There's a lot of talk about mindfulness these days, which is fantastic. I mean, we all want to be more present and self aware, more patient, less judgmental. We discuss all these themes on the podcast, but it's hard to actually be mindful in your day to day life. That's where Calm comes in. I've been working with Calm for a few years now with the goal of making mindfulness fun and easy. Calm has all sorts of content to help you build positive habits, shift yourself talk, reframe your negative thoughts, and generally feel better in your daily life. So many incredible options from the most knowledgeable experts in the world, along with renowned meditation teachers. You can also check out my seven minute daily series to help you live more mindfully each and every day. Right now, listeners of On Purpose get forty percent off a subscription to Calmpremium at Calm dot com Forward slash j that's Calm dot com Forward slash Jay for forty percent off. Calm your Mind, Change your life.

There's a lot of talk about mindfulness these days, which is fantastic. I mean, we all want to be more present and self aware, more patient, less judgmental. We discuss all these themes on the podcast, but it's hard to actually be mindful in your day to day life. That's where Calm comes in. I've been working with Calm for a few years now with the goal of making mindfulness fun and easy. Calm has all sorts of content to help you build positive habits, shift yourself talk, reframe your negative thoughts, and generally feel better in your daily life. So many incredible options from the most knowledgeable experts in the world, along with renowned meditation teachers. You can also check out my seven minute daily series to help you live more mindfully each and every day. Right now, listeners of On Purpose get forty percent off a subscription to Calmpremium at Calm dot com Forward slash j that's Calm dot com Forward slash Jay for forty percent off. Calm your Mind, Change your life.

My whole life now revolves around what I've achieved on the court. But then if I could do it again, I wouldn't ever want to pick up a racket it's one.

My whole life now revolves around what I've achieved on the court. But then if I could do it again, I wouldn't ever want to pick up a racket it's one.

Of the greatest players in the world, winner of seven Tour singles title they carry us.

Of the greatest players in the world, winner of seven Tour singles title they carry us.

I literally wanted to end my life and now I'm just here and enjoying it, so everything is just it's all a bonus.

I literally wanted to end my life and now I'm just here and enjoying it, so everything is just it's all a bonus.

Before we jump into this episode, I'd like to invite you to join this community to hear more interviews that will help you become happier, healthier, and more healed. All I want you to do is click on the subscribe button. I love your support. It's incredible to see all your comments and we're just getting started. I can't wait to go on this journey with you. Thank you so much for subscribing. It means the world to me. The best selling author on the host the number one health and wellness podcast Purpose.

Before we jump into this episode, I'd like to invite you to join this community to hear more interviews that will help you become happier, healthier, and more healed. All I want you to do is click on the subscribe button. I love your support. It's incredible to see all your comments and we're just getting started. I can't wait to go on this journey with you. Thank you so much for subscribing. It means the world to me. The best selling author on the host the number one health and wellness podcast Purpose.

With Jay Shetty.

With Jay Shetty.

Hey, everyone, welcome back to on Purpose, the place where we have culturally in acting conversations. I am so grateful to each and every one of you that come back every week to listen, learn and grow. And you know that ever since I was a teenager, I've been captivated by people's stories and journeys. I'm fascinated by decisions people make, their personalities, their psychology, and today's guest is someone that I've been admiring from Afar for such a long time, and so to have him in the studio today is a true honor and true joy. I love diving into the minds of people that define culture, divide culture, direct us in different ways, surprise us, and give us the unexpected, and today's guest has been doing that ever since his career began. I'm talking about the one and only Nick Currios, who burst onto the pro tennis scene in twenty twelve after a prolific junior tennis career. Since Nick's start, he has captivated fans with a larger than life personality, passion for the game, and unpredictability. Nick electrifies a tour with his near unstoppable serve and powerful forehand. Nick has won seven singles titles and four doubles titles in his career, but twenty twenty two mark the first time Nick displayed his dominance, making it to his first Grand Slam final, winning three singles titles and three doubles titles. Welcome to the show, Nick, krrious.

Hey, everyone, welcome back to on Purpose, the place where we have culturally in acting conversations. I am so grateful to each and every one of you that come back every week to listen, learn and grow. And you know that ever since I was a teenager, I've been captivated by people's stories and journeys. I'm fascinated by decisions people make, their personalities, their psychology, and today's guest is someone that I've been admiring from Afar for such a long time, and so to have him in the studio today is a true honor and true joy. I love diving into the minds of people that define culture, divide culture, direct us in different ways, surprise us, and give us the unexpected, and today's guest has been doing that ever since his career began. I'm talking about the one and only Nick Currios, who burst onto the pro tennis scene in twenty twelve after a prolific junior tennis career. Since Nick's start, he has captivated fans with a larger than life personality, passion for the game, and unpredictability. Nick electrifies a tour with his near unstoppable serve and powerful forehand. Nick has won seven singles titles and four doubles titles in his career, but twenty twenty two mark the first time Nick displayed his dominance, making it to his first Grand Slam final, winning three singles titles and three doubles titles. Welcome to the show, Nick, krrious.

Nick, what an intro.

Nick, what an intro.

So you had to live it, man, you had to do it. I like that. I like, that's probably the best intro I've ever had. Really, Oh, that means the world to me, Like that, I appreciate that you.

So you had to live it, man, you had to do it. I like that. I like, that's probably the best intro I've ever had. Really, Oh, that means the world to me, Like that, I appreciate that you.

I'm really glad to be here.

I'm really glad to be here.

I was excited. I appreciate them, And when we were messaging back and forth for the past couple of weeks, I was really looking forward to this because, as I was saying to you earlier, I don't love rules myself, and people don't often see me as that. I think people see me as someone who follows the rules and is thoughtful and mindful, and I actually feel that my entire career I've had to go against the trend and against the grain, and watching you do it has been really exciting and fascinating and sometimes it can be uncomfortable to what's that as well? But today we get to pull back, we get yeah, we get to dive in. So I wanted to start off There's so many things I want to talk about. What I'll start off with is externally, You've had what looks like a love hate relationship with tennis, and at this point you're injured, you've been away from the game. I'm intrigued to understand. How is your relationship with the game changed when you haven't been able to play yet.

I was excited. I appreciate them, And when we were messaging back and forth for the past couple of weeks, I was really looking forward to this because, as I was saying to you earlier, I don't love rules myself, and people don't often see me as that. I think people see me as someone who follows the rules and is thoughtful and mindful, and I actually feel that my entire career I've had to go against the trend and against the grain, and watching you do it has been really exciting and fascinating and sometimes it can be uncomfortable to what's that as well? But today we get to pull back, we get yeah, we get to dive in. So I wanted to start off There's so many things I want to talk about. What I'll start off with is externally, You've had what looks like a love hate relationship with tennis, and at this point you're injured, you've been away from the game. I'm intrigued to understand. How is your relationship with the game changed when you haven't been able to play yet.

This is a tough one for me because when I step away from the sport for so long, I actually don't miss it. So that's scary for me. You know, most athletes when they get pulled away from their sport injury or take time off, they're like really hungry to get back. With me. It's like, I've always kind of known that life has so many, so many cool things about it, you know, and tennis. When we're traveling seven eight months a year, I barely see my family, my friends, and during this time it's like I get to see you, spend time on my partner more, my family, do all these things that I've been missing out on, and it's like, wow, this my life's amazing now. But you know, I do miss playing tennis obedi ever known since I was seven years old. My family loves it, you know, all my friends you know know me as Nick Kurios tennis player. So I do miss it a little bit. But at the same time, I've I've really enjoyed the time off.

