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:

00:00 Intro

01:47 Open Discussions About Mental Health

03:10 Impulsiveness as an Athlete

05:28 Moving From Japan to USA

08:02 Lifelong Training and Career

10:13 Incorporating Culture in Fashion

12:38 Discipline and Diet

13:53 Indulging in Guilty Pleasures

16:48 Passing Time While Having Impulsive Tendencies

18:46 Winning the First Grand Slam 

21:09 Dealing with Public Hate

22:39 A Long-Time Serena Williams Fan

25:16 Experiencing Motherhood 

27:39 The Different Facets of Life

29:07 The Power of Journaling

31:55 Loving the Life You're Living

34:57 The Habit of Comparing Yourself to Others

36:27 Stop Chasing Your Old Self

38:21 Motherhood Realizations

39:46 Rigorous Training After Giving Birth

41:18 Setting Boundaries During PressCon

43:01 No One Can Predict Someone's Path

45:21 Finding Calmness Through Meditation

47:44 Setting New Goals

50:25 Shamed for Taking a Break

54:17 Getting Support from Fellow Athletes

55:52 Friendships and Camaraderie

57:08 Mentored by Kobe Bryant

59:31 The Haitian Way of Giving

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

01:04:29 Loving Yourself and How You Look

01:05:29 Game Day Routine

01:07:33 You're Never Alone

01:09:04 Fear of Being Forgotten

01:12:40 Naomi on Final Five

Episode Resources:

Naomi Osaka | Instagram

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