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.
Pia Wilson
My mom and dad were very work-oriented people. My father was an entrepreneur – he owned a driving school – so the business became a part of our every day life. After hours, the phone would be forwarded to our home line. I was the receptionist during the summers, when I was a teenager.
My mom worked nights, so she could be at home for me and my brother when we returned from school. But when my father was starting his business, she would answer the phones and do the scheduling, until he could afford to hire someone. I don’t know when she slept.
Seeing my parents weave home life and work life together before it was popular placed an emphasis on work in my mind. Read More>>
Ashley Gheno
Work Ethic……I’ve always been a competitive perfectionist. I truly believe that everything has to be earned, not handed. I think the early years had a lot to do with this! I am the oldest child and first grandchild, I was always with my grandparents and listened to the stories of Italian immigrants and the hardships they faced being in a new country and trying to raise a family. My mother was also young and worked full time, so responsibilities fell to me. Read More>>
Joel Mejia
My work ethic really comes from my parents. They were born and raised in Puebla, Mexico. They would tell my brothers and I how hard the conditions are over there. All of my parents siblings had to drop out from school, so they could work and bring money to the family. Both of my parents decided to pursue a better future in the United States. Once here they realized it’s not any easier than it is over there. They didn’t know anyone and had nothing under their name. They both had to work long hours and barely feed themselves, so my older brother and I could eat. (My younger brother wasn’t born yet) All of their hard work paid off because they were able to purchase their first home in 2013. And lastly they opened their very own food trailer in 2020. They are the reason why I push myself to work really hard and pursue my very own dream, which is photography. Read More>>
Kenesha Austin
My work ethic comes from a combination of my upbringing, my love for serving others, and my passion for food. I was raised to take pride in everything I do and to never cut corners—especially when it comes to feeding people. Catering isn’t just a job for me; it’s a personal experience I share with every client. I treat every dish like it’s being served to family, and that mindset keeps me committed to quality, consistency, and hospitality in everything Bee EATS delivers. Read More>>
Caarne White
My father! He was a relentless entrepreneur, and I’ve been working alongside him since birth and for him since the age 12. The ethic of work for him was simple: if it doesn’t make money then it doesn’t make sense. Therefore I learned at an early age to offer service that was necessary, sought after, and I could do it with some fidelity. Ethics in and of itself is a complex word. In and of itself it speaks of values, reason, purpose, and calling. Ethic can be conjoined with any of those words to describe something that causes you to sweat or move mentally or physically, but when placed behind word work, it opens a world of thought for me. Read More>>
Monet Staats
I get my work ethic 100% from my mom. She’s also in this industry and let me be her little apprentice since I was 12 years old. I’m so grateful to not only have learned from the best, but to have had a first hand example of you don’t need a 9-5 “regular job” to get by. You just have to whole heartedly love what you do, have the willpower to make it happen, and the determination to keep going. Read More>>
Juliette Maners
My work ethic is honestly something I’m really proud of, and I feel like it’s something that stands out about me. In college, my friends would always joke about how insane my schedule was, taking 18 credits a semester while having 3 jobs, carrying around 3 bags on my shoulders all day to have everything I needed for whatever rehearsals I had to go to later that day as a performer, a stage manager, or sometimes both in one day (or sometimes both simultaneously). Read More>>
Evelyn Creekmore
I come from a family of teachers who always encouraged me to be a good student. That meant paying attention, doing my homework, following directions, turning things in on time, and playing well with others. All of these “A student” skills still help me succeed in the content strategy and copywriting work I do today.’ Read More>>
Stenetta Anthony
As a child of a single parent, my work ethic was shaped by my mother. I observed her working tirelessly, waking up early in the morning, going to her job, and often returning home late in the evening. Her dedication, along with the numerous chores she performed daily, inspired me to develop and adopt the strong work ethic I still follow today. Read More>>
Meme Mulugeta
My work ethic comes from a deep sense of divine assignment. I’m not just building a business, I’m walking in obedience to a calling. Every time I show up, I’m honoring the purpose God placed on my life. I’ve been through rejection, loss, and unexpected shifts, but instead of breaking me, those experiences built a fire in me to create something that redeems the pain. I work with urgency and intention because I know I’m helping others share their testimonies, pass down spiritual legacy, and glorify God through their stories. This isn’t just about books it’s about inheritance, impact, and Kingdom legacy. I carry a vision that’s bigger than me, and that vision fuels my consistency. I pursue excellence not for applause, but because I believe my work is an offering—worship through stewardship. That’s why I go so hard. That’s why I don’t quit. Read More>>
Nicole Runyon LMSW
I come from a family of entrepreneurs. My dad modeled hard work as he built his business. His parents were immigrants and worked hard to make ends meet. He and his siblings all worked to help their large family survive. I think this shaped him. His drive and motivation were rooted in self-sacrifice. He wanted to be successful, not for himself, but for the people he loves. He is extremely generous, and that was the example he set for my siblings and me. I worked in the family business as a teenager and young adult, seeing firsthand the rewards of business ownership. Read More>>
Pat McLoughinS
I take great pride in my work ethic, and I suppose my father deserves credit for instilling it in me. However, I am confident that I exceeded his expectations by a significant degree. I would credit that commitment to my goal-setting personality. I set goals and I am driven to complete them. That drive was not a result of my father’s influence, but rather a product of my fortitude. Let me share some examples. Read More>>
Tariq Abou-Bakr
If you have ever seen the musical “Hamilton,” there is a song lyric that says “Immigrants We Get The Job Done. ‘ That lyric really resonates with me. Now while I myself was born and raised here in America, my father immigrated here from Cairo, Egypt ,and I watched that man work hard every day of my life. He taught me everything is earned and nothing is given. You have to grind to make a better life for yourself and your posterity. It really sounds simple and cliche, but it is true and its something I live by. Thanks Dad. Read More>>
Allison Craig
If you want to know where my work ethic comes from, it starts with my parents.
