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.
Dane Demchak
Growing up with 4 other brothers, in addition to my mother’s full-time job at a power-plant, a job that was 99% male dominated, she would do many other side hustles to make sure we were provided for. I vividly remember her coming home from work many days covered in soot from head to toe after shoveling coal all day. During the holiday season, she would bake and sell cookies and pies and use that money to buy us our Christmas gifts. Witnessing that growing up as a kid and processing it even more as an adult with my own children, it’s hard to find an excuse or reason to cop out of any hard work when I compare it to that. Though I have a strong opinion on the hustle culture and how much of it comes from a survival mentality, the silver-lining growing up in it was the work-ethic it gave me. That and being raised in Pittsburgh, blue-collar grit and steel-mill work seeps through every part of the culture there. Read more>>
Josip Pozgaj
I get my work ethic from my parents. I come from the family of entrepreneurs. My dad started a successful sawmill business which fast turned into a finished product factory, that does business all over the world with clients like Dior and Jeep. And on the other side my mom started a ranch which turned out to become a resort village. Growing up in a big family, my parents couldn’t leave us at home by ourselves so we would go to work with them. And work helped me to value things in life and make me realize that hard work always pays of. Read more>>
Dr. Stacy Jagger
In my early 20s my second momma, Sue Ellen Cole, taught me to get down on my knees and give my life over to the care of a loving God, one day at a time. And to say “Thy will, not my will, be done.” And do the next right thing, like a lamp unto my feet. And I did that for a long time. I trained myself to be in touch with someone bigger than me. I just try to do the next right thing based on a still small voice inside of me somewhere. Read more>>
Dan Bird
My work ethic comes from my upbringing and the experiences that shaped me early on. I’ve always believed in the value of hard work and perseverance, and that mindset was instilled in me from a young age. Starting out as a one-man operation, I had no choice but to give everything I had to each project—long hours, attention to detail, and a commitment to doing things the right way. Over the years, those principles have become the foundation of how I approach not only my work but life in general. It’s also been reinforced by the incredible people I’ve worked with and learned from along the way. When you’re building something from the ground up, there’s no substitute for grit and integrity. Read more>>
Jamean Flowers
I got my work ethic from my mother. Growing up we started working fairly young, and my mother was very big on showing up, having respect, giving your all, and having integrity. Read more>>
Rebecca Roy
I credit my work ethic to both my upbringing and the community I’ve chosen to surround myself with. Growing up, I watched my father run his own business with dedication and integrity. He treated his employees with respect, teaching me the importance of leadership and valuing people. My mother was equally inspiring as a homemaker—think Martha Stewart meets June Cleaver. She had incredible attention to detail and worked tirelessly to create a loving and organized environment for our family. Their examples instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility, a commitment to excellence, and maybe even a little perfectionism. Read more>>
Tyler Smith
My work ethic comes from a combination of two influential experiences in my life. Growing up, my father had very high standards—he was a perfectionist, but in a way that encouraged me to always give my best. Whether it was school, chores, or how we carried ourselves, there was an emphasis on doing things thoroughly and with care. While it could be a lot of pressure at times, it also taught me the value of discipline, perseverance, and aiming for excellence in everything I do! Read more>>
Sakura Yoshino
I like sharing my Japanese background with the world, and I also enjoy entertaining people. Working as an assistant channel manager at Glocal Media for our Japanese channels made my dream come true. I get motivated every time I get comments from our viewers enjoying our content. I do believe the entertainment industry could help make someone’s day a little happier and brighter. Whenever I think about our audience, it gives me the power to work hard to develop the channels to be more enjoyable. Read more>>
Jessie Tunis
My work ethic comes from seeing some members of my family living paycheck to paycheck heck and barely getting by. My mom was disabled, which lead to us living with my grandma and her taking care of everything for us when I was growing up. Read more>>
