Venus Williams: THIS Is How You TRAIN YOUR MIND For SUCCESS, CONFIDENCE, & FULFILLMENT
Added: Mar 23, 2024
In this podcast episode, Venus Williams, a tennis icon, who has won 73 titles, four Olympic gold medals, and seven grand slams in her two-decade-long career shares her experiences as a woman in sports and the importance of building body confidence. She discusses the Body Confidence Sport initiative by Dove and Nike, which aims to address the issue of low body confidence among girls, with a staggering 45% dropping out of sports by the age of 14 due to this reason.Key takeaways
Self-belief and confidence are crucial in achieving goals and dreams, and having a strong support system can help nurture these qualities.
Overcoming imposter syndrome and fear of failure requires pushing through discomfort and learning from setbacks.
Preparation, resilience, and self-awareness are key in navigating challenges and achieving greatness in sports and life.
Empowering young girls to build body confidence and focus on their abilities rather than appearance is essential in keeping them engaged in sports.
Embracing self-awareness, positive self-talk, and staying true to oneself are vital in building confidence and resilience for success.
Self-Belief and Confidence
Venus talks about the importance of self-belief and confidence in achieving one's goals and dreams. She shares that she was fortunate to have parents who instilled a strong sense of self-belief in her from a young age. While she may have moments of self-doubt, she always had a core belief in herself that she was worthy and capable of achieving greatness.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Venus opens up about experiencing imposter syndrome in certain situations, such as fundraising for a new AI company. She shares the discomfort and anxiety she felt in these moments but emphasizes the importance of pushing through and not letting fear hold you back. She credits her background in sports for helping her navigate challenging situations and maintain a strong work ethic.
Lessons from Failure
Venus reflects on the importance of learning from failure and not letting it deter you from pursuing your goals. She acknowledges that everyone experiences fear of failure but stresses the need to push through and continue believing in oneself. She shares that her parents taught her to view fear as a hindrance and to make decisions as if she weren't afraid.
Letting Go of Regrets
Venus discusses the importance of letting go of regrets and not holding onto past mistakes or missed opportunities. She shares a personal experience of feeling regret over not investing in certain pieces of art but finding peace in letting go of that regret. She emphasizes the value of self-awareness and accepting responsibility for one's actions to move forward.
Spirituality and Hope
One of the greatest lessons Venus learned from her parents is the importance of spirituality and hope. She credits her belief system for grounding her and providing a sense of purpose and resilience in the face of challenges. She highlights the role of spirituality in fostering self-awareness and maintaining a positive outlook in life.
Challenges and Growth
Venus acknowledges her weaknesses, including impatience and a lack of emotional intelligence. She recognizes the need for continuous growth and improvement, particularly in areas where she may struggle.
Process Before Big Moments
Venus explains that her mindset and process before entering a big moment vary depending on the situation. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and distinguishing between fleeting emotions and real issues. She mentions the need to extract and address underlying feelings to navigate challenges effectively.
The Importance of Preparation
She emphasizes the importance of preparation in achieving greatness, highlighting the need to put in the work consistently to succeed. Venus believes that being intentional in one's actions and thoughts is crucial for both success and overcoming challenges. She stresses the significance of training the mind to be strong mentally, just like one would train their body physically.
Support System and Mentality
Venus credits her strong support system, particularly her family, for helping her navigate the pressures of fame and success. She recalls instances where her sister, Serena, intervened to support her during challenging moments in matches, showcasing the importance of having a reliable support network. Venus also discusses the role of mindset in facing setbacks, emphasizing the need to learn from failures and maintain a positive outlook.
Identity and Passion
When discussing identity, Venus emphasizes the importance of embracing one's heritage and being proud of who you are. She believes that knowing oneself and finding passion are key components of building a confident identity. She shares her personal journey as a tennis player and how her passion for the sport has shaped her identity. She encourages individuals to explore new experiences, meet new people, and find what they love to help define their identity.
Body Confidence and Sports
Venus partnered with Dove to raise awareness about the Body Confidence Sport program, aimed at building body confidence in young girls aged 11 to 17. She highlights the alarming statistic that 45% of girls globally quit sports by the age of 14 due to low body confidence. She stresses the importance of shifting the conversation from appearance to capability, emphasizing that what matters most is what's inside a person and their abilities. She shares her own experience of not being affected by body confidence challenges, attributing it to her focus on winning and not caring about external judgments.
Challenges Faced by Young Women
Venus acknowledges the societal pressures and judgments that young women face regarding their bodies. She discusses the impact of negative body image and the constant scrutiny that women endure from a young age. She reflects on the challenges her niece faces at a young age, highlighting the gender disparities and expectations placed on girls to conform to certain standards of beauty. She emphasizes the need to address these issues and empower young women to feel confident in their bodies.
Venus emphasizes the role of coaches in providing positive feedback and guidance to help girls feel good about themselves and stay engaged in sports. She encourages girls to fuel their bodies with healthy food and to focus on their strengths and abilities rather than external appearance. She stresses the importance of creating a supportive and empowering environment for young athletes to thrive and enjoy sports without feeling self-conscious or judged.
Overcoming Challenges
Venus shares her personal story of facing challenges and setbacks in her career, including injuries and self-doubt. She discusses the importance of embracing the journey and enjoying the process, even when faced with obstacles. She emphasizes the value of persistence and resilience in overcoming setbacks and staying motivated to achieve one's goals. She reflects on her own experiences of pushing through pain and injuries to continue playing, highlighting the determination and dedication required to succeed in sports.
Building Confidence and Self-Awareness
Venus emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and positive self-talk in building confidence and resilience. She encourages young athletes to focus on their strengths and talents, rather than comparing themselves to others. She stresses the value of self-belief and self-acceptance in overcoming challenges and staying motivated. She shares her own journey of self-discovery and growth, highlighting the importance of staying true to oneself and embracing one's unique qualities.
Lessons for Success
Venus shares three key lessons for success that she would leave behind for the world. She emphasizes the importance of having fun, believing in oneself, and giving more than taking. She encourages individuals to enjoy the journey, bet on themselves, and prioritize giving back to others. She believes that greatness is defined by the effort and passion one puts into their pursuits, as well as the ability to find joy and fulfillment in the process.
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