Kevin Hart knows how to tell a story. He has been in the game for close to 20 years. Not only does he know how to tell a story, he knows how to work. The man famously says he “goes to work before work” with his daily gym routines.
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This insane work ethic, one that has inspired the likes of Usain Bolt, has allowed him to continue buffing his craft over the years. Back when he started, he said he used to have chicken wings thrown at his face during his routine.
Now he is selling out football stadiums with over 50,000 people shouting his name (see: Hard work).
At the start of his routine, Hart usually introduces a few unique characters from his real-life experiences. His encounters with these idiosyncratic characters give life to his routine. Assuring the audience that his stories are authentic, “you cannot make this up,” he builds tension masterfully from beginning to end.
Each story is a segue to the next, and once he gets into his flow, you feel as if you are riding one wave smoothly into the next.
When I saw his most recent film “What Now” in theaters (yes, his live stand-up was filmed and made into a blockbuster film), I was taken aback by how sharp his delivery had become from his first stand-up special, “I'm a Grown Little Man.”
There, I saw a Kevin Hart in touch with his voice, but not as mentally strong as the Hart in “What Now”. He seemed to be holding the story in the palm of his hand, letting it glide from one finger to the next, playfully and completely in control.
The thought that this comedian has harnessed his own mental and physical faculties to create better and stronger work is a tremendous encouragement for his audience. Most comedians are known for their sharp observation skills and ability to craft a story, but never for their severe dedication to mind and body.
Not to mention the motivation he provides to his massive audience (Time named him one of the Top 100 Most Influential in 2015).
Another one of his successes, Hart recently partnered with Nike to deliver his “Hustle Harts” shoe line. The athletic shoe is meant for running and working out in the gym. One can see Hart consistently lavishing them in his social media during his “work before work.”
It serves as a reminder to us all that, without hard work, you cannot maximize your life.
