It takes a lot of work for Brad Paisley to get ready to co-host the Country Music Association Awards, but it's work he is accustomed to.

I recently asked Paisley how hard work has made him who he is today and how it has helped him as an artist and a father.

"One of the things I’m most proud of is that I have never just phoned in my career," Paisley said. "I’ve worked really, really hard. And I end up taking over things I don’t need to take over, but I really want everything to reflect who I am.

"If you’re lucky enough to be doing something for a living that you love, you should be working hard at it," he added.

And he hopes his two boys, Huck and Jasper, are inspired by watching him.

"That work ethic is something I want to pass on to my kids," he said. "I don’t want them to be lazy."

This year's show -- on Wednesday night (Nov. 2) -- will the ninth CMA Awards that Paisley has co-hosted with Carrie Underwood.

According to a new interview in Newsweek, Paisley grew up watching the show.

“I remember watching Ricky Skaggs win entertainer of the year in 1985 and being thrilled," he said. "If Carrie and I can keep this rockin’ for a few more years, why not? It’s one of the highlight of my year every year. It’s one of the highlights of my life."