We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic come from? Is it something we learn from our parents, or are we born with it? Do our friends, work environment or the city we reside in impact it? We asked some of the hardest working folks we know to share where they think they get their work ethic from.
Chad Gilbert
Like most of us, my work ethic started with my parents. My father was a blue collar worker who always struggled to make ends meet. I watched my Dad work every day of his life and a lot of times he didn’t get out of it what he put into it. But he kept pushing forward. He knew that yes, sometimes your return on investment was going to be really low, but you are still going to get something out of it, whether it was tangible or not. Read more>>
Rachele Guasti
Everything started when my dad decided to buy an electronic pantograph for his carpentry. On weekends, just for fun, I began drawing the initial graphic designs on my computer and learned to use the machine. Today, from that playful beginning, I’ve built a company called Woodartly, where I work every day with all members of my family to create custom wooden pieces by creatively recycling leftover wood from my dad’s carpentry. Read more>>
Mao Shimizu
In my life I always strive to give my best. One could say I try to give more than 100%. Whether it’s singing on a stage with a band, teaching a student how to play the piano or sing; or creating a work of art, I give my best because I genuinely love what I do. I have held different kinds of jobs in the past that are unrelated to creative art, and even though I was always doing a good job, there is a great feeling of accomplishment when I am able to make a living doing work that relates directly to my passion. Read more>>
Carlos Mendivil
A major component for my work ethic stems from my childhood and the morals instilled in me by my parents. They moved to the United States from Mexico at a young age and I witnessed first hand the amount of effort it took in order to provide the life that my siblings and I required to succeed. Read more>>
Lea Williams
Working hard and completing my tasks well is something that was instilled in me by my parents and grandparents. They believe that hard work is rewarded and this is something I hold dear to my heart today. This came into play more than ever when I was in my mid-30s and decided to return to college and obtain my bachelor’s degree in marketing. Read more>>
Peter Miller
I got my work ethic from my Mom. She was a nurse for 18 years in the days before nitrile gloves were a thing and she had a pretty severe latex allergy. She was a single mom to four boys, myself being the oldest, and worked full-time as a nurse in all different areas of the hospital. She eventually started her own small catering business, and a jewelry engraving business both as side hustles. Seeing my Mom take all of that on while still being a terrific Mother really instilled a sense of hard work in me. Read more>>
Marvin Gray III
Where do I begin? I remember, my first job working for Mr. Rogers Summer youth program , my grandfather LaMont told me to always be early never late and if I promise to get something done, to always get it done that date! I used the methic through my college years and now. I been an audio engineer for 11 years and I always made sure my clients works were done in a day or in three days. Because waiting for the last minute is a trap for your mind. Read more>>
Evan Zavitz
When it comes to my work ethic, I attribute it all to the example set by my parents and grandparents. I’m the second generation of my family born in the United States, and the value of hard work was instilled in me from an early age. As I matured and began to grasp the sacrifices made by previous generations to position me for success, I felt a profound sense of duty and pride in following in their footsteps. Read more>>
Ellis Vidmar
My work ethic comes from my wonderful parents. They set an example for me and my brother of what hard work looks like, and how well it can pay off for you in the long run. Read more>>
Emily Jenks
I think my work ethic comes from growing up in Japan, we were taught to work hard and always be kind to others. I have always put those principals into my photography business. I work really hard for my clients, and I do everything possible to make them happy! Read more>>
RUTH JONES
From a young age, I saw my parents model hard work before me and that left an indelible impression on my life. My mom was a hardworking homemaker to my 4 siblings and I. Being such a large family on a lower middle income caused her to have to find additional ways to make money. All my life I saw her take on jobs as a seamstress, or a part-time playground coordinator at our school — anything to make side income to contribute the family. Meanwhile my Dad would be working so hard at Sears to sell appliances, then take on two additional evening part-time jobs to make ends meet. Read more>>
Rachel Dellefield
I was not the best softball player on any team I ever played on. Growing up and playing on rec teams when I was younger, I made the all-star team only once. Every other year, I’d get passed over for girls who were faster, stronger, more skilled, or girls who’s dad’s coached the team. In one instance, I remember being up to bat against the undefeated team of our league with one out left and a runner on base. We were losing, and my coach was trying to motivate me to get a rally going. I struck out looking. I saw him shake his head in disappointment and heard him say, “I tried. Guess she didn’t want it that bad.” I was 10. Read more>>
Bryan Barnes
My work ethic stems from a relentless pursuit of excellence, a drive to push beyond limits, and an unwavering commitment to being the best in everything I do. It’s forged in the fires of adversity, fueled by a passion to achieve greatness, and grounded in the belief that hard work is the cornerstone of success. For me, it’s not just a mentality—it’s a way of life, a dedication to the process that transforms dreams into reality. Read more>>
Holly Cotton
My entire life I have always had the mindset that there is no other choice but to be successful at whatever it is I want to do. I never gave myself the option of not completing a goal or finishing a project. I grew up in a single parent household with my mother, but I had a very involved father as well. My dad always imbedded into my mindset “how are you going to do it?” It was never a why do you want to do that, they always believed in me. Read more>>
