"Strive: 8 Steps to Find Your Awesome" by Venus Williams is a refreshing approach to personal growth, offering the STRIVE method as a flexible way to reach well-being without the stress of rigid rules. In the book, Williams—drawing on her own life as an athlete managing both career demands and health challenges—teaches readers how to build a balanced life with manageable, fulfilling habits. Her framework is practical and centers on gradually building positive routines instead of radical change, creating a path to sustainable growth across health, work, and relationships.
The STRIVE method, created by Williams, unfolds in eight guiding principles: Observe, Appreciate, Balance, Enrich, Soothe, Believe, Inspire, and Strive. These principles serve as actionable steps in four core areas: eating, daily routines, surrounding environments, and self-care. By setting daily intentions around these actions, readers can work toward meaningful changes in small, attainable steps. A simple approach to this method could involve noticing the impact of different foods, appreciating supportive people around you, or taking small steps toward a healthier space at home or work. Williams suggests that, rather than aiming to implement each step perfectly every day, focus on making incremental adjustments—whether it’s taking a mindful break during a busy day or observing what foods make you feel best. The strength of the STRIVE method lies in its adaptability, allowing readers to integrate it into their own lifestyles without pressure to achieve instant success. The method encourages a gradual shift, with each small action paving the way for a solid, enjoyable habit that can last long-term. Even on hectic days, small acts—like noticing your energy level after a nutritious snack—can contribute to your well-being and gradually reshape your routine.
The first step, Observe, is all about honest self-awareness. Williams urges readers to examine aspects of their lives, such as diet, physical activity, and surroundings, without passing judgment. For example, in diet, observing means not just noting what you eat but also understanding your reasons—are you eating out of hunger, routine, or emotional need? Observing physical habits involves checking in with your energy and enjoyment levels around certain exercises, while in your environment, it means noticing which places or people lift or drain you. This observation stage is intended to be informative, not critical, offering insights that can guide the next steps. This way, you can start recognizing your successes and identifying areas for improvement, laying a solid groundwork for lasting change.
The second step, Appreciate, encourages gratitude toward yourself and your journey so far. Williams believes that appreciating your own progress, even if it seems small, can help fuel further improvements. This applies to diet, for example, by acknowledging the nutritious choices you already make, like opting for fresh produce or prioritizing hydration. In fitness, rather than dwelling on limitations, focus on the things your body can accomplish. Appreciation also extends to relationships; Williams suggests valuing those who contribute positively to your well-being and seeing challenges from others as growth opportunities. Self-appreciation also plays a big role here, embracing your unique qualities and imperfections alike. This positive outlook can be motivating and helps create a healthy, supportive relationship with yourself.
Balance, the third principle, is about achieving sustainability in your wellness journey without trying to maintain a perfect equilibrium. Williams suggests approaching diet balance by incorporating a variety of foods that nourish rather than following restrictive diets. For physical activity, balance might mean alternating between different types of workouts—such as cardio, strength, or low-impact movement—to avoid overexertion and make fitness enjoyable. Balance also applies to social interactions and commitments: spend more time with those who energize you and limit exposure to negativity. Deciding what’s worth your time and what can be released helps create an enjoyable, lasting lifestyle rather than a strict regimen.
The fourth principle, Enrich, encourages finding ways to add variety and enjoyment to your life. Williams suggests activities that stretch the mind and bring satisfaction, whether through hobbies, new experiences, or learning something new. Enrichment can come from trying new foods, exploring diverse workout routines, or engaging with others outside of your usual circle. By keeping things fresh, this step wards off monotony and keeps life dynamic and fulfilling.
Soothe, the fifth principle, is all about managing stress. Williams acknowledges that life can be challenging, especially with the pressure to perform, and so she advocates for strategies that reduce daily stress. This might include incorporating mindfulness practices, taking short breaks to reset during intense work, or creating a relaxing space at home to recharge. In managing stress effectively, the focus is on finding what works best for you—whether that’s meditation, journaling, or simply taking a few deep breaths when things feel overwhelming. By practicing soothing techniques regularly, you create resilience and develop a toolkit for handling life’s difficulties without feeling overly burdened.
Believe, the sixth principle, emphasizes the importance of self-confidence and trust in your journey. Williams stresses that self-belief fuels every other effort, as the journey to personal growth can sometimes be discouraging. Developing faith in yourself helps you push through challenging moments, reinforcing the other steps. This belief is the driving force for setting goals and staying dedicated to achieving them, regardless of setbacks. Williams advises building this belief by setting small, achievable targets that remind you of your abilities and progress. It’s about fostering a mindset of resilience that will see you through obstacles and keep you moving forward.
Inspire, the seventh principle, is about using your journey to motivate others. Williams believes that positive actions can have a ripple effect, and when you make improvements in your own life, those around you often benefit as well. Whether by sharing wellness tips with friends, encouraging someone to start a health journey, or just leading by example, the process of inspiring others enhances your commitment to the STRIVE method. Williams sees this step as a way to contribute to a supportive community where everyone is empowered to reach their potential.
The final principle, Strive, is a reminder that personal growth is a continuous journey rather than a destination. Rather than trying to reach a state of “perfection,” Williams advocates for an ongoing commitment to improvement. The aim here is to embrace the progress you’ve made while also looking ahead to what’s possible. Strive for growth means keeping the focus on daily progress and seeing each challenge as an opportunity to improve, refining your habits, routines, and perspectives over time. This mentality makes growth sustainable, giving you the freedom to evolve at your own pace while maintaining a positive outlook on the future.
In "Strive: 8 Steps to Find Your Awesome", Venus Williams provides a blueprint for self-improvement that feels personal, grounded, and flexible. Rather than offering strict rules, her STRIVE method is about cultivating mindfulness, resilience, and balance in every aspect of life. Williams’ message is that growth doesn’t require drastic changes but is rooted in small, consistent actions that gradually lead to lasting well-being. Her approach encourages readers to view personal growth as a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, making it accessible to anyone seeking to improve their health, relationships, and overall life satisfaction.