You know that moment when you realize you’ve said “yes” to way too many things? Yeah, I’ve been there. Actually, let me tell you about the time I learned what having a real work ethic actually means—and spoiler alert, it’s not what you think.
When My Work Ethic Worked Against Me
Here’s the thing about high-achieving women like us—we pride ourselves on our work ethic. We show up, we deliver, we don’t quit. But what happens when that same work ethic becomes the very thing that compromises our integrity?
Let me share something that still makes me cringe a little…
Picture this: I’m standing at a podium in front of 60 women. They’re all looking at me expectantly, and I’m completely falling apart. My materials are a mess. My thoughts are even messier. And in that moment, I did something I never thought I’d do.
I looked at those women and said, “I can’t do this. I don’t even know why I’m here.”
Talk about a public meltdown, right? (I go into all the details in my book, “Take the Lead,” if you want the full story.) But here’s what’s funny—that rock-bottom moment taught me everything I needed to know about what a strong work ethic really looks like.
The Day I Chose Integrity Over Commitment
Fast forward to earlier this year. I had committed to a speaking engagement—excited about it, looking forward to sharing with a new organization. You know how it goes. But then life happened. Suddenly, I had way more on my plate than I’d anticipated.
The old me? She would have pushed through no matter what. Showed up exhausted, underprepared, running on fumes. Because that’s what having a good work ethic means, right?
Wrong.
The wiser version of me, the one who learned from that room of 60 women, recognized something crucial: Showing up at less than my best wasn’t honoring my work ethic. It was actually betraying it.
So I made the call. I reached out to the organizer and let her know I needed to bow out.
Was it terrifying? Absolutely. Did my stomach drop when I hit send on that email? You bet. But here’s how I approached it:
- I acknowledged my commitment and expressed genuine regret
- I explained (without oversharing or making excuses) that circumstances had changed
- I emphasized that my work ethic meant I couldn’t show up as anything less than my best
- I left the door open for future opportunities
Can I tell you something? The response I got back floored me.
What Happened Next Changed Everything
The organizer didn’t just understand. She appreciated the integrity it took to have that conversation. And here’s where it gets really interesting: She reached out again recently, more eager than ever to work with me. Why? Because of how I handled stepping back.
Let that sink in for a minute.
My work ethic—the real, authentic kind—actually strengthened our professional relationship, even though I said no.
What Work Ethic Actually Means
I know this might sound counterintuitive. We’ve been taught that a strong work ethic means powering through, saying yes, never giving up. But here’s what I’ve learned after nearly two decades in business:
A true work ethic isn’t about running yourself into the ground. It’s about consistently delivering your best work, which sometimes means knowing when to step back.
Trust me on this. The quality of your work matters more than the quantity of your commitments.
How to Honor Your Work Ethic Without Burning Out
So how do you maintain a strong work ethic while avoiding that overwhelming feeling of overcommitment? Here’s what’s worked for me:
- Get real about your bandwidth. Take stock of what’s actually on your plate right now. Not what you wish you could handle or what you think you should be able to manage—what you can realistically do well. This is where your work ethic starts: with honest self-assessment.
- Communicate early. If you see a potential problem with a commitment, don’t wait until the last minute to address it. Early communication isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s professional courtesy and a sign of respect for everyone involved.
- Be honest without oversharing. You don’t need to justify every detail of your life. A simple, professional explanation of why you can’t deliver your best work right now is enough. Your work ethic speaks for itself.
- Offer alternatives when possible. Can you recommend someone else who’d be perfect for the opportunity? Propose a different timeline? Show that you’re still invested in finding a solution, even if it’s not you showing up.
- Learn from every experience. Each commitment—whether you keep it or gracefully bow out—teaches you something about your capacity and how to plan better next time. That’s growth, and it’s part of developing a sustainable work ethic.
Here’s What I Want You to Remember
Your work ethic isn’t measured by how much you can squeeze onto your calendar. It’s reflected in the quality of what you deliver and the integrity with which you operate.
Sometimes, the most professional thing you can do is admit when you can’t deliver your best. That’s not failure. That’s honoring your work ethic in the truest sense.
Your Work Ethic Challenge
This week, I challenge you to take a hard look at your commitments. Ask yourself:
- Which commitments align with my core values and goals?
- Where am I overextended?
- How can I communicate proactively about any necessary changes?
Remember, it’s better to underpromise and overdeliver than the other way around. Integrity and the quality of your work are the true measures of a strong work ethic.
Your work ethic is a powerful asset. Use it wisely, and it will serve you well in building a business and life you love.
Join the Leading Lady Community
For more insights and strategies on cultivating a strong work ethic while maintaining balance, I invite you to join my community:
- Tune into the Leading Lady Podcast.
- Connect with me on Instagram.
- Join the conversation in the Leading Ladies Facebook Group.
