Let me tell y’all somethin’—life ain’t easy, but it sure is one heck of a teacher. If you’ve ever heard me speak, you already know I’ve been through some things. From sleeping in my car for three years to standing on stages around the world, I’ve seen both the valley and the mountaintop. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the lessons life gives you are more valuable than any degree or title.

So today, I want to share my top five life lessons with you. Not ‘cause I got it all figured out—but because I believe if God brings you through it, you’re supposed to share what you learned on the way. Let’s get into it.

1. The Power of Persistence

Man, listen. I’ve been told “no” more times than I can count. I’ve been laughed at, overlooked, rejected—you name it, I’ve lived it. But let me tell you this: every “no” brought me one step closer to a “yes.” You can’t quit when things get hard. That’s when you push even harder.

I remember one time early in my career, I bombed so bad on stage I thought I was done. But you know what? I went back the next night. And the next. And I kept going until the laughs got louder and the rejections turned into standing ovations.

The lesson? Never let temporary pain stop permanent purpose. You gotta stay in the fight.

2. The Importance of Self-Belief

Now look, there were days when I was the only one who believed in me. People would say, “Steve, you’re funny, but this comedy thing? Come on now…” But see, when God gives you a dream, He don’t need to run it by nobody else.

You gotta believe in yourself so much that other people start to question their doubt. I stood on faith. I spoke success over my life. Even when my reality didn’t match the vision, I knew—I just knew—that I wasn’t meant to stay where I was.

Believe in your gift. Bet on you. Because if you don’t, why should anybody else?

3. The Value of Humility

Let me keep it real with you—ain’t nothing uglier than success with a bad attitude. I don’t care how much money you got, how many followers, how many awards… if you ain’t humble, you ain’t winning.

I’ve been blessed, yes. But I never forget where I came from. I still thank God every morning. I still treat people with kindness, whether they’re the CEO or the janitor. Humility is what keeps you grounded when the blessings start raining.

And let me tell you something else—when you’re humble, doors open that no amount of ego ever could.

4. The Art of Adaptability

Whew! Now this one right here—this might be the secret sauce. Life don’t always go how you planned. I started as a stand-up comic. Then I was hosting shows. Writing books. Running businesses. And none of that was in my original plan.

But here’s what I figured out: God don’t always reveal the full picture—He just needs you to take the next step.

When life shifts, you shift with it. Opportunities don’t always knock twice. So you gotta be ready to move, to change, to grow. That’s how you stay relevant. That’s how you win long-term.

5. Finding Your Purpose

Let me break it down for you: Success without purpose is just a fancy prison. I used to chase money, applause, fame. But it wasn’t until I started walkin’ in my purpose that I felt fulfilled.

My purpose? Helping people. Making folks laugh. Uplifting the next generation—especially our young men who need guidance. Everything I do now, I ask myself, “Does this align with my calling?”

When you find what sets your soul on fire, you don’t just live—you thrive.

Final Word

Look, I ain’t perfect. I still make mistakes. But these five lessons? They’ve shaped the man I am today. If you’re out there trying to figure it all out, I hope this helped you take one step closer to your breakthrough.

Keep going. Keep growing. And don’t ever forget: your story ain’t over—God’s still writing.

Now go be great.

— Steve Harvey