While the media might often make it seem like hard work is dead and that everyone is just ghosting their lives away, we’ve seen countless examples of how strong the work ethic is on every street and in every neighborhood in America. Hard work is alive and well and we asked some of the hardest working folks we know how they developed their work ethic.

Letizia Maria Siino

I am Sicilian. We start working at very young age in our culture. I started to sell hand made chocolate lollipops at my high school to make extra cash. It was successful. I sold 150-200 lollipops a week! On the weekend I would make the chocolates lollipops. I had my grandparents and my dad help make them and wrapped them! Read More>>

Tiara Elise Hatley

My work ethic comes from my upbringing. On my blog, MarineFlowBlog.com, I highlight coming from an entrepreneurial household.

Both my parents own and run businesses. They are also involved in community work and religious organizations that require consistency. Getting work done is a part of my nature as conducting business and organizing & participating in various events requires that quality. Read More>>

 Tanner Beard

Ah, good question- good ol’ Mom and Dad for me. I have such really incredible and really underrated parents. They’re so very humble but have achieved so much so I’d say they showed incredible examples of work ethic. Read More>>

Robert Arias

I get my work ethic from my father. My father came to the U.S. just a few months before I was born. His motto is “we don’t stop when we’re tired. We stop when the job is done”. I’m embodied this mindset. I’m always willing to learn something new which helps me find new ways to accomplish my goals. In jiu jitsu when someone wants to learn a move, it takes time, confidence, and consistency to not just learn it but to make it dangerous. I try to focus on this daily. Read More>>

Jordan Johnson

My father instilled in me a strong work ethic during my upbringing. We learned the importance of self-reliance and the realization that success requires hard work and dedication. This early exposure to these principles shaped my approach to achieving goals. I would set ambitious objectives and devise strategies to overcome obstacles and attain them. Read More>>

Maurice Egan

My work ethic is something deeply ingrained in who I am—but it didn’t form in isolation. It was shaped, challenged, and ultimately forged by the powerful influence of mentors who believed in something bigger than themselves, and in me. Two of the most pivotal figures in this journey are Joseph Grenny and Tim Stay—visionary leaders, social scientists, and co-founders of The Other Side Academy and The Other Side Village. Read More>>

 David Cholak

I developed my work ethic from watching my parents work tirelessly to provide for our family. My mom started a small floral business, and I spent countless hours helping her with deliveries and arrangements. One summer, I remember waking up at 5 AM to help her prep for a big wedding. I saw firsthand how dedication and care make a difference. That experience taught me that success doesn’t come from luck, but from consistently showing up, even when it’s hard. Today, that same work ethic pushes me to go the extra mile for my clients and my team Read More>>

Captain Dwayne Green

I take immense pride in acknowledging that my strong work ethic comes directly from my parents. My father, a dedicated farmer in Southeast Texas, and my mother, who dedicated over thirty years to the local school district, set a remarkable example for me. Their commitment to preparing for each day, despite the long hours and sacrifices made away from family, greatly influenced me. Read More>>

Amber Lee

When people ask me where my work ethic comes from, the answer is simple: my mother.

My mom was a nurse and she didn’t just show up for her shifts, she showed up for life. I watched her take on extra hours at the hospital whenever possible, never once complaining, always focused on doing what needed to be done to provide for our family. On her days off, while many would rest, she was sanding walls, fixing things, painting rooms – always building, always improving, always moving forward. Read More>>

Cheri Regis

I get my work ethic from my family, especially my mom. When it comes to getting things done, we jump first and ask questions later. Likewise, the same goes for me when it comes to my work life and my creative life. Knowing my mom, not only is she hardworking but she is also determined and resilient. Read More>>

Carrington Chatman

I developed my work ethic at a young age, surrounded by honest, stand-up individuals who raised me. My parents, both with military backgrounds, instilled in me the importance of discipline and commitment early on. They wore many hats, and seeing them juggle responsibilities and maintain balance taught me resilience and adaptability. Read More>>

