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.
Loren Rosario-Maldonado
I get my work ethic from my parents. I had the privilege of going to work with them as a child which gave me more insight into the values that cultivate work ethic like integrity, character, discipline, determination and commitment to quality. “The lazy work twice”, they would say. I learned to place a high value on the quality of my work. Read more>>
Sarah Lyons Glabman
My work ethic comes from experiences of all levels. When you’re down low, you question a lot of things about yourself. And believe me when I say, I have been down low. I believe that my ‘work ethic’ comes from God. He has been with me on this journey from the very beginning, and He created me to be a majestic figure in the world of photography. I guess when I was ready to let go of all of the noise and distractions around me, I was able to focus more on Him, and His purpose for me. The noise went away, and the flow of what I am supposed to be doing came to clarity. Read more>>
Claudia Zapata
My work ethic stems from my mother. She was a single parent and worked several jobs to provide for my family. She loves language and letters, and I learned the value of having passion and desire for your career endeavors. Read more>>
Neeki Ostad
My father, a remarkable individual, who exemplifies unwavering dedication and hard work. For a period of time, he juggled three jobs, while my mother and grandmother took care of my brother and I. He is a genuine source of inspiration and is the ultimate role model. With an infectious smile, he faces each day without complaint, excelling in his profession and embodying integrity. His work ethic and values have shaped me into the person I am today, and I am immensely grateful for the impactful example he has provided for our family and beyond. Read more>>
Vintage V
I get my work ethic from self determination. Having a desire to achieve my goal. I believe that the highest form of self love that you can give to yourself is keeping your word on what you would like to accomplish. That’s is what keeps me going. Read more>>
Dee Fretwell
I’ve never considered my work as ‘coming’ from somewhere. Rather, my work ethic was developed ‘because’ of something. Just like everyone else I’ve ever met, my life has not been as smooth and simple as one might expect or want It to be. I was shown by my parents that persistence and grit matter. They modeled the notion that if you don’t fight for what matters, then why are you waking up every day? Read more>>
Kellee Everts
I come from a family of small business owners and artists who give and gave their all to put food on the table and build good lives for their families. My father, who had an outboard motor shop and was a boat-racer, would sometimes work two or three jobs during the slim months in winter to ensure the bills were paid and we had enough to eat. During the most difficult times is when I learned the importance of being creative and resilient. Read more>>
Rene Mejia
My work ethic stems from a deep desire to transcend my current self, to continually challenge and surpass my previous achievements, always aiming for a standard that borders on perfection. Through my years of experience, I’ve learned that the only path to progress is through unwavering dedication and persistent hard work. It’s a relentless pursuit, continually striving for excellence and refusing to settle for anything less. This ethos propels me forward, driving me towards my aspirations with an unyielding determination. Read more>>
Anylah Taft
My work ethic is a collaboration of both of my parents. They displayed to me the components of what hard work, disciple, and determination looks like. My mother came from a very strict upper class family in Bangkok, Thailand. She was born in the United States however grew up back in Bangkok for the majority of her life. At the age of 16 she returned to the US to finish high school and begin her collegiate education. Read more>>
Bobbie Weiner
My Dad was my biggest influence. When I was turning 16 I made the announcement to him that I was going to need a car. He simply said, “Bobbie, you will need to get a job!” I was crushed to hear that he would not buy me a car. So I cried and was besides myself. How dare he expect me to work. To make a long story short, the next day I got a job and worked after school every day and on Saturdays. I worked at a 2nd hand Thrift Shop. I worked also for 2 summers and then the store closed. I opened my own Thrift Shop when I was in my last year of college and had it for 16 years and sold it. Read more>>
Jalen Askins
Growing up I’ve always had a strong support system and role models to follow. I had people in my family that were really hard workers like my mom and dad. They both had jobs that required time away, but they still made time for our family as a whole which I appreciated. They taught me a lot about a healthy work and life balance which I incorporate even in my career to this day. Not only did I learn some great core values but at the same time I was able to build my own character and work ethic from those I looked up to. Read more>>