Bob Arceneaux
I’d have to give credit to my dad, brothers and extended family as well as a sense of responsibility to the people who work for the company. My father received a degree in Mechanical Engineering and worked in the oilfield industry in south Louisiana. He ran a very successful shipbuilding company in the 70’s. I’m sure his work ethic led to his good reputation. All (5) of my older brothers were in the oilfield or construction industries in some capacity and all were successful and were held in high esteem from their peers. Read more>>
Carrie Jennings
I think passion, purpose, and healthy detachment are important aspects of developing a strong work ethic. Passion has always served as the spark that continues to light my path forward. I fell in love with dance and music at a young age, and with the support of my parents, teachers, and community, I took classes, joined ensembles, and participated in incredible performance opportunities all the way through college. My love of performing has been a constant source of joy in my life, and has propelled me to work hard at building a career as an artist. Another constant throughout my creative journey has been the exploration of my purpose. From a degree in classical trumpet performance, to becoming a dancer, teacher, and administrator for a North Indian classical dance company, to writing, recording, performing, and touring as an independent artist, I am always considering the impact of my work. Read more>>
Khe Dean
I would say I got my work ethic from my parents and grandmother. I got my entrepreneurial trait from my grandmother and Father. My grandmother had a bakery business, my father was just a serial entrepreneur and my mother was just a hard worker. Read more>>
Caitlin White-parsons
Building my work ethic has been a journey shaped by the sports I immersed myself in growing up. These experiences not only instilled a strong work ethic but also cemented the belief that success is achievable through effort and perseverance. At 10 years old, I began my career as a competitive swimmer. By high school, I was swimming twice a day, waking up at 4:30 a.m. to be in the water by 5:30 a.m., then heading straight from school back to the pool. One summer, I attended a grueling training camp in a small New Zealand town called Feilding. Each day consisted of swimming 6-7 kilometers per session, twice daily in a 50-meter pool, and running 1.5 kilometers to and from the pool. Read more>>
Akkim Lee
My mother. She’s raised me as a single mother and taught me the skills needed to be self reliant. She also showed me the importance of being thorough so that I can take pride in my work. Read more>>
Ashley Watson
Where do I get my work ethic from? Growing up in a single-parent household, my dad raised me, and I watched him hustle every single day. He was up early, getting me dressed for daycare, making sure I was ready before he headed off to work. His determination and consistency left a lasting impression on me from a very young age. Read more>>
Emily Mathews
For as long as I can remember, my dad and mom have always encouraged us to do our best and to work hard. Both of them emulated this through their words but more importantly through their own actions. My dad always showed up to work early and did the best he could no matter the circumstances. My mom raised my 7 siblings and I at home. She worked hard to take care of the home, cook healthy, home-cooked meals, and took care of us when we were sick. Both of my parents pointed to Jesus Christ as their reason to strive to love us with everything as He (Jesus) loves us and showed us that is where we get our strength and patience to work hard and honestly. Read more>>
Christie & Raquel Delly
Raquel and Christie’s work ethic didn’t develop overnight. It was shaped by a life filled with both privilege and hardship, each experience teaching them valuable lessons. Growing up, they were surrounded by the hard work and determination of their family. Their dad owned multiple businesses, and their grandparents, who had immigrated from Iraq, also ran their own successful businesses. They were exposed to the importance of hustle and resilience from a young age, which laid the foundation for their own careers. Read more>>
Marion Fontaine
A great work ethic is hard to find in a city like New York. Working as a professional actor and director for a little more than a year now, you face opportunities, coworkers, friends that will challenge that ethic.
Our experiences, our backgrounds will influence that ethic, as a young international student coming alone in this country I wanted to trust people, I wanted to make a family of my own in this new part of the world.
