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It Will All Work Out: The Freedom of Letting Go
From beloved comedian and #1 New York Times bestselling author Kevin Hart comes an irreverent but inspirational take on what happens when you’re gripping the steering wheel of your life so tight that you’re about to run the whole thing off the road—and how to change into a happier gear. Join Kevin Hart as he identifies and battles one of the biggest obstacles to happiness—what he calls the Control Monster. This fearsome beast loves telling others what to do so that you feel safe and they feel miserable. Other times, the need to stay in control means hiding, avoiding everyone and everything that makes you uncomfortable. This means avoiding love and success too. Kevin looks at how control issues have shown up in his own life and how they might show up in yours. This masterclass homes in on why micromanaging your life and other people can lead to toxic relationships, stress, failure, and just generally being annoying to be around. He shares the secrets to getting your Control Monster under control and learning the life-saving power of trust.
44 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2023
4430 people are currently reading
10301 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Hart
8 books638 followersKevin Hart is an award-winning actor and comedian. His films, including Central Intelligence, Think Like a Man, Get Hard, Ride Along, The Wedding Ringer, and The Secret Life of Pets have earned over $3.5 billion at the box office. His stand-up comedy tours, including Let Me Explain, Laugh at My Pain, and What Now?, have sold out arenas and football stadiums, leading Forbes to name him the “king of comedy.” He is also the first comedian with a Nike sneaker line; a television producer, creating the BET show Real Husbands of Hollywood and the Laugh Out Loud Network; and CEO of Hartbeat Productions. Hart currently lives in Los Angeles with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 497 reviews
January 17, 2024
Kevin Hart has had strings of good luck and bad. He has survived the bad luck and has figured out a few things about his life that he shares in this book. This book is part memoir and part self-help. I am not one who takes advice from or is often influenced by the world of celebrities. But, I was intrigued by the subject-matter and captivated by Hart’s skill at presenting it with humor to soften the pain.
He discusses the “monster voices inside” and how they can get control:
"It’s like if you’re the quarterback of a football team, and you pass the ball to somebody and they drop it. You say, Damn, well, I’m never taking that risk again. That’s it. I’m a one-person team. I got this. I’m going to put a death grip on this ball, and run it to the end zone by my damn self, or else I’m going to lose and look like a fool. But here’s what starts to happen when you make that decision: you start prejudging others. When you step out on the field, you may feel like the other players don’t match your level of passion. They don’t push as hard at practice. They don’t want the win as much as you do or understand your vision for how to get it."
He doesn’t short cut how much it took to look internally for solutions:
"I had to cowboy up and start examining my shortcomings, not the flaws of others. I had to see how I wasn’t working with people in a smart way. I was setting them up to fail, whether it was putting them in a situation they didn’t yet have the experience to handle or not giving them the training and access they needed to succeed or holding them to impossible standards because no one is perfect all the time. So, at the time, it looked like it was their fault. It looked like they were the problem, not me. They let me down. When the truth was that I was to blame."
This was a helpful start along the path of “letting go.” I am very satisfied to have read it.
3.5 and a bonus 0.5 for making me laugh
He discusses the “monster voices inside” and how they can get control:
"It’s like if you’re the quarterback of a football team, and you pass the ball to somebody and they drop it. You say, Damn, well, I’m never taking that risk again. That’s it. I’m a one-person team. I got this. I’m going to put a death grip on this ball, and run it to the end zone by my damn self, or else I’m going to lose and look like a fool. But here’s what starts to happen when you make that decision: you start prejudging others. When you step out on the field, you may feel like the other players don’t match your level of passion. They don’t push as hard at practice. They don’t want the win as much as you do or understand your vision for how to get it."
He doesn’t short cut how much it took to look internally for solutions:
"I had to cowboy up and start examining my shortcomings, not the flaws of others. I had to see how I wasn’t working with people in a smart way. I was setting them up to fail, whether it was putting them in a situation they didn’t yet have the experience to handle or not giving them the training and access they needed to succeed or holding them to impossible standards because no one is perfect all the time. So, at the time, it looked like it was their fault. It looked like they were the problem, not me. They let me down. When the truth was that I was to blame."
This was a helpful start along the path of “letting go.” I am very satisfied to have read it.
3.5 and a bonus 0.5 for making me laugh
July 2, 2023
(4.5 stars) - an amusingly useful take on a seriously stressful problem
I really appreciate the Prime First Reads editor who pointed out this was short & an essay. I checked & learned that it's only 44 pages - so this time I chose with full awareness that it's not a regular book - thank you for the help!
