Naomi Osaka: “I Used to Think Losing Meant My Life Was Over” Sharing Her Truth of Navigating Shame, Public Pressure & How She Found REAL Self-Worth
In this episode of On Purpose with Jay Shetty, tennis star Naomi Osaka discusses her mental health journey, including her decision to withdraw from the French Open and the support she received from fellow athletes. She shares how her Japanese-Haitian heritage and family background shaped her development as an athlete, and describes the pressure she faced after winning the US Open at age 20.
The conversation explores how Osaka's relationship with tennis has evolved, particularly through her experiences with public scrutiny and her journey of self-discovery. She describes how becoming a mother has changed her perspective on both her athletic career and personal identity, shifting her focus beyond tennis achievements and helping her find a new balance between her roles as an athlete and parent.
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1-Page Summary
Osaka's Mental Health Journey and Break From Tennis
When Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open due to mental health struggles, she initially felt ashamed and isolated, staying confined to her home in LA. However, supportive messages from fellow tennis players helped her feel less alone. While Osaka expresses some regret about how she handled the situation, Jay Shetty notes that her candor sparked important conversations about mental health in sports. At the Olympics, Osaka was surprised by the outpouring of support from other athletes, particularly female tennis players, who thanked her for destigmatizing mental health challenges.
Osaka's Upbringing, Family, and Cultural Influences
Inspired by the Williams sisters' training model, Osaka's father dedicated himself to coaching both Naomi and her sister, spending about eight hours daily on tennis practice. Osaka's Japanese-Haitian heritage significantly shapes her worldview, with her embracing both cultures' values – Japanese punctuality and Haitian generosity. Growing up in a close-knit family, Osaka was motivated by the goal of making her mother stop working through tennis success.
Osaka's Athletic Career, Accomplishments, and Challenges
After winning the US Open at age 20, Osaka faced scrutiny and pressure to prove herself, particularly when some questioned the legitimacy of her victory. Throughout her career, she struggled with comparing herself to others and defining her worth through titles. Osaka eventually took a break from tennis to focus on self-discovery, incorporating meditation into her routine and finding peace in simple pleasures like the sound of rain.
Osaka's Motherhood: Impact on Perspective and Goals
Motherhood has transformed Osaka's outlook on life and tennis. She reports feeling more patient and less affected by match outcomes, understanding that her value extends beyond her athletic achievements. Osaka hopes her daughter will one day understand the significance of her tennis career, and she's adapted her routines to balance both athletic and parental responsibilities. She maintains her commitment to tennis while embracing her role as a mother, finding joy in sharing her journey with her daughter.
1-Page Summary
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Clarifications
- Jay Shetty is a British author, former monk, and motivational speaker known for his inspirational content on social media platforms. He often shares wisdom on personal development, mental health, and mindfulness. Shetty's background as a monk and his expertise in mindfulness practices make him a respected figure in the field of self-improvement and mental well-being. His insights and perspectives have resonated with a wide audience seeking guidance on navigating life's challenges and finding inner peace.
- Naomi Osaka's father was heavily involved in coaching her and her sister, dedicating significant time to their tennis training. Her family background includes Japanese and Haitian heritage, influencing her values and worldview. Growing up in a tight-knit family, Osaka was driven by the desire to support her mother through her tennis success.
- After winning the US Open at age 20, Naomi Osaka faced scrutiny and pressure to prove herself due to doubts about the legitimacy of her victory. This scrutiny stemmed from various factors, including her relatively young age and the unexpected nature of her win. Osaka had to navigate these challenges while continuing to compete at a high level in the tennis world.
- Naomi Osaka's Japanese-Haitian heritage plays a crucial role in shaping her identity and worldview, blending values from both cultures. It influences how she navigates her career, relationships, and personal beliefs. Osaka embraces Japanese punctuality and Haitian generosity, reflecting a unique cultural fusion in her approach to life and tennis. Her heritage adds depth to her experiences and perspectives, contributing to her multifaceted identity on and off the court.
- Motherhood has shifted Osaka's focus towards patience and a broader sense of self-worth beyond her tennis achievements. It has influenced her perspective on success and helped her find a balance between her athletic career and her role as a mother. Osaka's daughter has become a source of motivation for her, shaping her goals and aspirations both on and off the tennis court. She now sees her tennis career as part of a larger narrative that includes her journey as a mother.
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Osaka's Mental Health Journey and Break From Tennis
Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal from the French Open due to mental health struggles placed her in the global spotlight, not just as a tennis champion but also as a prominent voice in the dialogue on athletes’ mental health.
Osaka Felt Ashamed and Alone Withdrawing From French Open Over Mental Health Struggles
Naomi Osaka felt a deep sense of shame when she withdrew from the French Open. This sense of isolation was exacerbated by her solitary reaction; she stayed within her home in LA, avoiding the outside world, engulfed by a sense of embarrassment and the belief that she was betraying the archetype of the unshakeable athlete by showing vulnerability.
