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.
Ceylan Rowe
I got my work ethic from my parents. Growing up with immigrant parents, they didn’t have the generational wealth that others had. They came to a new country at different times and for different reasons, but they fell in love and got married. They worked and built a life where I got to witness a work ethic that put their customers first, never complained about the task that needed to be done, and was grateful for everything no matter how big or small. Read More>>
Elvis Torres
I gather my work ethic from being an extremely goal oriented person. Through my career being a freelancer and independent business owner I have to be completely self-motivated to accomplish tasks. I set short-term goals quarterly, and long-term goals for myself annually. For myself I find it much more efficient to work towards a goal I set, this allows me to reflect on what I learn at each short-term benchmark, break up the hamster wheel feeling of working within a specialty. Always having a goal in-front of me lets me continue to push forward; while each benchmark gives me a sense of accomplishment and a short period to re-direct for the plan to accomplish my next goal. Read More>>
Deidre’ Pryor Club Director
My work ethic came from watching and taking mental notes as a young girl of my mother, grandmothers, and other examples I witness. I grew up in a poverty stricken neighborhood which lead me to desire better for my life. I begin working at 15 years of age. It felt good being able to buy some of my heart’s desires, help around the house (not forced). We were taught early to be on time, show up, do your best, and never get comfortable. These words stuck with me, and I am yet echoing those same words to my children, and every young person I encounter. My work ethic remains the same principles from way back with a little twist to it. Read More>>
Roy Williams, Jr.
My father has been the driving force behind my strong work ethic that continues to move me forward. A U.S. Army Veteran, I watched my father work long hours every day to provide for our family without complaint. He would travel for the government and be away from time to time, but he still made time to connect with me. He attended all sporting events and helped me hone my baseball skills. I now practice softball with my daughter and make sure I’m there at each game, cheering her on. Read More>>
Tamira Perkins
I’m proud to say I get my work ethic from my dad. Growing up I use to watch my dad get up every morning to go to work. He rarely took a sick day or a vacation. He was a hard worker and I looked up to him and thank him for instilling that into me Read More>>
Velisa Woods
My work ethnic comes from my both sides of my family. I’ve been working since the age of 12. My grandfather owned a corner store in South Memphis my entire childhood. My grandparents raised 6 children and sent them all to college. My father is also a business owner who had a store as well. My uncle, his brother was a business owner. He owned a store and a night club. My mother worked for the Internal Revenue Service for over 20 years before she departed this Earth and bought a home. My grandmother worked for 30 years as a cook in an orphanage in Memphis. I had no other choice in the matter but to have a strong work ethnic. Read More>>
Trish Hines
Definitely from my parents. They both grew up in the ’30s and ’40s when things were tough. They in turn worked hard to make sure my brother and I had a good life without being handed everything we wanted. I learned the value of achieving something on my own, which makes you very appreciative. Read More>>
Rachel Smith
My name is Rachel Smith and I am one of the cofounders and organizers of the California Mermaid Convention in Sacramento, CA. The convention is a three-day shell-ibration of everything mermaid; a group swim, photoshoots, panels, workshops, shopping, a parade and more! We are the longest running mermaid event on the West Coast, and open to all ages. Read More>>
Savannah Larson
Both my parents are hard workers, and I was raised to work hard as well. They instilled in me the belief that as a family we all have to work together to make things go smoothly and accomplish tasks around the house. We all lived in the same house and we all need to contribute our part. My dad has always worked hard to support his family and maintained a high level of professionalism in his company, Crown Molding Now. He makes his own schedule but was always up very early to accomplish as much as possible on the days he worked. Read More>>
Evan Moses
This came from a bit of isolation during lockdown. But initially, I was taking film classes before everything shutdown, and with a bit of a structural setup to learning, that helped me understand the need to get assignments and projects done in an effective and quality manner. I would also say there was a professional photographer I met through a family member of mine that taught me some crucial skills to send as many photos quickly to clients by editing them in Lightroom, and then sending them through WeTransfer. Read More>>
Daniel Ramirez
As the middle child I feel like I saw a lot from my older brothers and also from my mother who I think we all have ethic from. A extremely hardworking women who also taught me the value of life. I’m YNDChino, I make music for the streets, for all those who can relate and feel the way I feel. It’s my way of releasing my thoughts. I’m a poet I put my life on the mic. Another interlude just dropped June 17th on my birthday go check it out. Out on all major streaming platforms under “YNDChino”. Read More>>
