Work & Effort

Meaning

To work very late into the night.

Example

"I burned the midnight oil all week to finish the proposal before the deadline."

Conversation questions

• Have you ever burned the midnight oil for a project? Was it worth it?
• Do you think working late is a sign of dedication or poor planning?

Meaning

To start something — a project, a conversation, or a process.

Example

"Let's get the ball rolling on the new campaign — we can't afford to wait."

Conversation questions

• Who usually gets the ball rolling in your team or household?
• What helps you get the ball rolling when you're procrastinating?

Meaning

To endure a painful or difficult situation with courage.

Example

"I had to bite the bullet and give my manager some difficult feedback."

Conversation questions

• When did you last have to bite the bullet? How did you prepare yourself?
• Are there situations where you find it hard to bite the bullet? Why?

Meaning

To do something the easy or cheap way, sacrificing quality or thoroughness.

Example

"We can't cut corners on this — the client expects a polished result."

Conversation questions

• Have you ever seen someone cut corners at work? What were the consequences?
• Are there areas in your life where you think cutting corners is acceptable?

Meaning

To put in more effort than is required or expected.

Example

"She always goes the extra mile for her clients — that's why they keep coming back."

Conversation questions

• Can you think of a time when you went the extra mile? What motivated you?
• Do you think going the extra mile is always worth the effort? Why or why not?

Meaning

To start something energetically and productively right from the beginning.

Example

"She hit the ground running on her first day — already leading meetings by week two."

Conversation questions

• How do you prepare yourself to hit the ground running in a new job or project?
• What challenges can come with being expected to hit the ground running?