IN THE year since his appearance on Love Island, 29-year-old basketball player Ovie Soko has notched up two million Instagram followers, an appearance on Celebrity Bake Off and has become a regular pundit on Sky Sports. We asked him about his new self-help book, You Are Dope, in which he explains how you can harness the power of his trademark positive thinking.
:: Why did you decide to write a book on positive thinking?
I’ve always wanted to give something back. I have a little journal that I keep and, way before I went on Love Island, I wrote down that I wanted to create a product that helps people to feel better about themselves.
At the time, I didn’t know it was going to be a book, but I just believed that the opportunity would present itself. Then a year or two later I went into Love Island to a wild reception, which to this day I don’t think I’ll ever understand. Since then, I’ve been thinking, ‘OK, how can I give something of substance back to people?’
I didn’t want to create a book that was all about me, but I thought it would be nice to open up, let people in and share some of the lessons that I’ve learned in my life along the way.
:: You’re known for your positive vibes on Instagram. How do you always manage to stay so happy and upbeat?
I think your mindset is something you always have control of. Your perspective can make you limitless – it can make you indestructible.
If you choose to see the silver lining in every situation, it means you will take something of benefit from it – regardless of how hard that might be. Training your perspective can really take you far in life.
:: Do you have any tools that get you through tough times?
I think you should always make sure that you’re taking time out for yourself – preferably in the morning. That way you can set the tone for the day. Another great tool is gratitude. When we forget to show gratitude for everything we have in life, we can easily forget how privileged we really are.
:: Have you struggled with mental health issues in the past?
I’ve definitely struggled with confidence and I’ve had my own little struggles with mental health – I think this is something that is increasingly becoming an issue and has been magnified by social media. [Social media] is really hard on your mind – it will almost force you into a room with millions of pictures of people’s perfect lives. It can make you feel like you’re not good enough, because you’re measuring yourself up to the perfect side of people’s lives that they want to show. You’re not being fair on yourself.
:: What does being ‘dope’ mean to you?
I think being ‘dope’ is the ability for one to harness and realise the power and strength that they have in being exactly who they are. Realising that true fulfilment in this life means walking your own path. The journey will be different for everyone because we’re all supposed to walk our own unique journey. We’re not supposed to think about things the way that everyone else does. There’s power in that though, because you bring something that no one else has to the table.
:: You Are Dope by Ovie Soko, £12.99, Quadrille Publishing.