Pero Peskir

At the age of 9, due to the war and the breakup of Yugoslavia, I was a refugee myself, from Croatia, and then from BiH. My parents had me at a later age, so as a child I recognized that I would have to rely exclusively on myself. I don’t know why, but during high school I was constantly afraid, I knew that after that, finding a job would follow and if I did poorly, I would get fired. So somewhere I drew a rule for myself – if I know my job and do it well, it will be good for me too. I do the same today. Read More>>

Jeremy Johnson

First and foremost, I get my work ethic from my parents, who always encouraged and guided me to strive for excellence in whatever I pursued. From a young age, they instilled in me the importance of giving my best effort and seeing where that effort could take me. Not everything you try as a kid or young adult becomes a lifelong passion, but I was always taught to keep an open mind. That openness, which I still carry with me today, led me to discover new interests and ultimately helped me find what I truly love. Read More>>

Olga Polo

I definitely got my work ethic from my parents. They’re both incredibly hardworking people, and growing up, I watched them lead by example. They always taught me that if you want something in life, you have to be willing to put in the effort and earn it. That mindset has really shaped the way I approach everything I do. Read More>>

Joe Sanfilippo

I think my work ethic comes from my parents and the way I was raised. They’re hardworking, stand-up people—and their parents were the same. It’s something that’s been passed down through generations in my family. From playing sports at a young age through high school and even into college, I’ve always had that intrinsic motivation to be the best without cutting corners. I really believe that drive was something I was taught from early on. Read More>>

Logan

I think as a freelancer you are kind of forced into having a good work ethic but all while knowing you put yourself in this place and you’re okay with that. I appreciate a good hard day’s work, whether that’s a hard day on set filming or working through an edit behind the computer pushing to make a deadline. I think my work ethic comes from the passion that I have with what I do. I love what I do and love being able to push myself to get jobs done and at the end of it I’m happy to be in a position to work hard and love what I do all at the same time. Read More>>

Amanda Abizaid

My father taught me the term “business before pleasure”, meaning do the work and then you can reward yourself. He also told me that health is the most important thing. This has always been the order of things for me my whole life and I feel it has set me up for a successful mindset as far as knowing what my goals are and how to achieve them, what it takes to get there and working on time management. It helps me keep the balance in my life of health, work, family and friends. Read More>>

Vadym Kravchenko

It’s hard to say exactly. I guess over the years it just became a habit to take things seriously and do them properly. I’ve always believed that if you commit to something, you should follow through and do it right, otherwise, what’s the point?
A big part of it also came from my environment, the college I went to really shaped my sense of discipline, and in my job, you simply can’t get by without it. Being reliable and responsible is just part of the deal. Read More>>

Jerry Garcia

My work ethic isn’t something I developed in isolation—it’s woven into the fabric of who I am, passed down through generations of hardworking men who shaped my understanding of what it means to truly commit to something.

I’m a first-generation American, born to parents who immigrated from Nicaragua and Honduras in the early 1980s with dreams of the American promise and the unwavering determination of a family rooted in multigenerational cattle farming. My grandfather’s farm was my first classroom. Read More>>

Megan Vice

I would say I get my work ethic from both my parents.
My mom ran her own business for over 30 years which showed me what it means to be entrepreneurial and dedicated. It taught me independence and the value of hard work.
My dad, who was a CFO of a printing company, showed me discipline and responsibility.
Together they gave me a mix of drive, focus, and ambition – qualities I feel fuel a strong work ethic. Read More>>

Tim Robinson

I get my work ethic from two key places: my parents and my experience playing sports at a high level. My parents always led by example. They never just talked about working hard—they lived it. Whether it was their careers, responsibilities at home, or the way they supported others, they showed me what it means to stay committed, be disciplined, and take pride in everything you do. Read More>>

Belizean Artist Micah

I come from a lineage of hard-working people, so my work ethic is in my blood. My mother was a dedicated woman who balanced education, career, and family—she climbed the corporate ladder with grace, and that showed me the value of consistency and showing up prepared. On the other hand, my father was from Belize and his life taught me hustle. He faced real adversity but never let it stop him. He taught me how to be resourceful, how to move with integrity, and always emphasized the power of being presentable—because how you show up matters.  Read More>>

Georgina Ogirri

Honestly, my work ethic comes straight from the women who raised me, my mother Griselina and my aunt Georgina, who has always been like a second mom to me. They are the blueprint for everything I am.

