Recently named one of the most influential people in the world by TIME, 21-year-old Willow Smith is the poster girl for showing up as yourself in this "too-cool" era that we live in. Smith's candidness is inspiring both on and off the screen.

The multifaceted artist shared with The Independent just how fame shaped her in the space of oneness. Smith has seen firsthand what it takes to be successful, authentic, and genuine while creatively expressing herself through work. Here's what we've learned from her:

Don't change for others to feel comfortable

Undoubtedly inspired by the generations before her, Smith embodies the true mantra of living life on her terms thanks to the wise words from her parents "don't change for others to feel comfortable," propelling her on the path of uniqueness.

"I've always said what I wanted to say and not cared, even when people thought it was stupid," she said. "More Black girls need to give no f***s. Be confident. Be loud. Say what you wanna say."

Our parents are people too

Most kids would cringe at having "bear all" parents publicly living their lives for millions to survey. Still, Smith stands on the other spectrum and idolizes her A-list parents as they navigate personal and career endeavors.

"I feel I've always understood that my parents are their own people," she said. "A lot of kids think of their parents like… 'Your whole identity is for me.' [But] seeing them in this lifestyle we had, from a very young age, it was clear to me they weren't just my parents. They're full, other people who have their own emotions."

Don't let the haters get to you

The industry is known for its affluent lifestyle, but ideologies of what an artist should sound like, look like, and express themselves come to the surface. Smith knows this all-too-well during her "Whip My Hair" era when the single in 2010 took off to new heights. The then nine-year-old had anxiety attacks and requested to leave Justin Beiber's tour as the opening performer.

"You need to have some wits about ya, some strength in the spine!" Smith said.

Hard work equals success

Smith has put in the work. The artist has left behind a paper trail on how to be successful from releasing her critically acclaimed album I Feel EVERYTHING, Co-hosting Red Table Talk, selling out concerts, and being named one of the most influential people in the world by TIME.

"I didn't realize what success would really take," Smith said to The Independent. "I didn't realize it was hard work. Now, because I'm older and know how I want to live my life, I'm more organized in my mind; because this industry is not a fluffy place." 

Life is hard for everyone

Smith shared she felt misunderstood as a young artist in the making. Reflecting on her past tantrums and misunderstandings of the world, she now uses her platform to bring awareness to many environmental and world issues.

"Even my own parents tell me it's hard for them to understand my issues because my childhood was so different," she said. "I used to get upset, like, 'Why doesn't anybody care about my feelings!'" 

"But I grew up and realized the world is such a f***ing s****y place, and people are in pain, and the fact I get to have these resources and this kind of life is an astronomical blessing," she added. "The only thing that makes it worth it is if I give something back that's of value, whether that's revolution or catharsis… it needs to have meaning," she added.

Be an open book

Smith will remain "an open book" as she grows and expands in her career and plans to stay far from the shadows showing up as herself every day, whether you see her during an interview or on stage performing.

"It's too much work to try and hide; I haven't got that much energy," she said.

No, you're not "being a brat"

During her "Whip, my hair" success Smith experienced mental health issues. Smith's decision to end her then singing career was the first step in speaking up for herself and self-discovery as an artist and young woman.

"I was brainwashed into thinking, 'No, you're being a brat, suck it up.' Then I grew up, and I realized it was something that needed to be dealt with."

Learn from different outlooks and lifestyles

Smith doesn't shy away from others' stances. Instead, she understands the generational gaps and can be seen having multiple uncomfortable conversations with her grandmother and mother on their Facebook show, the Red Table Talk, discussing sex, love, and lifestyle.

"When that happens, it's exciting for me – when different perspectives start to come out and clash a little bit. So much of the time we just agree: 'Go girl! 100 per-cent! Mmhmm!' So I like when that happens. That's how you grow," Smith said. "If you're always agreeing, you're not creating a new idea." 

Don't let people stop you from growing

Smith continues to play her seven-string guitar to perform for her fans and write melodic pop-rock tunes despite white men taunting her "for pages and pages" about why she should stop playing the guitar.

"When you start to move towards the heavier side [of music], the resistance gets stronger," Smith said.

Life is a journey of continuous learning, and we pick up important lessons along the way. Some of these lessons come from experience, yet there are others that we learn watching others like Willow Smith.

Take these lessons as guidance, not rules. Remember, your life is your own, and you know what's best for you.