Kelli Christina
I was born in Sioux City, Iowa and a daughter of four children with Midwest blood. I was born and raised with work ethics, brains, ambition from a hardworking, smart and rather large Catholic family on both sides. My Dad’s side of the family and the Dennehey family were military, pilots, Air Force and the Air Guard services. My grandparents Bob and Sybil Dennehey owned apartment buildings on the side of business. The military background taught me at a young age to keep things in order, clean, tidy and in the best shape towards anything you own. Work hard for anything you want to accomplishment in life. Read more>>
Zach Hoheisel
My father, a dedicated painter during his formative years, possessed a strong work ethic coupled with a desire for greater achievements. His determination culminated in the establishment of a highly successful painting company in our local area. From a young age, he instilled in me the value of hard work, and I vividly recall my initiation into the workforce at his paint shop around the age of 10 or 11. Read more>>
Julian Polo
For almost all of my life, I’ve always had to work hard towards achieving my goals or figuring out what it is that I want to do in my life and my career. While growing up, I was very involved in athletics such as football and track and field, and also with my schooling. But I never had any special talents when it came to both of these different worlds, as I always had to put my nose down and work hard towards not only getting better at each craft, but also learn what works and what doesn’t work for me. Read more>>
Liz August
My work ethic is kind of like a family heirloom. I watched my mom juggle a demanding job, organizing family gatherings, and still keep an impeccable home. Her parents and grandparents were the epitome of hard work, and that mindset trickled down to us all. My dad, too, started hustling early, and his dedication is a real inspiration. Read more>>
Tania Pacheco
My work ethic 100% stems from my family. My father was a small business owner and I saw how he worked relentlessly to run his business for several decades. One important thing he showed me was that having a customer-centric business approach is key to success. I’ve always believed in not just “meeting” expectations for bookkeeping but going above and beyond for our clients. Running a successful bookkeeping firm is much more than just the technical aspect of finances, it’s really understanding the challenges our clients face and providing solutions that guide their success and growth. Read more>>
Tiera Masters
I 100% get my work ethic from my mom! From the time I was a little girl until now, my mom has worked harder than anyone I know. She worked and provided a home for my siblings and I. Watching how she put us first, is the reason I go so hard for my family. I’ve sacrificed time with my wife and daughter to ensure my family was well taken care of! Read more>>
S.L Jackson
My work ethic came from my childhood. As a kid, I asked my grandfather, Ronald Legion for some money. He told me he wouldn’t give me any money, but he’d show me how to make some. We had a huge garden growing up, he showed me how to work in that garden and from that day forward, I learned to put in work. See with a garden you see the whole process of getting the dirt ready, planting the seeds and watching things grow. So that’s how my work ethic was developed because I was taught to understand the process. Read more>>
Sarah Langston
My work ethic comes from my drive! I have always been passionate about any job I’ve ever had, especially when it comes to a personal project of mine. I have so much pride in my businesses and the work I have put into them and only dream of pushing myself further to build a strong foundation for my family. Read more>>
Anita Thomas
It’s so interesting to look back at key moments in my life where I can see how my work ethic started to pronounce itself. As a kid, I was always curious and intensely interested in learning new things. I loved reading and language, in particular. My sisters used to tease me about how I would read the thesaurus like it was a novel or something. I just had a voracious appetite to know more in order to satisfy my brain. Read more>>
Justin Finley
Several years ago, a stranger came to my table at White Castle and asked my friends and I “Which one of you is the writer?” None of us said anything because we didn’t know what his deal was and none of us had mentioned writing at all. All of us had no idea who this man was, but the certainty he asked that question with has stuck with me since. I don’t know if he was a spy or if he saw the copy of The Bell Jar I left in the car, but I often think what would’ve happened if I answered “I am!” My work ethic since that day really stems from my belief that this man was a sign from the world telling me what I’m here to do.I was already writing at 100%, but after that day I went to 300%. Read more>>