Osaka Withdrew From the Public, Avoiding the World, as She Dealt With Intense Emotions
Osaka encountered intense emotions and admitted to feeling very alone since she did not have many friends on the tennis tour to help her gauge public reaction. It was not until she received supportive messages from other tennis players that she began to feel less solitary in her struggles.
Osaka Bravely Opened Up About Mental Health, but now Wishes She Handled It Better
Looking back on her decision to speak openly about her mental health, Osaka has expressed a hint of regret at her approach, feeling she could have articulated her needs more effectively. The scale of the reaction surprised her, particularly when faced with the tournament expressing disappointment. Osaka’s move, however, inadvertently opened the doors for wider discussions on mental health, particularly in the realm of sports, catalyzing a shift in how athletes are perceived: as individuals with their own vulnerabilities rather than mere performance machines.
Osaka's Transparency Sparked Open Mental Health Discussions in Sports
Jay Shetty ...
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Osaka's Mental Health Journey and Break From Tennis
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open due to mental health struggles, feeling isolated and ashamed. She received support from other tennis players after her withdrawal, which helped her feel less alone. Osaka's decision to speak openly about her mental health sparked discussions and shifted perceptions in the sports community. She later expressed some regret about how she handled the situation, feeling she could have communicated her needs better.
- Naomi Osaka experienced deep shame and isolation when she withdrew from the French Open due to mental health struggles. She felt alone and embarrassed, believing she was betraying the image of a strong, unshakeable athlete by showing vulnerability. Osaka's sense of isolation was heightened by her solitary response, staying secluded in her home in LA, away from the public eye.
- Osaka received supportive messages from other tennis players after withdrawing from the French Open, which helped her feel less isolated in her struggles. During the Olympics, fellow athletes, especially female athletes and tennis players, expressed gratitude towards Osaka for her actions, showing their support and emphasizing her role in breaking the stigma around mental health challenges in sports.
- Jay Shetty is a former monk turned motivational speaker and podcast host known for his inspirational content on personal development and mental well-being. In this context, Shetty commended Naomi Osaka for her openness about mental health struggles, highlighting how her honesty encouraged others to express their emotions authentically, rather ...
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Osaka's Upbringing, Family, and Cultural Influences
Naomi Osaka’s upbringing, family, and cultural background have profoundly shaped her as an individual and as one of the world's top tennis players.
Osaka's Family, Especially Her Father, Shaped Her Tennis Career Early On
Naomi Osaka recalls spending a significant amount of time on the tennis court with her sister during their childhood. Inspired by Richard Williams' training of the Williams sisters, Osaka's father became both her and her sister's tennis coach, relentlessly aiming to help them achieve tennis greatness. He trained them intensively, dedicating about eight hours each day to practice. Osaka humorously refers to her father's tailored "blueprint" and credits the Williams family model for influencing their approach.
Osaka's Japanese-Haitian Multicultural Roots Shape Her Perspective
Naomi Osaka's multicultural Japanese-Haitian heritage plays an essential role in her life perspective. She cherishes childhood memories from Japan, reflecting on time spent in parks and enjoying nikuman, while acknowledging the transition she and her sister faced when moving to the United States at a young age. Despite not specifying exactly how her cultural roots affect her values in the context of the content, Osaka does underscore the Haitian trait of generosity and the Japanese emphasis on punctuality, aspects she incorporates into her everyday life. Osaka celebrates her multicultural identity, showcases confidence and comfort in her cultural diversity, and reflects a desire to share and improve the world for future generations.
Osaka's Close-Knit Family and Tennis-Focused Lifestyle Fostered Unity and Purpose
Growing up with a clear purpose, Osaka aimed to make he ...
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Osaka's Upbringing, Family, and Cultural Influences
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can explore your own heritage by creating a personal cultural map, detailing the influences from different parts of your ancestry and how they shape your values and behaviors. For example, if you have Italian and Brazilian roots, you might note the Italian emphasis on family meals and the Brazilian spirit of celebration, then actively incorporate these into your life by hosting regular family dinners or celebrating successes with a samba dance.
- Dedicate time to a passion project with the same discipline as an athlete in training, setting aside a few hours daily to work on it. If you're passionate about painting, schedule two hours each evening to practice and study art techniques, treating this time with the same commitment as a professional athlete would to their traini ...
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Osaka's Athletic Career, Accomplishments, and Challenges
Naomi Osaka's journey since becoming US Open champion at 20 has been a blend of athletic excellence and personal growth, marked by both external scrutiny and internal reflection.
