S5E3: The All-Consuming Nature of Professional Sports with Jonathan Levin

“If you want to be successful, you have to go from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm.” - Jonathan Levin

Are you ready for an unexpected truth? Imagine a professional athlete navigating the highs and lows of their career, only to realize that their greatest opponent is the fear of their own potential. Picture the inner battle between the love for the game and the daunting prospect of life after sports. Stay tuned to discover how a seasoned athlete confronts this inner conflict and finds the courage to embrace a new chapter.

In this episode, you will learn about:

• Mastering the Art of Overcoming Rejection: Uncover the mental strength and resilience needed to navigate rejection as a professional athlete.

• Prioritizing Mental Wellness for Peak Performance: Discover the crucial role mental health plays in sports and how it can elevate your athletic performance.

• Excelling in Post-Career Life: Unveil the strategies for a successful transition from sports to post-career life, ensuring a fulfilling and prosperous future.

• Harnessing the Power of Family Support: Explore the impact of family support on your athletic career and how it can be a game-changer for your success.

• Sustaining Focus and Motivation: Unlock the strategies for maintaining unwavering focus and motivation in sports, propelling you towards your peak performance.

My special guest is Jonathan Levin.

Jonathan Levin is a dedicated professional footballer, most recently with the Phoenix Rising Football Club, whose career reflects a deep commitment to discipline, positive attitudes, and mental health advocacy.

Jonathan recently joined the Arizona Monsoon after the Phoenix Rising. Consistently throughout his professional career, Levin has showcased his adaptability and perseverance on the field. Before joining the Phoenix Rising, Levin had impactful stints with the Las Vegas Lights FC in 2019 and 2020, appearing in 13 matches, and with FC Tulsa in 2017 and2018, where he appeared in 23 matches in two years. Previous to advancing his professional career into the USL Championship, he spent six years in the first division in Mexico with notable clubs like Pachuca, Jaguares, Veracruz, and Puebla. His skills as a versatile midfielder and central defender are marked by exceptional ball control, strategic playmaking, and a disciplined approach to the game, making him a valuable asset to any team.

He is a passionate advocate for mental health connecting with groups, pro athletes and followers to share his authentic life experiences and address life’s challenges while providing practical advice and encouragement. Through social media, media, and a speaking platform Jonathan is sharing his journey and experience with others to make a difference. He recently became a speaker for Greattly Increase a program that delivers life-based education for students to help set them up for success. The program equips high school students and youth through inspiring speakers that deliver financial education, personal and career development and mental wellness topics. Jonathan joins a short list of speakers that are mostly Pro Football Hall of Famers, and also other pro athletes, all gifted with the ability to inspire and uplift others.