Nuha Hassan
I developed my work ethic from my love and passion to everything design and creativity. I believe everyone should live in their dream home no matter how big or small the home is. I thrive to make the best out of each space or home I design or decorate and make sure my clients get the sophistication and harmonious spaces they always dream for. Read more>>
Naylan Alvarez
My work ethic comes from a deep-rooted source of determination and resilience. It was instilled within me by my mother, who demonstrated unwavering commitment and an unyielding drive to provide a better life for her daughters as a Cuban immigrant . Her efforts inspired me to adopt a similar mindset, constantly pushing myself beyond my limits. It is fueled by a burning passion and an unquenchable hunger for personal growth and accomplishment. This work ethic propels me forward, even in the face of adversity, and empowers me to seize every opportunity with unwavering dedication and resolve. Read more>>
David Arauz
I get it from my pops. My dad is a very hard worker and taught me very well to never give up! Read more>>
Jarod O’Brian
Full transparency moment – my work ethic comes directly from my father. We do not have the typical “father-son” relationship, but as I’ve grown into manhood certain lessons he wanted me to learn have become clear. This man was/is a workaholic, and the one thing I could never take from him is the principle he instilled in me that hard work pays off. Read more>>
Tia Williams Vaughn
Aside from being a jewelry artist, I’m also a virtual assistant to small business owners and I “‘preach” stressing less. I want small business honors to stress less over their “busy work” that is important but may take way from the core of what they need to accomplish. I try to manage my stress levels with my jewelry designing. Read more>>
Tray Day SADD
I would say my work ethic comes from watching & studying the greats from all different walks of life. I’m a firm believer in you can learn from anyone because we all have a certain uniqueness that makes us who we are. I grew up with the knowing & understanding of hard work; I was never the kid who felt entitled or like the world owed me I was always taught that if you don’t work you don’t eat. Read more>>
Marco Price
My work ethic comes from a combination of personal values, social expectations, family influences, and individual drive to be the best i can be at whatever task is placed in front of me. My work ethic was shaped by my parents who worked hard to provide for me and my siblings. Having such influences helped play a crucial role in shaping my approach to work and life in general. Nothing was ever given to me, i had to work hard for everything that i have accomplished. My parents installed in me the idea and concept of work integrity. Read more>>
Rebecca Engling
As a professional Wardrobe Fashion Stylist, my work ethnic stems from a combination of factors. Firstly, I have a strong passion for Fashion and Styling. This genuine love for what I do drives me to consistently deliver my best work and strive for excellence in every project I undertake. Secondly, I believe in the importance of professionalism and integrity. I understand that being entrusted with the task of curating someones wardrobe or creating visual narratives through styling requires a high level of professionalism, reliability and discretion. I always aim to be punctual, organized and respectful of my clients need and preferences. Read more>>
Leana Shayefar
My work ethic comes from my dad. He was a routine guy and built his life from nothing so I grew up watching him work very hard and have a dedicated routine his whole life. Read more>>
Kathleen Bagley
I grew up as a daughter of a Marine Sargeant. His specialty was electronics, He went on to work in R&D for a Nuclear facility and he designed the modern switch board for the first Trident Missile Submarine. He was always thinking of ideas to better things, and I believe that drive to always work to leave the world better than we found it was instilled in me. No matter the circumstances, failure was never an option. You take what you are either dealt or what you may have created, and you at it until you conquer the task at hand. Read more>>
Jess Marios
My work ethic comes from a few places, but mainly from my mom! That woman did anything and everything to make sure she cultivated a secure life for her kids! She is the OG of hustling!! I learned at an early age that no matter what you can figure things out and find a way to push through anything!! Read more>>
Alonso Sanchez