Jennifer Aguilar
I am a product of an immigrant single mother, who works six days a week to build a foundation is what inspires me. Seeing my mother accomplish her goals has influenced my perception of following my dreams. It is easy to give up on your dreams but you have to remember that great things come from hard work. Also, I would say, my family in general are very hard-working people and have become successful in life due to their work ethic and not crying over spilled milk. I have cousins who are lawyers and uncles that own businesses. I do not buy excuses because that means I am lacking purpose. Read More>>
Cathia Menendez
I get my work ethic from my Dad, he has always been so professional and so motivated by his family he always made sure to provide the best he could for us and with everything we needed. Read More>>
Christina Diamond
I was born in Barbados and having parents from the islands, that don’t know anything outside of hard work and determination, it’s hard not to have a work ethic to match. I think knowing that they were both unstoppable it has helped mold me into the woman i am today. Surely failure has not, will not and is not an option. Read More>>
Francesco Antonio
As a kid I watched my entire family work hard to put food on the table. By the time I was 6, my grandfather would bring me out to work construction, so he could teach me the value of hard work. I was always motivated to earn and take care of those around me and until this day I would argue that my hustle is unmatched. Read More>>
Nicole Brecht
My strong work ethic is deeply rooted in the values instilled by my parents. They have been unwavering role models of hard work and dedication, setting a remarkable example for me to follow. I have witnessed firsthand their relentless commitment to completing tasks with excellence, ensuring that nothing is left unfinished. Read More>>
Dellis Frank
Hands down I get my work ethic from my parents. My mother was an exceptional person. She graduated from Loma Linda University with her nursing degree and from UCLA and USC with her masters and doctorate. She was always working on something either her own projects or helping others. She created organizations when she saw a need and was always in the service of others. Read More>>
DJ Helios
My unwavering work ethic is a direct reflection of my immigrant parents. My father, raised in the mountains of Chihuahua (called the Sierra Tarahumara), was one of 13 children primarily raised by his mother. His remarkable journey took him from humble beginnings to the height of academia, where he now stands as a tenured professor at the university he teaches at. Read More>>
Lee Gill
I think being a freelancer is all about work ethic. I have to learn and adapt and grow in order to keep booking jobs. I was raised in a military family and everyone had to put in the time and effort growing up around the house and during sports and in school so I’m super thankful that was instilled in me early. One of the mantras that was engrained in my head was, “If you’re not 15 minutes early, you’re late”, and I’ve carried that with me to adulthood. I’m usually the first one to show up and the last to leave, making sure everything gets done. Read More>>
William Welch
The strong work ethic that has been a huge part of my life stems from my service in the Army. I joined as a 20 year old boy and endured 4 combat deployments, loads of responsibility before I was ready and the opportunity to work with all walks of life in demanding environments.
There was no room for a lackadaisical attitude. Missions and tasks affected people’s lives and we had to work together and do everything we could to achieve the best possible results. Read More>>
vera nelson
I was raised with an immigrant mother who became a widow at the age of 38. Her tenacity, faith, and determination painted a picture of hope, and dreams come true. Watching her work two jobs to raise my brother and me in the United States was a honor to witness. I have and had no reason to complain. I was born in this country. If she could do, so could I. There is nothing better in life than witnessing the person you love most on this plant thrive and make their dreams come true for themselves and their family. Work ethic is everything. You either do it, or. you don’t. It keeps you healthy in every aspect of life. Read More>>
Jada Ingram
My work ethic comes from a crippling fear of failure. The thought of failure absolutely TERRIFIES me so I work. And I work very hard. I put blood, sweat, and tears in everything that I do and it has really paid off. Even when I know there’s no possible way for me to fail, I work anyway. I work to prove that I’m worthy. To prove that I deserve to be where I am. To prove that I can be just as successful as the next person. Read More>>
Ivy Patterson
My name is Ivy Patterson, and I have been in the field of education for about 13 years. I took my first job in a rather large school system. From there, I worked in a Title I school, and then moved into the role that I am in today where I serve as an English teacher, Student Government Sponsor, and served as Cheer Coach for several years, and now into this role as an entrepreneur. Currently, I am pursuing my Doctorate in Educational and Organizational Leadership. Read More>>
