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.

Jeff Gaites

My parents both grew up in low income families in Brooklyn, so we were always raised to work hard. I was also encouraged to get a part-time job early which also helped develop a strong work ethic. Read More>> 

Keri Mateus

At Aunties Creations LLC, our drive didn’t just happen—it was built from the ground up. We learned the value of hard work from our parents, who showed us by example that nothing worth having comes without effort. From an early age, we were out there hustling—delivering newspapers before sunrise, babysitting for neighbors, and saying “yes” to any opportunity to earn a dollar. We all had our first jobs by the age of 14, and we’ve been putting in the work ever since. Read More>>

Juliette Carson

My work ethic is less a mindset than a habit and a way of life.

Growing up in New York City, I found the thrilling chaos of the streets a striking contrast to the studios of the School of American Ballet (SAB), one of the most prestigious ballet schools in the world and my second home as a child. More than the pressure of performing at Lincoln Center before thousands of people for weeks on end, the real work was in the countless studio hours—repetitive exercises that trained every muscle and movement to meet ballet’s exacting demands Read More>>

Jerome Barkley Jr

I believe my work ethic comes from a combination of challenging myself and a desire to see how far i can take a concept or idea. I’ll also add that playing sports in my HS days. i’m sure the structure and disciplined learned has stayed with me into my adult years, applying those principles contribute to my work ethic as well. Read More>> 

Brandon Cole

Being a current active duty service member, it instills a level of discipline, perseverance, and attention to detail that directly translates to success of my photography. The military teaches you to adapt to high-pressure situations, work tirelessly to achieve mission objectives, and maintain focus even in challenging environments—qualities that are essential for capturing the perfect shot. Whether it’s waking up before dawn to scout locations, enduring harsh weather conditions for the right lighting, or meticulously editing images to perfection, the work ethic developed in the military ensures that no detail is overlooked. Just as in the armed forces, where precision and dedication are paramount, photography demands the same relentless commitment to excellence.  Read More>>

David Ortiz

I get my work ethic from both parents. My dad was a computer programmer on Wall Street in NYC. He would regularly be contracted out by other companies to fix their systems which wasn’t an easy thing to do but he did it effortlessly.

My mom ran the household like clockwork. Things were pretty much done according to the time of day so between the both of them I learned about how to live in a structured environment.
Going to Catholic school, which was right across the street, was also a lesson on structure in my first 9 years of schooling. Read More>> 

Charles Clary

I am an artist that is fascinated with multiples and large scale installations. These installations can range from 300 to 1000 individual pieces depending on the body of work. As a hand cut paper artist my work is meticulous and takes long stretches of time to create. It can be daunting to think about how much work goes into each installation but the the process of making is ingrained in every fiber of my being. The act of making becomes ritualistic, cathartic, and meditative all at the same time. I work relentlessly, everyday, pursuing my passion and this dream I’ve realized for myself. Read More>> 

Katie Hingle

My parents raised 4 children on a budget. And they taught us to work and save for the things we wanted, even when we were quite young. My first paycheck job was when I was 15. As my mom dropped me off for my first day, she shared with me advice that her first boss had given her. “Don’t wait to be told to do something. If you are done with your primary work, look around and see if there is something else you can do to help. Wipe down a counter.  Read More>>

 Zachary Miller

My work ethic comes from three places: seeing great results, experiencing joy from pushing myself, and my dad. I’ll start with him, because that built a foundation that has lasted to this day. I started working alongside my dad at age nine, with frequent days out collecting stone. He was a mason, and working with him as I went through grade school was as normal as eating dinner. Read More>> 

Elizabeth Eichhorn

My parents worked very hard, both in their “9-5s” and in their life. My dad wanted to improve our home, so he redid the entire thing. I think that we hired people to help build our back porch, but other than that it was all him (and by proxy our family) who did all of the house projects. House projects were a creative outlet for my dad. I always thought it was to save money, and that was probably part of it, but the projects served a deeper purpose for him–creative ownership. Read More>> 

Alexia Rivera

I’d say my work ethic comes from a mix of my faith, my purpose, and how I was raised. I believe in showing up fully whether it’s on set, on stage, or coaching someone through a breakthrough. To me, excellence is a reflection of who I am and what I stand for. I don’t take opportunities lightly, and I try to bring light, focus, and integrity into everything I do. Read More>> 