This is a tough one for me because when I step away from the sport for so long, I actually don't miss it. So that's scary for me. You know, most athletes when they get pulled away from their sport injury or take time off, they're like really hungry to get back. With me. It's like, I've always kind of known that life has so many, so many cool things about it, you know, and tennis. When we're traveling seven eight months a year, I barely see my family, my friends, and during this time it's like I get to see you, spend time on my partner more, my family, do all these things that I've been missing out on, and it's like, wow, this my life's amazing now. But you know, I do miss playing tennis obedi ever known since I was seven years old. My family loves it, you know, all my friends you know know me as Nick Kurios tennis player. So I do miss it a little bit. But at the same time, I've I've really enjoyed the time off.

Yeah, I'm glad to hear that. It's good. Good for the honesty, you know, like people people forget that we're human. We need to break sometimes. What's your earliest childhood memory that you think has defined who you are today.

Yeah, I'm glad to hear that. It's good. Good for the honesty, you know, like people people forget that we're human. We need to break sometimes. What's your earliest childhood memory that you think has defined who you are today.

Well, I hated tennis when I was young, so you know, I was very chubby, overweight as a kid, and my mom kind of she was like, Okay, we got to get you doing some some some sport or be active. So she dragged me down to the local tennis courts and I remember I was crying all day, hated it, didn't want to be there.

Well, I hated tennis when I was young, so you know, I was very chubby, overweight as a kid, and my mom kind of she was like, Okay, we got to get you doing some some some sport or be active. So she dragged me down to the local tennis courts and I remember I was crying all day, hated it, didn't want to be there.

Anyway, I gave it.

Anyway, I gave it.

A chance for like, you know, a couple of weeks, a couple of months, and the coach was like, he's picking it up pretty quickly. And then that was I guess that was a defining moment because ever since that coach said that, it's like my father and my mom put everything into tennis, you know, sacrificed. You know, my dad and my mom had nothing growing up, and I guess they kind of saw me as the person in the family to eventually, you know, try and make it and help and help them out and help the family out. So look, tennis was it was such an interesting journey. You know, I never thought I was seventeen eighteen, still in school and people were telling me you could really do something. I never took myself seriously enough to one day be on the tour beating people like Djokovic, a dull feder. It was just never in my mind and all of a sudden it just happened and my life changed. It's like I have big imposter syndrome. Like I'm sitting here, I watch you in my bed in my house in Canberra. I'm watching you, and then now all of a sudden, I'm here having a conversation like that's.

A chance for like, you know, a couple of weeks, a couple of months, and the coach was like, he's picking it up pretty quickly. And then that was I guess that was a defining moment because ever since that coach said that, it's like my father and my mom put everything into tennis, you know, sacrificed. You know, my dad and my mom had nothing growing up, and I guess they kind of saw me as the person in the family to eventually, you know, try and make it and help and help them out and help the family out. So look, tennis was it was such an interesting journey. You know, I never thought I was seventeen eighteen, still in school and people were telling me you could really do something. I never took myself seriously enough to one day be on the tour beating people like Djokovic, a dull feder. It was just never in my mind and all of a sudden it just happened and my life changed. It's like I have big imposter syndrome. Like I'm sitting here, I watch you in my bed in my house in Canberra. I'm watching you, and then now all of a sudden, I'm here having a conversation like that's.

Just for me. It's crazy or dude, I feel the same with you. I'm watching you play all the major tournaments and watching you on breakpoint and I still have to pinch myself that I get to do this. So the feeling is very mutual, and I wanted you to know that too, Like and you know a big part of that for me watching you is I think, and I chose not to introduce you this way, but I think a lot of people would introduce you as the bad boy of tennis. How does that title make you feel today?

Just for me. It's crazy or dude, I feel the same with you. I'm watching you play all the major tournaments and watching you on breakpoint and I still have to pinch myself that I get to do this. So the feeling is very mutual, and I wanted you to know that too, Like and you know a big part of that for me watching you is I think, and I chose not to introduce you this way, but I think a lot of people would introduce you as the bad boy of tennis. How does that title make you feel today?

Yeah, it's been high. That's one thing the media has done. They've branded me as you know, I don't know, like I'm crazy, I'm a bad boy, but my family and my closest people know that I'm quite generous, I'm quite caring.

Yeah, it's been high. That's one thing the media has done. They've branded me as you know, I don't know, like I'm crazy, I'm a bad boy, but my family and my closest people know that I'm quite generous, I'm quite caring.

I'm intellectually switched on.

I'm intellectually switched on.

I like having deep conversations, and I've I try my best to make other people feel comfortable, like I know what it's like to be overweight, insecure. Like I love when I see kids that are a bit like I guess myself at a younger age. I love that I go up to them and make them feel Look, if I can do it, you can do it. So that's been one of the hardest things in my career is like everyone I meet thinks that I'm just a bad person. I've got crazy temper, but then off the court, it's like a complete opposite person. And it's been really really hard to shake that, and it's taken years. Like only now I feel like people can't understand how I am on the court and how I am off the court. But it's it's been hard.

I like having deep conversations, and I've I try my best to make other people feel comfortable, like I know what it's like to be overweight, insecure. Like I love when I see kids that are a bit like I guess myself at a younger age. I love that I go up to them and make them feel Look, if I can do it, you can do it. So that's been one of the hardest things in my career is like everyone I meet thinks that I'm just a bad person. I've got crazy temper, but then off the court, it's like a complete opposite person. And it's been really really hard to shake that, and it's taken years. Like only now I feel like people can't understand how I am on the court and how I am off the court. But it's it's been hard.

How early did that title set in, Like that idea of Nick Curios meltdown again, Nick Curios break breaks a racket like whatever, Like how did that set in and how did that impact it?

How early did that title set in, Like that idea of Nick Curios meltdown again, Nick Curios break breaks a racket like whatever, Like how did that set in and how did that impact it?

Probably the first couple of years was on tour and that was almost eleven years ago, and it's been an uphill battle ever since. You know, everyone thinks that I'm that type of person. But it's like I've gone through a whole life trying to prove to people that that's not me, and it's been really hard, like all the media backlash and negativity, all the negativity of my family, my partner, Like it's not it hasn't been so easy to navigate. But I think getting older and growing through it and getting thick skin, I've kind of given up trying to, you know, make everyone understand who I am because it's exhausting and I don't think it's possible. Everyone's going to have their opinions, but it's taken a toll, Like I'm definitely a bit tired of being branded that And it's sad in a way because people only really want to get to meet me, to meet that side of me, which is not how I actually am as a person.

Probably the first couple of years was on tour and that was almost eleven years ago, and it's been an uphill battle ever since. You know, everyone thinks that I'm that type of person. But it's like I've gone through a whole life trying to prove to people that that's not me, and it's been really hard, like all the media backlash and negativity, all the negativity of my family, my partner, Like it's not it hasn't been so easy to navigate. But I think getting older and growing through it and getting thick skin, I've kind of given up trying to, you know, make everyone understand who I am because it's exhausting and I don't think it's possible. Everyone's going to have their opinions, but it's taken a toll, Like I'm definitely a bit tired of being branded that And it's sad in a way because people only really want to get to meet me, to meet that side of me, which is not how I actually am as a person.

