Willard Carroll Smith II is a famous actor, media personality, and rapper. Smith has a track record of accomplishments and successful movies that many would envy.
He is one of the few artists to have experienced exceptional success in three different entertainment fields: TV, Movies, and Music. In April of 2007, Newsweek regarded him as “the most powerful actor in Hollywood.”
In the late 80s, he started his career as a rapper under the name “The Fresh Prince” with moderate success. His popularity eventually rose when he starred in the TV series “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” After six seasons, the series eventually ended, and Smith transitioned from television to film and went on to star in various blockbuster films including The Pursuit of Happyness, Men In Black, Ali, iRobot, and Bad Boys.
Smith has also been nominated for two Academy Awards and five Golden Globe Awards and has also won four Grammy Awards. Here are some of the most notable Will Smith quotes and sayings that explore his views and thoughts about life, success, and more.
Fun Fact: Will Smith holds the Guinness World Record for attending three movie premieres in a single day!
Table of Contents
Motivational Will Smith Quotes
Will Smith’s energy and ambition are legendary. Here are his most inspiring words to spark action and self-belief:
If you’re not making someone else’s life better, then you’re wasting your time. Your life will become better by making other lives better.
— From an interview with Tavis Smiley, 2006
Smith constantly emphasizes service and impact, showing that real happiness comes from lifting others.
Greatness is not this wonderful, esoteric, elusive, god-like feature that only the special among us will ever taste. It’s something that truly exists in all of us.
— From “The Pursuit of Happyness” promotional interview, 2006
He demystifies success and encourages everyone to pursue greatness, no matter where they start.
The first step is you have to say that you can.
— From Oprah’s Master Class, 2012
A classic Will Smith message: belief is the foundation for every achievement.
I wake up every morning believing today is going to be better than yesterday.
— Quoted in multiple interviews
His optimism is infectious—Will Smith encourages everyone to expect progress, not perfection.
Will Smith Quotes on Success & Ambition
Will Smith’s journey from West Philadelphia to Hollywood superstardom is filled with lessons on hustle, work ethic, and the true meaning of success.
I’ve never really viewed myself as particularly talented. Where I excel is ridiculous, sickening work ethic.
— From a 60 Minutes interview, 2007
Smith attributes his success not to innate talent, but to relentless dedication—a powerful lesson for anyone chasing big goals.
There’s no reason to have a plan B because it distracts from plan A.
— From multiple motivational speeches
Focus, he says, is everything. Doubt only divides your energy.
Money and success don’t change people; they merely amplify what is already there.
— From Will Smith’s autobiography, “Will” (2021)
Fame doesn’t create character—it reveals it. This quote urges readers to work on their inner selves first.
Being realistic is the most commonly traveled road to mediocrity.
— From multiple interviews, including 2007’s 60 Minutes
Smith’s signature: Dream bigger, and refuse to settle.
Will Smith on Overcoming Failure & Adversity
Smith’s perspective on failure is candid and empowering. He openly discusses setbacks and the value of resilience.
Fail early, fail often, fail forward.
— From a Facebook video, “Will Smith’s Wisdom”
He reframes failure as a necessary ingredient for growth and learning.
You can cry, ain’t no shame in it.
— From “The Pursuit of Happyness” (2006)
Vulnerability is not weakness. Smith reminds us that facing our emotions is part of the journey.
Fear is not real. The only place that fear can exist is in our thoughts of the future.
— From “After Earth” (2013)
A lesson for anxious minds: fear is a story we tell ourselves. Focus on what you can control.
Throughout life, people will make you mad, disrespect you and treat you bad. Let God deal with the things they do, because hate in your heart will consume you too.
— From Will Smith’s song “Just the Two of Us” (1997)
Letting go of resentment is a recurring Smith theme—heal for yourself, not for them.
Will Smith on Family, Love & Relationships
Family is at the center of Smith’s life. His insights about love, parenting, and partnership have resonated for decades.
The things that have been most valuable to me I did not learn in school.
— Quoted in interviews about parenting and life lessons
Smith highlights that some lessons—love, resilience, empathy—can only be learned through experience.
I think with the time I spent with my family, that’s the most important thing.
— From Will Smith’s Red Table Talk, 2020
No matter the success, he puts family first—something readers across generations can relate to.
Stop letting people who do so little for you control so much of your mind, feelings, and emotions.
— From Instagram post, 2015
Boundaries matter. Smith encourages readers to protect their emotional energy.
Love is the ultimate theme, but it’s not just for women.
— From multiple interviews
He breaks stereotypes about masculinity and love—making this wisdom especially relevant today.
Will Smith on Creativity, Dreams & Taking Risks
Will Smith’s career is proof that creativity and risk-taking go hand-in-hand.
You don’t try to build a wall. You don’t set out to build a wall. You say, ‘I’m going to lay this brick as perfectly as a brick can be laid.’
— From Tavis Smiley interview, 2006
Smith’s approach to goals: start small, stay consistent, and greatness follows.
I want the world to be better because I was here.
— From Oprah’s Master Class, 2012
A legacy mindset: creativity should be in service to others.
I think that there’s a certain delusional quality that all successful people have to have. You have to believe that something different than what has happened for the past 50 million years of history, you have to believe that something different can happen.
— From an interview on the power of belief
Smith gives permission to dreamers everywhere to believe in the impossible.
Will Smith Humor & Life’s Lighter Side
Even at his most philosophical, Smith never loses his sense of humor. Here’s a taste of his wit:
Parents just don’t understand.
— From the Grammy-winning song, 1988
Classic Smith: relatable, funny, and true for every generation.
You can’t be scared to die for the truth. The truth is the only thing that is ever going to be constant.
— From an interview on integrity and comedy
A serious message—delivered with his signature charm.
Throughout life people will make you mad, disrespect you and treat you bad. Let God deal with the things they do.
— Also from “Just the Two of Us”
Will Smith’s Enduring Wisdom
Will Smith’s words continue to inspire millions around the world. His blend of humor, authenticity, and relentless optimism reminds us to aim higher, work harder, and live more generously.
Whether you’re overcoming obstacles, chasing a dream, or just in need of a laugh, let these quotes guide you forward.
