We asked some of the hardest working artists, creatives and entrepreneurs we know to open up to us about where they think they got their work ethic from. Below, you’ll find some of those responses, stories, and advice.

Robin Higgins

I have always enjoyed working hard and I also love having wide swathes of relaxed downtime. My work ethic has never felt like it came from external sources, but from the rewards of seeing something I am involved with reach completion. Read More>>

Saquita Acree

My work ethic comes from my parents . Both of my parents were driven, hard working people and I learned very early on how important what you put into yourself will flow out into your work environment. If you work hard it will build and guide you into bigger and better avenues. Read More>>

Khalif Breaux

My work ethic comes from a childhood drive to never return to the ghetto. I saw several people get lost in the neighborhood to never succeed or leave the city. The aftermath of hurricane Katrina created and urgency for me to affect change. Read More>> 

Khari Johnson

My work ethic I acquire mainly from my mom, I have learned a-lot and grow through a-lot with my mom even as a single parent she is stills gives everything to make sure I am a hard-worker and working smart and to build something for myself. I also accumulate my drive and athletic side from my dad side as well. Read More>> 

Lynn Rosenberg

I think from my training as a teacher and then as a principal, I learned responsibility, collegiality, organizational skills, punctuality, and integrity. I did plenty of writing in my career regarding evaluations, reports, budgets, and grant writing, although I didn’t really think of myself as a “writer.” However, once I retired and reread some writing I had done, I thought I definitely could write…
I have always been very organized in my personal life as well as my activities. That has helped in my craft, figuring out my pattern and process of novel writing. Read More>> 

John Diehl

Much of my early experience in the world of work was in the HVAC trade. My father was in the trade and I started as a helper on those late night, middle of winder “emergency” no-heat calls. I went on to attend a trade school and got my HVAC certificate. For many installation jobs I would be dropped off at the site with a load of equipment, supplies and tools. The Boss (Dad) was not due back for hours, at which time the entire job needed to be finished.  Read More>> 

Angela Morris

I’ve had a strong work ethic from a young age. My first summer job as a teenager was typing for a company in the small town where I grew up. They needed someone who could type fast and my teacher recommended me. Times were different back then. That was the catalyst that propelled me forward to try on many hats. I’ve worked so many jobs in so many environments and each taught me something about myself. I learned where I excel naturally…and where I don’t! To me, a disciplined work ethic is about stepping into different experiences and learning from them Read More>>  

Chimankpam Arungwa

My work ethic without a question comes from my mother. She was one of the hardest working women I was fortunate enough to know. The older I get and looking back at how she was able to manage being a full-time nurse at two different locations, active member in the church, and mother to not only her own three children, but a mother to her late brothers children without ever complaining is still beyond me. She is who I’ve always aspired to be growing up and only hope that I’m making her proud now. Read More>> 

Anindita Maturi

Growing up in India, I was surrounded by an intensely competitive environment where success was measured not only by academic performance but also by achievements in after-school activities and extracurriculars. That atmosphere naturally instilled in me a drive to stay productive and a determination to see things through to completion. Read More>> 

Montae Harris

My drive really came from sports. Back in college, I was working part-time at a UPS warehouse. During the summers, I’d leave open gym and head straight to work, and sometimes after my shift I’d come back to the gym just to get more shots up. That kind of work ethic is what’s gotten me here. But I’ve also learned that if you push too hard, burnout can happen, so I’m working on finding more balance. At the same time, I can’t take all the credit , my family deserves a lot of it too. My mom, dad, grandma, aunties, and uncles all work incredibly hard. I didn’t come from a lazy family, and that foundation shaped me. So I thank God for that! Read More>> 

Iustin Coca

Honestly, most of it’s hard to explain. I’ve just always had this hunger—this drive toward my goals—that never needed a reason. I never questioned it, it’s just how I am. It’s always felt natural, like the only way to move. My family definitely keeps that motivation going. Read More>>

Jason Sean Weiss

My work ethic is the result of learning from all my mistakes. I learned a lot about diligence when I lost my job for not caring as much as I should have about the little things. I dedicated time and effort to my craft after years of not being dedicated to anything, and realizing how much time I wasted doing nothing with my life. And, I made myself as willing and available as possible for any and all opportunities because I used to do the opposite. I let my fear stop me from reaching out, or saying yes—personally and professionally—and after some tough words and wake-up calls, I’m grateful I woke up. Mistakes will happen. Learning from them is key. Read More>> 

Olivia Battles Reap

I get my work ethic from my mom. She was a single parent who raised three kids on her own, and watching her juggle everything—working long hours, managing the household, and still showing up for us—taught me the value of perseverance and responsibility. She never made excuses, and she always found a way to get things done. That example shaped how I approach my own work: I stay committed, resourceful, and focused on delivering no matter the challenges. Read More>> 

Kurt Van Meter

Work is a blessing. It is not a curse. Once we wrap our minds around the gift of work, it no longer becomes a “have to” but a “get to”. We, as humans, are made to work. It is in our DNA. When God created Adam and Eve, he gave them the task of working in the garden. Taking care of your garden is a nice way of keeping the consistency of effort in tact. One doesn’t just plant tomatoes and they become fully grown. It starts with a seed, then you have to water it, care for it, consistently pay attention to its growth, and then it becomes something we can eat. What we focus on grows. Read More>> 

Lorena Lepori

I think it comes from a constant inner push and pull alongside a natural drive to get things done. There’s a part of me that’s chaotic and spontaneous, and another part that craves organization and seeing things through. To avoid feeling frustrated or unhappy with the result, I’ve learned to guide myself toward a more disciplined process. I really enjoy seeing a project start and finish, and there’s something satisfying about tackling a challenge while the energy is there, like striking while the iron is hot.  Read More>> 

Juan

I grew up in a household where we were not allowed to just lay around and watch TV. My dad was very good at pushing us to do our best and that meant get into sports and get a job while we were not at school. Both my Mom and Dad worked all their lives. My dad had a construction business and my mom did everything from catering, to opening a convenience store, to starting a pharmacy, and so many other businesses. I grew up in that environment of working and aspiring for more. Read More>> 

Faith Miller

I get my work ethic from my father. Growing up, I watched him work 16 to 20 hour days building his construction business from the ground up. It wasn’t just about providing for our family, it was about watching someone take a dream and make it real through sheer grit. That left a big impression on me. I feel like that drive is in my blood. It’s why I approach everything I do, from music to business, with the mindset that I’ll outwork everyone in the room. Read More>> 

Katie Matheny

I grew up as a farm kid, which meant work was simply a part of daily life. From a young age, my siblings and I had both inside and outside chores, and by around age 12, my parents had us picking berries at a relative’s farm each summer. We were expected to earn enough to buy our own school shoes—not because our parents couldn’t afford them, but because they wanted to instill in us the value of hard work, responsibility, and understanding the worth of a dollar. Read More>>