This Is How We Do It Summary

"Life’s challenges may knock you down, but true power lies in choosing to get back up every single time." – Kevin Hart

1. The Power of Positivity

Negativity is rampant in today’s world, heightened by social media's constant noise. People fear rejection and criticism, leading to a fear of pursuing their dreams or expressing their true selves. However, Kevin Hart asserts that adopting a positive mindset can break this cycle and transform your outlook on life.

A positive mindset doesn’t mean every day is perfect. It’s about consciously framing life’s challenges in a hopeful way—a skill that enables perseverance during tough times. Positivity empowers you to tackle problems and move forward rather than getting stuck in despair. Hart himself embodies this belief, having risen from a difficult childhood to become a highly successful entertainer by choosing positivity repeatedly.

He explains that negativity is unavoidable, but it doesn't have to define you. Instead of avoiding negativity entirely, Hart encourages embracing challenges while maintaining optimism. This shift creates resilience, which is essential for achieving success and finding fulfillment.

Examples

• Hart grew up in a tough neighborhood but refused to let external negativity dictate his path.
• He faced numerous professional rejections in the entertainment world and used positivity to persevere.
• Social media’s toxic comments can trigger self-doubt, but positivity enables thriving despite external criticism.

2. Reliability Creates Trust

Reliability isn’t just about showing up; it’s about being dependable in everything you commit to. Hart emphasizes being reliable with your time and commitments because it builds trust and strengthens relationships, personally and professionally.

Being on time showcases respect for others and reinforces accountability. Saying "yes" only to tasks you can truly complete prevents overextension and burnout. While people often fear saying "no" to avoid disappointing others, Hart stresses that prioritizing your limits results in more authentic and meaningful contributions.

When others view you as someone dependable, they’re more likely to support you and return the favor. Hart’s personal dedication to punctuality and consistency serves as an invitation for others around him to follow suit, creating a culture of mutual respect and trustworthiness.

Examples

• Hart always arrives early on set to ensure he never wastes others’ time.
• By knowing when to say "no," he avoids taking on too much and stays true to his priorities.
• People value and gravitate toward those who demonstrate follow-through on commitments.

3. Taking Ownership of Your Life

To grow, you must face life’s uncomfortable truths. Ownership means owning up to your failures, mistakes, and actions without hesitation—an act often avoided due to the fear of discomfort.

It's easier to label yourself a victim during hardships, but Hart argues that taking accountability unlocks inner power and self-awareness. Self-reflection allows for improvement and enables you to take the necessary steps toward becoming a better person. He openly shares his mistakes, such as his infidelity, and highlights the significance of addressing such missteps with honesty and corrective actions.

This level of self-ownership also extends to relationships. By asking questions like, "How did I contribute to this conflict?" or "What can I do differently?" you transform arguments into opportunities for growth. Ownership isn't about blame but about defining your role in your life’s outcomes.

Examples

• Hart publicly addressed his infidelity, apologized, and took active steps to grow from the experience.
• Regular self-reflection during conflicts has helped him improve how he communicates with loved ones.
• Lessons learned through ownership allowed Hart to develop stronger relationships with his team and family.

4. Spread Kindness and Joy

Hart encourages embodying "teddy bearing"—being a source of comfort and joy for those around you. Teddy bears symbolize warmth and trust, and behaving like one transforms how you interact with others.

This isn’t about craving popularity or bending over backward to gain approval. Instead, it’s about internal self-love and radiating positivity that naturally encourages genuine connections. Hart points out that while not everyone will like you, focusing on kindness creates stronger, healthier relationships with those who do.

Negativity can easily drag people down, but being a source of positive energy uplifts not only others but also yourself. Choosing this path helps foster an overall sense of peace and happiness, both outwardly and within.

Examples

• Hart practices kindness even during hectic schedules, ensuring his positive energy influences his team.
• When people criticize him, he focuses on projecting inward likability rather than responding with hostility.
• His friendly attitude has led to meaningful collaborations with industry peers.

5. Dissatisfaction Drives Growth

Hart introduces a counterintuitive idea: staying dissatisfied. It’s not about discontentment or unhappiness but about always striving for betterment. This perspective fuels progress, keeping life dynamic and engaging.

By embracing dissatisfaction, you avoid stagnation. Hart recalls a time when he took a challenging dramatic role instead of settling for familiar, safer projects. This decision expanded his skill set and led to new opportunities he wouldn’t have otherwise encountered.

Dissatisfaction, in this sense, nurtures ambition. It reminds you there’s always room to improve upon your achievements. Viewing life as an ongoing project helps foster creativity, resilience, and growth.

Examples

• Hart declined a familiar movie role for a challenging project, expanding his abilities as an actor.
• He continuously refines his performances during stand-up shows, unwilling to settle for "good enough."
• Dissatisfaction inspired him to branch out into initiatives like philanthropy and authoring books.

6. The Importance of Humility

Success can tempt people to forget where they came from. Hart warns against letting accolades inflate egos, encouraging others to practice humility to stay grounded.

Humility reminds us that everyone’s journey is unique, and no one is above another. Hart chooses to resist the urge to demand special treatment or bask in superficial praise. Instead, he centers on what truly matters—people and personal values.

By remaining humble, you protect your true self from becoming overshadowed by external achievements. Focusing on integrity and purpose ensures that success enhances, rather than diminishes, your sense of self.

Examples

• Hart has seen colleagues lose themselves to fame and learned to avoid similar pitfalls.
• He checks his ego by reflecting on the type of person he wants to be.
• Practicing gratitude helps him stay genuine despite his accomplishments.

Takeaways

1. Practice daily positivity—embrace life's ups and downs with optimism while continuing to move forward.
2. Set boundaries by taking ownership of your time and commitments; say "yes" only to things you can realistically deliver.
3. Stay hungry for growth by welcoming dissatisfaction as a motivator to challenge yourself beyond comfort zones.