How much of it early on was self inflicted versus was that just you trying to deal with the pressure and the stress, Like why did that? So I've met you just now you're smiling You're easy to be around, You're chill, You're cool. When we were messaging, I was telling my team, I was, so, this guy seems like one of the nicest guys. Everything you just said. But then when someone watches you on the court or watches you in air press interview, you could be intimidating. How much of that became a persona you felt you ended up playing versus Where did it actually start? Was it that you were stressed and there was pressure.

How much of it early on was self inflicted versus was that just you trying to deal with the pressure and the stress, Like why did that? So I've met you just now you're smiling You're easy to be around, You're chill, You're cool. When we were messaging, I was telling my team, I was, so, this guy seems like one of the nicest guys. Everything you just said. But then when someone watches you on the court or watches you in air press interview, you could be intimidating. How much of that became a persona you felt you ended up playing versus Where did it actually start? Was it that you were stressed and there was pressure.

Or well, I guess yeah, when I'm on court, I turned to a different person, like I love competing and it's like I hate losing. And I guess even when I was a younger kind of kid on the court, I always carried my emotions. I would cry on court, I would scream, I would just I'd love to compete and hate to lose. And I guess I never changed, Like whether it's me now, I don't cry on court now, but I still am very emotional, and I just it just shows how much I care. I feel like it was a way for me to outlet the pressure, you know, get angry or smash a racket. But the thing is tennis can go for.

Or well, I guess yeah, when I'm on court, I turned to a different person, like I love competing and it's like I hate losing. And I guess even when I was a younger kind of kid on the court, I always carried my emotions. I would cry on court, I would scream, I would just I'd love to compete and hate to lose. And I guess I never changed, Like whether it's me now, I don't cry on court now, but I still am very emotional, and I just it just shows how much I care. I feel like it was a way for me to outlet the pressure, you know, get angry or smash a racket. But the thing is tennis can go for.

Four or five hours. I much to go for four five hours and.

Four or five hours. I much to go for four five hours and.

Then for that small snip bit of time twenty seconds, thirty seconds, I'm losing my losing my mind.

Then for that small snip bit of time twenty seconds, thirty seconds, I'm losing my losing my mind.

And that's all they're showing.

And that's all they're showing.

Like, if you just show thirty minutes of a four hour match, then everyone's gonna shoot. That's how he's carrying on for four hours. Like the majority of the time, I'm well behaved, great competitor, respecting my opponent, and then I look, I turn on, you know, say the TV. It's just me smashing the rack, and I'm like, I can't control that. And it's been it's been hard, Like most of the time, I am how I am now, but it's been a tough one.

Like, if you just show thirty minutes of a four hour match, then everyone's gonna shoot. That's how he's carrying on for four hours. Like the majority of the time, I'm well behaved, great competitor, respecting my opponent, and then I look, I turn on, you know, say the TV. It's just me smashing the rack, and I'm like, I can't control that. And it's been it's been hard, Like most of the time, I am how I am now, but it's been a tough one.

Yeah, you were saying, I've watched how you talked about how it's impacted you. It's impacted how people communicate with your girlfriend, like the kind of backlash that you receive. Ye, what has been the darkest, hardest period of dealing with that, whether it may be a media narrative or fans reaching out, whatever it may be.

Yeah, you were saying, I've watched how you talked about how it's impacted you. It's impacted how people communicate with your girlfriend, like the kind of backlash that you receive. Ye, what has been the darkest, hardest period of dealing with that, whether it may be a media narrative or fans reaching out, whatever it may be.

Yeah, in twenty nineteen was I've opened up about some of the darkest periods of my life, and I just it was so assessible all these negative comments. You know, you go on your phone now, you open up social media, Instagram, Twitter, all this, and I just see millions of messages that were negative, negative about life, family, like just things that I feel like I didn't never really listen to listen to, but they just went into the back of my mind and subconsciously they're just there. And then when things start happening, you're like, maybe they're right. You start doubting yourself, and I feel like that's what I fell into. It was like, oh, maybe they are right. And then I started feeling really negatively about myself, and I started all these bad habits happening, and it was impossible for me to deal with. I was nineteen at the time when this all started happening, and I wasn't prepared for such a I guess, such a hard time. Like I was just enjoying myself. I had normal friends, and then I went from being in school to now being on the global stage in the spotlight, and it was just impossible for me to deal with. I never really dealt with it in a healthy way at all.

Yeah, in twenty nineteen was I've opened up about some of the darkest periods of my life, and I just it was so assessible all these negative comments. You know, you go on your phone now, you open up social media, Instagram, Twitter, all this, and I just see millions of messages that were negative, negative about life, family, like just things that I feel like I didn't never really listen to listen to, but they just went into the back of my mind and subconsciously they're just there. And then when things start happening, you're like, maybe they're right. You start doubting yourself, and I feel like that's what I fell into. It was like, oh, maybe they are right. And then I started feeling really negatively about myself, and I started all these bad habits happening, and it was impossible for me to deal with. I was nineteen at the time when this all started happening, and I wasn't prepared for such a I guess, such a hard time. Like I was just enjoying myself. I had normal friends, and then I went from being in school to now being on the global stage in the spotlight, and it was just impossible for me to deal with. I never really dealt with it in a healthy way at all.

Yeah, you talked about in Breakpoint about drugs, alcohol, isolating yourself. You talk about even considering attempting suicide yep. And then we hear that you locked into a psych wood, but we don't really realize what you went through. They walk us through what it felt like to be Nick Kirios in twenty nineteen.

Yeah, you talked about in Breakpoint about drugs, alcohol, isolating yourself. You talk about even considering attempting suicide yep. And then we hear that you locked into a psych wood, but we don't really realize what you went through. They walk us through what it felt like to be Nick Kirios in twenty nineteen.

It's just a I think about those times and I don't necessarily feel sad about him or happy about him. It's just that that part of my life is over, and it's just a mess. Like I think about that time, I just was not thinking clearly. I was drinking every night, you know, just at the time, I thought it was just fun. But it wasn't fun. It was just self inflicted pain. And I had friends around me telling me it wasn't healthy, and I ignored them. And then I found myself going to a psychiatric ward in London and I had to play an adult the next day. And these are the things, like everyone would assume that I was doing fine. I was answering questions and they told me that I should stay in this psychiatric ward for two weeks and be reassessed, and I was playing adultin next day. It's like I looked at myself. I was like, I can't do this. I have to somehow change these habits so and I had self harm everywhere. I had to wear an arm sleeve on center cord to Wimbledon, and no one knew any of these problems. And it was hard lock and I just don't know how I nack like got out of it, to be honest, I was such a mess. And the worst thing was the media. I was having decent results during that time, and the media was like, Okay, is this a new Nicuros? Is this the new Curos? And I was like, this is the darkest period.

