Keeping a strong work ethic is super helpful for me as I overcome my obstacles.
I’m so grateful that I had experiences early in my life that helped me develop this habit. Here are two things that impacted my work ethic and a few tips on how you can use hard work to live unstoppable too!
1. Role Models
I had a front-row seat to watch the way my parents worked as I grew up. We lived a very simple life and were not wealthy by any means. In fact, we were just barely getting by. Hawaii is one of the most expensive places to live and so my dad was usually working 2-3 jobs at a time. My mom was working as well just to keep us afloat. It was a lot for them to handle. I saw all that they dedicated to our family and I learned so much through that. I knew what it looked like to keep going on hard days and to have stamina. They were the best role models!
Parents, don’t underestimate the impact you will have on your children just by setting a great example of a strong work ethic!
2. My Passion For Surfing
Surfing was where I learned to put the lessons from my parents into practice. I had a goal in mind – to be a professional surfer – and I had to grind so hard to make that dream a reality. This work ethic has set me up for success in other areas of my life as well because I’ve found that my physical training translated to a better work mindset.
For example, fast forward and now I’m running my own businesses and I have a lot of things on my plate. I can see how the work ethic I developed from surfing helps me in these things. While I love all that I do, sometimes I get wiped out or have setbacks. But I know how to push through because I’m used to paddling even when my muscles hurt or getting back on my board after a gnarly wipeout. I know how to keep going and try again.
Here’s a fun clip from my documentary, Unstoppable, highlighting this:
I think there is so much value to things that help us push ourselves.
They can teach us so much! Maybe you aren’t playing a sport competitively, but you just get in the gym and push 10 minutes longer than you want to. Or maybe you choose to learn a new skill, become a faster swimmer or beat your previous time for a mile run. The options are endless!
Working on something that challenges us, whether physically or mentally, will benefit us in so many ways.
What is that ‘thing’ for you?
Here are some things to help you identify it:
- What gets you stoked and pumped?
- What do you dream about accomplishing?
- How can you push yourself?
- What is a goal you want to achieve?
I encourage you today to find something that lights an inner passion in you and fuels you to work hard. Developing this habit will give us the strength to be unstoppable when tough things come our way!
And let’s not forget that we can look to the role model of Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, in this.
Jesus accomplished the most difficult task of all with the most incredible work ethic! His obedience to die for our sins is not only inspirational, but truly life giving. I pray that your hope and inspiration to overcome the challenges in life and the goals you work towards are fueled by the love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:1-3
You got this!