Once upon a time, in the quiet hours before dawn, amidst the stillness of early morning darkness, the seeds of my unwavering work ethic were sown. This story, my story, unfolds against the backdrop of relentless dedication and unyielding determination. Read more>>
Gabriela Rojas Veizaga
Growing up, I naturally tended to be very organized and took pride in accomplishing tasks promptly. This drive to complete tasks efficiently was not just about getting them done but also about experiencing the relief and satisfaction that followed. Additionally, observing my mother’s dedication and watching her work long hours significantly influenced my perspective on hard work. Her commitment instilled in me the importance of diligence and perseverance in all endeavors. Read more>>
Mogul Mack
My work ethic came from a mixture of my parents (Daryell & Carolyn Mack) and my first business mentor Jerome “Ro” Brooks. My father was always promoted education and business. My mother showed me how manifestation works in real life. Jerome taught me the power in a to do list. Mix that all together and you have me. I educated myself in the business industry that I wanted to grow into. My to do list keeps me going and my manifestation has given me opportunities and access to rooms that werent yet on my plane of straight sight. Read more>>
Richard Gillins (DJ Supreme)
I learned my work ethic from my mom, my uncles, and my cousins that I grew up with. They are all blue collar hard working people who strive to be the best they can be. Read more>>
T Scott Towles
I have three people in my life who have influenced my work ethic over time my mother Stephanie my father Norbert and my grandmother Eddie Mae. Those three showed me integrity, determination, and discipline which I believe are keys to success for anyone. At each level of my life or growth of my life, these have become pillars to me achieving some of the things that I’ve been able to achieve thus far. My determination right now. Read more>>
Debbie Roberts
Both of my parents had strong work ethics. My mother worked her way through college and graduate school even with physical mobility limitations. My father did not complete high school but became a master carpenter. They both encouraged my brother and I to persevere through disappointments and to celebrate the victories. They demonstrated competence and good character and expected the same from their children. Read more>>
Michelle Lubin
As an artist, it’s easiest and most comfortable to just create but I knew early on that I couldn’t rely on just creating art, that in order to really build my career I’d have to navigate an uncharted path, learn the business side of things, and really hustle to opportunities . I believe I definitely get my work ethic from the non-artists I grew up around, namely my mom and older sisters. Read more>>
Lori Sartain
I came from a single parent home. I never knew my dad growing up and my mom was always too stubborn to ask anyone for help. I remember her teaching me everything I’d ever need to know from lighting a pilot light to starting a fire and changing a tire. She always said “if you want something done and done right, you’ve got to learn how to do it yourself”. Read more>>
Sean Mullens
I grew up working on farms as a kid in Ohio. Cleaning out pig pins, gathering eggs, feeding horses all before 5am and all before walking a quarter mile to catch a school bus. My dad believed in earning a living with your hands, your sweat and a drop or two of blood. That was passed on to me and combined with a notion that if you do something you might as well do it well and if you do it well you might as well do it better than anyone else. When you’re raised like that, putting in a few more hours after everyone’s gone home for the day and never missing a deadline seems easy in comparison. Read more>>
Tiffany Do’Mwah
My worth comes from wanting to do my best at all times. It has grown even stronger since becoming a make up artist eight years ago ,when you love and have a passion for something it’s not work so whether I have to get up at 5 AM and do make up for one person or a wedding party with 12 people I’m going to get up and I’m going to do it I don’t feel like you get work ethic from anything or anyone it has to come from you and you have to put in the work. I tell people all the time enjoy the journey no shortcuts, embrace the journey and watch our God bless you. Read more>>
Whitney GILLIARD
My work ethic has been profoundly shaped by the strong and resilient individuals in my life. As a first-generation Asian American, I am the first one in my father’s family to attend college. I recognize that the opportunities that I have now would never have happened had it not been for my family’s immigration to America. I recognize that I live in comfort and I never want to take that for granted, so in my life I always think back on what I witnessed as a child. Read more>>
