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.
Tyler Hall
My mother, Jacqueline, has consistently exemplified strength and resilience throughout my life. Her ability to manage the dynamic environment of our household, which included 8 siblings but specifically how she managed my twin brothers, Jaron and Jared, alongside myself, has had a major impact on me. She has always maintained a clear focus on her personal goals, ensuring that she never loses sight of her objectives. Read more>>
Chloe Driese
My work ethic comes from my parents—they always tell me to try my best and never give up. I also want to make my coach proud because they saw something special in me, and I don’t want to let them down. Working hard helps me get better every day, and I love seeing how far I can go! Read more>>
Chris Cavallo
Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the furniture manufacturing business, I was fortunate to witness firsthand the unwavering work ethic demonstrated by my father and brother. They were the epitome of hard work and dedication, always leading by example and inspiring those around them—including me. Their relentless commitment to their craft and their tireless work ethic left a lasting impression on me and shaped the way I approached my endeavors. Read more>>
Charles ‘ico’ Sanchez
As a Christian, my work ethic is deeply rooted in the belief that everything I do should glorify the Lord. A verse that stands at the core of my beliefs is Colossians 3:23-24, which says: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” This scripture inspires me to give my best every day, viewing my work as an extension of my faith and a form of worship. Read more>>
Coach Valentin
I believe my work ethic stems from the example set by my parents, who were both hardworking and dedicated. As a child, I absorbed their commitment, and over time, I’ve continued to refine it. I’m fortunate to love what I do—training clients—so my motivation is natural, not forced. This passion fuels my professional work ethic. I focus on doing my best consistently, not just completing tasks, but using my energy and resources efficiently. I believe being fully present in my work is crucial, aiming for excellence rather than simply getting things done. Read more>>
Melanie Avalon
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fueled by a feverish work ethic in pursuit of my goals. I believe it likely stems from a deeply crystallized sense of purpose and passion. When you feel a radiant, almost incandescent drive to do something meaningful—whatever that may be—the “work” becomes more of a natural byproduct. I’m fortunate to have always felt this indescribable, intangible desire. Read more>>
Stefani Sellers
I got my work ethic from my family, but specifically from my mom and maternal grandmother. I have fond childhood memories helping my mom wash dishes (even though I broke a few because I still didn’t quite have the dexterity to hold onto a soapy dish.). My mom is the one of the hardest working people I know. She raised 3 kids alone, went back to school for her second degree, put on military spouse events, and worked full-time while still being present and attentive at every sporting event, school event, and birthday we had. Read more>>
Forever Foy
My work ethic without a doubt comes from my late father “Butch” that man would have me up at 5-6 AM in the morning. Only kid on the whole block shoveling snow, raking leaves and cutting grass. All my friends was playing and having a good time. I watched that man my whole life do everything himself. No hell from nobody. Very few times. Can I recall my Father paying or having someone else do something? I’m talking about from rebuilding his motorcycles to projects around the house. That man always figured out a way and done it his self. Read more>>
Radmila Dolokhanova
My work ethic undoubtedly comes from my hard-working parents. They were forced to uproot their lives and flee their home with two small children when they were my age. They immigrated to the U.S. speaking no English, with just one dollar that was given to them by my dad’s friend at the airport. Read more>>
Mario Lopez Viveros
I think my strong work ethic comes from my parents, who worked tirelessly throughout my childhood. I always observed their dedication as they strived to achieve their goals. I strive to be just as hardworking as they are, putting in the effort until I achieve what I set out to do. Read more>>
Kelly Suydam
Growing up in a house with two full time working parents is where my work ethic originated from without me realizing it. I grew up playing soccer. I was on a year round travel team that required a lot from me on and off the field. Practice 5 days a week, games and tournaments on weekends from elementary to high school. Sports taught me that to be successful I needed to put in the work. When I was 25 I joined the Army National Guard and during that time at basic training my work ethic was put to the test. Being away from your friends and family in an environment designed to push you to your limits and make you uncomfortable really makes you dig deep in those hard times. Read more>>
Nicholas Prescott
I’ve seen my mom take care a household of five kids as a single mother. My mother has always been a strong hardworking woman in my eyes. I get most of my creative side and work ethic from my mom. She is such an inspiration in my life and I won’t ever stop working hard because I want to make sure she never has to work ever again. Read more>>
Sarah J Preston
I get my work ethic from a routine called my daily M.A.N. schedule: morning afternoon and night. All the time I am zooming in and out ensuring I don’t miss a thing. Getting tge work done that I created is my fun thing to do on the weekends, my work , my family and career is my love life. Read more>>
Eldad Alfi
I would have to go with the first thought that came to mind when I heard this question, which would be from my father. I grew up with an entrepreneur father who had his own business and I witnessed the commitment and dedication that he put into it day after day. He taught me the principles of business and the importance of sticking with something you believe even if others don’t and even when the economy is rough. Because those who show resilience and make it through those times thrive in the long run. I learned by watching him the importance of a solid work ethic not only for the success of the company but also in order to set an acceptable for the rest of the team. Read more>>
Samuel Maugans
I didn’t always have a strong work ethic.
