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.
Lorita Travaglia
Both of my parents were great examples of hard working individuals, likely because they had both had difficult situations as children. They taught me and my brothers to always do our best as that was more important than the outcome. Another factor was my training as a ballet dancer. At age four I demanded to learn how to dance.. i had a natural musicality and rhythm and had a lot to express but physically ballet did not come so easily. I hated to practice but the only way my parents would pay for my lessons is if I put in the work at home and I believed that if I worked twice as hard as everyone else I could be as good as them. I still feel that way. Read more>>
D2Millertime
I wish I could just point to one moment in my life and say this is where it all started. This is where the drive and ambition came from but I don’t have a moment. My whole life I’ve always felt the need to prove myself. I’ve never looked at myself as the most talented, the smartest, the most…anything! There’s always been a voice in my head telling me I need to get better and the truth is, I love it. I love the process of improving myself, evolving, reaching new heights. Whether that’s because I’ve played sports my whole life or watching my parents achieve their own dreams no matter how many apartments we had to move to and jobs they had to work at one time to make it happen, I don’t know. Read more>>
Lacey Vandermeer
Growing up with a single mom she has taught me so much about work ethic. To get what you want you have to work hard and dream about it. This is something my mom has always said. Also, watching her manage two jobs and two kids made me work so hard to what I want. I have had a hard time getting full time but I have kept working and making the best of all aspects of my business. I have had a fun time doing my business that I keep working towards being the best I can be in my profession. I have had a wonderful role model to help me through most of everything I have gone through. She is a very inspirational in my life that I hope to be half of what she is when I become her age. Read more>>
Kevin Good
I’ve always enjoyed working. It can be stressful and difficult at times when something new occurs but for myself, actively working helps me to feel accomplished. I think humans naturally want to work sometimes the job itself isn’t desirable but I think most people would have a harder time never working than they would working a small amount each day. The sense of accomplishment that comes with finishing a task can be incredibly rewarding. As a performing being able to bring my interpretation of a piece or a premiere of a new piece can feel really wonderful. The process of performance naturally creates a work ethic for me. There is no world where I can procrastinate and learn a piece in a day there simply isn’t that kind of cramming available in music so doing a small amount each day creates consistency in my development as a player. Read more>>
Kim Mattei
Nothing has ever come easily to me in life. At a very young age I realized that I would have to work hard at everything I do in order to be successful. School was not easy for me. I struggled in the classroom but I worked hard in order to complete my school assignments and get good grades. I was a competitive swimmer with not a great deal of natural talent. I worked hard day in and out of the water to become a good swimmer. As a former teacher and coach, I worked hard to make sure my students and athletes got the best of me every single day. As a business owner, even after 13 years, I continuously work hard . I know that hard work pays off. I have seen it happen my entire life. Read more>>
Clint Regehr
I probably got my work ethic from my parents. They were both hard working people and it rubbed off on me as I was growing up. I started my first job in the 6th grade as a paperboy. I always worked through my school years. I was also very involved in sports growing up, from basketball, football, hockey, track etc and ended up playing and coaching college football. Throughout that time I learned the discipline of hard work, keeping and making deadlines. So hard work is definitely part of my fabric to this day…and I love working hard. The concept of “retirement” is not in my thinking. Read more>>
Dionne M. Lackey
Growing up I watched my mom work very hard over the years in order to provide for her children and I guess I naturally picked up that work ethic. I have been working since the age of fourteen and believe the only time I had a “pause” was in my adult life when I became a mom. I am and advocate for working smart, so as diligent and committed as I am to my work ethic, I am equally committed to making sure that I have time for the things most important to me as well, including myself. Read more>>
LaNisa Williams
I get my work ethic from my mom. I watched this lady raise 5 queens and never complained about how much she had to work. She has always worked and had a side hustle to make sure we were taken care of. As a kid she would always tell us that lazy people do double the work, so do it right the first time. My mom gave a 110% at every job she had. I watched her help others when we didn’t have nothing. If she didn’t know how do do something she figure out a way. I took everything she taught me and I apply if every day I put in work. Read More>>
Sandra Chahayed
I get my work Ethic from my Dad Joseph. He is 75 years old and wakes up before sunrise to be at work. He doesn’t come home until the evening. No matter what life throws at him he is always ready to start the work day. I learned hard work and dedication to your passion is what makes a good work Ethic. I have learned so much about what being a successful business owner is from him. Showing compassion for others is the biggest lesson he taught me. Read more>>
John Liang
