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.
Kase
I used to play sports growing up and if you want to get better, you learn very early that you have to work hard to see results. I was drawn to Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan growing up and instantly heard all of the stories about their drive. Their mentality is something I try to emulate and apply to music. To me being in the studio is like being in the gym getting shots up. More reps, results. Read more>>
Julia Nordgren
From a young age, I had a keen awareness of the hardships my mother endured as a single parent in the 70’s. She was a brilliant programmer and being a woman in the computer industry was a constant struggle. She endured so much and how hard she worked to provide us with the basics. So for anything else, it was up to me! Read more>>
Lindsay Feldman
My work ethic is deeply rooted in my upbringing and early experiences. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, the values of hard work and taking pride in your endeavors was something my parents instilled in me from a young age. I started working as a camp counselor at just 11 years old, and by the time I was 16, I had already held several jobs, from babysitting to working at a dollar store and even Burger King. Read more>>
wildajuc@hotmail.com Rowlands
As an actor, my work ethic is defined by a deep commitment to my craft and an unwavering dedication to bringing every character to life with authenticity and depth. From my role in the critically acclaimed “Oppenheimer,” where I had the privilege of contributing to a story that garnered multiple Academy Awards, to my performance in the bold western “The Redeemer” I’ve consistently pursued roles that challenge and inspire me. Read more>>
Andrea Grove
A dairy farm in central Pennsylvania, the family farm, instilled in me the extreme fundamentals of a highly successful work ethic. On a farm, any farm, work is never done, and there are always stressors present, so learning to juggle designating the most vital tasks, follow through on them until they are complete, and managing quality of work with efficiency was instilled in me from a very young age. Read more>>
Ben Shirley
This answer needs a bit of context. Music has always been my savior. As a child, music made me feel like I belonged. Growing up, I felt separated from everything but when I turned on my little green transistor radio, all the noise went away and I was taken to another world. This world understood me and told me everything would be ok. Read more>>
MonterRick Bennett
I would have to give my mother the credit for my work ethic! I’ve watched her work hard for as long as I could remember. She’s never been one to quit despite how hard things might get! She is the true definition of making things happen. Read more>>
Jeanette Dela Cruz
My work ethic was instilled in me at a young age. My mom came to the United States from the Philippines, where she was a nurse. Unfortunately, she did not qualify to be a nurse here, and instead worked in the service industry. I saw her work two to three jobs to make ends meet, and provide a better future for us. Read more>>
Alyssa Garrett
From an early age, I was fortunate to be surrounded by two remarkable women who exemplified what it means to have a strong work ethic: my grandmother and my mother. These women led by example, teaching me invaluable lessons that have shaped who I am today. Read more>>
Natsumi Laske
I believe that I inherited my work ethic largely from my parents. My father ran an orthopedic clinic in a rural area of Japan where my mother also helped for many years. My father often told me and my three siblings, “Always be there for the patient, and do everything you can to help them heal.” Read more>>
Cynthia Jankowski
Growing up on a farm as an immigrants daughter I was taught how to work for what I wanted. My mother immigrated her country when she was 13 years old and my father joined the military when he was 17. I think growing up with such driven parents you dont learn any other way than to work for what you want. Read more>>
Alexis Miller
Growing up, my father owned a hardware store. At the ripe age of nine, I started working in that store every summer. I started off as a clerk. Customers thought I was both a marvel and adorable, as I rang up their purchases. I worked at my father’s hardware store every summer, for most of the summer, until I was 16. After that, I branched out and became a lifeguard at a local pool. Read more>>
Liz Hartman Sitaraman
My mother Denise is the child of Polish immigrants and the first generation to attend college (the name SWIATLO is Polish, inspired by our heritage!) She put herself through both her bachelors and masters- I was actually in elementary school when she was getting her MBA. She showed my brother and I that as long as we worked hard and stayed focused, we could accomplish anything we set our minds to. Read more>>
Amanda Bunting Comen
The fire that fuels my work ethic comes from a mix of personal drive and my clients. On the personal side, passion for my field, ambition, and a disciplined focus are key ingredients. I pride myself on paying attention to details and consistency from early on in my non profit days. I believe in myself and my vision, and that internal confidence keeps me pushing forward. Read more>>
Kait Nielson
I think my work ethic comes from many different places. First of all, I’m a Taurus – we’re disciplined, stubborn, passionate, determined. When I get an idea of something I want to do, I do it. I push through barriers, and just like a bull, buck off anything or anyone holding me back. Read more>>
