Kevin Love Redefines Success Through Mental Performance and Resilience

CLEVELAND, Ohio — NBA star Kevin Love emphasizes the importance of mental performance both on and off the court. As he enters his 18th season, Love reflects on how his mindset has evolved to encompass family life and personal well-being beyond basketball.

Love, a five-time All-Star, views mental performance as a crucial part of his daily routine. “Understanding what my brain and body need continues to be the beauty of it,” he said. His morning embodies self-awareness through rituals such as breathwork, nutrition, and, humorously, cold showers. “It wakes me up, keeps my energy steady, and makes me feel good,” he added.

On game days, Love remains grounded with familiar routines. He engages in family breakfasts, deep breathing exercises, and listens to acoustic music, ensuring his heart rate stays calm leading into tip-off. “Keeping your heart rate at a good, steady baseline is paramount,” he explained.

Sleep remains a non-negotiable for Love, who affectionately refers to it as the “NBA nap.” “Even if I don’t fall asleep, I’ll close my eyes and breathe,” he shared, allowing himself to drift into a meditative state.

Reflecting on his early career, Love admitted, “My self-worth wasn’t in the right place.” He credits self-compassion and therapy for helping him overcome the pressures of performance. Now, through the Kevin Love Fund (KLF), he strives to teach young athletes the importance of self-worth that goes beyond achievements.

“There’s so much pressure on student-athletes,” Love said, hoping to provide tools for emotional regulation. KLF’s new curriculum aims to teach emotional literacy to elementary students, instilling values of self-expression and resilience.

Love believes that teaching emotional processing can alter the trajectory of young lives. “If kids know how to process failure or loss, they’ll be better off long term,” he stated. His evolving friendships have also highlighted the importance of relationships over fame and fortune, drawing inspiration from the Harvard Study of Adult Development.

“At the end of life, it’s relationships that matter most,” Love remarked. He now defines success by the impact one has on others, noting, “Knowing some people are better off because you were here brings me fulfillment.”

When asked for a word to define his mindset for the season, Love responded swiftly: “Resilience.” Through his advocacy and personal journey, he aims to show that emotions are not weaknesses but essential strengths.