Definitely from my parents. My father is a doctor and a surgeon and my mother was a symphony orchestra violinist; both these vocations, while very different in practice, require a strong and focused work ethic. Growing up, my parents instilled within me the importance of discipline and patience, which I carried over into my own work as a filmmaker. Spreading the word about you and/or your brand. The next part of the interview is where we’d love to learn more about you, your story and what you are focused on professionally – whether it’s a business, nonprofit, artistic career etc. Read more>>
Tobore Oweh
My work ethic comes from my mother! Growing up, I watched her work so hard to carry my family. We always had everything we needed and she made sure of that! Whenever I feel like given up or feeling defeated, I think about my mother, how hard she worked and how hard she still works till today! It gives me motivation to keep pushing through! Read more>>
Gabriela Gerhart
I grew up in a hard-working family. All of my family members worked either in sales, construction, steel factory, or agriculture. Since my early teens I always had a job, from collecting paper goods, or metal, or herbs and selling them at the collection sites to get pocket money. My family did not grow up with much extra money, so anything extra I wanted to buy I needed to earn money for. Working hard is pretty much part of my DNA. Work is incredibly rewarding to me, I like to see the results, I like to make people happy, and I appreciate others putting work into projects. Read more>>
Leo Key Key
As a young boy I would run errands, and do chores for neighbors. I had a very strong desire to earn and achieve for myself. When it was discovered by my parents, their support was a major influence in my growth. I did yard work, managed a news paper route. My early teen years had promise due to both my parents multi-skilled abilities. I worked after school retail jobs to earn extra money. Read more>>
Venetia Maria
My grandmother was born in Germany after the WW2. She used to sit me in her living room and teach me how to talk I’m turns, how to wait for others to allow me to do my things, and how to be organized and keep my things tidy and folded around the house and my room. These things thought me how to behave ethically. Read more>>
Snipe Young
Well, as a kid I witness my father go to work on rotating shifts at a plant. Early on, I noticed that no matter when his shift changed he was always up and ready to get to it. My job just happens to be my passion so I enjoy working and I can outwork some of the best! The way I think of it if I’m not working somebody else is and they are getting steps ahead. Read more>>
Michael Hiller
I get my work ethic from my parents. Both are entrepreneurs and CPAs. They worked very hard to start their business and have always been very determined and resilient which is what helped their business be successful for over 30 years. Well my name is Michael Hiller and I am the President of Hiller Enterprise, Inc. I grew up in West Hills. I went to El Camino Highschool, was involved in coaching for Special Olympics and volunteered in the animal shelter in Agoura. Read more>>
Terha Newby
Work ethic is a strong character that means so, SO much to me. Growing up, I wasn’t surrounded by a lot of positive role models with strong work ethics. There was one person however with a work ethic that was beyond admirable and that was my uncle; this man raised me from a toddler through adulthood and he did it was such grace. Watching my uncle struggle to navigate through life from woking countless small handyman jobs, rain or shine all to ensure a roof over our heads and food on our plates, showed me he obtained such discipline and accountability for his trade. Read more>>
Tiana Heath
I believe my work ethic as a media host comes from many places. My supporters has always been a great source of motivation and encouragement. They instilled in me the importance of hard work, dedication, and taking pride in my work. I also draw inspiration from the people I interview, who often have amazing stories of resilience and success. Finally, I am constantly striving to improve, both technically and personally. It’s always a challenge to stay on top of the latest trends and technologies, and I enjoy pushing myself to become a better media maven. Read more>>
Shante Griffen
I was raised by a single mother, and I saw a woman who worked hard to make sure that I had everything i needed and wanted. She always told me that I could do anything in this world as long as I worked hard and put my mind to it. As I got older I always worked extremely hard whether it was school or work, and when I started my business I knew it wouldn’t be easy but I knew that working hard would help me continue to learn and grow my small business. Read more>>
Julie Gray
I get my work ethic from my mother for sure. My parents came to America from Vietnam during the war and had absolutely nothing and turned it into something. My mother taught herself english, worked two jobs, and started her own business’. She did all of that working two full time jobs with a smile on her face every day with no hesitation. Every thing that I am, it’s because of her. Read more>>
Urvashi Lele
I think most of my grit and resilience comes from my Indian cultural heritage. I was raised to be persistent and not let failure be a deterrent in achieving my goals. My mother has been a huge role-model when it comes to my work ethic. As the principal of a very sought after school, she has had to manage a lot and with a cool head nonetheless. Observing her in her work habitat has been instrumental in shaping my own work ethic – of listening to others and working together with the people who also want to help you achieve the same goals. Read more>>
Jarrett Ransom
My parents deserve credit for this. Both my mom and dad were entrepreneurs – my dad a landscape architect and my mom an artist, and gift shop owner. Being raised by entrepreneurs definitely showed me the importance of work ethic, resilience, and grit! In fact, my parents were not fond of me starting my own business. Which of course, made me want to start my own business even more! Read more>>
