Will Smith at 50: Work Ethic, Wisdom & Winning

Will Smith is more than the loveable, funny, cool, attractive guy that we see when we see in movies or television shows–much more. Let’s be honest, Will Smith has come a long way. From a young boy in Philadelphia who was rhyming in house parties with his friend, DJ Jazzy Jeff, to now commanding more than $20 million dollars per movie, running a successful movie production company, giving millions back to the community, has been a mentor for everyone from Jamie Foxx and Tyrese to Nick Cannon, Lil Romeo and more, yet still is able to make time for his loving wife and children.

Now, at age 50, the list of Will’s accomplishments is long. Take a look:
– Won first ever Grammy Award in rap (1988)
– First rapper to star in a television series (1990)
– Starred in blockbuster summer film “Independence Day” (1996)
– Starred in blockbuster summer film, “Men In Black” (1997) solidifying him as a superstar
– Nominated for Best Actor in “Ali” (2001)
– Got entered in Guinness Book of World Records for attending more premieres of his movie in 24 or less (2005)
– He is the only actor to have eight consecutive films gross over $100 million in the domestic box office, eleven consecutive films gross over $150 million internationally, and eight consecutive films in which he starred, open at the number one spot in the domestic box office tally.
– The list of MTV, SAG, BET and global awards goes on and on…

SEE FOR YOURSELF: Will Smith Says His Marriage Has “Died”

Will gets most of his work ethic and mindset from his father.
One summer, his dad tore down a brick wall in front of his business and told Will, who was only 12 years old at the time and his younger brother, to rebuild a brick wall.

It took the brothers a year and a half, but they finished it and the wall still stands in south Philadelphia today.
Once they finished, Will’s father had a word of advice for him:
“He said to me, ‘Now don’t you dare tell there’s something you can’t do,'” Will remembered.

And from there, Will never looked back.

Here’s a list of some of his favorite quotes from the Father, husband, actor, businessman, rapper, mentor and friend:
“Being realistic is the most common path to mediocrity.”