Those who admire the trait of aggression can look to the hawks and owls for the epitome of this quality. For industriousness, watch for the many species of birds that possess it in large measure, like wrens and sparrows. Purchase a pair of fairly good lightweight binoculars, perhaps a six-power. A small notebook and pen to take notes on a bird's habits and its location. If you're ambitious, take along a camera.
Bird photography is a challenging hobby and an excellent way to get to know the birds.
A Field Guide to the Birds by Roger Tory Peterson, or Birds of North America by Chandler Robbins. Discipline yourself to spend a few hours each week getting out to a park or woods or large body of water. The important thing is to get out regularly. Be patient in trying to learn all the birds. It can't be done all in one year.