Kevin Love is the epitome of mental toughness, but it's a mindset that extends far beyond the basketball court. The five-time NBA All-Star credits self-awareness, structure, and gratitude as key principles that have enabled him to perform at an elite level for years. For Love, mental performance is not just about winning games, but also about managing stress, building confidence, and cultivating meaningful relationships.
Love's morning routine sets the tone for a positive day, with cold showers, breathwork, nutrition, and hydration all playing a role in keeping him focused and energized. On game days, his approach is more laid-back, with a focus on staying grounded through family time, gratitude, and deep breathing exercises.
However, Love knows that true success lies beyond the realm of sports. He believes that self-compassion, mindfulness, and therapy have been instrumental in helping him manage pressure and anxiety, and has even credited these tools with improving his sleep quality. "My self-worth wasn't in the right place," he admits, "I thought if I failed on the court, everything else would fall apart."
Love's advocacy for mental health awareness is evident through his work with the Kevin Love Fund (KLF), an organization that aims to provide resources and support for student-athletes navigating the pressures of elite sports. The KLF offers a curriculum for elementary schools, introducing emotional regulation and self-expression, which Love believes can have a lasting impact on young minds.
Love's own personal journey is a testament to the power of resilience, a word he uses to describe his mindset for this season. Through his example, he is role-modeling that self-worth is defined by actions in all areas of life, not just sport. "We're teaching kids that emotions aren't weaknesses," he says, "they're the foundation for strength, compassion, and connection. And that's where real resilience starts."
Ultimately, Love's story serves as a reminder that success is not solely defined by external achievements, but also by the impact we have on those around us. By redefining what it means to be successful, Love is inspiring a new generation of athletes, parents, coaches, and caretakers to prioritize emotional intelligence, self-compassion, and meaningful relationships.
				
			Love's morning routine sets the tone for a positive day, with cold showers, breathwork, nutrition, and hydration all playing a role in keeping him focused and energized. On game days, his approach is more laid-back, with a focus on staying grounded through family time, gratitude, and deep breathing exercises.
However, Love knows that true success lies beyond the realm of sports. He believes that self-compassion, mindfulness, and therapy have been instrumental in helping him manage pressure and anxiety, and has even credited these tools with improving his sleep quality. "My self-worth wasn't in the right place," he admits, "I thought if I failed on the court, everything else would fall apart."
Love's advocacy for mental health awareness is evident through his work with the Kevin Love Fund (KLF), an organization that aims to provide resources and support for student-athletes navigating the pressures of elite sports. The KLF offers a curriculum for elementary schools, introducing emotional regulation and self-expression, which Love believes can have a lasting impact on young minds.
Love's own personal journey is a testament to the power of resilience, a word he uses to describe his mindset for this season. Through his example, he is role-modeling that self-worth is defined by actions in all areas of life, not just sport. "We're teaching kids that emotions aren't weaknesses," he says, "they're the foundation for strength, compassion, and connection. And that's where real resilience starts."
Ultimately, Love's story serves as a reminder that success is not solely defined by external achievements, but also by the impact we have on those around us. By redefining what it means to be successful, Love is inspiring a new generation of athletes, parents, coaches, and caretakers to prioritize emotional intelligence, self-compassion, and meaningful relationships.