Growing up, they ran a women’s sports magazine called Texas Women’s Sports — long before the internet, long before girls’ athletics were given equal attention. They were ahead of their time, advocating for young women to be seen, recognized, and recruited. They traveled across Texas collecting high school girls’ stats by hand, publishing them to help open doors to scholarships and opportunities that weren’t being offered equally. Read More>>
Raww Blue
I get my work ethic from not having much growing up, I want it all now. I want to outwork everyone in my field. You can’t get too comfortable in this industry, after one win u have to go for more. Read More>>
Bicem Sinik
I studied fine art and graphic design in high school and university. All of my family members are art teachers. Being surrendered to talented, more spiritual, and disciplined people throughout my life was extremely effective. Read More>>
Wanda Clayton
A lot of my strong work ethic comes from how I was raised. I was taught from an early age to always give my best, take pride in what I do, and follow through with integrity. These values have carried over into my work as a professional portrait photographer. I approach every session with dedication, attention to detail, and a genuine desire to make my clients feel confident and seen. Hard work isn’t just something I do, it’s a part of who I am. Read More>>
Heather And Nick Washam
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and when you run your own business, especially something as unique as a vintage photobus, you quickly learn that success comes from consistency, hustle, and passion. I’m proud of how hard we work behind the scenes to make every event magical—and that work ethic is what fuels it all. Read More>>
Todd Jackson
I owe my extraordinary work ethic to my family. From a young age, I watched my parents wake before the crack of dawn to pursue their ambitions. My father balanced a full-time technician role at Disney World while also running his own AC repair business, waking up at 5 AM every weekend, rain or shine, to deliver for his customers. On the other hand, my mother showed up day in and day out as a real estate agent, committed to working toward her dreams. Growing up, I was immersed in their quiet determination: mindful of excellence even when motivation was low. That consistent example didn’t just shape my own discipline; it taught me resilience. I learned that true commitment means showing up even when it’s hard, and those lessons continue to power my drive today. Read More>>
Inza Ford
I believe my work ethic was built in layers — rooted in watching the strong women in my family, shaped by the challenges I’ve faced, and refined by my deep passion to help other women feel empowered and beautiful. Read More>>
Damon Lee Patterson
I think, in many ways, my work ethic was inherited—and nurtured in me for as long as I can remember. My family were all hard-working people because they had to be. Being born African American in America, you don’t really get the luxury of not working hard if you want to be something. Read More>>
Tony Sosa
My work ethic, comes from my parents. They showed us the value of hard work and earning money at a young age. Born and raised by immigrant parents, who came here to give us a better life, by working hard. Which at a young age taught me that I can achieve anything I want as long as I work hard, put my mind to it and accomplish it. Read More>>
Precy Ibasco
Honestly, my work ethic comes from growing up as the eldest daughter and granddaughter in a big family—I’ve been ‘taking charge’ since forever. I started working at 16 and became the breadwinner pretty early on, so being reliable and getting things done became second nature. Read More>>
Kimberly Bramwell
Growing up, my parents instilled in me the importance of giving my all in everything I do—to give 110%, take responsibility for my actions, stay true to my word, and work hard for what I want in life. They taught me that I can accomplish anything if I’m willing to put in the effort, and that mindset has guided me ever since. Over the years, life has reinforced these core values through experience, challenges, and growth. My work ethic is deeply rooted in these early lessons and has been strengthened through every stage of life. Read More>>
Jalon Norman
Growing up, I was raised by a single parent. My mom got up everyday & made sure she went to work. No matter the weather or her physical ability. She never asked for handouts, she just got up & got it herself. Sometimes even took advantage of overtime when I got old enough to watch myself. She never needed a man for anything. Read More>>
Joseph Smith
I get my work ethic from my parents. They instilled in me at an early age if you want things you have to work for them. For example when I started driving, my parents let me know that if I wanted a car I would have to buy it, even though I had friends that were receiving cars for their 16th birthday. I started working at 14 at the local grocery store even though I could only work 3 hours a day because I was a minor, but over the summers and doing odd jobs like yard work I saved enough to buy my first car when I turned 16. I took so much pride in my car because I bought it myself. It was these types of life lessons they taught me early on that shape my work ethic. Read More>>
Monica Granados
I get my work ethic from my roots and my journey. As the first-generation daughter of immigrants and the first in my family to graduate from college, I’ve always carried a deep sense of responsibility tohonor the sacrifices my parents made and to pave the way for those coming after me. My parents are entrepreneurs, so I grew up witnessing the long hours, commitment, and perseverance it takes to run a business and support a family. That spirit shaped me. Read More>>
Nexxy
