Undoubtedly one of the most successful stars in Hollywood, Will Smith is more than an inspirational role model in the movie and music industry. During numerous interviews and talks, he frequently shares motivational and mindfulness advice, and discusses his secrets of how he has achieved success in life. For this reason, Will is now famously known for his powerful speeches around these topics and has become a new icon of inspiration for many.
A few of Will’s top tips for personal motivation and success stem from an inner perspective of mindfulness. I’ll share a few of these below, along with how we can apply these practices to our daily lives.
1. Adapt an inevitability mindset
Will Smith shares that hard work and seeking out the right people and situations have been key to his success. As much as we’d like to think that success comes from talent, he explains that a strong work ethic and determination will take you further.
“I’ve viewed myself as slightly above average in talent. And where I excel is ridiculous, sickening work ethic.” – Will Smith
To create the outcome you are looking for, you must first put yourself in an environment where it is inevitable for you to achieve your goal. For instance, if you want to exercise more, what do you have to change about your environment to make it inevitable to exercise? If you want to eat healthier, what can you change in your environment to inevitably eat better? Simple things like meal prepping, buying whole foods, and having a good pair of running shoes will set you on the right path towards a healthier lifestyle.
In a similar way, you can more likely set yourself up for success by surrounding yourself with successful, hardworking, well-rounded people. You’ve heard the phrase before, “you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with”. While this may not be true in all cases, it might be worth making necessary changes in your social circle if you’re constantly surrounded by negativity, tension, or people who bring you down.
2. Make exercise a habit
Will Smith explains that through exercise, he strengthens his motivation for success. Exercise of course strengthens the body, and in turn, it improves brain function. Various studies have confirmed that exercise enhances the brain’s plasticity and increases cell growth in certain regions such as the hippocampus- an area responsible for learning and memory. The stronger you become physically, the more energy you will have to tackle your day, and your mind will be able to favourably grow and adapt to stressors in your life. Will says, :
“When you’re running and you are there, there’s a little person that talks to you and that little person says ‘Oh, I’m tired,’ ‘My lung’s about to pop,’ ‘I’m so hurt,’ ‘I’m so tired,’ ‘There’s no way I can possibly continue.’ And you wanna quit. Right? That person, if you learn how to defeat that person when you’re running you will learn how to not quit when things get hard in your life.”
3. Include daily meditation
Setting aside time for a few minutes of quiet, daily meditation can help with anxiety and bring increased focus and clarity. While doing this practice for yourself is a great starting point, Will Smith stretches the usual definition of meditation to include mindfully improving the world around you. For him, this form of “meditation” has become an integrated ritual in his life. He explains that a happier, more focused person will ultimately be a positive influence for others and the world. Whether your meditation includes reading an inspiring book or volunteering for a local cause, it’s important to live out your meditation and mindfulness practice by paying it forward in your community.
“If you’re not making someone else’s life better, then you’re wasting your time. Your life will become better by making other people’s lives better.” – Will Smith
The more we take time to focus on peace and clarity in our minds, the more content and grateful our hearts will be. This continuous cycle encourages more motivation and mindfulness, and creates a positive effect on others.
If you’re inspired by Will Smith’s advice, start incorporating an inevitability mindset, regular exercise, and meditation in your daily life. Mindfulness sets the foundation to develop motivation, and the opportunity for success.
I highly recommend to watch Will Smith’s full motivational video, please click below!
Always,
Paula
Mindfulness by Paula 