Matthew Oquendo
I’ve always been a believer that the worst idea that has been completed triumphs over the greatest idea that never left the shower. That said, when you see work that has been done, it doesn’t matter if people perceive it to be great or they do not, but that it is *done* — That feeling of having completed something for me is so satisfying, that it makes me want to keep working and create. Read more>>
Stephanie Mazumdar
When I think of work ethic, I instantly look to my parents. Both my Mom and Dad have incredible work ethic. As far back as I can remember, they have led by example the importance of one’s character in business and continue to teach me every day the values of consistency, determination, and kindness. My parents built their lives by working towards a clear goal, every day. That’s not to say they have never taken time to readjust, they certainly have. I believe this is an important part of work ethic; knowing when you need to shift or turn left rather than continuing straight. Read more>>
Jennifer Lamden
I’d have to say my work ethic comes from within. The dream to build my own business and creating products that people love provides me with the stamina to keep going. Staying true to yourself and doing what you love helps me get through the long hours and late nights with a little humor thrown in! Read more>>
Melena Rounis
I get my work ethic from my late father for sure! He immigrated from Greece to Canada in the late 60’s by himself as a teenager who didn’t peak English, and made his way on his own building a successful life to be proud of. I saw his determination, motivation and drive, and when I think back now, it was massive, and it was all I knew at that time. He used to say to me, “Work hard, be diplomatic and treat every one with respect, and make sure they treat you the same way because you have nothing with out it.” Read more>>
Kimbella Williamson
I get my worth ethic from my parents. My father was in the Army for 22 years. He then became a correctional officer, while also having a part time job at our local grocery store. I never saw my father miss work for any frivolous reason. He went every day with a smile on his face and never letting anything stop his happiness. My mother worked as well, but she also went to school while taking care of my brother and me. I learned from both of them to always put forth my best effort no matter what was on my plate. Read more>>
Elizabeth Samper
My work ethic stems from putting myself in others shoes. As someone who went through the wedding planning process, I wanted to be emulate everything I needed that I didn’t have. Someone who would recognize my stress and say “I’ll be there to help you” and just alleviate the overwhelming to do list that just comes with planning an event. Owning a business is not about superiority in my opinion, it’s about remembering you’re providing a service to someone who needs you. At the end of the day, most of my clients actually become my friends because of the amazing relationship we developed through the process. Read more>>
Tass Banks
Personally, I’m already an obsessive-compulsive person. When I see the word “imperfect,” I see “I’m Perfect.” Being routine and very strategic is my life. I do everything in my power to exceed expectations. My work ethic comes with ease. I identify as a Business Professional because I wear many hats. I am a certified Notary Public and Tax Preparer. I will soon add Real Estate and Insurance Agent to my certifications. So please be kind and keep me in mind. Read more>>
Janine Gateland
My father! He has always been the most hardworking and disciplined man I know. He is very business orientated and focused, has a passion for fast motorbikes and a risk taker. He built his motorbike business up from scratch in Leeds, Yorkshire in the UK with his brother and has been the leading motorbike dealer in the North of England for over 40 years. The business has had many ups and downs over the years but is still growing strong today. Never been one for relaxing and always busy doing something when he’s not at work. My father loved building onto the house or working in the garden at home. I’ve always looked up him and now he is semi-retired, but the business is still run. Read more>>
Masa Hashem
Looking through my early memories I remember immigrating to the United States at the age of 4. My dad, Omeir, was a doctor overseas and my mom was on the cusp of finishing a business degree. When we arrived in the United States, they had to start over. My parents struggled daily trying to create a better life for their family, to include my younger sisters Mira and Maya. My dad went on to get a Masters in Maternal Health from Tulane University and my mom, a cosmetology degree all while providing for and caretaking three girls that were 4 and under. Our parents were examples of building yourself from nothing. Read more>>
Camila Vintimilla Caster
I got my work ethic from my dad. He came to the USA from Ecuador with 2 children, a wife and the clothes on his back. He was a MD in our country but he came here and did what he could with out putting his head down. He started from the very bottom with no car no place to live and no English. No matter what he did, whether it was home health care or tutoring on the side, he always remained hopeful. Fast forward 25 years, where he is at his dream job (research scientist) he is still as thankful and humble as he was on day one. Read more>>
Chef Jasmine Warren
I got my work ethic from my parents. My entrepreneur spirit comes from my dad and my willingness to work comes from my mom. My mom was a single parent to both my sister and I. She always worked to provide for us, and she instilled in us to work hard and have our own. My dad had his own business. He never liked working for anyone but himself. I definitely got that from him! Read more>>