Hart's discussion of the struggle with being a control freak is accurate, funny & real. His language is about as bad as you'd expect from a modern comedian (including 7 f-bombs & 4 curses in God's Name), but if that's not an insurmountable issue for you, this anecdotal approach to learning to let go is thoughtful if not necessarily super deep, & practical enough that most will likely find it useful & encouraging. Recommended!
I really appreciate the Prime First Reads editor who pointed out this was short & an essay. I checked & learned that it's only 44 pages - so this time I chose with full awareness that it's not a regular book - thank you for the help!
Hart's discussion of the struggle with being a control freak is accurate, funny & real. His language is about as bad as you'd expect from a modern comedian (including 7 f-bombs & 4 curses in God's Name), but if that's not an insurmountable issue for you, this anecdotal approach to learning to let go is thoughtful if not necessarily super deep, & practical enough that most will likely find it useful & encouraging. Recommended!
July 31, 2023
Short and sweet, and to the point. Kevin focuses on the Monster of Control. For someone that has been an absolute control freak, this hit the spot. I can't say that I am no longer a controlling person, but over the past couple of years I have been working on letting that go. This book gives a great definition of what it means to be one and steps to take to start the process of releasing the hold it has on you. And you get Kevin Hart's one liners at the same time. It's like being in a classroom with the best professor you could ask for.
July 1, 2023
3.5 stars
"This guy trained hippos so good back in the day that they made him a saint! Or something."
A short, sort of surface level funny motivational sort of celebrity brand self help. I was hoping it would go a little deeper especially with what he's been through, but I think a few people could relate to his control monster.
"This guy trained hippos so good back in the day that they made him a saint! Or something."
A short, sort of surface level funny motivational sort of celebrity brand self help. I was hoping it would go a little deeper especially with what he's been through, but I think a few people could relate to his control monster.
August 31, 2023
Solid!
"Nugget alert. Just because people aren’t like you doesn’t mean they’re not capable. Because there’s only one you. There are not going to be more versions of you. You can’t judge others by comparing them to yourself. You have to let people show you what they’re capable of. Because when you’re so worried about people doing it wrong, you never give them a chance to do it right."
Excerpt, It Will All Work Out
This was a comical, short and neatly managed inspirational piece about what it means to drift away from your chosen path and perhaps find your way back. He introduces a concept called the Control Monster which is a part of your internal navigational system. He describes it as a fearsome beast that manages your need to control a multitude of situations that you tend to not have nor need control over. This book is a guide to how to overcome and defeat this very thing. He says, "Any form of control is really just protection. And you get protective because you’re afraid. And you’re afraid because you don’t trust. Let me say it again: Any form of control, at the end of the day, is really just protection. And you get protective because you’re afraid of something bad happening. And the reason you’re afraid of something bad happening again is because you don’t trust yourself or others to handle a situation."
It is great content, perhaps not in the best format. I would have loved to see info presented perhaps live in a podcast or show format. I couldn't get his voice out of my head, which actually worked well for me. Check it out for yourself!
3.5 stars!
"Nugget alert. Just because people aren’t like you doesn’t mean they’re not capable. Because there’s only one you. There are not going to be more versions of you. You can’t judge others by comparing them to yourself. You have to let people show you what they’re capable of. Because when you’re so worried about people doing it wrong, you never give them a chance to do it right."
Excerpt, It Will All Work Out
This was a comical, short and neatly managed inspirational piece about what it means to drift away from your chosen path and perhaps find your way back. He introduces a concept called the Control Monster which is a part of your internal navigational system. He describes it as a fearsome beast that manages your need to control a multitude of situations that you tend to not have nor need control over. This book is a guide to how to overcome and defeat this very thing. He says, "Any form of control is really just protection. And you get protective because you’re afraid. And you’re afraid because you don’t trust. Let me say it again: Any form of control, at the end of the day, is really just protection. And you get protective because you’re afraid of something bad happening. And the reason you’re afraid of something bad happening again is because you don’t trust yourself or others to handle a situation."
It is great content, perhaps not in the best format. I would have loved to see info presented perhaps live in a podcast or show format. I couldn't get his voice out of my head, which actually worked well for me. Check it out for yourself!
3.5 stars!
August 13, 2023
A short memoir on learning how to let go of your ‘Control Monster’. I loved the perspective and analogies. Honestly, I wished the memoir was longer.
“The pain of your avoidance finally outweighs the payoff of comfort, and you're pushed to make a change.”
“The pain of your avoidance finally outweighs the payoff of comfort, and you're pushed to make a change.”
July 12, 2023
I agree with other reviews saying the book would benefit from “now what” insights. I still rated it high. He’s not a psychologist; he’s a guy reflecting on and sharing his experience. As a reader, I was able to think of my own control monster and how it shows up. I believe that was the point of the book.