It's just a I think about those times and I don't necessarily feel sad about him or happy about him. It's just that that part of my life is over, and it's just a mess. Like I think about that time, I just was not thinking clearly. I was drinking every night, you know, just at the time, I thought it was just fun. But it wasn't fun. It was just self inflicted pain. And I had friends around me telling me it wasn't healthy, and I ignored them. And then I found myself going to a psychiatric ward in London and I had to play an adult the next day. And these are the things, like everyone would assume that I was doing fine. I was answering questions and they told me that I should stay in this psychiatric ward for two weeks and be reassessed, and I was playing adultin next day. It's like I looked at myself. I was like, I can't do this. I have to somehow change these habits so and I had self harm everywhere. I had to wear an arm sleeve on center cord to Wimbledon, and no one knew any of these problems. And it was hard lock and I just don't know how I nack like got out of it, to be honest, I was such a mess. And the worst thing was the media. I was having decent results during that time, and the media was like, Okay, is this a new Nicuros? Is this the new Curos? And I was like, this is the darkest period.

Of my life.

Of my life.

There was a tournament in Mexico Acapulco where I was thinking about I was having suicidal thoughts and you know, I was just on the balcony of my hotel and I was genuinely thinking about it, and my team was like, we got to play in ten minutes, ended up going out on court, played amazing, won the tournament, and everyone globally was thinking, Wow, is this the person that we've all been waiting for? When I was really on the brink of everything, and that's so scary because no one else knew what was going on.

There was a tournament in Mexico Acapulco where I was thinking about I was having suicidal thoughts and you know, I was just on the balcony of my hotel and I was genuinely thinking about it, and my team was like, we got to play in ten minutes, ended up going out on court, played amazing, won the tournament, and everyone globally was thinking, Wow, is this the person that we've all been waiting for? When I was really on the brink of everything, and that's so scary because no one else knew what was going on.

It was really hard. I mean, that paradox of feeling that way and then having to play the biggest games and then even winning some of them, but then feeling that way when you're off court again. Yep, that sounds like one of the most difficult Like just just listen to you right now. I'm listening to that going. I was just putting myself in that position thing you're sitting and standing there at the balcony, like, I can't imagine what's going through your mind? How did you break through that? Like? How did how was that not the end? Because I feel there's so many people listening right now who might be feeling like you weren't then, and I want you to talk to them. I want them to hear you right now because I want this to be the mess is that they say that got me through it?

It was really hard. I mean, that paradox of feeling that way and then having to play the biggest games and then even winning some of them, but then feeling that way when you're off court again. Yep, that sounds like one of the most difficult Like just just listen to you right now. I'm listening to that going. I was just putting myself in that position thing you're sitting and standing there at the balcony, like, I can't imagine what's going through your mind? How did you break through that? Like? How did how was that not the end? Because I feel there's so many people listening right now who might be feeling like you weren't then, and I want you to talk to them. I want them to hear you right now because I want this to be the mess is that they say that got me through it?

Just everyone. I felt like I was very selfish at that time. I was always giving into my feelings, which were they were probably valid, but I felt like I was playing just based on how I felt. And then I looked back at millions of fans that I have and that I you know, for instance, there was a Make a Wish kid that I met up with a week and a half ago. He's probably got six months to live. And then I realized that those types of people that look up to me and really want me to succeed, that's who I started playing for. So family, these like kids, the future generation. That's the reason why I probably would have retired and probably stopped playing, you know, a couple of years ago, if I just kept playing on how it was feeling. But then I realized I've got a whole contingent of fans on why they want to see me succeed. So that's why I love playing now like I play for them. But that's what got me out of it. I started feeling like I've got a lot more to give, not for me, like I've already proved myself that I can play tennis, but for all those people out there, like if I can do it, like you look at Jokovic, Feta and a Dull, like these people are gods in my eyes, like they're super professional. Djokovic takes care of his diet daily. I was not doing any of these things and still getting to that level. So I think if just the inspiration for other people got me out of that, But it was really those times up in There are definitely times now where I think about those moments, and I guess I still get a bit emotional on it. Like Breakpoint obviously showed interviews with my sister and my father, my best friend and they break down into tears, and that just shows how emotional that time was because they could just see me spiraling out of control and I hadn't. I didn't think it was okay to just step back and not play. I kept thinking I had to force myself to get out there. Yeah, definitely was traumatizing.

Just everyone. I felt like I was very selfish at that time. I was always giving into my feelings, which were they were probably valid, but I felt like I was playing just based on how I felt. And then I looked back at millions of fans that I have and that I you know, for instance, there was a Make a Wish kid that I met up with a week and a half ago. He's probably got six months to live. And then I realized that those types of people that look up to me and really want me to succeed, that's who I started playing for. So family, these like kids, the future generation. That's the reason why I probably would have retired and probably stopped playing, you know, a couple of years ago, if I just kept playing on how it was feeling. But then I realized I've got a whole contingent of fans on why they want to see me succeed. So that's why I love playing now like I play for them. But that's what got me out of it. I started feeling like I've got a lot more to give, not for me, like I've already proved myself that I can play tennis, but for all those people out there, like if I can do it, like you look at Jokovic, Feta and a Dull, like these people are gods in my eyes, like they're super professional. Djokovic takes care of his diet daily. I was not doing any of these things and still getting to that level. So I think if just the inspiration for other people got me out of that, But it was really those times up in There are definitely times now where I think about those moments, and I guess I still get a bit emotional on it. Like Breakpoint obviously showed interviews with my sister and my father, my best friend and they break down into tears, and that just shows how emotional that time was because they could just see me spiraling out of control and I hadn't. I didn't think it was okay to just step back and not play. I kept thinking I had to force myself to get out there. Yeah, definitely was traumatizing.

How much did it mean to you that they stood by you?

How much did it mean to you that they stood by you?

Yeah, I mean I probably owen my life, to be honest, you know, they were standing by me through.

Yeah, I mean I probably owen my life, to be honest, you know, they were standing by me through.

Reckless behavior. And that's what I'm everything. That's what I mean.

Reckless behavior. And that's what I'm everything. That's what I mean.

Like people now I go on social media and they're like, oh, you're a waste of talent, or why you're not playing or why you're not doing this? And everything I'm doing now is just a bonus, Like being here speaking to Jay Shetty for me is just that's like a It's like all a bonus. Like every day I just don't think about the past, I don't think about the future. I just live every day, day by day, and I just everything I'm doing now is just a bonus. Like because I was so so depressed and so sad and like I literally wanted to end my life, and now just I'm just here and enjoying it. So everything's just it's all a bonus.

Like people now I go on social media and they're like, oh, you're a waste of talent, or why you're not playing or why you're not doing this? And everything I'm doing now is just a bonus, Like being here speaking to Jay Shetty for me is just that's like a It's like all a bonus. Like every day I just don't think about the past, I don't think about the future. I just live every day, day by day, and I just everything I'm doing now is just a bonus. Like because I was so so depressed and so sad and like I literally wanted to end my life, and now just I'm just here and enjoying it. So everything's just it's all a bonus.

Yeah, that's a beautiful way to live.

Yeah, that's a beautiful way to live.

Yeah it is.

Yeah it is.

Yeah, it's a beautiful mindset to live in. Just I just stay on my feet.

Yeah, it's a beautiful mindset to live in. Just I just stay on my feet.

I don't think about the past, or I don't I'm not a big planner anymore because I just don't know anything can be taken away just like that.

I don't think about the past, or I don't I'm not a big planner anymore because I just don't know anything can be taken away just like that.

