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.
Marcela Pulido
My work ethic comes directly from my parents. They immigrated from Mexico with very little and built their life through hard work and persistence. I grew up watching my dad start a business with his brothers and steadily grow it over time. It showed me what consistency, resilience, and accountability actually look like in practice. That experience shaped how I approach my own work. Read More>>
Santina Amato
I am the child of Italian immigrants who arrived in Australia with little more than a suitcase. Both my parents started life as child labourers, and that work ethic was passed down to me as something deeply ingrained, almost bodily. They prided themselves in their physical capabilities to work. My mother was a homemaker, and as a new immigrant, she made everything from scratch. Read More>>
Carlos Ibarra
My work ethic comes from my family, especially my grandmother and my parents. They worked seven days a week to provide a better life for all the kids in my family, so I grew up seeing what real commitment looks like. But what stuck with me just as much was their creativity. Even when they didn’t have all the answers, they figured things out. Read More>>
Marcos Chin
My work ethic comes from my parents. I grew up in a modest household, where money was always tight. When we moved to Toronto, Canada, there were six of us—later seven, when my grandmother joined us: my father, mother, brother, sister, aunt, and grandmother. Read More>>
Wayne Flint
“My work ethic comes from discipline, repetition, and a deep respect for the responsibility behind the work itself. I don’t treat this as casual creativity—it’s a practice. I approach each piece like it carries weight, because for me it does. That mindset keeps me consistent even when motivation shifts. Over time, discipline became less about effort and more about identity—this is simply how I operate.” Read More>>
Brandie Hardman
My work ethic comes directly from my parents. They both built their lives from the ground up, and I had a front-row seat to what that truly looks like—not just the success, but the discipline and resilience behind it. My mom put herself through college and became a social worker and later a therapist, which takes incredible dedication and emotional strength. Read More>>
Gregg DaCosta
I get my work ethic from my family. Each one of them work very hard at what they do whether it’s a business owner or if they have a traditional 9-5, they each work hard with what they do and that’s inspiring. Read More>>
Daniel Tayra
I think my work ethic comes from a combination of my background as a musician and the environments i’ve been in. I spent years in Australia, followed by a few year in London working in competitive and talended music scenes. You quickly realise that consistency and discipline matter just as much as talent. Since moving to Los angeles, that’s only intensified. Read More>>
Rolanda Watson
My work ethic was shaped early. As a little girl, I watched my family closely, not just my parents, but my grandparents, aunts, and uncles too. I listened to their stories, saw how hard they worked, and watched them take on new opportunities in pursuit of what success looked like for them. But I also saw the other side. Read More>>
Mike Uko
I think my work ethic was always instilled in me from when I was young, I was always taught to work hard and thats the only way I know. I know anything good in life or thats worth achieving, wont necessarily come easily, so I know the path to accomplishing something great will take some effort. Read More>>
Danny Arguello
My parents both emigrated from Nicaragua during Civil War in the 80’s and with that came a hunger to find a better life for themselves, my sister, and myself. My dad worked two jobs throughout most of my childhood and my mother would work long shifts as a retail manager. Read More>>
Brookney Chamberla 
I come from a long line of hardworking individuals who put in the time, energy, resources, and pure grit to chase their dreams, provide for their families, and give back to their communities. No one had glamorous jobs, and it was never about the spotlight. It was about doing what needed to be done, no excuses, to take care of others. Read More>>
Domenica Canessa
It comes from my parents, no question. I grew up in an immigrant household and watched them work their ass off every step of the way. When we first moved to the U.S., they cleaned homes, and during the summers, I’d go with them and make a few dollars helping out. Read More>>
Caleb Hawkins
I get my work ethic from being a follower of Jesus Christ! Particularly, in 1 Corinthians 10:31, it says, ‘So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.’ Good work matters to God, which is why I want to do everything I can with excellence! Read More>>
Louis D. Rivera Gotay