Emily White
My work ethic is from my parents. They instilled in our family that a job should be done all the way, the right way. They demonstrated this ethic from starting chores at a very young, through the school years, and beyond. Read More>>
Markus Evans
That’s a great question. I would say seeing that there are not a lot of people that look like me that are in that independent filmmaking space. It pushes me to work that much harder because I know the opportunities are few and far between. We are looked at under a microscope, a little mishap is blown out of proportion. Everything we do can get overly criticized. We’re put on our toes all the time. It’s not fair but it’s true. Read More>>
Derick Maduka
From my Dad! I am a first generation American, my parent are originally from Nigeria. While growing up in Nigeria my Dad lost his father at the age of 13. He was the oldest of 6 siblings and was immediately thrust into adulthood. My Father knew if he wanted any hope of providing for his family he couldn’t do it in Nigeria. He knew his only opportunity to provide a better life for his family was for him to move to America. He spent years saving up to come to the US so he could go to school. While in school my Father worked multiple jobs to send money back home to take care of his family. My father managed to put himself through pharmacy school and send enough money back to put his siblings through school (one sibling was able to become a doctor and the other a lawyer.) Read More>>
Deion
I believe I got my work ethic from my family . They all hard workers , from my cousins ,uncles, aunts, brother, mother, and my grandparents. They all showed me what hard work and consistency gets you when you have a goal . I would give my mother more credit on influencing my drive to always do my best. She always made sure when she do something its the best but always know that there is room for improvement to get better at something. My grandfather is another big influence because he showed and told me how he always never doubted him self of getting what he want and to always keep on striving for what you want . Read More>>
Ehud Borovoy
I got my work ethic from my dad. He worked all his life as a factory worker. With all the hours he put in he still managed to create time for us, something I hold dearly.In my business, I have 4 services I offer. My main one is Krav Maga training. Krav Maga is the world best self defense system. It originated from Israel. Read More>>
Kellie Kay
My work ethic is deeply rooted in my early experiences as a young entrepreneur. From a young age of around 9 to 10 years old, I started mowing lawns in my community to save up money and purchase things that I wanted. This early exposure to entrepreneurship instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility and a drive to work hard to achieve my goals. While the financial aspect of my early work was certainly exciting, what truly brought me joy and satisfaction was witnessing the happiness of people who were pleased with the results of my work. Whether it was mowing lawns or hosting kids’ birthday parties, the genuine appreciation and positive feedback I received from individuals who were delighted with the outcome fueled my motivation and drive. Read More>>
Tavia Rodgers
I would say my work ethic comes from my parents. My parents taught me growing up that nothing comes free, and you have to actually work hard for the things you want. Observing and following their leadership when it came to hard work has really helped me be passionate for the things I want in life. I want to be the best at everything and I really enjoy working hard. I love learning new things and challenging myself. Read More>>
Sophia DeSantis
I get my work ethic from my mom. She grew up very poor in a mountain village in Greece. Most women were taught to keep house and married off after elementary school, but she made history by not only going to high school but venturing to the city of Athens to attend college. After that she continued her education by going to America where her sister lived to get her Masters degree. She did this all by washing dishes at night to pay for her education. She fought through the traditions that didn’t serve her and made a life for herself that she wanted and knew she could create. Read More>>
Asill Tantush
My work ethic is derived from a combination of personal values, experiences, and inspirations. As an artist, I am fueled by my deep passion for creating visually stunning and impactful artwork. However, it is not just the love for my craft that drives my work ethic. Read More>>
David Posey
Work ethic is a belief that work and diligence have a moral benefit and an inherent ability, virtue, or value to strengthen character and individual. From a very early age, I was literally a workaholic. I actually started my own lawn mowing business at age 7. By age 13 I was on my journey towards a career in the construction industry. I started out working summers with a construction company my father worked for at the beginning. Those summers were both long & very hot especially in Florida. But I was able to learn so much so quickly at a young age. By 18-19 years old, I was running a structural framing crew for a small family-owned company in Central Florida. Read More>>
