me. Photography has been one of those things for me. I learned everything through trial and error. I have been doing it on and off for about 10 years but over the last 3 years I have really been consistent and diligent with practicing every weekend building my craft into what it is today. Read more>>
Rachel Johnson
If i’m being honest, my faith and coming from a family of “doers” created the work ethic that I have. In my family slacking isn’t an option. I mean if you do slack there’s no room to complain about not having the life or things that you want because you haven’t done what’s necessary to achieve it. Read more>>
Karina N. Cruz Ortiz
I have always struggled with time management…always. Although I’m very timely with my work, I definitely struggle with how the process comes along. During my freshman year of college, I read a book that talked about maximizing productivity as artists. The most valuable thing I got out of it was practicing productive procrastination. Read more>>
Atalaya Figueroa
I have to say I get my work ethic from my parents, and life situations I have gone through. I have worked since I was 16 years old and have always had the hustler mentality. I’ve always believed if there is a will, there’s a way. I’ve always done whatever I needed to, to make a way for myself and my family. Read more>>
Kahlia Ferguson
My parents. Both of my parents worked selflessly to provide a life for their family- and most of the time they made it look incredibly easy. They both woke up before the sun to make their living and were never hesitant to work outside their normal hours to make sure their children had everything they needed. Read more>>
Emily Grobelny
I will always credit with my grandpa for my work ethic. My grandparents were immigrants from Poland. My grandpa told all the grandkids, for as long as I can remember, that he came to this country with $5 in his pocket and built this wonderful life. Read more>>
Rachel Altiere- Cohen
Entrepreneurship runs in my family. My father and 3 other siblings started and own their businesses. I was exposed to a having a strong work ethic at a very young age. Read more>>
Chad Zellner
From as far back as I can remember both of my parents and grandparents have worked. Either for themselves or others, work has been imprinted in my memory as not just a side item to life. They took pride in their accomplishments and awards and taught me that, through ups and downs, you have to always do your best. Read more>>
Taylor Hughes
For anyone that knows me, they will tell you that I am a work horse; there is no “off” button. When it comes to my career, I give it my all and I try to make sure I’m delivering my best no matter if it’s at a live show, in the writing room, creating social media posts. etc. I guess you could say I’ve always been this way though, even before I got into the music industry. Read more>>
Adeseye Omole+9
First off, let me just say that the question about where I get my work ethic from always brings back some fond memories and important life lessons. I used to have this crutch, you know? I had Asthma, I couldn’t handle much physical work without getting sick. So, I admit, there were times when I took the easy way out and opted for laziness. Read more>>
Amber Gonzalez
My mother has been the biggest inspiration and role model for my work ethic. Despite facing numerous challenges as a single mom in the 70’s, she never let it affect her commitment to her job. Her dedication to going above and beyond what was expected of her has been a constant source of admiration for me. Read more>>
Stephen Machuga
The military. Period. I learned more about myself from my time as an infantry officer than I ever could have anywhere else, primarily because I did not WANT to be an infantry officer and grew up not having an infantry officer mindset. But the military quickly teaches you that you can do far more than you think you are able, primarily because they task you with far too much with far too few resources (sleep, food, support, etc). It made every day living fairly easy in comparison. Read more>>
Erica Simmons
‘Working hard for what you have’ was my mindset started from a young age. I grew up in a loving home with parents who worked average 9-5 jobs. We weren’t rich by any means, we shopped at the thrift store for school clothes every year and were frugal with money spent to eat out. However every year my parents made sure to save enough to take us on amazing vacations. Read more>>
Keely Werly
I would say that my work ethic comes from discipline ingrained in me since I was a small child. My parents were definitely a driving factor of this discipline. They were both raised on farms and even though we did not live on a farm when I was young, we still very much had a set schedule and chores were delegated out. Read more>>
Kelsey Mauro
My work ethic is influenced by a combination of factors that have shaped my attitude and approach towards tasks and responsibilities. Firstly, my upbringing has played a significant role. My parents instilled in me the value of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. They led by example, demonstrating the rewards that come from putting in effort and staying committed to one’s goals. Read more>>
Kye Lynch
I was very hardworking from a young age and wanted to be great at everything I would do. I could say it was my football and wrestling coaches that taught me how to remain consistent with the work that was needed to just be good. It was my mom who helped me through the mental struggles to push past just “good”. We would always talk about how I’m feeling in different situations. Read more>>
Phillip Hodge
As an ex ward of the state growing up living in shelters group homes and aging out of the foster care system I had very little but always wanted more and better for myself. Growing up not having much makes me grind for everything. My goal has always been to change it for my future. I want to break the Financial generational curse. We grew up in poverty having nothing so this instills a drive which makes you want to have it all Read more>>