Jessica Cruzado

My work ethic is rooted in the values my parents instilled in me. As a child of a navy veteran and the Superintendent of the women’s prison in the Philippines, I learned to be committed, reliable, respectful, and reflective of integrity in all aspects of my life. Although my siblings’ careers in the medical field inspired me to consider nursing, I took a different path. Currently, I work full-time for the County of San Diego, but my ultimate goal is to own a shop. Read More>> 

Zinah Scott

As a Filipina-American, I was taught by my parents to work diligently with pride and honesty. They taught me that nothing is free in life. You need to give and receive energy. That energy could be from your finances, time, labor, or emotion. I was taught to work hard and I learned over the years that was not enough. Working smart can get us farther ahead. Read More>> 

Cory “Sauce” Brown

I think my work ethic was constructed in my DNA! From the beginning I’ve had this will to push and better myself, and it just grows exponentially with every success.
One of the mottos I created states, “Everyday is a day to be better than who you were yesterday!,” and as this drives me, I can focus on my improvement – mind, body, and soul – while knowing that success will continue to come. Read More>> 

Ameia Mikula-Noble

I know the world is unfair, and some people are luckier than others. As someone who was adopted by parents who gave me unconditional love and support as well as financial stability, I know that I am incredibly lucky. My childhood was dictated by a different form of luck: ‘talent’.
I grew up competing in piano festivals and dance competitions, and I attended a school with high academic standards.  Read More>> 

Anthony Gaudette

I started this podcast in 2020 when covid set in and they shut everything down here in Canada. There was literally nothing to do and the thought of starting a hockey podcast had crossed my mind more than once. Let me tell you the work ethic you have to have for a podcast is a lot more then just firing up the mics and talking. There is research, searching for interviews, sponsors so you can get the proper equipment, marketing ect. The other challenge with it is staying consistent, the average podcast usually last only about 10-15 episodes and we are now over 200. Read More>>

Kelci Schlierf

Like many people, I am fueled by the assertion from others that I “can’t” do something. Because I’m short, because I was born female, because I’m not “smart enough” or “good enough” or because I’m not someone’s conventional idea of something. I have always been weird, and introverted, and deeply anxious. I can’t imagine doing anything, and not wanting to be the best at it. I have always been driven by the idea of unlocking new levels to things.  Read More>> 

Karissa Adams

You know, I would have to say I get my work ethic from my family. Both sides of my Family; my mom and my stepdad and my father and my step-mom. They hustle hard and seeing them hustle hard and overcome challenges that just life throws at you regardless of your status is very aspiring. I was always shown through actions that things are gonna happen. Read More>> 

Ana Estrada

I’d say my work ethic comes from a mix of family influence and personal drive. I grew up around people who believed in showing up & following through. Over time, I’ve built on that foundation by staying curious, setting high standards for myself, and always keeping the bigger picture in mind. For me, it’s about doing meaningful work and making a positive impact, and that keeps me motivated to give my best every day. Read More>> 

Amelie Trimpl

Growing up in Germany, there was always a strong cultural emphasis on discipline and precision, but I also had this internal drive that went beyond just “working hard.” I’ve always been deeply motivated by the idea of creating something that’s undeniably good, work that’s not just beautiful, but lasting, meaningful, and emotionally intelligent. Read More>> 

Christopher Bizor

That’s an interesting question. I’d have to say my work ethic is a direct result of my 20 years as an officer in the United States Army. It’s not something you’re just born with; it’s something you develop over time, especially when you’re responsible for the lives and careers of those around you. Read More>> 

Vikash Sharma

I can say without a doubt that I get my work ethic from my father. We came to the United States with very little, just what was in our suitcases, and knowing barely anyone. I saw my father get right to work upon arriving. He worked an Indian restaurant 7 days a week for about 10-11 hours a day for as long as I can remember. Read More>> 

Preeti Dhanda

My work ethic was built from survival, shaped by passion, and fueled by love. I’m the daughter of immigrants who worked tirelessly—two jobs, 12-hour shifts, never a day off—to give their kids a better life. Even when they had nothing, they gave us everything. They didn’t eat out, didn’t treat themselves—life was simple: homecooked meals, school, family events, and going to the gurdwara.
We didn’t grow up with luxury, but we grew up with values. Read More>> 