Yes, gasp, there is cursing. I do think it’s less saturated than his stand up…so there’s that. If it’s going to upset or distract you, you may not wish to pick it up. I’d have been surprised if he didn’t since it’s in his “voice”.
Yes, gasp, there is cursing. I do think it’s less saturated than his stand up…so there’s that. If it’s going to upset or distract you, you may not wish to pick it up. I’d have been surprised if he didn’t since it’s in his “voice”.
September 4, 2023
Short, but very insightful & very well written. < 1 hour read
August 4, 2023
Wise words from Kevin Hart
In this 45 page excerpt, Kevin Hart shares his experiences for identifying anxiety and lack of trust in the form of control and suggestions for letting go. His self deprecating humor is sprinkled in between serious ideas about why some people try to control every situation and suggestions for moving away from it.
In this 45 page excerpt, Kevin Hart shares his experiences for identifying anxiety and lack of trust in the form of control and suggestions for letting go. His self deprecating humor is sprinkled in between serious ideas about why some people try to control every situation and suggestions for moving away from it.
February 3, 2024
Kevin Hart is one of the greatest philosophers which I have indulged in his works. I have previously read through his last book of this caliber. This one was great at pointing out the control monster we all face. A great informative read.
August 29, 2023
Great book with interesting insights!
This was a really great book full of interesting insights, and laughs here and there throughout. It was a really quick and fun read. I think there were quite a few points made that could be helpful for me in my daily life on trying to suppress the control monster within me. Great book!
This was a really great book full of interesting insights, and laughs here and there throughout. It was a really quick and fun read. I think there were quite a few points made that could be helpful for me in my daily life on trying to suppress the control monster within me. Great book!
August 17, 2023
Such a quick and to the point book! Hart talks about the monsters you battle that like control.
Your need for control doesn't make things safer. It only makes them smaller. Letting go frees up so much energy and thought power.
Your need for control doesn't make things safer. It only makes them smaller. Letting go frees up so much energy and thought power.
August 18, 2023
Very short read. Kevin is brutally honest about mistakes he made due to the coping mechanisms he learned growing up. He takes them on head on and teaches us how to do the same.
July 4, 2023
A very quick read with a good overall message. I do feel like this would have been more enjoyable as an audible original or even a Ted Talk— I think Kevin’s writing style translates better to speech instead of written text.
Regardless, it definitely leaves you wanting to examine your own inner “control monster”. Where it came from, how it manifests; what affect that has and if it actually serves you. Because it’s so short, though, I feel like most of the book spent more time on identifying that control issues are present in the first place versus what to do about them.
Definitely more approachable than your typical “self help” book, but it probably could have used more fleshing out to be truly useful on its own. I think it will serve to at least inspire you to look within yourself and maybe seek more resources if you relate to the issues discussed.
Regardless, it definitely leaves you wanting to examine your own inner “control monster”. Where it came from, how it manifests; what affect that has and if it actually serves you. Because it’s so short, though, I feel like most of the book spent more time on identifying that control issues are present in the first place versus what to do about them.
Definitely more approachable than your typical “self help” book, but it probably could have used more fleshing out to be truly useful on its own. I think it will serve to at least inspire you to look within yourself and maybe seek more resources if you relate to the issues discussed.
August 11, 2023
I thought with Kevin Hart being a comedian there would be more humor. On the upside, this book did not cause me more anxiety as a lot of self help books do. But I also did not learn anything new. If you need help with your “control monster” then read this book, although I’m not sure how helpful this book really is.
September 11, 2023
This quick, easy read puts control and anxiety really into perspective
December 18, 2024
Brevity is the key to good writing. While I don’t look to Kevin Hart for any literary reason or existentialist thematic message in his work as an actor, comedian, and writer, this is the second of his pep talk books that I have read and I loved my time with both of them. They were simply the messages I needed at the time that I read them. Hart's books are short, precise, and have a great message.
This one is mainly about his internal control monster that, while it has brought him success, has cost him a lot in terms of professional and personal relationships. He examines his life in terms of the impact this control monster has on everyone around him, and how to avoid using others as your personal servants and slaves in the face of having this sort of manipulation be the source of your relationships and achievements. He sees the damage his taking and using people has wrought, and uses his personal development and growth to show how one can be a better person, atone, and move forward with community, communication, and love as the basis for living.
I have never had a desire to control others, but have seen the damage that very control has had on my life firsthand, so I really wish I could get those people to read this. It was good.
