Genetics are undoubtedly heretic, but they are some traits that are learned by association. Work ethic is the most important of these learned, and the people a child is around early in life are essential to perfecting this valuable trait. More than often the teachers are family, but they do not have be; the important part is they show a child how to work, why it is important, and where hard work can take you. My influence early in life was my late Grandpa James. I observed his immaculate work ethic from his long career working two jobs at all time, chopping wood on the farm, and constant encouragement of all of my early endeavors.
A solid work ethic is often recognized through the amount of hard hours put in to make ends meet. I learned about working hard early from my grandpa from hearing his stories of working in an airplane factory in Wichita, along with maintaining life on the farm. My mom always speaks to how he would be working on the farm or working in the plant. He was one of those guys who would do whatever humanly possible to provide for his family, even if it meant long hours to make ends meet. In high school I was fortunate enough to not be working to make ends meet, but I am proud of the fact that I was able to maintain good grades, my mowing business, and my job at a grocery store. Even though it was not necessary for my survival, the time management skills were essential to building a great work ethic.
A simple physical activity such as chopping firewood can have a large effect on a young mind. I can remember cold winter days where I would get to go "help" grandpa cut wood out on the farm. The word help is a generous term as I did a lot of watching and could only manage small pieces of wood, but I observed how hard, physical labor is valuable. That firewood would warm the whole house for a few nights and make life more comfortable, but it was the product of a few hours of hard work. Even at an old age, my grandpa could out-work just about anyone, and he is someone I strive to be like when I am older.
The final way that I learned my work ethic was through his encouragement of my activities. To make hard work a habit, it must be positively reinforced. My grandparents always came to every cold Saturday soccer game, every grade school vocal concert, and to bowling tournaments all over Kansas to recognize and encourage the fruits of my labors. My grandpa always admired and supported my good grades as well, and it motivated me to continue to succeed. Though he may no longer be with us, my grandfather was one of the most important influences early in my life. I hope to be that way for my kids and grandchildren as well. Having quality role models in my life such as my grandfather and father have been--and continue to be--essential to my development as a man today. Some things such as eye color and height can not be changed, but a hard work ethic is something that must be observed and taught.