I got my sense of work ethic largely from the chase of a dream. One day, over 5 years ago, I noticed that I spent more time listening to music than anything else I’d do. The start of me making music kind of sprung from the left-field realization that it would almost be more fitting to create the music, formulate the sonic ideas that I cared to listen to rather than stand by idly, seeking them out. So now, when I get tired of the state of sounds in this currently overpopulated mess of a music landscape, I gain the drive to work, and work, and work more, until I craft a listening experience that I, personally, can listen to for months until I regain the drive to do it all again. Read More>>
Amaris Avellan
“I didn’t get a choice. I knew I would work for the family business.” as my father’s response when I once asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up. In my family, work wasn’t just about making a living—it was about responsibility, community, and purpose. I was so fortunate that this runs on my maternal and paternal family lineage. My paternal grandparents, Willie & Ilois A. Fuller, built a business in Jacksonville’s Soutel Dr. area in the 1950s, and I grew up watching them selfless pour parts of themselves in each endeavor the company took on (In the 90s, way before the food truck wave, my grandmother converted an old Winnebago into a food truck). While I only remember my maternal grandparents being “retired” , living on land that included a citrus tree grove, pecan trees, and the homes of one great-grandmother, three great aunts, one great uncle and three cousins, and when they built the road through the middle that we had to learn to cross. I also recall during the summer and spring breaks spent with them, I saw them rise with the sun as real life demonstrations of what can be achieved when effort and purpose work hand in hand. No one act was ever simply for self; their labor always benefited others. Read More>>
Merritt Horan
Work ethic is something that is learned from youth, I feel. My parents divorced when I was 2 years old, & I moved with my mom to her college, out of state. I watched a single mom get a Masters in Advertising – only getting time to herself during summers when she sent me back to my dad’s for about 6 weeks. Summers with my dad are fond memories; filled with bonding time & pool parties at my grandparents – but I still have a distinct memory of many hours in his realty office – sketching on those stacks of printer paper with the perforated holes along the edge. Both my mom, dad & subsequent step-parents are still working to this day – full-time jobs that keep careers at the forefront of pretty much everyones lives. I was fortunate to know almost all of my great-grandparents, who also were lifelong working individuals. Read More>>
Romi Cortier
I grew up in a rural town in Washington State, and Saturday mornings began early with the sound of my dad’s chainsaw. Tree by tree we cleared our acreage, and it was my job to split the cut up logs into firewood with an ax. Another one of my chores was to mow the grass with a traditional lawn mower on our hillside parcel. And if it was raining, as it often does in the Pacific Northwest, then you had to suck it up and get it done. We didn’t have hired help, just friends and family. So when it came time to build my grandmothers house, we all pitched in. Read More>>
Cassandra Ramirez
I think the work ethic is more of a genetic and observational thing for me, my parents who were born in mexico and came to the U.S almost 30 yrs ago and since day one they have always been nothing but hard working people. So by seeing it in them I easily got influenced by them by watching then work hard everyday, also keeping myself disiplined that everything in life is a huge responsibility and this Business I decided to persue I see it like that . Myself im not the best being a school student but found out I am more of a entrepreneur mind set so work for me in my business come in natural to keep pushing and making it better day by day, I enjoy staying busy, and my mind full of ideas that I want to accomplish. Read More>>
Antoinette Morris
My work ethic was born from lack, but nurtured by love.
I grew up surrounded by instability—poverty, broken homes, and cycles of incarceration. At a young age, I realized I didn’t want to live the life I was born into. I saw how money—or the lack of it—could destroy families. I witnessed what it meant to survive instead of live. But more than anything, I watched. I was a quiet child. I observed behavior, I studied patterns, and I noticed what was missing—peace, guidance, & love. Read More>>
Aria Summer Wallace
My work ethic was shaped early on by my experience in the entertainment industry. I started as a child actor, and in that world, there’s very little room for error — you’re expected to deliver, to be prepared, and to perform at a professional level, even at a young age. That kind of environment taught me discipline, resilience, and a deep sense of responsibility. Perfection was often the standard, and while that can be challenging, it instilled in me a drive to produce high-quality work and to hold myself to a high bar. I’ve learned over time how to balance that perfectionism with flexibility, but at my core, I still carry that strong internal push to do things well and follow through — not because someone’s watching, but because it’s just how I’m wired now. Read More>>
Lito Velasco
I started engaging in the disciplines of acting and music not because someone forced me to, but because of my love for entertaining or eliciting laughs or a reaction from an audience, engaging in artistic endeavors, etc. So, practicing or rehearsing for performances was never “practice” or “work”: it was simply a part of immersing myself in something that created joy for me and others. Read More>>
