I Can't Make This Up

1. Embrace your unique background and use it as fuel for success

Life is a story. It's full of chapters. And the beauty of life is that not only do you get to choose how you interpret each chapter, but your interpretation writes the next chapter.

Childhood shapes us. Kevin Hart's upbringing in North Philadelphia, with a strict mother and an unreliable father, provided him with a wealth of material for his comedy. Instead of letting his challenging background hold him back, he used it as a source of inspiration and humor.

Key elements of Hart's background that influenced his comedy:

• Growing up in a tough neighborhood
• His mother's strict parenting style
• His father's drug addiction and unreliability
• Being the shortest kid in school

By embracing these experiences and finding humor in them, Hart was able to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level. This authenticity became a cornerstone of his comedy and helped him stand out in a crowded field.

2. Persistence and hard work can overcome initial setbacks

Sometimes you have to say yes to the things you want to say no to so you can raise yourself to a place where you get to say no to more things.

Resilience is crucial. Hart's journey to success was far from smooth. He faced numerous rejections, failed pilots, and underwhelming movie roles before achieving widespread recognition. However, his relentless work ethic and willingness to take on any opportunity, no matter how small, eventually paid off.

Hart's persistence manifested in various ways:

• Performing at small clubs and colleges across the country
• Taking on minor roles in movies and TV shows
• Constantly writing and refining his material
• Building a strong social media presence

This unwavering dedication allowed Hart to steadily build his fan base and hone his craft, setting the stage for his eventual breakthrough. His story demonstrates that success often comes not from overnight stardom, but from years of consistent effort and improvement.

3. Building genuine connections is key to career growth

A team is going to survive better than an individual, just as a team is always going to beat an individual in a sport—that is, in a team sport.

Networking matters. Throughout his career, Hart recognized the importance of building and maintaining relationships with fellow comedians, industry professionals, and fans. These connections not only provided emotional support but also opened doors to new opportunities.

Key relationships that influenced Hart's career:

• Mentorship from established comedians like Keith Robinson
• Collaborations with other up-and-coming performers
• Loyal fan base built through social media and personal interactions
• Professional partnerships with producers and directors

By fostering these relationships, Hart was able to create a strong support system and a network of allies in the entertainment industry. This approach not only helped him navigate the challenges of his career but also contributed to his rapid rise to stardom once he achieved his breakthrough.

4. Take calculated risks and be willing to bet on yourself

If you're having problems in your relationship, getting married or having children is not going to solve them. It's just going to create new problems.

Bold moves pay off. Throughout his career, Hart demonstrated a willingness to take risks and invest in himself. This included financing his own comedy specials, turning down potentially lucrative offers that didn't align with his goals, and constantly pushing himself to perform in larger venues.

Examples of Hart's risk-taking:

• Self-financing the "Laugh at My Pain" comedy special
• Transitioning from clubs to theaters to arenas
• Turning down package tours to focus on his solo career
• Investing in his own production company

These calculated risks allowed Hart to maintain control over his career and artistic vision. By betting on himself, he was able to create opportunities that might not have otherwise been available, ultimately leading to greater success and financial rewards.

5. Learn from failure and use it as motivation to improve

You can always tell who's just landed their first big deal in Hollywood by the change in their transportation.

Failures are lessons. Hart experienced numerous setbacks throughout his career, including failed TV pilots, underwhelming movie roles, and personal struggles. However, he consistently used these experiences as opportunities for growth and motivation to work harder.

Key failures and lessons learned:

• Failed TV pilots taught him the importance of authenticity in his performances
• Underwhelming movie roles motivated him to seek more control over his projects
• Personal struggles in relationships informed his comedy and made it more relatable

By embracing failure as a natural part of the journey to success, Hart was able to maintain his resilience and continue pushing forward. This mindset allowed him to learn from his mistakes and consistently improve his craft, ultimately leading to greater achievements.

6. Surround yourself with a supportive team that complements your strengths

Communication is the key that unlocks a plan. Everyone should know your intentions at all times, as well as any changes to them.

Team matters. As Hart's career grew, he recognized the importance of surrounding himself with a loyal and talented team. This group, which he dubbed the "Plastic Cup Boyz," not only provided emotional support but also helped him manage various aspects of his career.

Key members of Hart's team and their roles:

• Na'im Lynn: Opening act and close friend
• Harry Ratchford: Writer and collaborator
• Joey Wells: Host and writer
• Wayne Brown: Security and logistics
• John: Personal barber

By building a team that complemented his strengths and covered his weaknesses, Hart was able to focus on what he did best while ensuring that all aspects of his career were well-managed. This approach allowed him to scale his success and take on larger projects and venues.

7. Stay true to your authentic self, even as you achieve success

If you're not careful, your dick will get you into relationships that your head can't fix.

Authenticity resonates. As Hart's fame grew, he remained committed to maintaining his authentic voice and staying true to his roots. This included continuing to draw from his personal experiences for his comedy and maintaining close connections with his family and childhood friends.

Ways Hart maintained authenticity:

• Incorporating real-life experiences into his comedy
• Staying connected to his Philadelphia roots
• Maintaining relationships with longtime friends and collaborators
• Being open about his struggles and failures

By staying true to himself, Hart was able to maintain the relatability that had initially endeared him to audiences. This authenticity not only helped him maintain his fan base but also allowed him to continue growing as an artist and expanding his reach.

8. Balance personal relationships with professional ambitions

Sometimes you have to get outside of your environment in order to see it more clearly.

Relationships require work. Throughout his career, Hart struggled to balance his professional ambitions with his personal relationships. His first marriage to Torrei suffered due to the demands of his career and his infidelity, leading to a painful divorce.

Lessons learned from relationship struggles:

• The importance of open communication
• Balancing career demands with family time
• Addressing personal issues rather than ignoring them
• The need for mutual support and understanding

These experiences taught Hart valuable lessons about the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and the need for honesty and commitment in relationships. As his career progressed, he applied these lessons to his second marriage to Eniko, striving to create a more stable and supportive partnership.

9. Adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining your core values

Do your best, always. Because you never know who's watching.

Flexibility is crucial. As Hart's career evolved, he demonstrated an ability to adapt to changing circumstances and new opportunities while staying true to his core values and comedic style. This included transitioning from stand-up to acting, embracing social media, and venturing into producing.

Ways Hart adapted to changing circumstances:

• Embracing social media to connect with fans and promote his work
• Transitioning from stand-up to acting in major films
• Founding his own production company to have more creative control
• Expanding into hosting and producing roles

By remaining flexible and open to new opportunities, Hart was able to continually expand his reach and influence in the entertainment industry. At the same time, he maintained the authenticity and work ethic that had been central to his success from the beginning.

Last updated: January 22, 2025