This one is mainly about his internal control monster that, while it has brought him success, has cost him a lot in terms of professional and personal relationships. He examines his life in terms of the impact this control monster has on everyone around him, and how to avoid using others as your personal servants and slaves in the face of having this sort of manipulation be the source of your relationships and achievements. He sees the damage his taking and using people has wrought, and uses his personal development and growth to show how one can be a better person, atone, and move forward with community, communication, and love as the basis for living.
I have never had a desire to control others, but have seen the damage that very control has had on my life firsthand, so I really wish I could get those people to read this. It was good.
March 6, 2024
This book caught me off guard and changed my life!!!
I was blown away and still reeling hours after finishing this book. I have long respected and enjoyed the comedy of Kevin Hart; but this book has shown me a new side of Hart!
I want to ask: Where did Hart get his advanced degree in psychology? Or when did he become such a helpful therapist? More importantly, Hart openly shared from his own life what he calls a couple of his monsters (some might say demons) and how he learned to be a monster hunter! Truthfully, as much as I appreciate his candid sharing of his personal flows I am so very impressed with his exacting diagnosis and helpful tactics in slaying the monster and winning the upper hand long term. This is such a helpful work. I read this as a Prime book (free lending to Prime customers); and the thought of now relinquishing it is unthinkable; so please know I will forthwith purchase a copy so that I can read it again and again!! I highly recommend you read it as well!! Reading this is as helpful as having an opportunity to speak candidly with a beloved grandparent about why things go wrong in life; and maybe more so!! Again, I simply cannot overstate the importance and my appreciation of this helpful book by Kevin Hart!!
I was blown away and still reeling hours after finishing this book. I have long respected and enjoyed the comedy of Kevin Hart; but this book has shown me a new side of Hart!
I want to ask: Where did Hart get his advanced degree in psychology? Or when did he become such a helpful therapist? More importantly, Hart openly shared from his own life what he calls a couple of his monsters (some might say demons) and how he learned to be a monster hunter! Truthfully, as much as I appreciate his candid sharing of his personal flows I am so very impressed with his exacting diagnosis and helpful tactics in slaying the monster and winning the upper hand long term. This is such a helpful work. I read this as a Prime book (free lending to Prime customers); and the thought of now relinquishing it is unthinkable; so please know I will forthwith purchase a copy so that I can read it again and again!! I highly recommend you read it as well!! Reading this is as helpful as having an opportunity to speak candidly with a beloved grandparent about why things go wrong in life; and maybe more so!! Again, I simply cannot overstate the importance and my appreciation of this helpful book by Kevin Hart!!
August 11, 2023
I normally don't read nonfiction books, but I love his stand-up and figured. Why not?And I'm very glad I did. This was a brief fun read that feels like advice or a pep talk from a friend. He makes solid points of the monster we all carry but in a funny and relatable enough way without making it sound like what to do or as a parent talking down. I would recommend this to anyone who has an hour free and just doesn't know what to do.
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•Quotes:
~ if you don’t have your shit together, it’s that very lack of togetherness that becomes your sentence to pain and suffering. -p.7
~Nugget alert. Just because people aren’t like you doesn’t mean they’re not capable. Because there’s only one you. -p.27
~The more you chase comfort, the more unhappy you become. Because happiness isn’t about being comfortable; it’s about growing and improving. And by nature, growing is not comfortable. That’s why we have the term “growing pains.” -p.40
.
•Quotes:
~ if you don’t have your shit together, it’s that very lack of togetherness that becomes your sentence to pain and suffering. -p.7
~Nugget alert. Just because people aren’t like you doesn’t mean they’re not capable. Because there’s only one you. -p.27
~The more you chase comfort, the more unhappy you become. Because happiness isn’t about being comfortable; it’s about growing and improving. And by nature, growing is not comfortable. That’s why we have the term “growing pains.” -p.40
Read
July 2, 2024I’ve been a big fan of Kevin Hart for years, and when I saw this on the Amazon Originals list, I immediately clicked to download and started reading.
As someone who struggles with anxiety and feeling the need to control EVERYTHING to be able to protect myself, I related heavily to what Kevin Hart shared in this story. I felt very seen and also had a good “slap upside the head” moment and seeing the flaws in how my anxiety controls me. Kevin opens up about his struggles and things he’s worked to overcome and gives application on how to positively relinquish the unnecessary control we put on other people and situations.
My only complaint? I wish this would have been longer.
Kevin is a big Philadelphia Eagles fan, as am I, so to end this review the proper way… GO BIRDS!
CW: Car Accident, Anxiety.
