I Asked Will Smith How He Made $350 Million

Summary

In this inspiring interview, Will Smith shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a global entertainment icon. He discusses the importance of dedication, mastering your craft, and working harder than others to achieve success. Will emphasizes that true happiness doesn't come from material wealth, but from internal growth and stability. He reflects on his most significant lessons, including the value of relationships, learning from failure, and trusting your intuition. His advice offers powerful insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone looking to live a fulfilled and successful life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Will Smith emphasizes the importance of learning from people who have actually achieved what you aspire to do. Listening to those who haven't is nearly insane.
• 😀 Money doesn't buy happiness; in fact, exceeding a certain financial point can lead to misery. True contentment comes from something beyond material wealth.
• 😀 Will's biggest driving force for success has been the dedication of time and effort. He believes that the person who puts in more hours will eventually surpass someone more talented who works less.
• 😀 True self-confidence is built by becoming comfortable with failure and rejection. Being unafraid to look stupid or make mistakes is key to confidence.
• 😀 Will reflects on the lesson from 'The Pursuit of Happiness,' where suffering and hardship are seen as gifts that shape character and willpower.
• 😀 Faith and the belief in a higher energy are central to Will's success. He believes that connecting with this energy can make one infinitely more powerful and creative.
• 😀 Will stresses the significance of relationships in life and business. No matter where you are in life, you never know when a seemingly small interaction will become crucial in the future.
• 😀 The idea of 'clifftop versus rock bottom' explores how both extreme wealth and extreme poverty can leave people feeling empty. True stability comes from within, not from material possessions.
• 😀 Will highlights the importance of diversifying your career, but also advises mastering one thing before branching out. Mastery of a single skill can open doors to other opportunities.
• 😀 One of Will's mentors taught him that every interaction matters because relationships you build can come full circle at various points in life, even decades later.
• 😀 Will shares that to truly change your life, you have to realize the infinite potential within yourself. It takes willingness to suffer, but consciousness is a powerful tool of creation.

Q & A

What was the turning point for Will Smith's financial freedom?

Will Smith realized that taking advice from people who hadn't done what he wanted to do was nearly insane. He also discovered that mastering one skill, such as acting, would lead to greater success, and once he mastered acting, financial freedom followed.

What does Will Smith believe about money and happiness?

Will Smith believes money does not buy happiness. In fact, after a certain point, more money can bring misery. He mentions that money can change people's lives, but it can also make it difficult to form new friendships at certain financial levels.

How important is time commitment to success, according to Will Smith?

Will Smith believes that success comes from committing the most hours to your craft. He states that even if someone is more talented, if you outwork them, you'll eventually surpass them. He learned this lesson early on in his career.

What does Will Smith say about confidence?

Will Smith explains that confidence isn't just about looking confident. It's built on not being afraid to fail. He highlights that confidence grows as you get used to rejection, failure, and the discomfort of trying and sometimes failing in front of others.

What did Will Smith learn from filming 'The Pursuit of Happyness'?

From working with Chris Gardner on 'The Pursuit of Happyness,' Will Smith learned that suffering is a gift. He believes that the universe teaches through adversity, and true strength and willpower are often shaped by difficult times.

How does Will Smith view the role of faith in his career?

Will Smith believes in a creative, universal energy that is constantly creating in all things. He views his relationship with this energy as a source of power, enabling him to achieve far beyond what his individual ego could accomplish.

What was Will Smith's most creative and financially successful year?

Will Smith's most financially successful and creatively fulfilling year was when 'Hancock' and 'I Am Legend' were released within six months of each other. It was one of the peak moments of his career.

How does Will Smith approach failure?

Will Smith says that failure is part of the process. He emphasizes that you have to be comfortable with failing and looking foolish in order to succeed. Confidence comes from repeatedly facing failure and learning from it.

What advice did Will Smith's grandmother give him about relationships?

Will Smith's grandmother taught him the importance of relationships by telling him, 'Everywhere you go, one day you're going to have to go back.' This advice helped him realize that relationships are crucial for long-term success, as you never know when you'll cross paths with someone again.

What is Will Smith's message to the younger generation?

Will Smith encourages the younger generation to recognize the infinite potential they have. He emphasizes that you can do anything you choose in life, but it requires a willingness to endure discomfort and challenges in order to reach that potential.