CHAPO
I got my work ethic from my mom watching her wake up everyday even when she was sick. She would still take care of me and my brothers no matter what. Also Mamba Mentality to strive every single day to become the greatest version of myself. Those are the traits that helped me develop my work ethic. Read more>>
Brian Singer
I think I get it from my mother… She spent part of her childhood in an internment camp, and the rest growing up on a farm which gave her a strong sense of independence and a “get it done” attitude. There was also this quiet steadfastness, which I think comes from the Japanese culture. Read more>>
Brooke Blakeslee
I get my work ethic from my upbringing. I am the oldest girl of 5 children. I was always taking care of my siblings and helping out my parents whenever I could. My parents also instilled in me the importance of hard work…I was always super busy with school and chores, etc. I didn’t have a lot of downtime! I also think that taking piano lessons for several years strengthened my work ethic because I consistently saw positive results when I practiced. I ended up getting really good and it just made me want to work harder! Read more>>
Jennifer Bartkowski
As I look back, I think my work ethic comes from three experiences of my youth. First, my parents were very hard workers. My father, an immigrant from Germany right after World War II, learned his work ethic from his parents who came to this country with very little after the trauma of the Holocaust. He was expected to work hard and to find success. My mother, a math major, left the professional world to run the household and five children. Read more>>
Sam + Sydney Cornwall
Our strong work ethic comes from our parents. Our dad owns his own graphic installation company, that he’s owned for over 30 years in the Central Florida area. Our mom is a registered nurse and has been for over 30 years as well. Both of our parents are the hardest workers we know. Read more>>
James Kennedy
My parents. Both of my parents worked while raising three boys, not an easy task! My Father worked odd jobs when our family was young to help pay the bills, including cooking in restaurants. As our family got older my parents started their own business and were always around for us. Seeing both of my parents work as hard as they did for as long as they did to provide a great education and life for me and my brothers has always been inspiring to me. Read more>>
Jay Renee’
I believe I got my work ethic from mother and father. All of my life I have watched both of my parents work for every thing they have. My father being a Pastor over 30 years , running a church ,making sure everything is done right and with integrity. My mother was a teacher for some 25+ years, retired from the school system &began her own Curriculum Consulting Firm. She literally took a dream of hers and made it a reality . Read more>>
Manu Muraro
My work ethics come from a combinations of various people and experiences. Starting with my parents. My dad is a doctor, who also graduated in law school and journalism. He always worked very hard and had a lot of passion for what he did. On the other side, mom was an interior designer whose main focus was raising us 3 girls. She’s very creative, loving, artistic and organized. Read more>>
Haley Swanson
Growing up a military brat, I saw my mom spend every waking minute making sure she was the best she could be. Watching her work ethic over my developmental years, really impacted me and how I carry myself. My work ethic has been constructed based off of what I have seen works for others and what I know has worked for me, as well. I believe having a drill sergeant as a mom truly molded me into the person I am today. Read more>>
Charles Dong
My work ethic is deeply rooted in my cultural heritage and the values I absorbed growing up. The discipline and rigor I experienced at NYU Tisch School of the Arts and the American Film Institute further shaped my approach to filmmaking. I’m also driven by a strong personal ambition to make a mark in the highly competitive film industry. Read more>>
Anthony Tamayo
I would say my work ethic came from working at my grandparents house on my fathers side. From laying cement, fixing the roof to trimming their trees. No one visits grandma or grandpas house, if you showed up to grandma and grandpas house, there was a good chance you would get asked to do something. And who could one say “ No” to grandma and grandpa? I loved working on my grandparents house. Read more>>
Amaru W. Jones
I believe I got more work ethic from my mother. I remember days when my mom used to do overnight shifts at McDonald’s and maintain a household, She made sure my brother and I had everything we needed. Watching her take the sacrifices that we needed gave me the motivation I needed to make sure that she never worked hard again ever in life. it gave me the motivation to make her proud. Read more>>
Harold Chatman
My strong work ethic stems from my mother’s diligence. She consistently juggled two jobs, and even added a third during the holiday season. All of this effort was to ensure that I had a joyous Christmas and Thanksgiving, and could delight in the things that brought me happiness as a child. Read more>>
BK of BK & the Understanding
The simple answer: my father. My dad grew up working on a small ranch in Hico, Texas and being taught the value and importance of hard, honest work. After he graduated high school, he went to trade school and eventually became an HVAC/R (heating, ventilation, air conditioning/refrigeration) technician, where he stood out for his work ethic. Read more>>
Santhosh Ram Mavuri
Growing up in India, I witnessed firsthand that there’s no dignity of labor. It bothered me, rubbed me the wrong way. That’s where it all began – my journey into the world of film, driven by a desire to change the status quo. But it’s not just rebellion; it’s a reflection of the values instilled in me by my family. Read more>>
Jeff Faulkner
My work ethic probably comes from my parents instilling in me, the concept that nothing comes to you easily. And that you have to work hard to achieve any goal. Read more>>
Adam Silvestri
