Venus Williams on Striving for Greatness: Insights from Her Life, Career, and New Book.

Tennis icon Venus Williams is more than a sports legend—she’s a trailblazer, an advocate for equality, and now, an author sharing her wisdom in *Strive: Eight Lessons to Find Your Awesome*.

During a recent interview, Venus offered a glimpse into her motivations for writing the book, the life lessons she’s gathered on and off the court, and her reflections on resilience, wellness, and gratitude.

“I’ve learned so much from playing sports,” Venus said, reflecting on her career that began at age 14, with Wimbledon as a key milestone.

Her book distills these lessons into eight actionable steps, covering topics like goal-setting, leadership, and overcoming failure.

For Venus, life mirrors sport: “You’ve got to play it like a sport,” she said, emphasizing the importance of resilience, teamwork, and a positive mindset.

Lessons from the Court and Beyond

Venus candidly shared moments from her career, such as a pivotal U.S. Open quarterfinal where self-criticism caused her to lose focus despite being in a winning position. “Perfection is something to aim for, but if you don’t achieve it, you can’t beat yourself up,” she explained. Her advice? Be your best critic but also celebrate successes, a philosophy central to *Strive*.

Beyond the game, Venus highlighted the importance of holistic wellness—physical, mental, and social. From diet and exercise to relationships and mindfulness, she stressed that wellness should be sustainable and enjoyable: “You have to make it fun, or it’s not going to work.”

### Gratitude and Family Values

Gratitude is a recurring theme in Venus’ life and book, inspired by her upbringing. Reflecting on her family’s portrayal in the acclaimed film *King Richard*, Venus shared a childhood anecdote about her father’s lessons in appreciation. After watching *Cinderella*, her father asked his children to identify the story’s most important moment. His answer? Cinderella thanking her fairy godmother. This value of gratitude has remained with Venus, shaping her perspective on life and success.

### Advocating for Equality

A pioneer in women’s sports, Venus played a pivotal role in achieving equal prize money for women at Wimbledon. “It was such a slap in the face to realize the inequality,” she recalled. “I’m so proud that no young girl will ever have to experience that.” This milestone reflects her broader commitment to fairness and opportunity for all.

### Overcoming Challenges

Venus also touched on her battle with an autoimmune disease, a challenge that reshaped her approach to health. A transformative experience at a wellness retreat led her to embrace a healthier lifestyle while learning to adapt to new limitations. “Through this challenge, I gained more control over my health and understood how crucial it is to prioritize well-being,” she said.

### Finding Joy and Inspiring Others

Even amidst the pressures of a demanding career, Venus emphasized the importance of loving what you do. Her advice: “Appreciate yourself, your journey, and those around you. When you do that, your mindset transforms.”

As fans celebrate the release of *Strive*, Venus’ insights offer a roadmap for resilience, success, and joy in life. Her story serves as a reminder that greatness is not just about achievements but about the values and lessons learned along the way.

*Strive: Eight Lessons to Find Your Awesome* is now available, promising readers an inspiring guide to personal and professional growth.