My mom was widowed twice and had seven kids to care for. Slowing down was never an option. She worked multiple jobs, from long shifts to working weeks on end, and never once let us see her break. My aunt Georgina, who could not have children of her own, stepped in without hesitation and helped raise us like we were hers. Read More>>

Branden Andersen

My mom had me and my sister when she was really young. Right away, she got to work—literally. She took on jobs to support us while also making a home from scratch. Looking back now, I can’t imagine carrying that kind of responsibility at such a young age. But she did it with grit and grace.

That work ethic never went away. In fact, it grew stronger over the years as she started business after business, always finding something that fit our lives and could give us a bit of comfort. The hustle just evolved—it never stopped. Read More>>

Jair Bomani

My work ethic is something I truly believe is in my blood. My grandfather was a father of two, a full-time student, a professor, and a janitor at Rutgers University—all at once. During overnight shifts, after finishing his work early, he’d spend the rest of the night in the library studying or preparing lectures. If that’s not work ethic, I don’t know what is. Read More>>

Julie Coggiola

Work ethic is interesting to reflect on. The young me never thought my drive to get things done would change over the course of my life. I am a very “type-A” person; I am exceptionally organized, I get things done well, and I meet deadlines.

I have found that people who have these characteristics often excel in academic settings. I was always at the top of my class, never missed a homework assignment, and felt that I was set up to succeed and function very well in the world because I could succeed within the familiar confines of academia. Read More>>

Michelle Ndindi

I would say my work ethic comes from a mix of early creative experiences and the deep support of my family. I’ve always seen myself as a multidisciplinary artist, and that started when I was 12 years old. My church commissioned me to make beaded necklaces and bracelets for the women’s ministry. I spent weeks after school experimenting with bead combinations and creating unique pieces. What made that experience so meaningful was how seriously my family took my little business—they encouraged me to make receipt books, helped me create a logo stamp, and supported me like I was running a real company. Read More>>

Stevie Gonzales

I get my work ethic from my family. Growing up in a large, working-class household, I always knew that hard work would be part of my story. My mother’s family immigrated from Mexico while my father’s family immigrated from Poland and Ukraine. My great-grandparents made the bold decision to move to Texas with their children in search of better opportunities—a chance at a different kind of life. I’m deeply grateful to them for that. Read More>>

John Orlando

My work ethic came from my parents. I grew up in a pretty middle class neighborhood, surrounded by factory workers, laborers, steel workers and coal miners. Many of my extended family were involved in these industries. Even though my parents instilled a strong work ethic, I had these other people strengthening what my parents were teaching me. To this day, I remember my dad telling me, “do it to the best of your ability or don’t do it at all”. Read More>>

Antwain Shaw-Huff

Keeping a good effort going on every project has been my biggest goal every week for the past 3 years . ALTHOUGH I have been in the industry for 8 years,I gained more discipline. Read More>>

Jonah Jacobs

As an artist I absolutely love what I do so work to me, though often times difficult, is not only something I look forward to, but also something that I very much need. For as long as I can remember I have suffered from depression and the various forms of expression I have engaged with over the years have helped me more than anything else. Read More>>

Carolina Yáñez

I believe I got my work ethic from my parents and theirs, and so forth. Coming from a family of immigrants, I knew I owed it to my family to propel myself forward and continue our legacy in this country. Which is why in my art practice, I pay tribute to their experiences and sacrifices that have given me the ability to even pursue art. Read More>>

Caroline Phillips

I get my work ethic from my parents. They always showed me that if I want something, I have to work for it. There is no easy road or shortcut. Whether it was through their own careers or the support they have given me, they made it clear that effort and perseverance matter most. That mindset stuck with me. It’s why I approach every opportunity with commitment and why I push myself to meet challenges head-on. I have also had to juggle the balance of school and work and that taught me how to stay focused and push through even when things get difficult. Read More>>

AJ Thompson

I get my work ethic from a mix of personal discipline and the example set by my parents. Sports taught me structure and drive, but when I really think about it, my biggest inspiration came from watching my mom and dad. They didn’t have college degrees or come from wealth, but they had grit in everything they did. That kind of perseverance left a mark on me. It made me realize that whatever I create, whether it’s film, music, or storytelling. It has to come from a place of passion and care.  Read More>>