Aly Hansen
I’m a high school dropout who never even got her GED. I floated from job to job from age 18 to about 25, sometimes quitting without notice but more often getting fired for poor performance and laziness. My job as a photographer is the only job (and hobby) I’ve ever stuck with without quitting, 4 years now and counting. Read more>>
Rafi Gola
My dad’s work ethic has been a huge influence on me. He’s always putting in long hours and even does night shifts, showing me the importance of hard work and never giving up. Seeing how much he puts into his job, I’m inspired to do the same in my own endeavors. He’s always pushing me to do well in school and to aim for the best in everything I do. Read more>>
Reginald “EZ” Ward Jr
Growing up in a family that owns various businesses, including stores and farms, entrepreneurship is embedded in my DNA. My work ethic is deeply rooted in a long history of entrepreneurship and a proud heritage from a rural city in North Carolina named Mount Olive. Personally, I possess an innate desire to constantly improve and progress. I refuse to be boxed in and thrive on breaking my own internal records, driven by an internal competition with myself. Read more>>
Anita Tempesco
I got my work ethic from my upbringing. I’m one of 6 and I feel our parents always instilled a great work ethic when we were very young. My grandparents owned a Mom and Pop corner store and we always helped out from the time we could see over the counter. Also, my husband has a tremendous ability to jump into any situation and get the job done. Read more>>
Paloma Carpio Marion
I get my work ethic from three main factors: my passion for the entertainment industry, my commitment to representation, and my desire to honor my family. First, my passion for the entertainment industry fuels my drive. Since I was little, I was captivated by movies and television, being transported into other worlds that connected deeply with me. Read more>>
Desmond Hayes
I want to say I get it from my mother. I grew up the oldest of three and watched this single parent with three kids get up every morning at 5 a.m. to get us ready for school, cook breakfast, then head to work at the post office. Then she would come home, cook again, and help me and my little brother as much as she could with our homework while trying catering to a two year old. Read more>>
Michael Beauchamp
I started my first job doing landscaping, odd jobs, etc., when I was 10 yrs old in northeast CT. in 1988 I wanted a mountain bike and it was too expensive and my dad said I have to get a job to help pay for it. My mother put an add in the local paper advertising my services. Read more>>
Jamu Teague
My work ethic I think comes from my parents, as well as my elders. I have memory of my elders working hard for survival That alone helped shape the way I work and how I create often. Read more>>
Zoë Lukas
I believe my work ethic comes from my parents. Growing up, both my father and mother worked so hard to support me and my three older siblings. My parents always fostered the creativity in each of us. It allowed us to bloom in the creative endeavors that lit each of us up – it is still such a gift. I think their support in the things I love gave me freedom and drive to start a business. Read more>>
Jermaine Mendoza
I’ve developed a work ethic that allows me to gain the most out of every aspect of my life. Both professionally and personally. I grew up a first generation Filipino- American. Half African American and half Filipino to be exact. Growing up in my grandparents home, allowed me to learn the discipline it takes to appreciate hard work. Read more>>
Da-Toneyia Clewis
I got my work ethic from my parents. Growing in a house full of wisdom , I was always told “ work isn’t honest but it pays the bills” We didn’t have much but we were fortunate enough and blessed to the point where we had willing and able parents! My dad is full force with his duties being the man! I’ve never came across an individual so distilled as him. Read more>>
Julia Findlay
My mom. We joke a lot that she never sits still. I am the exact same. I never really stop. I always seem to have a new idea of something I want to try. I don’t feel right unless I am working on something at all times. My mom has her degree in Early Childhood Development she also has a physical therapy degree and she also owned a Art Gallery most of my high school life. She is also a very talented artist who specializes in bird houses, stationary and floor mats. Read more>>
Bailey Olerich
From the time I was little, sports taught me the value of hard work. Showing up to practices, pushing myself to get better, and never giving up on a play instilled a relentless drive in me. That mentality translated over to my studies too. I learned that putting in the effort, whether it was on the field or in the classroom, always paid off with results. Read more>>
Erin Pasko
My work ethic definitely comes from my mom, Barbara. She owned The Dancer’s Workshop, which is my dance studio Studio 7’s older sister, for about 40 years. She was a single mom who cared for her kids, her household, and her business all by herself. She never stops! She has definitely taught me how to work hard and the benefits of working hard. Watching her as I grew older inspired me to always stay motivated and never get lazy! Read more>>
Lizzy Orefice
I get my work ethic one hundred percent from my Pops. The man has had a blue-collar work ethic his whole life; he takes pride in working with his hands, getting dirty for a cause, and putting in a full day of hard work. Read more>>