Yeah, I mean, I think listening to you, it's so interesting right when we have views on athletes, especially where we're like, oh, you could have been this, and you could have been the next greatest, and you could have been whatever it may be. And the challenges you have no idea what that person's going through. You have no idea what's worrying that person. And I think everyone almost projects their own insecurities onto everyone else where. We also feel like we have so much potential that never got seen, that never got untapped, and to almost live in the way you're living now, which is like I'm already living in bonus land. I mean I feel like that in so many ways in my life where I am able to do things today that I couldn't even have imagined as a kid. And we can. Actually we have a lot in common growing up because I was and I heard you say this, and I felt the same way. I was a short, brown, fat kid growing up at school, and so when you talk about that and breakpoint, I felt exactly the same way. Where I was bullied for it, I was beaten up for it, I was criticized for it. And when I look at my life today, I'm like, I get to do things that I didn't ever think were possible. So I'm already living in bonus world.

Yeah, I mean, I think listening to you, it's so interesting right when we have views on athletes, especially where we're like, oh, you could have been this, and you could have been the next greatest, and you could have been whatever it may be. And the challenges you have no idea what that person's going through. You have no idea what's worrying that person. And I think everyone almost projects their own insecurities onto everyone else where. We also feel like we have so much potential that never got seen, that never got untapped, and to almost live in the way you're living now, which is like I'm already living in bonus land. I mean I feel like that in so many ways in my life where I am able to do things today that I couldn't even have imagined as a kid. And we can. Actually we have a lot in common growing up because I was and I heard you say this, and I felt the same way. I was a short, brown, fat kid growing up at school, and so when you talk about that and breakpoint, I felt exactly the same way. Where I was bullied for it, I was beaten up for it, I was criticized for it. And when I look at my life today, I'm like, I get to do things that I didn't ever think were possible. So I'm already living in bonus world.

And he's so grateful for.

And he's so grateful for.

It, so grateful for it, so grateful for it beyond and whether I reached the potential what people think I should do or whether I don't, I'm already living in that gratitude with you. When you're playing at the top level and there is that feeling. So when you find out you're going to make it, you've made it through to the final of Wimbledon, walk me through what the feeling is when you know I've made it through to the final of Wimbledon, which is the biggest stage, the biggest moment, You've made it through. What does that feel like?

It, so grateful for it, so grateful for it beyond and whether I reached the potential what people think I should do or whether I don't, I'm already living in that gratitude with you. When you're playing at the top level and there is that feeling. So when you find out you're going to make it, you've made it through to the final of Wimbledon, walk me through what the feeling is when you know I've made it through to the final of Wimbledon, which is the biggest stage, the biggest moment, You've made it through. What does that feel like?

I was laughing inside, like I was. I had Novak Jocovic behind me, the royal family watching me play, and there's like guards there, and I'm just like thinking to myself, I don't it shouldn't be me. Like the way that everything had panned out, it was like I just thought it was all a joke. I was like, this is incredible. How am I here in this moment in time? And yeah, I was walking out to the court and I just yeah, it's like every single thing that I'd gone through, training, family, sacrifice, it all. That's the one time my life where everything made sense, everything made sense. Every gym session, conditioning session, every good meal I decided to eat was all equal to that moment in time. And it's like I didn't sleep the night before, and then as soon as I stepped on.

I was laughing inside, like I was. I had Novak Jocovic behind me, the royal family watching me play, and there's like guards there, and I'm just like thinking to myself, I don't it shouldn't be me. Like the way that everything had panned out, it was like I just thought it was all a joke. I was like, this is incredible. How am I here in this moment in time? And yeah, I was walking out to the court and I just yeah, it's like every single thing that I'd gone through, training, family, sacrifice, it all. That's the one time my life where everything made sense, everything made sense. Every gym session, conditioning session, every good meal I decided to eat was all equal to that moment in time. And it's like I didn't sleep the night before, and then as soon as I stepped on.

Court, all those feelings on a way.

Court, all those feelings on a way.

It was like Okay, now I'm home. And then I lost the match, but I played incredible. It was a great final. But I just remember seeing the doors open reals slowly, and I saw every blade of grass the same length, and I just walked out there and it was just like home. And then that was it. I just I'm not disappointed that I lost the match. Obviously I would love to have a wim Wood and crown, but it was all bonus, like the fact that I was just walking out, Novak's behind me, the royal Family's there, like nik Kurios making it that far ridiculous.

It was like Okay, now I'm home. And then I lost the match, but I played incredible. It was a great final. But I just remember seeing the doors open reals slowly, and I saw every blade of grass the same length, and I just walked out there and it was just like home. And then that was it. I just I'm not disappointed that I lost the match. Obviously I would love to have a wim Wood and crown, but it was all bonus, like the fact that I was just walking out, Novak's behind me, the royal Family's there, like nik Kurios making it that far ridiculous.

When I hear you speak, you speak like every almost like real. It's almost like that childlike feeling of like you're still living in that childlike moment or childlike feeling of what that would have felt like, where sometimes we grow up too soon and we almost can't experience it that way. When you just said you saw every blade of grasping the same like even that mindfulness like watching the doors, the fact that you can visualize it, it means you are so present what goes through your mind during the game when it's not going your way, like what happens when you start losing a point, or when you know you could have made something you didn't, like what's going through your mind at.

When I hear you speak, you speak like every almost like real. It's almost like that childlike feeling of like you're still living in that childlike moment or childlike feeling of what that would have felt like, where sometimes we grow up too soon and we almost can't experience it that way. When you just said you saw every blade of grasping the same like even that mindfulness like watching the doors, the fact that you can visualize it, it means you are so present what goes through your mind during the game when it's not going your way, like what happens when you start losing a point, or when you know you could have made something you didn't, like what's going through your mind at.

That time, just competing, like just trying to get the best out of myself, Like I guess people when they watch me play, like why you get so angry. It's like there's millions of dollars on the line, so many hours of work put in, and I'm just trying to like do the best I can in that moment of time. Like people when they say me, I guess getting angry or doing whatever, they're like, oh, he doesn't care, Like I think I care too much at times on the result. And coach has always told me, like, don't care about the result too much. But in my life and my experience, if you don't win at the end of the day, I wouldn't be here. If I didn't win majority of tennis matches, I wouldn't be sitting here. So I know the importance of winning. But at the same time, I guess I just I'm just so involved in every little bit of efforts been. I know my family's effort, my support crew. I want everyone in my team to feel that I care the most. I want to like success for all of us. I don't care about just me, Like my physio is there, my partner's there, my best friend, my agent, like we're all contingent, and that's why I guess I love the.

That time, just competing, like just trying to get the best out of myself, Like I guess people when they watch me play, like why you get so angry. It's like there's millions of dollars on the line, so many hours of work put in, and I'm just trying to like do the best I can in that moment of time. Like people when they say me, I guess getting angry or doing whatever, they're like, oh, he doesn't care, Like I think I care too much at times on the result. And coach has always told me, like, don't care about the result too much. But in my life and my experience, if you don't win at the end of the day, I wouldn't be here. If I didn't win majority of tennis matches, I wouldn't be sitting here. So I know the importance of winning. But at the same time, I guess I just I'm just so involved in every little bit of efforts been. I know my family's effort, my support crew. I want everyone in my team to feel that I care the most. I want to like success for all of us. I don't care about just me, Like my physio is there, my partner's there, my best friend, my agent, like we're all contingent, and that's why I guess I love the.

Team environment a little bit more.

Team environment a little bit more.