That changed when I joined the military after high school. My time in the United States Army taught me the value of hard work, discipline, and self-accountability. It wasn’t easy, but it instilled in me a mindset that’s stayed with me ever since: you advance by putting in the effort, whether you’re climbing the military ranks or pursuing success in the civilian world. After a medical discharge, I applied those lessons to my career, and they became the foundation of how I operate. Read more>>
Alyssa Badami
I would say my work ethic comes from a combination of personal values and life experiences. Growing up, I was always taught the importance of hard work, consistency, and perseverance. My parents instilled in me the idea that anything worth achieving requires dedication and effort, and that has stuck with me throughout my life. Read more>>
Karina Gaynutdinova
My work ethic is deeply rooted in my upbringing in a traditional Russian family that valued hard work and perseverance. Raised in a culture where women often faced limited opportunities, I was inspired by my mother’s unwavering determination to defy expectations and advocate for my education and independence. This instilled in me a drive to overcome obstacles and pursue my ambitions, even in male-dominated fields like aviation. As a commercial pilot and contract Corporate Flight Attendant, I have experienced firsthand the challenges and inequalities in the industry. Despite facing adversity, I remain steadfast in my goal to break barriers and create more opportunities for women in aviation. Read more>>
Roz Lecompte
I inherited it. I witnessed my father’s work ethic first hand. I remember seeing him studying for his GED when I was a teenager using the fattest book I had ever laid eyes on. He quit high school as a Sophomore and took a job photographing his former classmates. What a brave move. He flowed with life and was always willing to learn and do what was necessary at the moment. When I was born he was a full time musician, but slowly gave that up as more little sisters were born. By the time he had five girls, he owned a family boat business with his parents and siblings. When my grandfather, Malcolm, passed away, I found a black and white photo of him standing next to a folding table with a white cloth draped over it. Read more>>
Lisa Broadbent
My work ethic stems from both my mother and father. They instilled in me from a young age to always do the right thing by everyone, work diligently, look before you leap, be patient, don’t ever be scared to take risks to build a business and above all else, enjoy the process – oh and always smile LOL…. My parents always worked very hard and as a kid, I was always involved with the family business, so that’s where it all started. Read more>>
Robert Mahor
My work ethic is a product of both the hardships and the victories I have gone through in life. I believe I have had my fair share of ups and downs in my quest for success. It may sound cliche, but it has truly been quiet an adventure while we really have no idea of where life takes us, one can only hold onto his values and principles. Read more>>
Will Marshall
Up until a few years ago, I thought that my work ethic was something that I had developed throughout my years playing soccer. Until one day, I received a letter in the mail from a neighbor, who I would say was closer to family than that, after I graduated from college. Read more>>
Connie Falk
I think my desire to achieve and work hard came from very early lessons in grade school that achievement would be recognized. Home life was not ideal for various reasons, so I sought support in the classroom. Also, I enjoyed learning and applying myself. Most classes I have taken always seem like puzzles or games to me, and there is always satisfaction in doing well in a game or puzzle. Read more>>
Jonny Servais
When it comes to tracing down where I got my work ethic from, I can’t pinpoint it to one single event. I feel like it’s more similar to a muscle that you need to work on and grow your entire life. For the most part, I feel like I get big ideas and practice seeing them through. I don’t necessarily need to complete these ideas but I try to at least explore them past the point of “liking it”. I do this so that I really get used to being committed to a task, even when it’s hard and the dopamine isn’t the guiding sort of motivation anymore. Read more>>
Carlita Bryant
Ever since I was young, I couldn’t really say I was from one specific place, that I was raised by the same person/couple, or even around the same siblings all the time. My experiences shaped my thinking, allowing me to see a lot of the real world since I was a kid, planting the seed for my work ethic before I even knew how important it was to have one. I’m the oldest sibling of 8 total kids, not including the 5 cousins I got to live with in my lifetime (in their case, I’m the second oldest). Being in this position caused me to set high standards for myself. Knowing I had so many siblings to set an example for felt like a badge of honor, and I didn’t want to be the reason any of my siblings felt like they couldn’t achieve their goals. Read more>>
Jordan Westman
Finding your work ethic is a personal journey, it often involves a combination of experiences, influences and personal discovery. Growing from your failures and the ups and downs is a large part of discovering what pushes you. It evolves as you gain more experience and insights, and it’s shaped by the people, situations, and reflections that impact you. This is also true for my experience and how I developed and continue to develop my work ethic. I have had the privilege to observe and work with many disciplined and hard-working people who have poured into my life. People who have taken the time to make me a better person and challenge me in areas of weakness. Read more>>