Tony Palacio

Growing up in a small town, I was fortunate to be surrounded by family who worked hard and created opportunities not just for themselves, but for me too. My grandparents owned a few local businesses, and from a young age, I learned that if I wanted something—a new scooter, a pair of shoes—I had to earn it. That often meant sweeping floors, running errands, or helping out wherever I was needed.  Read More>>

 Lauren (Lo) Cohen

My work ethic is something I credit to my father. He was a business owner for most of my life, and I watched firsthand the dedication it took to build something from the ground up. Along with my mom, he opened multiple locations, managed a large staff, and created a successful business that thrived for over 30 years — all while serving incredible food and building a loyal community. Read More>>

Kevandre “Dre” Thompson

I come from a family of entrepreneurship and educators. My grandfather is one of the hardest working men I know. He retired from General Motors after 27 years, and owned his tax preperation service and real estate agency, while being employed the entire time. In addition to this he rented out properties, was an advocate of his community, all while being a married husband and raising his six children with his wife.  Read More>>

 J No The Sun King & Eyebee Knowing

J-No the Sun King:
“I got my work ethic from my father—no question about it.”

Growing up, I watched a man who never took shortcuts. My father is a workaholic in the purest sense—not because he was chasing status or accolades, but because he saw providing for his family as a personal mission. His alarm clock seemed to go off before the sun even considered rising, and even when his body was tired, his commitment never wavered. Read More>>

Yolexi Gaitan

Even as a child, I could tell that their wasn’t many opportunities for immigrants. My mother worked jobs at grocery stores while my father found odd jobs around the community from picking cotton, painting houses and selling fish. During that time, I was used to my parents getting home late and would take initiative to improve my English. After our father left, I was inspired by Mom taking on up to three jobs at a time to provide a future for my sister and I.  Read More>>

Thomas Townsend

I grew up working from the time I was a small child. I was taught that hard work can also be fun and rewarding.
So in short I guess my parents helped instill discipline and a strong work ethic in me by allowing me to explore, learn, and find success working in different areas. Read More>>

 Jasmine Charbonier

People ask me all the time, “Jasmine, where do you get your work ethic from” because I always had so much energy. I used to laugh it off, say, “Oh, you know, I just like to keep busy.” But the truth is a lot messier.

I was 17 or 18 when my mom kicked me out. There was no dramatic fight. Just a quiet, heavy moment and a suitcase I needed to pack. I remember crashing on my cousin’s couch that night, my whole life packed into three bags, and realizing: no one was coming to save me. Read More>>

 Liz Mbwambo

My resilience comes from being raised by a single mom. She always worked two jobs to keep our family afloat. With her working so much, I learned early on to be self-reliant. I always figured out homework on my own, handling responsibilities around the house, and solving problems without much guidance. Watching her persevere through those challenges while still making sure we had what we needed taught me that obstacles are just problems waiting to be solved.  Read More>>

Joseph Bellamy

I’ve picked up my work ethic from the amazing people I admire in the entertainment world. Growing up, I realized how important it is to have both male and female role models. We can learn so much from both sides.

For guys, Kanye West and Alton Mason really inspire me. Kanye is a business genius who believes in himself and doesn’t let outside opinions get to him. He’s always in control of his image. Alton Mason is a trendsetter in fashion and a Black man making waves today. I’m super proud of everything he’s achieved and is still doing. Read More>>

Will Lindsey

My work ethic comes from a place of never wanting to fail. Giving up is not a part of my mentality. My goal is to step further and higher with each day so I can accomplish everything that I set my mind to. As long as I do that, I know that I am on the right path. Read More>>

Melissa Johnston

Raised by a single mom, I learned early in life that it takes hard work and dedication to get you where you want to be. It’s not always going to be a smooth journey, but if you focus on your goals and work hard everyday to make a small step towards accomplishing them, then the sacrifices and struggles along the way are worth it. Read More>>

Cruz

For our family, celebration has always been more than balloons and backdrops. it’s been a love language.