I started to work with friends I met during my studies and I learned really fast how mixing friends and work cannot always make the best cocktail. After you graduate from a performing school you have to switch seeing these people from classmates to potential performers for your next production, cast mates, or competition at an audition and it’s not always the healthiest environment. Read more>>
Hassiem Muhammad
I would say that I get my work ethic from my father. My dad is an entrepreneur who has owned and operated many businesses over the years. I’ve watched him work 7 days/week for long stretches of time, I’ve watched him take on extra work when necessary, and although working all the time is certainly not healthy, it was honestly great for me to see at a young age, and my father had high expectations for me in all of the endeavors I embarked on growing up. Once I made straight As for the first time, the expectation was for me to bring home nothing less. When I signed up for Boy Scouts, the expectation was for me to show up to our weekly meetings every Monday night, and eventually earn the rank of Eagle Scout (which I did). When I trained in Kung Fu, the expectation was for me to stay disciplined in my practice. Read more>>
Douglas Selph
I grew up on a farm in south Georgia so there was always work that had to be done – before school, after school and during school vacation times. Taking time off to celebrate a holiday or other special occasion was extremely rare. I always envied my “town” friends who did not have such demands on their time, but once I went away to college and then law school I quickly discovered that my work ethic was ingrained in my being from an early age and working hard at learning in a new environment was just a continuation of my upbringing. I carried this trait throughout my professional career and it was a great source of strength when I started spending after-work time pursuing my creative pursuits and starting Southern Botanics with my spouse. Read more>>
Gracelynn Fjelstad
I grew up in a very hardworking family. My dad was a farmer and my grandfather was a rancher. During harvest, my dad would be out working out in the field through the night. When he finished, we would celebrate with a harvest meal. My parents instilled in us the importance of working hard and giving your best. They modeled self discipline. I don’t ever remember them ever sitting around; they were always working, playing with us kids, or doing things around the house. As I got older, I realized what a gift it was to have a strong work ethic. It has benefitted me in every area of my life– from school to sports, and now in my small business. Read more>>
Adrian Garcia
Work ethic is a very tricky thing when it comes to art. For me, work ethic is sometimes run by fear. The fear of not accomplishing a deadline, a short term goal… long term goal. It’s the fear of failure that sometimes sets the groundwork for work ethic to take its shape and end up as something that sticks. I think once I came to terms with that and the understanding that the accountability was all mine, things became clear. If you’re true to yourself and focused on a goal, work ethic will always find a way into your life even if you’re not that good with it (like I am lol) Read more>>
Monica Aissa Martinez
I get my work ethic from my parents. Both my mom and dad took pridein who they were, what they did, and how they did it. I grew up in a family of six kids, and my parents were organized and committed. Mom, especially, managed to juggle family, work, and a rich creative life. She couldn’t have done it without Dad—they made a great team. When it comes to making art, several college professors come to mind. One who stands out is Rachelle Theiwes, my undergraduate metalsmithing instructor. Her teaching was always clear and precise, and her designs were thoughtful, well-executed, and engaging. She may have been the one to lay the foundation for how I approach my own art today. Read more>>
Will Moritz
Creative Pursuits can be such a guiding light in our lives. My entire life I knew I wanted to be an artist. I can remember being around five years old and knowing that I wasn’t that great at drawing yet. But I knew that I had my full childlike imagination. (Children’s TV during the 80’s was big on this type of idea) So five-year-old me set a goal to create 500 characters, that I would draw again when I turned 40, and hopefully by that point I might have a better idea of what the heck this art thing was all about. Read more>>
Nancy Nazari
I got my work ethic from my parents. My mom worked multiple jobs at times to make sure my siblings and I could get through school, and my dad was always at work—maybe a little too much, honestly. But watching both of them, I learned the value of showing up, being reliable, and staying committed. Their hard work really stuck with me and shaped how I approach life and work today. Read more>>
Je’von Hugley
I honestly think that I get my work ethic from my mom. she’s a single mother who raised two big boys by herself… Trust me that wasn’t an easy job & with her being a single mother she was always working trying to provide for me and my little brother. My mom is the best cook and she really used that to her advantage. She would sometimes put together a menu and sell plates and she would also bake too! So I guess me watching her get to it made me want to have that same energy when it came to work. Read more>>
Lucinda Dilworth
My work ethic has its roots from the years I spent as a competitive alpine skier. Skiing at a high level wasn’t just a sport for me; it was a lifestyle that demanded everything I had—physically, mentally, and emotionally. I spent months away from home, living in shared quarters with teammates, pushing through early mornings, tough workouts, and constant competition. Every day was about showing up, improving, and striving to be better than I was the day before. Read more>>
John Bernhard
