Will Smith’s Big Moment (5 Lessons Learned)


Often you hear about celebrities making it big by hard work. But, rarely do you hear about some of the grimy moments in life after making it big and having to work even harder to get it back. This post is to offer insight into Will Smith’s claim to fame as a television star and a broke rapper. Smith is considered one of the best actors in the business, but even his admits that he some trouble earlier in his rap career. But, fortunately, he has a great sense of resilience while saying yes to everything, a great network of friends, and humbleness.

Be resilient:

Shortly after being a Grammy and triple platinum winning rapper, Will Smith went broke. However, Smith did not stop, he took his girlfriend’s advice at the time which was to attend Arsenio Hall’s show. There Smith met Benny Medina, an artist manager. From there, Medina introduced Smith to Quincy Jones. Jones and Medina were writing a sitcom, (what we all know today as Fresh Prince of Bel Aire). After being invited to a party, Jones asked Smith to perform the script in front of NBC executive Brandon Tartikoff (who later became the President of NBC before death).  Three months later, he was recording the hit shop Fresh Prince of Bel Air.

Your network determines your net worth:

Smith had a girl friend who encouraged him to hang around people who were successful. Smith was also encouraged to by Quincy Jones to perform skit during a party in which Smith had no idea he was going to do. Both people played significant parts in Smith getting to the next level. If Smith’s girlfriend would not have suggested to attend the Arsenio Hall show, Smith would not have met Madina. If Quincy Jones did not force Smith to perform the sitcom in front of everyone at the party, he would not have the pilot show months afterwards.

Humility:

Smith had to have humility to communicate to girlfriend about him spending all his money, e.g., autographing a baby while riding the bus after his was a famous rapper. Also, when creating the deal for the Fresh Prince of Bel Aire, Smith opening admitted he did not have a lawyer to review the contract. It takes some huge self-awareness to know that you are broke, need help, and receiving help.

No paralysis do analysis:

Two points can be made about action. One, Will Smith performed in front of a party of people he did not know. As a matter of fact, he did attend any acting classes. However, he had a strong will to act (encouraged by Quincy Jones). Two, the lawyers while at the party started drafting documents for the sitcom. There is something to be said about action.

Always say yes:

Will Smith at the end of an interview states ‘one should always say yes.’ I am of a different school. I honestly believe when you have a huge opportunity in front of you, take the ‘educated’ leap. I see a lot of F.O.M.O. [Fear of Missing Out] in society today. I was one of those people myself. I had to have my hand in every cookie jar because I feared missing out on something. It is safe to hone onto your skills while applying them to opportunities presented.

KEY TAKE AWAYS: 

(1) Be resilient; (2) your network determines your net worth, (3) humility; (4) no paralysis do analysis; and (5) always say yes.

~  Attorney Ronnie O’Brien Rice, Ph.D.

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