But tennis is people just think you're on your own out there, but it's like there's so much more than just me, Like everyone's put so much work in to.

But tennis is people just think you're on your own out there, but it's like there's so much more than just me, Like everyone's put so much work in to.

Get here, So your anger is actually your care exactly.

Get here, So your anger is actually your care exactly.

I wanted to win Winmoledon, so then like my whole team like can share that with me. I don't really care, Like I actually don't really care, and I wanted to win Winmledon so I could just shut everyone up and so I could be just left alone. So if I'm at home and I'm actually having a beer or I'm just chilling people, just what are you doing, I'm like, I want win with it, Like you can't tell me anything. You're in like your immortal in that tennis world, you know, Like I made the final and people still criticize me. I feel like i'd one that maybe it would start.

I wanted to win Winmoledon, so then like my whole team like can share that with me. I don't really care, Like I actually don't really care, and I wanted to win Winmledon so I could just shut everyone up and so I could be just left alone. So if I'm at home and I'm actually having a beer or I'm just chilling people, just what are you doing, I'm like, I want win with it, Like you can't tell me anything. You're in like your immortal in that tennis world, you know, Like I made the final and people still criticize me. I feel like i'd one that maybe it would start.

So you feel like when you're playing, you're trying to win because you feel so many people have invested in you, and so many people believe in you, the people that you care about, and that you almost want to win.

So you feel like when you're playing, you're trying to win because you feel so many people have invested in you, and so many people believe in you, the people that you care about, and that you almost want to win.

For them, Yes, and to shut everyone else up, that would be nice.

For them, Yes, and to shut everyone else up, that would be nice.

I'm excited to see you go on and win a few, Like I think you have the potential and the ability, and you know the mindset to go and do it. But when you go and win, you know as well as I do that that still won't shut people out. I know that you know that I just just false hope. I guess what is that false? I walk me through that because I think that's real. I think we all feel right, this is this is this is the hypothesis. We all feel that there's one thing we can do that will finally convince people of who we are, and we're all waiting in our own way to do that thing. For you, it may be a game of tennis for someone else, it might be a promotion for someone that will be graduating with a particular degree. For me, it will be interviewing someone whatever. Like, we all have that thing where we think when I do this, then people will say I made it. Yeah, why is that?

I'm excited to see you go on and win a few, Like I think you have the potential and the ability, and you know the mindset to go and do it. But when you go and win, you know as well as I do that that still won't shut people out. I know that you know that I just just false hope. I guess what is that false? I walk me through that because I think that's real. I think we all feel right, this is this is this is the hypothesis. We all feel that there's one thing we can do that will finally convince people of who we are, and we're all waiting in our own way to do that thing. For you, it may be a game of tennis for someone else, it might be a promotion for someone that will be graduating with a particular degree. For me, it will be interviewing someone whatever. Like, we all have that thing where we think when I do this, then people will say I made it. Yeah, why is that?

I don't know. I feel like if people really understood my journey, then they wouldn't be so pushy. I think, and like if I just sat down with all my haters and we had like a nice meal together and I gave it my side, sorry, I think they'd have a better understanding and they wouldn't be so like, they wouldn't criticize or be so like aggressive towards me on social media or just in general. So I feel like maybe if I do in Wimbledon, and like I was so close, and I don't even really love the sport, like I'm only doing this because I love taking care of my family, my people, and I want to do this so I can prove that no matter how much more of an underdog you are, you can achieve something like winning win. Would it like that's I never thought in my mind that I would be capable of doing that, And I look, maybe you are right. I know that even if I did that, people are going to be like, all right, now do it again. And it's just like that's I guess that's the rat race of life. You know, how much is enough? And I feel like I'm very content with my love now. I have more than enough to enjoy and so if it was up to me, I probably wouldn't. I don't really want to play anymore, to be honest, but I have to almost I've got so much.

I don't know. I feel like if people really understood my journey, then they wouldn't be so pushy. I think, and like if I just sat down with all my haters and we had like a nice meal together and I gave it my side, sorry, I think they'd have a better understanding and they wouldn't be so like, they wouldn't criticize or be so like aggressive towards me on social media or just in general. So I feel like maybe if I do in Wimbledon, and like I was so close, and I don't even really love the sport, like I'm only doing this because I love taking care of my family, my people, and I want to do this so I can prove that no matter how much more of an underdog you are, you can achieve something like winning win. Would it like that's I never thought in my mind that I would be capable of doing that, And I look, maybe you are right. I know that even if I did that, people are going to be like, all right, now do it again. And it's just like that's I guess that's the rat race of life. You know, how much is enough? And I feel like I'm very content with my love now. I have more than enough to enjoy and so if it was up to me, I probably wouldn't. I don't really want to play anymore, to be honest, but I have to almost I've got so much.

More to give.

More to give.

But for me, I don't played anymore.

But for me, I don't played anymore.

And that's not your way of taking the pressure.

And that's not your way of taking the pressure.

No, it's not like I'm exhausted. I'm tired, and you know, I have had three surgeries now that I'm only twenty eight years old. I always wanted to be able to have a family and not be in payment. When I get up, I can't walk without pain. So it's it's a tough gig. It's tough.

No, it's not like I'm exhausted. I'm tired, and you know, I have had three surgeries now that I'm only twenty eight years old. I always wanted to be able to have a family and not be in payment. When I get up, I can't walk without pain. So it's it's a tough gig. It's tough.

I appreciate the realness because it's that, you know, there's a couple of things that come to mind. The first thing that comes to mind for me is always I'm a Christiano Ronaldo fan through and through, Like if anyone asks me see R seven or Messy, I'm see R seven all the way. He's the example for me if you can achieve everything and there'll still be fifty percent of people who else better. Yeah, someone else is better, and not even just better. They think you're not even in the conversation, Like there's a fifty percent of people who will be like, well, Cer seven doesn't even make it into the top two conversation. And it's bizarre that you can even feel that way, And so that I look at it through that perspective where I'm like, this guy's won everything. He's inspired pretty much every next generation of football players in the world. Yet there are people who have an issue with him and blows my mind. And then at the same time what you're talking about the reality. I appreciate you saying I'm exhausted. It's hard, you know. I remember an interview that Vanessa Bryant did Kobe Bryant's wife, and she talked about how the only thing that got Kobe to play when he was injured or having an injury during a game was his love for the fans, and he would say that this fan paid to see me play, and if I don't play today, then that fan may never be able to afford to play again, and so I have to play. And so he was playing for beyond him. It wasn't I've got to play because I've got to win another ring. It's really interesting to hear an athlete say I'm tired. It's a tough gig. It's hard because I think we almost want to believe that the best athletes don't feel that. But that's not true. No, it's not true.