Diamond V
My work ethic is a result of the fact that I wasn’t always able to have the resources I needed/wanted at my fingertips. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been the type of person who doesn’t like to wait around for someone to show me the ropes and help me out. Read more>>
Schaefer Mueller
I attribute my strong work ethic to my upbringing and early experiences. Coming from a family that deeply valued hard work, I started taking on construction jobs at the age of 15. This was a pivotal time for me, as it taught me that genuine change in life comes through dedicated effort. From an early age, I internalized the belief that we should earn our achievements and not simply rely on shortcuts or handouts. Read more>>
Paula Jane Newman
Great question. I feel that came from a shortcoming of mine – my learning challenges. The school system I grew up in didn’t really understand various types of learning. It was a very academic and test based system. I was awful at tests. I would always argue with the questions in my head. One year I was put in the bottom stream for science as the ranking was based an a random test. Mother was appalled! Read more>>
Melanie Mfuh
Growing up, I witnessed my mother skillfully balancing between selling food and attending computer classes, even during her pregnancy with our youngest sibling. Meanwhile, my father displayed unwavering dedication to his job, consistently investing his utmost effort. Seeing them work so hard definitely molded my mind to work as hard as they do. My strong work ethic is rooted in the values instilled by my parents. Read more>>
Stephanie Giacalone
I think work ethic is a nurtured characteristic. It’s impossible for work ethic to be nature because nature refers to how genetics influence an individual’s personality. Nurture refers to how their environment (including relationships and experiences) impacts their development, which is exactly how my work ethic was developed. Read more>>
Amanda Peña Bustillos
I believe I get my work ethic from my mom and dad… They’re the hardest working folks I know. I remember observing them as a little girl and thinking, “man… they always do the extra thing… go the extra mile to make whatever they do that much more special.” Read more>>
Gnitter
I think this question is a great opener; a catalyst that’ll open me up well for the questions to come. I always chat with my siblings about how good work ethic comes so natural and seamless to us — it’s been pointed out by many that I’m such a hard worker even though I feel as though I’m not doing much. Read more>>
Robert Valentine
My work ethic started from my childhood. I was always told if I wanted something or loved something I had to work hard for it and always give it my all. I believe if you start everything with the right mind set and give all your effort you will achieve success at some degree. Read more>>
Michaelene Karlen
Growing up as a dancer, since the age of three has really shaped me into the woman I am today. The kind of discipline that my ballet teachers instilled in me from a very young age is some thing that I have utilized throughout my entire life in every aspect of my journey. Read more>>
Sommer Poquette
Growing up, we only had a little money. I watched my parents and grandparents work hard to provide for us. They never made excuses, called in sick, or arrived late to work. They took pride in earning an honest wage so we could have a warm home, healthy food, and clothing. At a young age, I was taught that if I wanted something, I had to work too. Read more>>
Julia Hatch
I definitely want to credit my work ethic to my parents and a bit to swimming. I am a first generation Chinese American, my parents are Chinese refugees from Vietnam. They escaped a war and endured a lot of hardships to make their way to the US. They did this knowing they wanted to start a family here and give their future children a better life. Read more>>
Trae Q L Venerable
I get my work ethic from my forebears. I come from generations of hard working men also women but men who did everything for their family to succeed and make it to the next generation. One generation in particular that I got my work ethic from would be my father’s generation. Read more>>
Jerri Reid
Hands down I get my work ethic from my mother. I’ve never in my life seen such a work ethic like hers. I remember as a child going to work with her always pretending to be typing something. Being a single mother of 2 kids she had no choice but to have a great work ethic. She had no backup. She was the backup. She worked her way up to an amazing position and now she sits pretty at home and collects a check! GOALS🙌🏾 Read more>>
Tyler Keye
Good question! I owe it all to my faith. Proverbs 21:25 says “The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work.” Growing up in a family that prioritized hard work and always having Jesus as a foundation has also greatly influenced my work ethic. Read more>>
Rachel Waesche
My Mom and Dad without a doubt. From my father, the true meaning of doing hard work, picking yourself up when you fall, not being afraid to learn something new even if it’s hard, and pushing through when you want to give up. From my mother, compassion, attention to details, and the undying love of staying true to yourself. Read more>>
Anthony Dain
Not to sound too cliché, but I got my work ethic from my mother. I’m a child of divorce and grew up living with my mother and brother, hundreds of miles away from the rest of my family. My mother worked in the retail industry, then later the service industry. I’ve seen her struggle more than anyone else I know, having to hop from one retail company to the next – usually due to the company closing down. Read more>>
Vanessa Correa