My work ethic is rooted in a promise I made to my late sister, to always give my very best in everything I pursue. I have carried that commitment with me ever since, using it as a guiding principle to continually grow and improve. This mindset has enabled me to achieve several meaningful milestones. Read More>>
D.J. Kirkbride
Whatever I’ve ever wanted, I’ve had to work for it. Whether it’s a full-time job to pay the bills or writing comics to express myself and create fun stories with my friends and collaborators, it’s all work. So, basically, even my fun is work! If I don’t push myself, I’ll let my team down, and that’s not something I want to ever do. Read More>>
Elvira Merz
Honestly? I’d say… very typically German. I grew up with this mindset that if you do something, you do it right or you don’t do it at all. There’s no shortcut around discipline, no excuse culture. Showing up on time, delivering what you promised, and taking responsibility that wasn’t optional, that was just normal. But over time, it evolved. Read More>>
Michael Thomas Marlett
i believe i got my work ethic from my parents and other family members. Seeing how much time they put into their careers and seeing how successful it had made them, showed me that hard work pays off. Read More>>
Dion Adala
My work ethic wasn’t something I learned from a single moment. it was built slowly, from pressure, responsibility, and the realization that no one was coming to do the work for me. I grew up understanding early that if I wanted something, I had to move for it. Not wait. Not hope. Move. Read More>>
Christie Zehmke
My work ethic was fostered at a young age when I started training in dance more seriously besides just being a fun hobby. Around the age of 10, I was asked to dance competitively at my dance studio and I grew to love competing and training more hours and being challenged more. Read More>>
Donise Coleman
I get my work ethic from my family—especially my father. He’s been an entrepreneur my entire life, so I grew up watching what it really means to build something from the ground up. I saw the long hours, the sacrifices, the consistency, and the discipline it takes to keep going even when things aren’t easy. Read More>>
Rosa Hwang
My parents, for sure. I might sound like a broken record here but, being a child of immigrant parents really deepens your perspective on moving through the world. I don’t think it’s a surprise to hear from a second-generation immigrant that their parents worked incredibly hard to succeed in America. Read More>>
Faith Scimecca
A lot of my work ethic comes from my Ashtanga yoga practice, particularly the Mysore method, where you practice independently and build your own momentum. Showing up six days a week taught me that consistency matters more than intensity. I learned to rely on discipline rather than motivation to keep me going regardless of how I feel. It also taught me patience. Read More>>
Elian Haan
I love this question. I wanted to become a classical dancer, so as a young girl I saw work ethic, modeled effort, discipline, and responsibility. I unconsciously adopted it, and I unconsciously absorbed it. It was the way to go if you wanted to be the best, and for what I wanted to become. Read More>>
Laura Storey
My work ethic comes from my mother. As cliché as it may sound, she didn’t teach it through words—she taught it through the way she lived. My mom was widowed at 33 with four children. I was the eldest at 13, with siblings who were 10, 6, and 4. Read More>>
Tal Pistiner
I’ve always been extremely dedicated to everything I’m passionate about. But when I moved to the united states to pursue my jiu jitsu career on my own , that work ethic wasn’t an option anymore but a must – I needed to get new sponsorships, new work , new everything! Read More>>
Alex Irwin
My work ethic comes from fitness. Working out, for health, physique, and fitness, are where I first learned how to show up consistently, long before I ever stepped on a film set. I started training young. My passion for fitness as well as filmmaking was inspired by the physicality and physiques of classic 80s and 90s action films. Read More>>
Lisa Korb
My work ethic (confidence and self esteem) began at an early age through sports. I began playing sports when I was 7. It was 1977 and I was put on a soccer team with all boys (my brother who was 8 included). There were no just girls soccer teams in our town at the time. Read More>>
Luke Sage
It really came from my upbringing. I come from a very small town called Marion, VA, right in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. Growing up there, my parents and grandparents taught me from a very early age that things aren’t handed to you. Putting your nose to the grindstone and getting the work done was the norm. Read More>>
Marty Reneau
I get my work ethic from the people who came before me—my parents and, especially, my grandparents. Growing up, I didn’t just hear about hard work, I saw it lived out every day. My grandparents were immigrants who left behind everything familiar in Italy—their home, their language, their comfort—to come to this country in search of a better life. Read More>>