Samuel & Kim Barker
I can honestly say I get my work ethic from my mom. She worked multiple jobs to provide for my brother and I as we grew up. Whenever she had time off, she would spend that time with us going to see movies or attending our school functions. She really never stopped doing things even if it was detrimental to her health via a lack of sleep and exhaustion. While it is preferable to get a good night’s sleep, sometimes you have moments that are more important and fleeting like being with your kids or getting to be a part of a moment that won’t come around again. Working hard to put yourself in the position to achieve those moments calls for a solid work ethic. Read more>>
Lila Nikole
I thrive on challenges and learning new processes. I have always been a strong, driven, curios designer. I feel excitement when figuring out the hardest problems or finding the unconventional methods of resolve. I grew up watching my father use his hands to create so many different items. My mother was also a creator. Watching the both of them create things from nothing has surely inspired me to push into the unknown to see what magic I can come up with. Read more>>
Nico Duarte
From the start of my filmmaking career, my work ethic has always been influenced by the rewarding feeling of productivity and meeting daily challenges that continue to inspire me. My name is Nico Duarte, and I own and operate a Video Production Company that specializes in video production for Music Videos, Commercials, Promotional Work and Television. As a Director & Cinematographer, my main focus is to help bring visions to life, and tell stories that can relate to viewers from all demographics. Read more>>
Electra Solis
Hello, I’m Electra Solis, let me know share with you all the history of my work ethic. My grandma Solis has always shared her stories of picking cotton, hearing the strength in her voice as she spoke about the hot days and bloody hands she would have by the end of day encouraged me to never stop hustling. Her success and struggle paved the way to my work ethic. I remember hustling way back when I was middle until I was old enough to work at the mall. Working wasn’t a option for me as I was being raised by a single parent so my mentality has always been if grandma worked hard then so I can. Read more>>
Jack Walterman
Looking back on my life thus far, I can attest that my work ethic has come from how my parents raised me. Over the years I watched as they balanced working together, as co-owners of a logistics company, in the office and at home. I witnessed their commitment to each other, the company, and our family which instilled a positive sense of hard work in me and influenced how I see the world today. From a young age, my parents were generous enough to expose me to as much as possible to explore what I would be interested in. Read more>>
Anicka Martin
My parents. They taught me to never give up on my dreams and goals. Tenacity is something I was born with. They showed me how to have a great work ethic and to continue to improve. They instilled the importance of taking feedback without taking it personal so growth is achievable. Read more>>
Mirror Williams
I think watching my capricorn mother provided me with an incredible work ethic. She always quoted my grandfather who said “Your work ethic is your livelihood.” And I never quite understood what exactly that meant, but it all made sense the moment I started working. It never failed that I would step into a position and give it my absolute all and randomly someone would say. “Hey I know you do x,y, and z but I’d love to have you work for me.” It was then that I realized how you perform at work influences the opportunities that will be presented to you. I firmly believe that when a new opportunity is presented it is always in your best interest to entertain the thought of something new. Read more>>
Erin Callahan
Juggling work, school, competitive shooting and running a nonprofit event definitely takes a strong work ethic. I believe my work ethic comes from watching my parents and my ‘shooting family’ as I grew up. This people have all been strong influences on my life and showed me how much you can accomplish with hard work and perseverance. Read more>>
Kayla Rose
I truly believe most of my work ethic stems from starting ballet at the age of 3 and never stopping. It taught me loads of discipline, leaving my “bs” at the door, and trying my best. Ballet taught me respect, always be on time, be in proper uniform, show up for myself, do my best, and how to stay tuned with my mind and body. Which all reflects in who I am today and my work ethic. Staying in tune with your mind and body also helps a great work ethic, If you are coming from a clear mind you will do clear work. Read more>>
Casey Cheuvront
From working all my life! Ha – Also – I get bored without a project and a goal. And I like the idea of being a “lifetime learner,” which means there’s always something else to try, learn, or accomplish. My favorite shoes are hiking boots. For years I explored the wildernesses of the Southwest, hiking, backpacking, hang gliding and mountain biking – interacting with our wild places up close and in person. This has profoundly influenced my work. I believe we are incomplete without a connection to, and appreciation of, the natural world, and that we should cherish and protect it. Read more>>
Star Maxwell
I was born into a legacy of hard working and devoted individuals. My grandfather was a successful entrepreneur. As an adolescent, I thoroughly enjoyed spending “take your child to work day” at his establishment. My dad will always be a legend in my eyes. Not, because he was some supernatural being with powers but because of his relentless devotion to taking care of the needs of his family! I have six siblings and my parents often took on additional responsibilities of helping to rear other neighborhood children as well. Read more>>