Leo & Brittany Trevino
Our work ethic comes from several places, but the main place being our parents. Both sets of parents (on either side) came from very little means, but as kids we witnessed them work hard to find success in their individual fields of occupation. They instilled in us that nothing is owed and to apply time and dedication to whatever we want to accomplish. In our case, we really wanted to run a photography and video company. We knew it would be challenging, but we sat down, made a plan, and introduced ourselves to as many wedding vendors as possible. Read More>>
Keira Healy
Thanks to my mom’s influence, I’ve developed a strong work ethic at just twelve years old. My mom has raised me on her own as a single mother and always made sure she had all of our needs and wants. She is a beautiful example of hard work and determination. Read More>>
Vanessa Barcus
I suppose my work ethic comes from both lines of my family really. There’s my mom, who tirelessly ran a nonprofit in Boulder most of my life. She came from a brilliant and very accomplished family, including Jews who fled the holocaust to become internationally recognized scientists, and a line of highly-educated women who attended university from as early as the turn of the 20th century on. Then there’s my dad’s side, who arrived to America and traversed the plains in covered wagons in the 1800s. Some intensely determined, resilient, and smart folks there. No pressure, right? Read More>>
Charles Hardy
My work ethic comes from my mom 3 hours before she died of cancer. Her last wish to me was to build my community up, and make it a better place for everyone. I was born and raised in Athens Georgia. I have 6 siblings; in which I’m the middle child. I started an non profit organization in 2015, working with our youth population & our homeless community. The most exciting part of doing what I do, I actually see a change I’m making. I was able to start a project called 1st Step in Athens Georgia; where as giving our homeless Community off the streets & putting them in a safe place. In less than a year, the program became a success. Read More>>
CHRISSY LIU
My grandparents on my dad’s side were immigrants from Italy. They came to this country and didn’t speak the language, nor did they go beyond an elementary school education. My grandfather was a cobbler (shoe maker/repair man) and my grandmother a seamstress. They raised two sons, both of whom received doctorate degrees. They valued education and hard work above all things. They were married just shy of 50 years. Read More>>
David Schaefer
I always believed in giving always 100%. No matter if I was being a waiter at fancy events or in the music studio, model job, or acting job, I always try to give my very best and have fun on the job or with whatever I do. I have in my family circle and also in my friend list people who are very successful and I could fortunately learn from them a lot for my path which I’m very grateful for. I believe we can all learn from each other. Naturally I’m also someone who is almost a perfectionist which can be sometimes a good thing or a bad thing. Read More>>
Aaron Roberts
Growing up with a Dad in the entertainment industry, who also owned his own business, meant I saw my Dad work a lot. Between traveling for work, staying up late to perfect a bid to a new client, long 12+ hour shoot days, it was clear to me my Dad was no stranger to hard work, long days and late nights. Read More>>
Sharhonda Beasley-Crosby
My work ethics came from my last grandmother. As as kid, she instilled in me to work hard, do my very best and be persistant to accomplish things in life. In other words, have a do it like you own it attitude regardless of how big or small the task is. Read More>>
Kaneeka Moore
I am one of 15 siblings but that’s a story for another time. My work ethic came from my daddy Eugene ” Disco Pete” Embry. The man that raised me and one of my older sisters alone. He was a great man, role model and even better father. He taught us so much as kids that we were able to take with us into our adult lives. He taught us what love was through his actions. He taught us how to drive, how to cook, how to dress. He taught us so much in what I feel was a short amount of time because he pasted away when I was 16 and my sister was 19. Read More>>
Trish Bernard
I get my work ethic from my parents. Throughout my entire life, my mom has been employed by the sheriff’s department, while my dad worked as a butcher. They dedicated an average of 6 days a week, putting in 10 to 12 hours per day. There was even a time when my dad had two jobs and work daily. Sadly, he passed away. It was during my tenure in corporate America that I had an instant realization: despite their seemingly intense work routines, both of my parents genuinely loved what they did. Inspired by their passion, I made a decision. Read More>>
Keshona Sharae
My work ethic is deeply rooted in the teachings and influence of my mom. Since a young age, she instilled in me the importance of hard work, dedication and perseverance. Growing up, I observed her unwavering commitment to her career and her relentless pursuit of excellence in everything she did. Read More>>
Kela Ro
My work ethic comes from my dad. He’s owned his own Concrete Business since before I was born. That definitely paved the way for me & made me believe that I would be my own Business woman one day. Read More>>