Jemerris Giles
I believe my work ethic stems from my parents. Additionally, I’ve been self-teaching myself to become more self-sufficient. Ultimately, besides my faith in God, I’m the only one who can propel myself to the next level and elevate myself to the position God desires for me. Read More>>
Joanne Julian
My parents believed in discipline and order. Whether it was chores or keeping my room neat — the drawers, the closet, making the bed — all had to do with the proper quality of life. When it came to homework — completion, order and quality were also mandatory. Read More>>
Terry Brussel-Rogers
My father owned an advertising agency for fifty years. He started the hula hoop craze in the ’50s. Barry Leon Brussel, Wham-O’s advertising man, was my Dad. I asked my Dad for a bicycle when I was 11 years old. He said I could have my bicycle and handed me the Yellow Pages. I said Oh! I get to pick my bicycle. Read More>>
Dr. Jon Carroll
In my first semester of college, I remember taking an African-American Studies class with an esteemed professor. I had participated in a pre-freshman summer program that he ran, and had success, so I was confident that I could do well in the class. Read More>>
Raylin Taylor
My work ethic comes from a deep desire to create more for myself and for my family. Growing up, it often felt like we were just on the edge of having enough but never quite there. I did not grow up with a sense of abundance, and that stayed with me. It became a driving force and shaped how I approach everything I do. Read More>>
Sarah Newberry Moore
I think my work ethic actually came from not knowing how to work for a long time. Structure didn’t come naturally to me. I avoided assignments, pushed back against routines, and felt like I was always behind. Looking back, I realize I was dealing with some attention and focus challenges that I didn’t fully understand at the time. At home, there wasn’t much structure either. Read More>>
Hanako Ishii
My work ethic comes from wanting to create a sense of comfort and trust through makeup, so that people can feel confident in themselves. As a makeup artist, I believe what we do affects not only how people look, but also how they feel. Read More>>
Joey DePaiva
i believe i developed my work ethic from both of my parents. i grew up with my parents being seperated, starting when i was 3 years old. Growing up i always seen how hard both my parents worked indvidually so that my sister and i could have a great life. Read More>>
Venus Martin
I developed my work ethic from growing up in an environment where nothing was handed to me. Watching my family navigate financial challenges taught me early on that if I wanted stability, freedom, or success, I would have to create it myself. Because of that, I learned to value hard work, consistency, and accountability at a young age. Read More>>
Jennifer Williams
My work ethic comes from a combination of how I was raised and the responsibility I feel to the people I serve. I grew up understanding the value of showing up, following through, and doing things the right way—even when no one is watching. As a business owner, that has only deepened. Read More>>
Makeba Evans
I get my work ethic from my GranDaddy, my Mother and Aunt. My GranDaddy used to say always show up for work, if someone gives you a job then you must do it and show up on time. Never be late Read More>>
Calvin Ng
I get my work ethic from my parents who immigrated to the US from Hong Kong back in 1970’s when they were in their 20’s. They had nothing when they arrived except for the hope of the American Dream. Growing up, I didn’t spend much time with them because both my parents worked a lot. Read More>>
Lisa Tumbarello
As a child, I watched my father open up several small businesses. It was never weird. Our family would just have a conversation, ‘Dad is going out on his own to start his own company. Read More>>
Chasity Pierna
My work ethic continues to develop everyday. Every other day I remember to rest, but on the days where my to-do list seems overwhelming it is actually motivating, we as creatives are here to do just that, the motion may slow but can not completely stop regardless of how I may feel. Read More>>
Aniyah Mills
I got my work ethic from my dad! He was a truck driver and everyday I seen him get up early in the morning to provide for his family, and sometimes he didn’t even get to come home, it’s like there was nothing that could stop him from putting in the work. Read More>>
Robyn Cohen
It didn’t start as work. It started as a kind of devotion. Before I had language for discipline or ambition, I was a little kid cartwheeling through the house, dancing from room to room, completely lit up by movement. I was in ballet classes at two and a half. And not because anyone told me to be, but because something in me couldn’t not move. Read More>>
Johnathan Nation