Osaka's Early Success and First Us Open Grand Slam Win Faced Mixed Reactions and Scrutiny
Osaka dreamed of playing against Serena Williams in a Grand Slam final and did indeed win, but the experience wasn't what she had imagined due to the surrounding controversy. Some did not regard her victory as "clean," compelling her to feel that she must prove her worth and dismiss the doubts of those questioning her achievements. Reading comments claiming she did not deserve to win or did not win fairly took a considerable toll on her, further complicating her introduction to a broader audience beyond tennis fans. This undue pressure was especially pronounced as she prepared for the French Open, her performance on clay being a point of contention that led her to withdraw from media engagements to focus on her personal well-being.
Osaka Felt Pressure to Prove and Overcome Doubts About Her Victories
This pressure to validate her abilities exacerbated stress, particularly facing queries about her prowess on clay, and in turn influenced her momentous decision to prioritize her mental health over fulfilling media obligations at the French Open.
Osaka Grapples With Comparison Desires and Performance Pressure
Throughout her career, Osaka has contended with the natural inclination to compare her performance and achievements with others. She once felt compelled to use titles and victories as yardsticks of success, which seeped into her personal identity. However, Osaka has grown to appreciate the uniqueness of her journey, striving to focus on the present and her evolution into a "more beautiful, more mature version" of her past self. Naomi firmly holds that she need not persuade others to comprehend her path because some people may never resonate with her individual choices.
Osaka Prioritizes Personal Growth Over Peer Comparison
While competitive instincts persist, Osaka now steers clear of self-comparison, instead championing personal growth and the art of being present. This evolution has helped her to dismiss external comparisons and the destructive "wonder" that could lead her to doubt her accomplishments.
Osaka's Break From Tennis: A Courageous Decision
In a bold act, Osaka stepped back from tennis to discover her identity beyond the sport, culminating from struggles with the fear of being forgotten and the excessive valuation of herself based solely on wins or losses. Her break served as an opportunity to detach her self-worth f ...
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Osaka's Athletic Career, Accomplishments, and Challenges
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can start a "Victory Journal" to document your successes and the challenges you've overcome. Each time you achieve something, whether it's big or small, write it down along with the obstacles you faced. This practice helps you recognize your worth and the validity of your successes, much like Osaka had to affirm her victories. It's a tangible way to see your growth and resilience over time.
- Create a "Beyond the Role" vision board to explore your identity outside of your primary role or job. Fill it with images, quotes, and items that represent various aspects of your life that you value or want to develop. This can be a powerful visual reminder, similar to Osaka's break from tennis, that you are more than your job or the roles you play in life.
- Dedicate ...
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Osaka's Motherhood: Impact on Perspective and Goals
Naomi Osaka opens up about how motherhood has profoundly shifted her priorities, identity, and outlook on life, particularly in relation to her tennis career and future ambitions.
Motherhood Shifts Osaka's Priorities and Identity
Motherhood has brought significant changes to Naomi Osaka's life, instilling a sense of patience and a carefree attitude which has lessened the impact of tennis match outcomes on her self-worth. Osaka realizes that her value extends beyond tennis results, and she now finds joy and meaning in the happiness of her daughter.
Osaka Realizes Self-Worth Extends Beyond Tennis Results
Osaka, who once felt lost after achieving the goal of making her mother stop working, has now set new goals for herself. Despite achieving meaningful but somewhat shallow goals after her original purpose was accomplished, Osaka has gained a broader perspective on self-worth, seeing it as something that extends past her professional achievements. Motherhood has helped her to see that there is much more to life than just being a tennis player. Now, her sense of self-worth is not solely tied to her tennis performance. Osaka feels maturation, appreciates her self-worth, and looks forward to engaging in learning experiences, meeting new people, and growing beyond the tennis court.
Osaka Hopes Daughter Sees Tennis Career's Significance
Osaka Aims to Inspire the Next Generation, Potentially Encouraging Her Daughter In Tennis
Osaka's recent experiences as a mother have made her realize the importance of being a good role model, especially since she has a daughter herself. She hopes her daughter will one day comprehend her tennis career's significance and wishes to play until her daughter can understand her matches. Osaka looks forward to always having her daughter by her side, particularly on important occasions such as birthdays.
Osaka reflects on the potential lessons the next generation, including her daughter, might learn from her, acknowledging that her career path has not been the smoothest. She hopes that her life experiences will be inspiring and meaningful to others.
Osaka's Routines Adapted For Motherhood ...
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Osaka's Motherhood: Impact on Perspective and Goals
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Actionables
- You can redefine success by creating a "values board" that visually represents your priorities beyond your career. Start by gathering images, quotes, and items that symbolize different aspects of your life you value, such as family, hobbies, or personal growth. Arrange these on a board or digital collage. This visual reminder can help shift your focus from a single aspect of identity, like a career, to a more holistic view of self-worth.
- Develop a "next generation inspiration journal" where you jot down ways you can be a role model for younger people in your life. This could be through actions, sharing stories of resilience, or teaching skills that align with your values. The journal serves as a commitment to pass on positive traits and lessons, not necessarily tied to your profession.
- Integrate "micro-meditations" into y ...
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