I recently saw a video that was inspirational, and surprising in both its source and commonsense. A collection of clips of different talks and discussions with the famous actor, Will Smith, yielded a remarkably simple and profound perspective on living a happy and worthy life. There are innumerable glints of diamonds to be found within his philosophy. His wisdom is derived from sources as varied as philosophical giants to lessons taught by his parents and grandparents. To say that, with few exceptions, everyone would benefit in some manner from viewing this humble yet passionate man and listening to one of the few true ‘old souls’ would be an understatement.
A Few Key ‘Diamonds’ to Cherish
• Passion: Determine what you love, develop an unshakable belief in your ability to achieve your goal(s) and never stop trying
• Be Unrealistic: As Will aptly notes, would air travel ever be invented had the early pioneers failed to dream, be tied down by reality? Why limit your dreams to those that are well within our grasp—dare to step out of your comfort zone. If you fear taking that step, it is generally a sign that doing so will lead to growth. Stay within your comfort zone and settle for mediocrity, push past your fears to greatness.
• Intense Focus: never lose sight of your goal(s), no matter what obstacles appear in your path (and there will be obstacles).
• Make a Choice: Don’t allow external circumstances to fully dictate the life you live. Deliberate creation is the only way to manifest the life you deserve; the life of your dreams.
• Serve Others: As all famous philosophers believe and all religions preach, stepping out of oneself to reach out to others, with no expectation of receiving, is the only path to a worthwhile life. Serving others in large and small ways is the hallmark of a worthy life, not the accumulation of material objects and not fame.
Are these items revolutionary? No. Are they delivered by a man who has devoted his life to the study of religion? No. However, as a man born in humble circumstances, his life of abundance bears testament to his wisdom.
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