I appreciate the realness because it's that, you know, there's a couple of things that come to mind. The first thing that comes to mind for me is always I'm a Christiano Ronaldo fan through and through, Like if anyone asks me see R seven or Messy, I'm see R seven all the way. He's the example for me if you can achieve everything and there'll still be fifty percent of people who else better. Yeah, someone else is better, and not even just better. They think you're not even in the conversation, Like there's a fifty percent of people who will be like, well, Cer seven doesn't even make it into the top two conversation. And it's bizarre that you can even feel that way, And so that I look at it through that perspective where I'm like, this guy's won everything. He's inspired pretty much every next generation of football players in the world. Yet there are people who have an issue with him and blows my mind. And then at the same time what you're talking about the reality. I appreciate you saying I'm exhausted. It's hard, you know. I remember an interview that Vanessa Bryant did Kobe Bryant's wife, and she talked about how the only thing that got Kobe to play when he was injured or having an injury during a game was his love for the fans, and he would say that this fan paid to see me play, and if I don't play today, then that fan may never be able to afford to play again, and so I have to play. And so he was playing for beyond him. It wasn't I've got to play because I've got to win another ring. It's really interesting to hear an athlete say I'm tired. It's a tough gig. It's hard because I think we almost want to believe that the best athletes don't feel that. But that's not true. No, it's not true.

And I guess that period in twenty nineteen kind of accelerated my exhort. Like if I had a bit of a normal career and I flew under the radar, I don't feel i'd feel this way, but those couple of years really I think put a lot on my age. Like I'm twenty eight, but I feel like I've traveled to pretty much every country. I've seen cultures. You know, I was traveling to countries when I was thirteen and I saw what, you know, poverty was like it really opened my eyes. And I guess those couple years accelerated my almost pushed me to the end of my career a bit earlier because I was just I felt that way and I was so eternally hurting that I had to play for more than myself. And that's why now I do. I'm exhausted. When I train, I'm like, I just I don't want people to watch this and say, okay, soft or whatever, but it's just like it's just hard.

And I guess that period in twenty nineteen kind of accelerated my exhort. Like if I had a bit of a normal career and I flew under the radar, I don't feel i'd feel this way, but those couple of years really I think put a lot on my age. Like I'm twenty eight, but I feel like I've traveled to pretty much every country. I've seen cultures. You know, I was traveling to countries when I was thirteen and I saw what, you know, poverty was like it really opened my eyes. And I guess those couple years accelerated my almost pushed me to the end of my career a bit earlier because I was just I felt that way and I was so eternally hurting that I had to play for more than myself. And that's why now I do. I'm exhausted. When I train, I'm like, I just I don't want people to watch this and say, okay, soft or whatever, but it's just like it's just hard.

Like I am tired.

Like I am tired.

I'm tired of playing tennis, like it's more than going out. Last year, I had the best year of my career and I'm playing in front of millions of people. Stadium has packed out, everyone's eyes on me. I don't know if I'm an athlete loves that, but I'm a bit to that. I feel like a circus animal a little bit. I walk out there and like, oh, we just want to see curiously something crazy, Like I'm sick of kind of playing that role. I'm sick of playing like I have to turn to completely different person and I don't like that.

I'm tired of playing tennis, like it's more than going out. Last year, I had the best year of my career and I'm playing in front of millions of people. Stadium has packed out, everyone's eyes on me. I don't know if I'm an athlete loves that, but I'm a bit to that. I feel like a circus animal a little bit. I walk out there and like, oh, we just want to see curiously something crazy, Like I'm sick of kind of playing that role. I'm sick of playing like I have to turn to completely different person and I don't like that.

It's exhausting. Do you think when you come back, how are you trying to figure out how you'll approach it differently? Have you thought about that? Well?

It's exhausting. Do you think when you come back, how are you trying to figure out how you'll approach it differently? Have you thought about that? Well?

I think now I've kind of come to peace with I only want to play for about another one to two years and be at the top and go down my own terms, like I would hate to have another surgery or anything like that. So I think I've still got the ability to have a good one to two years and then that's it. I think I'll be at peace with everything I've achieved. And you're right, I'm gonna have to just say, look to everyone out there who wants me to play more, you're just gonna.

I think now I've kind of come to peace with I only want to play for about another one to two years and be at the top and go down my own terms, like I would hate to have another surgery or anything like that. So I think I've still got the ability to have a good one to two years and then that's it. I think I'll be at peace with everything I've achieved. And you're right, I'm gonna have to just say, look to everyone out there who wants me to play more, you're just gonna.

Have to be okay with me not playing anymore. Yeah, well, people are trying to figure out whether you'll be playing in December. Yeah, you're obviously, like you said, you're in pain even when you stand up, Like, how do you deal with that anxiety of like people want me to play in December. I don't even know if I'll be better. Yeat do I enter? How do you?

Have to be okay with me not playing anymore. Yeah, well, people are trying to figure out whether you'll be playing in December. Yeah, you're obviously, like you said, you're in pain even when you stand up, Like, how do you deal with that anxiety of like people want me to play in December. I don't even know if I'll be better. Yeat do I enter? How do you?

It's hard because you know I'm going to the gym, I'm doing my rehab. You know, you might have something seriously wrong with your body, and it takes time. Like I'm only human. I'd love to be like a Novak or someone that just is always healthy almost it seems that way, but it takes months and months of you know, strength, consistency, dealncy to get back to playing tennis at that high level again. Like I don't want to get back on tour and just play decent. I was competing for Grand Slams, so I want to get back to that level, so it might take you know, a bit more time.

It's hard because you know I'm going to the gym, I'm doing my rehab. You know, you might have something seriously wrong with your body, and it takes time. Like I'm only human. I'd love to be like a Novak or someone that just is always healthy almost it seems that way, but it takes months and months of you know, strength, consistency, dealncy to get back to playing tennis at that high level again. Like I don't want to get back on tour and just play decent. I was competing for Grand Slams, so I want to get back to that level, so it might take you know, a bit more time.

Yeah, I want to go back a few things when you were saying, like if you could take all your haters out for dinner and hang with them. So imagine we were at dinner, yeap, and all the haters are here right now. What do you want them to know about you? To understand you deeply? If you could say three things to them to understand you more deeply and intently, what would you genuinely at the heart want them to know If if we had the flaw with them right now.

Yeah, I want to go back a few things when you were saying, like if you could take all your haters out for dinner and hang with them. So imagine we were at dinner, yeap, and all the haters are here right now. What do you want them to know about you? To understand you deeply? If you could say three things to them to understand you more deeply and intently, what would you genuinely at the heart want them to know If if we had the flaw with them right now.

I guess I would. I would want to listen to them more. I'd be like, why do you dislike me so much? Because I feel like, when I'm reading all these comments, they really truly don't like me, And I feel like I don't dislike anyone that I don't know, Like I just think it's ridiculous to have an opinion or that person this one. I have no idea who they are or how they are, So I would just ask them like, why do you dislike me so much? And then I would make them open up, and then I guess because I think, for instance, I use my girlfriend as an example, so my reputation in Australia is like Eric, he's crazy, he's volatile, and having those three things. When you're meeting a person for the first time, they've probably three pretty rough things to like already assume if someone. So I had to prove every time I meet someone new, I have to kind of prove to them that's not me. And so I asked them what was the first three things you came to mind? And then she told me those three things. And so that's how everyone in the world that hasn't met me before assumes I am. And that's that's pretty brutal, like how those three things are.

I guess I would. I would want to listen to them more. I'd be like, why do you dislike me so much? Because I feel like, when I'm reading all these comments, they really truly don't like me, And I feel like I don't dislike anyone that I don't know, Like I just think it's ridiculous to have an opinion or that person this one. I have no idea who they are or how they are, So I would just ask them like, why do you dislike me so much? And then I would make them open up, and then I guess because I think, for instance, I use my girlfriend as an example, so my reputation in Australia is like Eric, he's crazy, he's volatile, and having those three things. When you're meeting a person for the first time, they've probably three pretty rough things to like already assume if someone. So I had to prove every time I meet someone new, I have to kind of prove to them that's not me. And so I asked them what was the first three things you came to mind? And then she told me those three things. And so that's how everyone in the world that hasn't met me before assumes I am. And that's that's pretty brutal, like how those three things are.