I learned to always be the hardest working person in the room from my father, Gabriel Correa. I always hated how he’d work such long hours and how little I got to see him when I was a kid. I also hated seeing how hard he worked, with sweat pouring off of his face and an empty stomach, he always took great pride in his work and taught me to do the same. Read more>>
Malaysha Thompson
Growing up in a difficult environment, I learned my strong work ethic from the majority of my family. I observed their relentless efforts in ensuring that everything was well taken care of. Out of all of them, my mother, father and grandparents were the most influential in motivating me to persist and never give up. Read more>>
Jessica Lara
I would have to say my work ethic comes from my better half, my husband. Since the young age of 15 we have grown up together and built this life we have from the ground up. So I want to give credit where its due, because he has truly been my rock through all of this. Read more>>
Chris Wirsig
I’d like to say that this comes from me being born and raised in Germany, and having lived there most of my life. But then again, it’s not a unique German thing… 😉 Read more>>
Eve Richards
I’m a hard worker. I think I picked up the habit from my mother and father, they always encouraged consistent work and stressed the importance of doing things the right way and not taking shortcuts. So, work ethic is something that’s important to me and something I take pride in. Read more>>
Benjamín Starks Stewart
My strong work ethic stems from the unwavering dedication and sacrifices made by my parents. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the tireless efforts they put into providing for our family. My mother, in particular, worked countless hours, often starting her day before dawn, commuting on the train in New York City to support us. Read more>>
Kristin DiSanto
I have been fortunate enough in my life to have two incredibly hard working parents that instilled in me the power of perseverance. They learned from their parents the value of a hard earned dollar and the importance of living life with a strong moral compass. Read more>>
Isaac Bo
My work ethic comes from my parents. I am a son of refugees. My parents fled their home country of Cambodia due to a genocide that took place in the 70s. My parents met here in the states and had my sister and I. There were struggles growing up, hopping from house to house, doing homework in the dark, cold showers etc. All that made me want to be able to provide more for myself and my family. Read more>>
Shannon Thomas
I definitely got my work ethic from my parents. They worked hard to provide for our family and give us a good life. I remember my dad working night shifts and always working overtime but he never missed my little league games and always volunteered as assistant coach. Read more>>
Rikki (Winn Dixi) Hannah
My work ethic is something that I have developed overtime, by being a solo entrepreneur. When it is all up to you, you have no choice but to do the work. In doing the work, I learned that the more I do, the better my return. Not only is it important to do the work; it’s also important to improve as well. So I make sure I’m always learning something new everyday, as it pertains to my company. Read more>>
Sam Iaconi
My mother and father have always been my biggest inspirations. They overcame so much in their life to provide for my brothers and I. They would pull long work shifts and still find the time and money for all of our extracurricular goals. Read more>>
Candice Toney
My work ethic is rooted in the unwavering commitment I witnessed from my parents. Watching them diligently show up for work every day, never calling in sick, and working tirelessly to provide for our family, instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility that I have imparted to my own son. Read more>>
Kym Jolstad
My mom, Kathie, started working at the local Credit Union at the young age of 17. My parents were married just a year later. My sister and I came within the first 4 years of marriage. Unfortunately, my dad’s Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis caused him to stop working when he was 35. My mother kept a tidy house, raised us girls, cared for my dad all while working full time until she retired at 67. Read more>>
Vianey Lujan
I attribute my work ethic to my parents and being an immigrant myself in this country. Watching my dad work double shifts and my mom contribute to the household by taking on jobs she could do from our apartment I learned that success is not handed to you, but it earned through hard work, resilience, and the continuous pursuit of improvement. Read more>>
Tarik Daniels
My work ethic has evolved beautifully over the last few years. A huge component of me being able to lead in so many ways in my community involves around the ideal of rest as resistance. I became aware of a social media platform, The Nap Ministry and it inspired me to move towards instilling rest along my journey. Read more>>
Jose Lopez
My work ethic comes from humble beginnings. I understand and appreciate that I can have it all one day; then lose it all in the blink of an eye. Sometimes we can’t control that but the work thing we can control is how hard we work and that usually mitigates losing it all. I work for my family so they can live a better life than what I did. Read more>>
Scott Rocco
My work ethic started at home from an early age. Growing up in a middle class Italian American family with my hard-working parents and three older brothers certainly planted the seed. My father taught me to always be patient with everything. Eventually you get to where you want to be with hard work; a major lesson I learned from him. Read more>>
Jazmyn Ervins
I get my work ethic from my dad. He put in years of work and was able to make it to the NFL through so many obstacles. Growing up, he was my coach and trainer for several sports and always knew how to give the best motivational speeches. He preached that if you want to be the best, you have to put in the work; not everything is given to you. Read more>>