As someone who struggles with anxiety and feeling the need to control EVERYTHING to be able to protect myself, I related heavily to what Kevin Hart shared in this story. I felt very seen and also had a good “slap upside the head” moment and seeing the flaws in how my anxiety controls me. Kevin opens up about his struggles and things he’s worked to overcome and gives application on how to positively relinquish the unnecessary control we put on other people and situations.
My only complaint? I wish this would have been longer.
Kevin is a big Philadelphia Eagles fan, as am I, so to end this review the proper way… GO BIRDS!
CW: Car Accident, Anxiety.
August 1, 2023
This is a quick light read to find out if you have control issues or how to understand why someone you care about does. I recognized years ago that I had them and desired to overcome them. I also just wanted others to take the wheel. Luckily I did find those friendships where we all realize and recognize who has the best talents. This is not a full book to therapy. Honestly I don’t think any book can provide the “now what are the next steps” and be a success because the control monster or or I prefer the term safety monster comes in extremes and is a case by case basis. If there is an extreme case then the best solution is therapy. Not a 44 page read. But I think if you are unsure why or if you exhibit these behaviors Kevin’s personal story will encourage you to make the changes he made in his personal and professional life.
January 28, 2024
Don’t take this rating too seriously; this was less than 50 pages, talking about struggling with the need to always be in control. Free with KU. It had nice messages about not letting your “control monster” consume you and that practicing self awareness and self control relinquishes your inner monster’s need to constantly be in control of every situation. I did not word all that right whoops.
July 1, 2025
Okay. I love the premise and the storytelling. When I read it with Kevin Harts voice in my head it came across a bit better. But I wish (acknowledging that this is a very short story) that it contained more personal life anecdotes and less “spelling it out” with the monster metaphor. I think this book would do better as a Ted talk than a reading book. Love ya Kevin , sorry.
September 13, 2025
4.5 rounded up
General Thoughts: I really liked this distillation of Hart’s book: Monsters: and How to Tame Them. In this book, Hart talks only about the Control Monster. I appreciate how it made me think of control in a way that I never did before (avoidance can be its own form of control - never thought that before it makes absolutely 100% sense).
Writing Style: 4.5/5 - I really appreciate Hart’s writing style in this short book. This was my first Kevin Hart book that I read not in audiobook and it feels more natural.
Content: 4.5/5 - It was just too short for me. I wanted more content.
Enjoyment: 5/5 - I think I enjoyed this format more than audio. There were less forced interruptions, where Hart is trying to be funny and outlandish as his personality tends to be - and it made it easier for me to read and digest. I was thinking more about the content, less about the interruptions and diversions.
Total: 14/3 = 4.6
General Thoughts: I really liked this distillation of Hart’s book: Monsters: and How to Tame Them. In this book, Hart talks only about the Control Monster. I appreciate how it made me think of control in a way that I never did before (avoidance can be its own form of control - never thought that before it makes absolutely 100% sense).
Writing Style: 4.5/5 - I really appreciate Hart’s writing style in this short book. This was my first Kevin Hart book that I read not in audiobook and it feels more natural.
Content: 4.5/5 - It was just too short for me. I wanted more content.
Enjoyment: 5/5 - I think I enjoyed this format more than audio. There were less forced interruptions, where Hart is trying to be funny and outlandish as his personality tends to be - and it made it easier for me to read and digest. I was thinking more about the content, less about the interruptions and diversions.
Total: 14/3 = 4.6
October 14, 2023
Short but super insightful book by everyone’s favourite comedian Kevin Hart that leaves you pondering - he talks about the inner monsters in all of us - specifically the Control Monster with him, but thinking of what the different monsters for each of us could be is definitely a healthy exercise.
July 26, 2023
Perfect intro to CoDA
As someone working a codependent anonymous program for over a year, I absolutely agree with the points in this book. We have to let go in order to enjoy life and let others enjoy theirs.
As someone working a codependent anonymous program for over a year, I absolutely agree with the points in this book. We have to let go in order to enjoy life and let others enjoy theirs.
August 3, 2023
This short book has made me want to make some changes! It’s time to tame the control monster and learn to let go!
August 31, 2023
I think every supervisor would benefit from this book so much 👏🏻
September 9, 2023
The is a very life altering read
I learned a lot about myself in this book. I have always been a controlling person. I am the oldest of five. I've been in administrating positions all of my working career. Being a controller always .are my work harder to the point to where I completely burned out. I wish I had this book to read earlier in my life.
I learned a lot about myself in this book. I have always been a controlling person. I am the oldest of five. I've been in administrating positions all of my working career. Being a controller always .are my work harder to the point to where I completely burned out. I wish I had this book to read earlier in my life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 497 reviews