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

Have you ever felt like losing meant your life was over?

When did you realize it’s okay to fail?

Today, Jay sits down with four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka to explore her journey beyond the tennis court. Naomi, known for her powerful game and quiet resilience, opens up about the challenges of fame, the weight of expectations, and how motherhood has reshaped her outlook on life.

Jay and Naomi discuss the pressure of being a high-performance athlete, the loneliness that can accompany success, and the struggles of maintaining a sense of self in an industry that often reduces people to their achievements. Naomi candidly describes how, for years, her self-worth was tied to her ranking and performance, but becoming a mother has given her a new perspective—one that prioritizes joy, presence, and growth over perfection.

The conversation also dives into Naomi’s evolving relationship with competition. While she once measured her success by titles and trophies, she now finds fulfillment in self-discovery and personal progress.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How to Detach Your Self-Worth from Achievements

How to Cope with External Expectations and Criticism

How to Use Journaling for Self-Reflection and Growth

How to Prioritize Mental Health in High-Pressure Situations

How to Learn from Setbacks Without Letting Them Define You

Success is not just about winning; it’s about growing, learning, and showing up for yourself every day.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

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What We Discuss:

00:00Intro

01:47Open Discussions About Mental Health

03:10Impulsiveness as an Athlete

05:28Moving From Japan to USA

08:02Lifelong Training and Career

10:13Incorporating Culture in Fashion

12:38Discipline and Diet

13:53Indulging in Guilty Pleasures

16:48Passing Time While Having Impulsive Tendencies

18:46Winning the First Grand Slam 

21:09Dealing with Public Hate

22:39A Long-Time Serena Williams Fan

25:16Experiencing Motherhood 

27:39The Different Facets of Life

29:07The Power of Journaling

31:55Loving the Life You're Living

34:57The Habit of Comparing Yourself to Others

36:27Stop Chasing Your Old Self

38:21Motherhood Realizations

39:46Rigorous Training After Giving Birth

41:18Setting Boundaries During PressCon

43:01No One Can Predict Someone's Path

45:21Finding Calmness Through Meditation

47:44Setting New Goals

50:25Shamed for Taking a Break

54:17Getting Support from Fellow Athletes

55:52Friendships and Camaraderie

57:08Mentored by Kobe Bryant

59:31The Haitian Way of Giving

01:00:58Who Are You Spending Your Time With the Most?

01:04:29Loving Yourself and How You Look

01:05:29Game Day Routine

01:07:33You're Never Alone

01:09:04Fear of Being Forgotten

01:12:40Naomi on Final Five

Episode Resources:

Naomi Osaka | Instagram

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