Change the World with Your Work Ethic

You Can Literally Better the World with a Strong Work Ethic

If you haven’t watched the discovery channel show “Dirty Jobs,” I highly recommend it. Not only does it show the inner workings of a lot of different operations, but also it introduces us to good, regular people like us who are just doing their best each day.

I find it extremely comforting to see that there are other people in this country that are hard workers and are doing their best. You can tell a lot about the character of a person by his or her work ethic. The media is often so negative and superficial that if you get too wrapped up in it, then the future of our nation doesn’t look very bright. Every day there are stories of people stealing, killing, cheating, etc. So when you can watch a show about how normal people work everyday I think it is very refreshing.

Get Down, Get Dirty

When I saw the “S.W.E.A.T. Pledge” that Mike Rowe, the host of “Dirty Jobs,” created, I had to share it.

S.W.E.A.T. is an acronym for Skill & Work Ethic Aren’t Taboo. I think that we could all benefit from applying some of these principals to our lives and our work ethic. If you think about it, these are the same principals that the Founding Fathers of our nation held dear to their hearts.

Imagine if these principals and values held the same weight today that they did when this country was built.

“THE S.W.E.A.T. PLEDGE”

(Skill & Work Ethic Aren’t Taboo)

I believe that I have won the greatest lottery of all time. I am alive. I walk the Earth. I live in America. Above all things, I am grateful.

I believe that I am entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Nothing more. I also understand that “happiness” and the “pursuit of happiness” are not the same thing.

I believe there is no such thing as a “bad job.” I believe that all jobs are opportunities, and it’s up to me to make the best of them.

I do not “follow my passion.” I bring it with me. I believe that any job can be done with passion and enthusiasm.

I deplore debt, and do all I can to avoid it. I would rather live in a tent and eat beans than borrow money to pay for a lifestyle I can’t afford.

I believe that my safety is my responsibility. I understand that being in “compliance” does not necessarily mean I’m out of danger.

I believe the best way to distinguish myself at work is to show up early, stay late, and cheerfully volunteer for every crappy task there is.

I believe the most annoying sounds in the world are whining and complaining. I will never make them. If I am unhappy in my work, I will either find a new job, or find a way to be happy.

I believe that my education is my responsibility, and absolutely critical to my success. I am resolved to learn as much as I can from whatever source is available to me. I will never stop learning, and understand that library cards are free.

I believe that I am a product of my choices – not my circumstances. I will never blame anyone for my shortcomings or the challenges I face. And I will never accept the credit for something I didn’t do.

I understand the world is not fair, and I’m OK with that. I do not resent the success of others.

I believe that all people are created equal. I also believe that all people make choices. Some choose to be lazy. Some choose to sleep in. I choose to work my butt off.

Imagine what kind of world we could live in if we all adopted this king of work ethic. You can buy a signed copy of the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge and support the mikeroweWORKS foundation by clicking here.