Tennis legend and partial owner of the Miami Dolphins, Venus Williams decided to share some much-needed wisdom with the masses via her latest book, Strive, set for release on September 10.
In this inspirational guide, Williams dives into her wellness journey and the disciplined mindset that fuels her legendary career. In an interview with EBONY, she opened up about her favorite scents, her partnership with Downy, and how the principles of discipline can be the gateway to achieving everything you aim for in life.
Williams’ book arrives at a time when “Very Demure and Very Mindful” is trending all over social media. When it comes to self-awareness, Williams focuses on her legacy and what she knows best—the power of discipline and perseverance.
“I’m in this space where I want to share my knowledge with other people. You get to that point in life where you’re like, I want people to know what I know. I’ve learned so much, made a lot of mistakes, and had a lot of successes too. How do I share it? It’s about taking my experiences of how to be well and sharing them.”
When asked what inspired her to write Strive, Williams spoke candidly about how she realized her disciplined approach to life could benefit others. “It was all about tying it all together and giving a name to all the things that I practice in my life. As you can imagine, I’ve had a disciplined life because of what I do. And through that discipline, you’re able to achieve so much. It’s not actually a burden; it’s a blessing because through discipline, you get what you want.”
Strive reveals eight steps that form the core of her wellness philosophy. These principles are explained in detail from lessons learned throughout her life—from overcoming the challenges of Sjögren’s syndrome when she was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease over a decade ago to achieving success on the tennis court. One chapter focuses on the importance of self-awareness and knowing when to pause. Williams emphasizes, “When I stick with this mindset, no matter what my immediate or long-term goals might be, things always fall into place with less effort or stress.”
Williams touched on some ways we can take to improve our approach to wellness. She believes the key is to stop chasing perfection. “You’re not going to be able to go to the gym or eat healthy every day. But if you know that you will most of the time, then that’s good enough,” she advised. This 80-20 approach allows for grace and flexibility, making health more accessible and less daunting.
In the book, Williams chronicles her journey with Sjögren’s syndrome, revealing her initial reaction to accepting the diagnosis and how it pushed her to rethink how to manage life with her condition. Venus recalls a three-week wellness program that changed her perspective, teaching her that what you bring to your body—whether it’s food, exercise, or self-care—directly impacts your overall health. “It shouldn’t be hard to be healthy, and it shouldn’t take a lot of work to be well.”
Williams’ recent collaboration with Downy shows her practical approach to wholeness. The brand’s earthy scents “complements my active lifestyle,” she says, keeping her clothes fresh and ready. This partnership reflects her emphasis on simplicity and efficiency in daily routines.
Williams offers straightforward advice for those striving to find balance: Embrace the journey and don’t be afraid to set boundaries. “I actively look for what inspires me and use those little motivations to stay on track,” she says. Strive encourages readers to redefine wellness on their terms, making small, consistent choices that lead to lasting change.
Williams continues to inspire others to push beyond their limits and find joy in the process. She says, “Living your dreams is an important part of wellness,” whether it’s on the court or in everyday life. “Ultimately, it’s all about striving because you’re always reaching for that next step, and it’s a joy to do so.”
