Will Smith – Will. My thoughts on the book

Will Smith - Will

Some books come laden with the promise of revelation and wonder, but “Will” didn’t initially seem to be one of them. Naturally, I was familiar with Will Smith — my favourite film of his remains Hitch 2005. Yet, I wondered, what insights could Will Smith possibly share in the book?

The answer became evident when I found myself zealously discussing this book with my partner throughout the week, so much so that she’d wince every time I brought it up. I pen this article now, convinced that this book holds the power to astonish you as well.

What were my key takeaways from this book?

  1. Like many biographies, “Will” has the power to inspire
  2. The narrative unfolds around an African American boy from a relatively affluent family, particularly for that era in the USA. He transcends his circumstances to become not just one of the highest-paid actors in 2021, but a reliably bankable star
  3. The story explores how our fears and weaknesses can transform into stimulants and foundations upon which we build success
  4. It’s a tale about the inexorable and unyielding march forward. Even in moments of powerlessness, he emphasizes the importance of taking a small step ahead
  5. The book is about maintaining one’s true self.
  6. The book is about belief and hard work: If I could wake up and start an hour earlier than everyone else, and stay an hour later than everyone else, and work through my lunch break, I would be gaining fifteen extra hours every week on the competition. That works out to 780 more productive hours in a year than the next guy – that’s the equivalent of one month. If you give me a one-month headstart on anybody, they’ll never catch me
  7. Will Smith conveys that even when a profession, in which you’ve invested substantial time and effort and have excelled, becomes obsolete, it’s not the end of the road
  8. The book delves into how we often impose limits on ourselves and continually reinforce these constraints
  9. The book explores staying vibrant at 55, forging new plans, and radiating positivity all around you