The S.W.E.A.T Pledge

I received a press release from PIA two weeks ago sharing that one of its Hagerstown A&P students, Elise Krause, was the recipient of the Mike Rowe Work Ethic Scholarship.

As part of the release, it mentioned that Krause took the “S.W.E.A.T. Pledge.” My curious mind led me to find out what the S.W.E.A.T. pledge is all about. I was pleasantly surprised to learn what the pledge entails. Here are the 12 parts of the pledge:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. I do not “follow my passion.” I bring it with me. I believe that any job can be done with passion and enthusiasm.
5. 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.
6. I believe that my safety is my responsibility. I understand that being in “compliance” does not necessarily mean I’m out of danger.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. I understand the world is not fair, and I’m OK with that. I do not resent the success of others.
12. I believe that all people are created equal. I also believe that all people make choices. Some choose to be lazy. Come choose to sleep in. I choose to work my butt off.

You can learn more about the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge at www.mikeroweworks.org/sweat/.

I believe the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge is simple and effective. My parents raised me and my siblings using pretty much all the concepts that are in the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge. I also taught my children the same concepts. 

I believe that the Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation did a good job with its S.W.E.A.T Pledge. It is setting up its scholarship recipients — our hard-working young men and women — to be ready
for success!

What are your thoughts on the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge? We'd like to hear your feedback.

Thanks for reading! - Joe