Chris Clamp

My work ethic comes from a variety of influences. I grew up in a rural area in South Carolina and my family worked in the local mills. My parents worked long hours at the mills and they worked hard on the family farm. That taught me a lot about hard work and responsibility. Art had become my escape and outlet for self-expression. The public school that I attended was not well equipped, but I was passionate to improve my skills.  Read More>> 

Larry Brechner

Both my parents were very hard working, dedicated to their work and interests. From their example I always showed up on time and ready to work whatever the task. In my career as a theater and stage director and facility manager as well as my other endeavors, I am very self-motivated. I developed my own mantra: Only promise what you can deliver – Read More>>

Shane Borza

I have been blessed, or perhaps sought out, many avenues in life which reiterated the ethos that ‘hard work pays off’. Not only did I learn this at an early age from my parents, who both worked hard, including long hours, and extra days, holidays, and the like but also later. In high school I did sports which meant you had the responsibility to work hard “both on and off the field” i.e.  Read More>> 

Ryan Brady

I think my work ethic comes from my upbringing and my love of comic books. I know that no one else can tell these stories. Passion only matters if you back it up with consistency. I’ve been writing, penciling, inking, and coloring my own comic book titles since 2013. It’s not always easy, especially now as a father of two, but I want to set the example for my kids. I want them to see that if you have a dream and you have the passion, nothing can stop you. I may get tired, life may get busy, but I never give up. Read More>> 

Raj & Bina Sharma

We’ve been in business for a very long time, and to accomplish that you have to have an excellent work ethic and also attitude about work and business. We’ve been operating Indian restaurants for over 50 years from Europe to the U.S. and the hospitality industry is hard work and lots of sacrifice, but with that also can come great outcome. Read More>> 

Mylan.theParies

I got my work ethic from football and my mother. Growing up with a single mother, I got the chance to learn what real work looks like. Thankfully she only had me to look after but at the age of nineteen, having to become a parent sounds crazy! Seeing her do what she had to do for us was amazing, all while still getting an education and ensuring that I got mine.  Read More>> 

Jamaal Franklin

I’m a big fan of art, in many forms. I love to imagine the process, what the art looked like from day one to the day it was completed. So I’m always excited about seeing or hearing finished products! That’s a major push for me to do the work and get it done. It may take seconds, minutes, maybe even years, but that finished product? I can’t even explain how great it feels to reach that finish line! My work ethic stems from motivation and inspiration. That’s typically how it starts, right? Read More>>

Katy Sheppard

I get my strong work ethic from my family. Growing up, I watched them work hard, stay committed, and push through challenges without giving up. Their dedication and drive taught me the value of showing up, doing my best, and always staying focused on my goals. That mindset has shaped the way I approach everything I do. Read More>> 

Erika Zambrano-Morales

My mother’s recollections explain the early signs of what would become the foundations of my work ethic and persistence. She describes my toddler years as playful, full of creativity, pretend play, and “busy work.” Yes! Imagine a three-year-old so immersed in her work for hours. Too busy to do anything else but spend her time scribbling, drawing, coloring, folding paper, and creating; playing teacher and businesswoman. Organizing her paperwork in her briefcase – Read More>> 

Obadiah Brown-Beach

A fair amount of my work ethic comes from my mom. She’s someone who has always worked incredibly hard and has done so much both in and out of work while also remaining fiercely independent. A lot of that got instilled in us from an early age, along with fairly high standards for quality of said work. Read More>> 

Jasmine Beam

This might sound like your typical story, but I grew up with a single, working mother. I can honestly never remember a time when I didn’t see my mother working. There were several years of my life when she was out the door before I woke up and home after me. We didn’t have much growing up, but we had what we needed—by any means necessary. This is a testament to many of the women in my family: they worked hard for everything they have. Read More>> 

Teague Alexy

I’m the grandson of Irish immigrants on my Mom’s side. On my father’s side, my great-grandfather was a Czech immigrant. He died in unsafe railroad working conditions right after my grandfather was born. Growing up on the South Jersey Shore, everyone in my neighborhood worked hard. Most of the economy is based on summer tourism so the locals work plenty of service-type jobs. People working two jobs.  Read More>>