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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Strive summary
Venus Williams
8 Steps to Find Your Awesome
20 mins
Brief summary
Strive by Venus Williams delves into the principles of perseverance, discipline, and resilience. The tennis champion shares personal stories and insights to inspire readers in overcoming challenges and achieving their personal and professional goals.
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Strive
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The STRIVE method
How do elite athletes maintain their peak performance and overall well-being? Well, tennis legend Venus Williams has a refreshing perspective – a holistic approach to life that goes beyond just physical fitness. After being diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome, an incurable autoimmune disorder, Williams developed the STRIVE strategy.
This method focuses on eight key actions: Observe, Appreciate, Balance, Enrich, Soothe, Believe, Inspire, and finally, Strive. Williams suggests applying these actions to four main areas of life: diet, daily activities, environment, and self. The beauty of this approach lies in its flexibility and simplicity. Here’s how it works.
Start your day by saying the eight actions out loud. This sets your intention and reminds you of your commitment to wellness.
Throughout the day, consciously apply each action to one of the four life areas. For example, you might observe something about your diet, appreciate an aspect of your daily routine, or strive to improve your environment.
End your day by reflecting on how you’ve applied each action. Ask yourself questions like, “What did I observe today?” or “How did I soothe myself or others?”
The power of this method lies in its consistency rather than intensity. You don’t need to make drastic changes or spend hours on complex routines. Instead, small, daily efforts in each area can lead to significant long-term improvements in your overall wellness.
You also don’t need to perfectly execute all eight actions every day. The goal is progress, not perfection. Even on busy days, finding small ways to incorporate these actions can make a difference. For instance, you might take a moment to appreciate a healthy meal or observe how a brief walk improves your mood.
By regularly focusing on these eight actions, you’re creating a new standard for how you choose to live. Over time, these small choices will become habits – forming a sustainable wellness lifestyle that feels natural and enjoyable rather than forced.
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What is Strive about?
Strive (2024) unveils a transformative approach to personal growth, blending hard-won wisdom with scientific insights. Drawing from the personal experiences of a tennis champion and her battle with an autoimmune disorder, it presents a compelling strategy for turning smart choices into sustainable habits – ultimately leading to a lifestyle of genuine fulfillment and success.
Who should read Strive?
- Aspiring athletes looking for insights from a champion’s mindset
- Self-improvement enthusiasts seeking practical strategies for personal growth
- Fans of Venus Williams interested in her approach to life beyond tennis
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