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.

Brandon Pilcher

I find that passion for something can make any kind of work bearable, and often not seem like work at all. That said, there are also things that need to be done even if you don’t want to do them. In those situations, I tell myself that it’s just best to do them anyway. Read More>>

Julie & Megan Ardiel

Megan: I developed the foundation of my work ethic from a very young age when my parents signed me up for a variety of sports teams from soccer to gymnastics. It was through these experiences that I developed a passion for strengthening new skills and a drive to become the best I could be at anything I put my mind to. Read More>>

Matheux Quiroz

I get my work ethic from being prior military. Having been in the U.S. Marines, and working in small unit leadership- I’ve learned that being personable and respectful is a great way to motivate people to work together to accomplish a common goal, no matter how difficult or impossible it may seem. Having a can do attitude helps propel me forward and lead from the front! Read More>>

Ameira Kb

Both of my parents have been work-a-holics my entire life. Not only have they always had full time jobs, but they’re both business owners. Seeing how motivated and driven my parents are has shown me that anything is possible with the right drive and motivation. Read More>>

Sonja Bush

This is a great question! People often ask why I work so much, and my answer is simple: it’s not work if you love what you do.

That said, I’ve been a hard worker for as long as I can remember—whether it was finishing my chores early, completing homework ahead of time, or tackling work assignments without being asked. I credit my work ethic to both of my parents, who led by example in different ways. Read More>>

Alexa Castillo

My work ethic comes from a combination of my interests/passion and personal beliefs. My small business’ foundation is built on my personal beliefs which fuels my passion for the work that I do, the collections I create and the people that I meet. I believe I am motivated to work for the simple fact that I felt called to do it and I love what I do. Read More>>

Austill Henry

My work ethic is from knowing if I don’t get it done then who is going to do it?

So I always ensure that I keep as focused as possible. Read More>>

Jesse Wig

To be able to pinpoint this answer or any answer I would have specific to the type of questions I was provided, would be extremely challenging. However, if I was too zoom out and try to identify one thing as to where my work ethic came from, I’d attribute that quality to my parents. Although divorced, both of my parents are extremely hard workers. I have done my best to emulate this amazing quality they both have. Read More>>

Pastor Edward “busta” Fields

I get my work ethic from my mother. My mother was a jack of ball tree it’s having the ability to do any and everything multiple degrees multiple business businesses Mother administrator successful in corporate America also wow successfully doing a lot of things in ministry so I get a lot of my drive and work ethic from her. Read More>>

Jannetta Cox

The first example of a strong work ethic I witnessed came from my father. He grew up in Nigeria and immigrated to the United States as a young adult, determined to build a better life for himself. No matter the challenges he faced, he never stopped working tirelessly to achieve his goals and care for our family. Read More>>

Derek Thornton

My parents were a huge inspiration for me growing up. I was lucky to grow up around two parents that worked hard and cared about how they represented themselves in the world, but even more so how they taught me and my younger brother to do the same. Read More>>

Jeffrey Schecter

My father is and always has been a force of nature. I have seen him first hand literally work like a dog to take care of his family and the people he works with. And watching him work hard and succeed and often not succeed but still keep fighting has definitely been a major inspiration to me. Read More>>

Cleopatra Bonny

I definitely get my work ethic from my creativity. I’m always striving to discover the newest trend and improve my skills. I have a passion first and foremost before I have a business. I love what I do and it’s important to work hard towards my goals. Read More>>

Ashton Price

I keep my work ethic alive by making sure no matter how many long hours I work; I think of my future in my career and with the people I love! I’ve been working extremely hard ever since I graduated NYCDA to save money to be able to pursue what I love doing. Read More>>

Emma Gronda

As an artist, my work ethic originally came from my anxiety and imposter syndrome. I spent a lot of time comparing myself to others. I was scared of disappointing my family, friends, and mentors. Or not living up to my lofty standards of what my life and work should be. Read More>>

Conniie Roberts

I grew up in a family of farmers. Everyone works and no one complains about it. My mom moved away from the farm before she started a family and I only visited several times a year. We went each year to help with harvest and canning. Read More>>

George Ramos

I was born and raised in Bronx, NY, the oldest of four and the only boy. I was also the first grandchild in my large, Puerto Rican family so calling me a spoiled child was an understatement. My four grandparents moved to NYC from the island in the late 40’s, early 50’s and immediately set off working and growing their families. Read More>>

Eleanor Rahim

My work ethic in part was instilled in me by my parents. My mom was a night nurse, ultimately caring for many cancer patients in North London and my dad a laboratory technician specializing in pathology and histology at the Royal Free Hospital in London. Read More>>

Katlego Motaung

I think I get it from my up-bringing and the constant desire to one-up myself in my craft. No matter how big or small the work/project, I try to deliver the best version of it. I feel like it stems from the need of having my work being able to speak for me if I’m not in the room to speak for myself. Read More>>

Anna Scott

I believe my work ethic was ingrained in me from a young age. I grew up in a household where hard work wasn’t just encouraged, it was a way of life. My dad never took a day off, not because he had to, but because he wanted to provide for our family. Read More>>

Elissa Jackson

I have consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic throughout my life, which I attribute to the influence of my parents, who instilled in me the value of hard work and integrity in one’s profession. Additionally, I began working at a young age, allowing me to observe others who exemplified a strong work ethic. Read More>>

