I’ve noticed when I ask my co-workers how they are doing today how many of them, regardless of their age answer ‘I’m really tired. I just don’t feel like doing much of anything today…add often they don’t.  It’s often these same people who complain when an opportunity is given to someone else.  It really got me thinking about how far a good work ethic can take you and how amazing it is to see what you can get done when you push yourself a bit. Ask yourself – When it comes time to get the job done – will you? Here are some of my favorite quotes by some really hard workers.

“You get lazy, you get sad. Start givin' up. Plain and simple.” James Dashner, The Maze Runner

“What you do is what matters, not what you think or say or plan.”  James Fried, Rework

“Plan your work for today and every day, then work your plan” Margaret Thatche

“…there are people who try to look as if they are doing a good and thorough job, and then there are the people who actually damn well do it, for its own sake.”  John D. MacDonald, Free Fall in Crimson

“A bad hair day is not a valid excuse for calling in sick.” Tadahiko Nagao

Work Ethic seems to be universally accepted as one of the most important factors contributing to one’s success. The harder you work – the more successful you’ll be. “Do a bunch by lunch…be a winner by dinner!”  Unknown.

And in this day and age, with so many things spiraling out of control and leaving us in tougher and tougher economic situations, it can feel good to get a grip and take charge over at least one aspect of our current situation that can have a significant impact on our future success. Although not necessarily easy to control, with the right mindset, the right map, and the right mantra you’re sure to get to where you want to be a heck of a lot faster than from laying down, eating leftovers, and watching Law and Order: SVU. Remember, “The most practical, beautiful, workable philosophy in the world won’t work – if you won’t.”  Unknown.

“If you always put limit on everything you do, physical or anything else. It will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them.” Bruce Lee

 Let us rather run the risk of wearing out than rusting out.”  Theodore Roosevelt

Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.”  Abraham Lincoln

"Nothing will work unless you do."  John Wooden, American college basketball coach (1910-2010)

Always make a total effort, even when the odds are against you." Arnold Palmer