This means that you can rise above your problems if you have a goal and work very hard.

VOA: special.2009.03.01

That is,this kind of pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps, that with enough determination and hard work that you can transcend limitations of money or class or gender.

VOA: special.2010.03.08

"If you work hard and meet your responsibilities, this country is going to honor our collective responsibility to you: to ensure you can save and secure your retirement."

VOA: standard.2009.09.05