Krystel Tinker

My parents always worked hard to provide an amazing childhood for not only me and my siblings, but other children that they fostered. My mother was an in home nurse and also did hair on the side. She always made it happen. Read More>>

Keshia Kastl

My hard work ethic comes from learning discipline and responsibility from a young age. I was involved in competitive gymnastics till my teenage years. The countless hours of practicing and perfecting those skills have now translated into my adult years resulting in a hard work ethic. Read More>>

Anthony Hochstetler

I grew up on an Amish/Mennonite dairy farm where there were always projects that needed tending to. From as far back as I can remember as a child, I was responsible for daily chores like gathering eggs from the chicken coop or feeding the calves. Such a delightful way to grow up and learn the joy of feeling useful in the world. Read More>>

Danielle Horton

When I was younger though I didn’t grow up horrible. I was never the kid that got the new phone or had a lot of clothes . But I’ve always been grateful knowing my mom did everything she could. I also understood early hard work pays off , I just had to wait my turn . Read More>>

Jay Nuñez

I am first generation Cuban – American. My parents were both born in Cuba and came to this country as kids with nothing but the hope for freedom from persecution and a better life. I thankfully never had to experience the struggles they faced growing up because of their hard work and resilience. Read More>>

Julia Connor

I definitely get my work ethic from my mom. Growing up, I watched her juggle countless responsibilities with grace, determination, and a ‘get-it-done’ mindset. She taught me the importance of showing up, staying committed, and always giving your best — no matter the challenges. Her example continues to inspire me every day in my work. Read More>>

Aarav Arikara

I always thought it was important to be the best at what I do. Whether it’s music, studies or languages, I feel like I should do everything well. Back when I was in school, I always wanted to be on my teachers’ good sides, so I would do all of my work on time just to create a favorable impression. To this day, that’s still what drives me to do well. Read More>>

Kwesi Guppy

It came after I’ve experienced the toughest years of my life. I temporarily quit music in 2014 and moved back into Trinidad, and after some talk with my best friends, self reflecting and rebuilding my resolve, I’ve been back at it since and never slowed down since. Read More>>

Alexandra Schmidt

My strong work ethic is deeply rooted in my personal values and upbringing. Growing up, both of my parents worked tirelessly. Coming from a divorced family, I watched them hustle to make ends meet and provide for my brother and me. Read More>>

Natalia Vignolo Foy

During my teenage years I watched my mom become a photographer and how much dedication she put into educating herself in the field, putting together a studio and designing her own set up as well as always keeping herself positive during hard times when starting a business. Read More>>

Jaylen Hough

constant inspiration, where that be from my peers, social media or just walking outside. I always have the urge to put out work that is inspiring me. I could just be listening to a song and a lyric can broadcast a image in my head. If im ever in a slump or having bad artist block, I find different outlets to push me, and i remember to have fun! Read More>>

Arddie

I got my work ethic from doing it a lot and loving what i do. i love making music and i have been passionate about it since i was a kid. The lessons and knowledge i”ve gotten over the years help me to keep going and moving on. Read More>>

Bekky Warczak

Our family struggled financially growing up. If I wanted something, I learned quickly that I would have to earn it myself. I started working consistently while still in middle school and have always worked as full time as possible. Many of my jobs were in the customer service field and there is not an option to be lazy in those positions. I think the combination of those two things have really made me into a “go getter.” Read More>>

Liz Staniszewski

Growing up was not boring to say the least! We were in a different apartment every two years. My dad was around until I was about 9 years old before he decided to leave (returning in time for me to take care of myself in my early teens). From that moment on I was raised by a single mom on welfare. Read More>>

Jill Cliffer Baratta

I came from a family with parents who emphasized work. There were 4 siblings (including me- I was second oldest), and we had jobs. Dad planted a garden and we weeded. I set the table- we did the normal kinds of chores, and helping out for the family was important. Read More>>

Ben Balmaceda

For voice actors, our jobs are inherently rooted in the idea of “play”. Acting is more or less a highly refined and professional form of simply playing pretend, it channels the same flow of imagination and internal world-building that a child would when they pick up a cool-looking stick and pretend it’s a sword or a gun. Read More>>

Karhonda Bray

When I was 9 years old my mother remarried and unfortunately that union ended very quickly and not on the best of terms. My stepfather walked away emptied the bank accounts and even took the refrigerator. Read More>>

Brenna Farrell

I require structure and routine in order to function in my everyday life. If anything interferes with it, I just stop functioning (which generally means just sitting on the sofa). Read More>>

Karli Raymond

I got my strong work ethic and drive from my mama! She was always a busy bee with working, crafting, sewing, planning church events, etc. I was always along for the ride where ever she was going so that passed down to me. I love to be busy and having something to do otherwise I get bored! Read More>>

Taliah Ferguson

My work ethic comes from failure at an early age. I always felt like I chose the wrong educational path and this resulted in feeling behind in life. Now that I am more mature, I want to make up for lost time. Read More>>

Diangelo Romano

Honestly, my work ethic came from my parents. Seeing my mom wake up everyday at 4am for years to take care of me and my brother really meant something to me. I thought to myself i’m so blessed to have a mother that takes care of us. There is no reason i’m not working my hardest to try and be great everyday ! Read More>>

Kerri Paizzi

I began working at a deli in New York when I was 14 and to some degree it molded a lot of who I am today. Even as a teenager I wanted to be independent and be able to make my own money. It helped me learn the value of hard work, responsibility, and independence, which I believe to be all key elements of a strong work ethic. Read More>>