Before Chuchi’s Events became a business, it was simply something we did. We poured our hearts into planning birthdays, baby showers, and weddings for our loved ones. We’d stay up late sketching designs, painting by hand, and brainstorming themes over dinner. Every detail mattered because we weren’t just planning parties, we were creating memories for people we loved. Read More>>

Adama Jay

It comes from watching my father.

Before he retired, I had the privilege of witnessing, day after day, what true dedication looked like. My father approached his work with an unwavering sense of pride, responsibility, and integrity. It didn’t matter if he was tired or if the job was tough—he showed up. Fully. Consistently. With quiet strength and excellence. Read More>>

Milton Gore, Jr.

My work ethic grew over my lifetime and is deeply rooted in how I was raised. My parents instilled in me principles of discipline, perseverance, and proactive preparation for life challenges. Their guidance was not just about working hard; it was about understanding every moment and every experience is an opportunity to learn and improve. My father demonstrated the importance of earning a living through dedication and resilience. He taught me success doesn’t come without overcoming adversity, and that each obstacle is another step toward achieving goals. Read More>>

Sean Jamieson

I get my work ethic from a deep love for the water and a passion for sharing meaningful experiences with others. It’s hard not to smile on a boat, and that feeling of peace and joy is something I’ve always wanted to pass along and radiates through my every day. Read More>>

Katrina Murphy

Without a doubt, my dad subconsciously instilled his work ethic into my blood and mindset. And no it is not the typical “work hard play hard” mentality, but working with a pure heart. My dad loved life, he loved people, and he loved what he did (a chiropractor). His zest for life drove him into this work ethic that was contagious, that made everyone around him want to get off the couch, follow their heart, and contribute in their unique way to society. This generosity and passion was a truly inspiring mix to grow up with and I hope to continue to fuel this work ethic to myself, and my children. Read More>>

 Kyna Lee

Work ethic has always been part of my DNA.
My Dad was my first role model—he ran his own business and set a powerful example of dedication and drive from an early age.
I wasn’t the straight-A student in school. I was creative, expressive, and often distracted by ideas that lit me up more than textbooks ever could. Read More>>

David Dilin

I’m inherently competitive. I do a good job at hiding it now, but deep down, I can’t turn it off. It’s competition, growth, and evolution that fuel me a lot of the time. In fact, I used to be an average student in school. It wasn’t until I realized I was competing for spots in colleges that I took my grade point average from a 3.0 to a 4.2. It’s not my sole motivator, of course, but it’s a button that I know I can push. And I hope there’s a little competitiveness in everyone – Read More>>

Liezel Rubin

I got my work ethic from my parents. I started working by choice at a very early age. Officially at 15 I got my first job. My parents were Holocaust survivors and overcame unfortunate circumstances and grew to flourish. My father was a rocket scientist designed many top secret projects for the US Government. He taught us to work hard, be on time and always come with a can do attitude. This has taken me far in life for sure. Read More>> 

 Ryan Thomas

I believe my work ethic really began to take shape during middle and high school. My school followed a block schedule—half of my classes on one day, the other half the next—so I quickly learned to complete assignments the day they were given. That approach allowed me to enjoy my evenings and weekends without stress, and it built a strong foundation for managing time effectively. Read More>>

Kaini Zhang

My professional ethics stem from a belief that art is not only a means of self-expression but also a way to engage with society and respond to reality. I hope my work can give back to the community and carry the responsibilities that come with being an artist. Read More>>

Quynh Tran

I believe my work ethic stems from a powerful motto my mother instilled in me: “The way you do one thing is the way you will approach everything.” This principle has shaped my approach to responsibilities throughout my life.