In 1978, I fulfilled a lifelong dream to explore America, backpacking through 43 states in a year. When I returned to my hometown of Geneva, Switzerland, I couldn’t shake the pull of the U.S. By 1980, I quit a good job—something unheard of in Switzerland—and immigrated to pursue the American dream. Settling in Houston during its boom, I barely spoke English but managed to survive and thrive through my art. Read more>>
Nic Surgit
My peers always ask me how I manage my time so well. I am always honest with them when I say…I’m not sure. I can never quite explain it. Is it my value of work-life balance? Is it my competitive nature? Is it the influence of professionals within my industry? I believe work ethic and time management are skills that are both hard to achieve and difficult to describe. It is something that may come naturally to one person, but be a massive struggle for the next. Read more>>
Greg Westbrook Ii
I would say I received my work ethic from the cards I was dealt with in life. In no way am I ungrateful, I am very fortunate and blessed with the life I have. Yet, through my life I value the lessons I was taught because it showed me how to not take ‘no’ for an answer. And to give every opportunity the best I have to offer. Read more>>
Buffie Lewis
My work ethic comes from a desire to be self-reliant and independent. I realized I wasn’t cut out for the traditional 9-to-5 job. I’ve always had a strong mind and a clear sense of direction, and I struggled with working under directions from others. After graduating high school, I knew I didn’t have the skills to land a high-paying job, but I also knew I didn’t want to depend on anyone else financially. Read more>>
Elena Kapitonova
I believe my strong work ethic stems from my humble beginnings. Growing up in a small city, I learned to appreciate the value of hard work and determination from a young age. My single mom, who raised me on her own, was a constant source of inspiration and motivation. She instilled in me the importance of perseverance and self-reliance, which has stayed with me throughout my life. Read more>>
Brian Arnold
I believe my work ethic comes from a combination of being driven by big dreams and having the courage to try new things. Growing up, I was always curious about creating something of my own, which led me to start San Diego Curb Painters. It began as a summer job but grew into a business I’m proud of because I took the chance to explore a unique need in the community. My entrepreneurial journey has taught me the importance of persistence and adaptability, and I channel that into everything I do. Whether it’s building a business, designing solutions, or tackling new challenges, I’ve always been motivated to put in the effort to make big goals a reality. Read more>>
Ashleigh Rogers
I get my work ethic from a mix of personal values and family influence. Growing up, I saw the dedication my parents put into their careers and responsibilities, which taught me the importance of commitment and consistency. Personally, I’ve always been driven by a desire to deliver quality work and exceed expectations, especially when it comes to something I’m passionate about, like graphic design. Seeing the results of hard work and how it positively impacts others motivates me to keep going. Read more>>
Vance Lile
I like to think of my work ethic as self made. My first taste of entrepreneurship was when I was only 7 years old. It was 1977. Growing up in a very poor family limited my resources. The only way that I was going to get or do anything that I wanted was to do it or earn it myself. This is why I decided to start my own aircraft brokerage. I sold paper air planes door to door for 5 cents each. This allowed me to spend the rest of my Saturdays at Crickets corner, a local ice cream parlor with a few video game machines. I was able to keep my brokerage above water for about two years before my cuteness wore off. My strategy quickly turned to contract work. I started delivering new papers door to door after school. Read more>>
Shea Dailey
I’d definitely say my family lent a major hand in helping me solidify my work ethic. My father is a freelance photographer based in Lawrence, KS, so I have always been exposed to artistic values and ways of perceiving life and the culture around me. They always inspire me to be more creative, loving, and accepting, and I know I have their support 100% in the path I chose as an artist. I’d also say my own motivation for curiosity, experimenting, and creating has always been strong, which I use to help launch my incentive for having a place in the artistic community. Read more>>
Lei Ye
My work ethic is deeply rooted in my upbringing and life experiences. Growing up, I watched my father, an architect in China, dedicate himself to his craft. He always emphasized the importance of perseverance, precision, and creativity in everything he did. This instilled in me a sense of responsibility and a passion for creating meaningful work. Read more>>
Brielle Salamone
My work ethic comes straight from both of my parents. Growing up, I had front-row seats to their dedication, and it truly shaped the way I approach everything in life as an adult. My dad, a chiropractor, built his practice from the ground up. Watching him work was like watching someone turn passion into purpose. He didn’t just clock in and out, he truly loved and enjoyed helping others. Seeing this growing up was so inspiring and made me want to have a job that wasn’t just a job, but something that integrated deeply into my life. Read more>>
Manuel Ceniceros
Well, it would have to be from my parents. They raised me showing what a good work ethic was all about. Read more>>
Brev Sullivan
I learned the skill set for music by watching my favorite musicians perform. I would read about how they achieved success and try to emulate what they did. Read more>>
Jane Dabjsh
I got my work ethic from. Both of my parents
.I’m currently working on a family comedy film titled Jane’s potty mouth
Hi a part of my success comes from inspired by beingpeople. I can be sitting at a coffee shop and i can see people talking and just get inspired by them. Read more>>