My work ethic is rooted in how I was raised by my parents and reinforced by my Pastor. Both have taught me discipline, consistency, and that there’s no room for slacking when purpose is involved. Read More>>
Johnny Williams 
My work ethic was developed at an early age. Both of my parents had us working in the garden before we were old enough to start school. It continued over the years with chores and odd jobs to earn money. I started working at 14. I worked in fast food and construction before joining the U.S. Navy when I was 20 years old. Read More>>
Majaya Powell
My work ethic is a direct reflection of my parents’ resilience. Growing up, I watched my father work any hour of the day, while my mother balanced three jobs to support my siblings and me. Early on, I realized a hard truth: income isn’t always determined by effort, because if it were, I would have been raised by millionaires. Read More>>
Viola Heart
I think my work ethic comes from a very deep belief in my own potential, paired with a sense of responsibility to fully realize it. From early on, I was profoundly impacted by seeing live performance—there was a moment when I realized how transformative it could be, and I’ve carried that with me ever since. That experience shaped the way I approach my work today. Read More>>
Jackie Kelly
I get my work ethic from my mom, who raised four girls on her own. Watching her juggle multiple responsibilities, make sacrifices, and still show up for us every single day instilled something deep in me. She didn’t have the option to give up, so she didn’t—and that mindset became part of who I am. That same drive shows up in my makeup business. Read More>>
Vanetia White
You might ask where do I get my work ethic or how am I able to do so many things. Here’s my story! I come from a large Family. As far as my Mom and Dad, they have 5 children and I am right in the middle. They say middle children are different. I come to realize that I think that’s true. Read More>>
Christina Hampton
I believe my work ethic comes from growing up in a military family. My father said ‘if you want to do something, do it well’ . I showed great talent in music at a very young age. My father encouraged me to practice playing my instrument everyday. Read More>>
Erin Wessinger
I get my work ethic from my upbringing. My Papa Wessinger worked hard every day in the peanut or corn fields, he feed the hogs, and he woke up every morning to get the job done. My Mama Wessinger work up to get the rest of the job done, cooking, cleaning, and helping Papa whenever he needed, there was nothing she would not do. Read More>>
Erica Rose Eberhart
No one truly knows everything and I feel that after I got over that teenage assumption that I did know everything, I began to flourish. When I looked at the world as something to consume in an educational sense, and that I could always learn how to do better, it took off so much of the pressure to be the best of the best. Read More>>
Pugs Atomz
I get my work ethic from my family I saw my parents pivot time and time again and find success and sustainability. That intern taught me not to be afraid to try new things. I saw them dive deep into their careers and bring me into those worlds. Read More>>
Nancy Stainton
From my grandmother. She was very hard working. She got up each day at 6 to start household chores, cooking and cleaning. Then she worked 8 hours or more as a tailor (she had her own business) then cooking and chores again after that. She was very disciplined and strong. Read More>>
Katty Huertas
My parents work really hard, they’ve worked all their lives and instilled in me the importance of having a strong work ethic. I know that I need to show up and do the work. Being an artist doesn’t mean that it’s not work, it just means it’s work you’re doing for yourself. Read More>>
Drew Maloney
Being raised properly and being a middle child taught me early that if you want something done, you do it yourself. In our house, when things needed to get done, we did them. That mindset never left me. I’m heavily involved in every project I take on, and I genuinely love it. Read More>>
Haley Rice
Most of my work ethic comes directly from my mother. She’s a dentist who has run her private practice in Nashville for almost 40 years. I grew up working in her office, watching her handle both the entrepreneurial aspect of growing a small business and the craft of being the best healthcare provider she could be. Read More>>
Virginia Villa
I developed my work ethic from a combination of strong influences and life experiences. My mom, who owned her own business, modeled what it meant to work with passion, determination, and grit. My dad taught me the fundamentals of business and the importance of responsibility and follow-through. Read More>>
Jonathan Lovely
My work at it comes from my family‘s background my mother was a third grade teacher, and my father was a bondsman and also a preacher. The last name Lovely my whole family are for our entrepreneurs. Read More>>