As a child, I was naturally disorganized and spontaneous. I would rush through homework with minimal effort, eager to finish quickly so I could watch my favorite shows. My assignments were often completed half-heartedly—doing just enough to get by, but rarely putting in my best effort. Read More>>

 Anthony Staples

When I was growing up my dad was gone on business quite a lot, and I always knew that he was doing “chef work” or something of the sort. I was quite young when he worked in our hometown of Indianapolis, and it wasn’t until I was a bit older and in high school when he started taking business trips across the country with the company he had been with for years.  Read More>>

Valerie Ferrario

I developed my work ethic early, thanks in large part to my father. He was a tireless worker – often juggling many jobs at once -yet he was always committed to what needed to be done. I remember growing up, we had a range of animals – horses, goats, chickens, etc. – he would often remind me, “Those animals can’t feed themselves.” That meant, even if I’d spent the night at a friends, I had to be home by 7 a.m. to handle chores. Read More>>

Gwen Luckett

“My work ethic comes largely from my upbringing. I watched my father work tirelessly without ever complaining — from sunrise to sunset, he was either at his regular job or picking up side work to make ends meet. But it wasn’t just about survival — he took real pride in doing things well. That mindset stuck with me. Whether I’m under pressure or deep in a creative project, I’ve learned to stay committed and give my best —  Read More>>

Jamie Bates

I grew up in the Midwest to a lower middle class family. The “Midwestern work ethic” was drilled into me. It’s characterized by hard work, perseverance, a strong belief in self-reliance, and a sense of community and helping others. This was modeled for me growing up as I watched my Dad do construction work for friends and family and on top of his full time job and my mother ran a daycare from our home. Read More>>

Beth Laverick

My father. He was also an entrepreneur and worked tirelessly. He was passionate about his company and growing his company. He valued his clients and team but managed to make all of the important family outings. Read More>>

Lily Amiteria Alvarez

My work ethic has been deeply shaped by my parents. My father has always taken pride in his roots on his father’s side — the Álvarez family — who come from generations of ranchero people, working the land in Jalisco, Mexico. He often talks about his upbringing, marked by poverty, with no electricity or running water. He and his eight siblings would play in the dirt and use their shoes as “cars.” He is the hardest-working man I know. Read More>>

Rob Crozier

I get my work ethic from my father. Watching him lace up his boots every morning to go to work and provide for our family taught me at an early age that it’s important to be a hard worker.

He also taught me work ethic through sports. As my youth football coach, he demanded hustle, effort and consistency. He also demanded this from me in the other sports I played growing up. Read More>>

Ryan Workman

My work ethic is rooted in the example my parents set for me growing up. They both worked incredibly hard to provide for our family—not just financially, but emotionally and academically as well. I watched them take on overtime shifts, juggle opposite schedules so that one of them could always be home with us, and still find the energy to help with schoolwork and support our goals. Read More>>

Shelli Boone

I definitely get my work ethic from my mother. She was a teacher before she joined the military, and she worked service jobs during and after college before that. She holds two masters degrees in mathematics. She retired as a Commander in the Navy – waking up every day before it was even light outside, working all day in a leadership role that demanded a lot mentally and emotionally, and still coming home to cook dinner, check our homework and ask us about our day. Read More>>

Go-Hard Da Great

My work ethic comes from the soil—literally. Let me take y’all back to Bakersfield, where the sun cooks the pavement and dreams either fry or get forged into success.

I was the 1st of three kids in a family, raised by a single mom who sometimes worked two jobs just to keep the lights on. Never complained, just kept moving. That’s where I learned hustle ain’t a choice—it’s survival. Read More>>

Zorin McGuire

I believe every one has something unique to say. Being able to hear that at the end of a project, working with an artist and helping find their voice and way they want to say what they have to say is the best reward. Sometimes it’s a lot of work, we will put time and effort into an idea and it might not be it, so we pivot. Growing up I had a front row seat to what it means to have a strong work ethic. I watched my mother start at the front desk of a huge company and work her way to the top becoming a Vice President. Read More>>

Barbara Valle

I’ve always been driven by my parents example. My parents have always been very hardworking people. They were both born in Puerto Rico and came to New York when they were in their late teens. They worked hard everyday to keep a roof over our heads and food on our table. That meant, they woke up early at 5am to get us all ready to go Read More>>

Lindsay Shaver

I definitely accredit my mother, who was a single mother with multiple jobs, trying to keep everything afloat. Seeing that growing up, showed me that you have to work for the things you want, and its not always easy. I’ve had to rely on myself since a young age, which also encouraged my work ethic. There was no ‘fall back plan’, it was me, myself, & I – if I didn’t make it work, no one else could. So I guess that work ethic grew by force a bit, haha Read More>>