They're terrible.

They're terrible.

I don't hang around with one person that is arrogant or volatile or crazy, so I think, and she just spent time, like two times with me, and then she's like, you're like completely different to how the media paints you out to be. So I guess every hater just thinks something like that. I'm assuming, so I would just try and prove that I'm not like that, but it's it's it's so hard.

I don't hang around with one person that is arrogant or volatile or crazy, so I think, and she just spent time, like two times with me, and then she's like, you're like completely different to how the media paints you out to be. So I guess every hater just thinks something like that. I'm assuming, so I would just try and prove that I'm not like that, but it's it's it's so hard.

This segment about inspiring creativity is brought to you by AT and T. AT and T believes connecting changes everything. When we talk about innovation in the workplace. There is this misconception that notifications and the constant stimulation from technology hinder creativity, but research suggests that being connected digitally in fact enhances your creativity and productivity at work. Personally, I'm a big believer in having various modalities of communication. It's like finding that perfect mix between getting stuff done and having a good time doing it. When we've got all these ways to chat. It's not just about the serious stuff, it's about adding some fun and you know that mix of work and play. It's like a magnet pulling everyone in. It's not just about sharing ideas, it's about laughing together and feeling like a real team. It's like finding a treasure chest of ideas while making our team bond stronger. And the best part, when people feel happy at work, it changes everything. They're not just working, they're truly engaged. You see smiles here, laughter and feel this positive vibe. It's like everyone's working together towards success. And that kind of environment is a win win for both the company and its employees. And here is how staying up to date with colleagues through apps and products can boost creativity in the workplace. You can set the stage for effective brainstorming sessions by using a blend of resources like video conferencing, smart whiteboards, and diverse applications. These tools faster an environment where ideas flow freely, facilitating diverse perspectives and innovative solutions. You have immediate access to information when you need a problem solve. It means you can tackle challenges super quickly, helping your team sort things out fast and without any hassle. I love googling, Hey, what did this company do to solve this problem? How did this company invent this idea? And being able to learn about it immediately. You can use a variety of tools to spark creativity, tools like chat, GPT, Coggle, Poplar, and mind mysterff. You haven't tried them, make sure you do. These aren't just programs. They like your creative partners. They help your brain come up with fresh ideas, ask interesting questions, and sort out problems super fast. Think of them as your creative toolkit, powering up brainstorm sessions and helping you uncover amazing new ideas. My team also use apps like Slack and WhatsApp. They're not just for chatting casually. They're like the glue that holds our communication together at work. These apps keep us in sync, making team work smooth and giving us quick solutions when we need the most. This has been brought to you by AT and T. AT and T believes connecting inspires, unites heels, and helps us grow. Connecting changes how we live our lives for the better. How did she give you the time of day to make you believe that? Because, like you said, for a lot of people and you've been together for a bit now.

This segment about inspiring creativity is brought to you by AT and T. AT and T believes connecting changes everything. When we talk about innovation in the workplace. There is this misconception that notifications and the constant stimulation from technology hinder creativity, but research suggests that being connected digitally in fact enhances your creativity and productivity at work. Personally, I'm a big believer in having various modalities of communication. It's like finding that perfect mix between getting stuff done and having a good time doing it. When we've got all these ways to chat. It's not just about the serious stuff, it's about adding some fun and you know that mix of work and play. It's like a magnet pulling everyone in. It's not just about sharing ideas, it's about laughing together and feeling like a real team. It's like finding a treasure chest of ideas while making our team bond stronger. And the best part, when people feel happy at work, it changes everything. They're not just working, they're truly engaged. You see smiles here, laughter and feel this positive vibe. It's like everyone's working together towards success. And that kind of environment is a win win for both the company and its employees. And here is how staying up to date with colleagues through apps and products can boost creativity in the workplace. You can set the stage for effective brainstorming sessions by using a blend of resources like video conferencing, smart whiteboards, and diverse applications. These tools faster an environment where ideas flow freely, facilitating diverse perspectives and innovative solutions. You have immediate access to information when you need a problem solve. It means you can tackle challenges super quickly, helping your team sort things out fast and without any hassle. I love googling, Hey, what did this company do to solve this problem? How did this company invent this idea? And being able to learn about it immediately. You can use a variety of tools to spark creativity, tools like chat, GPT, Coggle, Poplar, and mind mysterff. You haven't tried them, make sure you do. These aren't just programs. They like your creative partners. They help your brain come up with fresh ideas, ask interesting questions, and sort out problems super fast. Think of them as your creative toolkit, powering up brainstorm sessions and helping you uncover amazing new ideas. My team also use apps like Slack and WhatsApp. They're not just for chatting casually. They're like the glue that holds our communication together at work. These apps keep us in sync, making team work smooth and giving us quick solutions when we need the most. This has been brought to you by AT and T. AT and T believes connecting inspires, unites heels, and helps us grow. Connecting changes how we live our lives for the better. How did she give you the time of day to make you believe that? Because, like you said, for a lot of people and you've been together for a bit now.

Yeah, two years now coming up.

Yeah, two years now coming up.

But you know, I just bought a mirror off a small company.

But you know, I just bought a mirror off a small company.

It was just excuses, you know, just an excuse of how am I going to get her to just give me the chance. And I feel like these people that hate me or don't like how I go about things, they just they won't even give me a chance. They won't even listen because they think that I'm crazy.

It was just excuses, you know, just an excuse of how am I going to get her to just give me the chance. And I feel like these people that hate me or don't like how I go about things, they just they won't even give me a chance. They won't even listen because they think that I'm crazy.

And do you think you just you just started playing the character at one point like that, Yeah.

And do you think you just you just started playing the character at one point like that, Yeah.

Well that's you know, at the end of the day, you know, money is important. So I knew that that Nick could that's the one that everyone wanted. They didn't give they didn't care about how I actually was. They just wanted that one. Like brands just wanted to work with that one. Wow, And that was hard. Like I was like every time I do something brand wise earlier in my career, I was exhausted.

Well that's you know, at the end of the day, you know, money is important. So I knew that that Nick could that's the one that everyone wanted. They didn't give they didn't care about how I actually was. They just wanted that one. Like brands just wanted to work with that one. Wow, And that was hard. Like I was like every time I do something brand wise earlier in my career, I was exhausted.

I got home.

I got home.

I was like, thank God, that's over so I could just be myself again, and I'd meet people and they would just want that.

I was like, thank God, that's over so I could just be myself again, and I'd meet people and they would just want that.

And how did you know that? Were there people in your like vicinity like telling you that or like because that's fascinating, right, Like the construction of talent is something that I think the average person is so separated from. Like when I moved to LA five years ago, and I coach and work with so many different people in different parts of whether it's music, acting, athletes, and you start recognizing how their management and their teams want them to be a certain persona. Whether it's like you've got to show that you're single because otherwise people, you know, people won't be into you if if you have a long term relationship, or you've got to be this way so that this brand will want to work with you. How much of that was in your ear? Were you hearing things like that or was it more in your own mind?