Work ethic is not something you are just born with, you learn it over time. Sure, you can have an aptitude to focus, or be predisposed to like a certain activity to the point where you get great joy out of doing it and want to do it more often but ones work ethic is sometimes that is 100% developed, usually by the environment we find ourselves in. Read more>>
BeMyFiasco
My parents. No doubt about it. My mom was the only one to go to college and has been a go-getter ever since I can remember. She’s ran several successful businesses and is not afraid to pivot if needed. My dad on the other hand, has always worked multiple jobs to make sure we had food on the table and clothes on our backs. Read more>>
Suzann Toni Petrongolo
Work ethic is something extremely important to me, and has become something of who I am now. I have my wonderful family to thank for that. I was encouraged and supported by them to reach high and work hard, and that “I could do it.” I grew up watching my older brother work incredibly hard at all he did, and seeing first hand how not complaining and simply doing the work will allow you to accomplish what you are after. Read more>>
Diego Navarro
I attribute my strong work ethics to the values instilled at home by my parents, who are exceptional individuals. Additionally, my academic journey and early career experiences, coupled with pursuing a Master’s degree, provided me with invaluable guidance from mentors and the influence of colleagues who upheld high professional and personal standards. Read more>>
Izzy Baker
My work ethic is deeply rooted in the lessons I learned from my father, who instilled in me the values of dedication and commitment through sports. As a coach and athletic director, his intensity on the field clearly reflected his drive and high expectations. He taught me that there is no room for half-hearted efforts or complacency. This principle has been a guiding force in my life, particularly in my professional endeavors as a ghostwriter, podcaster, and internet “fake” comedian. Read more>>
Ben Venom
I grew up in the 1990’s Atlanta, Georgia punk rock scene and was introduced early on to the concept of D.I.Y. (Do It Yourself). This mentality has followed me through my teenage years and into adulthood. Basically, don’t ever let anything hinder you from seeing your ideas through to the end. When I began sewing I had no idea what I was doing…simply a concept I wanted to create. Read more>>
Hugo Medina
I would say my work ethic comes from my mother, her strength and resilience are remarkable. I hope to pass down her strength to my 4 children. We migrated here with nothing when I was 8. lived most of my childhood undocumented. She managed to not only support my 2 sisters and me but inspire us to strive for me. All three of us have received our master’s degrees, and have been able to create a life for our children that she dreamed for us. Read more>>
Tonia Tomlin
Growing up in a small town in Wyoming, from the age of 14 years old I was taught that if you work hard & dedicate yourself to something you’re passionate about or really love, you strive for a goal. My goal was to get a job & earn the other half of what I needed in order to purchase a car. By them telling me that if I worked hard, I could earn something I really wanted. I worked at Bazel’s, as the milkshake girl/busser & after having saved a $1000 after a year of working hard my parents took me to buy a car. Read more>>
Ashley McCarthy
Definitely from my parents, from a young age. They set the foundation for me. And as I got older, the motivation came from my own art and my artist growth and evolution. Read more>>
Shenika Brown
Ahhhh, work ethic is simply based off of your personal goals, drive, circumstances etc. The hand I was dealt in life wasn’t the easiest, so I play blind. I have two beautiful people that think that I am invincible because I choose to show up every day, and for them I do just that, SHOW THE HELL UP! You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. Read more>>
Lynn Tang
I come from a family of teachers, who taught me the value of hard work. My grandmother in particular was a great influence on me. She encouraged me to do everything to the best of my ability. To make my mark and be remembered well by future generations. Read more>>
Carolyn Bridget Kennedy
Before I started acting and writing, I was a paralegal. That required organizational skills and management of a myriad of details, for not only myself but also the lawyers for whom I worked. I approach acting like a business and I transfer all of those paralegal skills to the business of acting. Every actor understands that there are things in this industry that you can’t control and others that you can. For those things that are within my control I set goals and tasks for myself and report to myself weekly on whether I achieved those goals and advanced myself. Read more>>
Haley Ahern
My work ethic comes from my father, Michael. He was born in Brooklyn and had seven brothers and sisters growing up. When his family moved to California, they were dirt poor and had to move from hotel to hotel. With nothing but rags, many days he had to wear his sister’s clothes to school and eat nothing but ketchup sandwiches. Yuck! Read more>>
Jacob Haag
I developed my work ethic from watching my parents work long nights as a kid in order to provide for our family. My dad is one of the hardest working people I have ever met and I’ve always looked up to his dedication to getting projects done in an efficient manner, Growing up he taught me that in order to achieve success in any field I would need to work harder than my competition. He would explain the hardships he had to endure as an immigrant from Germany and how that motivated him to work much harder than his peers. My father’s drive and dedication inspire me every day to work hard and accomplish as much as possible. Read more>>
Anita Kudasik
One of my favorite stories to tell about how I ended up in hospitality goes all the way back to my parent’s journey searching for careers as young adults. My parents are both Polish immigrants who moved to the United States in their late teens. After moving to Colorado, they purchased and began to operate a motel in a small mountain town. At that time they were the 25th Polish owned hotel in the state…today there are over 650 Polish owned properties in Colorado. Read more>>
