Be Useful

"Be useful," Arnold Schwarzenegger's father advised, and that lesson shaped a life filled with purpose, positivity, and impact. How can we use this principle to build a meaningful existence?

1. Start with a Vision

Schwarzenegger emphasizes the importance of having a defined goal to navigate life. A vision provides clarity and reminds you why your efforts matter. Without it, you may drift through life feeling unfulfilled and directionless.

His own life serves as the perfect example. As a boy in an Austrian village, he envisioned moving to America after seeing images of bodybuilding champions like Reg Park. This dream became his anchor. He didn't just dream big; he converted his aspirations into a step-by-step plan, channeling his childhood passions into a lifelong purpose.

To create your vision, he suggests drawing from your passions and interests, especially those that resonated during childhood. Pair this self-awareness with tools like visualization and routine reflection to refine your dreams. Visualization isn't just daydreaming—it's a focused practice of imagining success to stay motivated and aligned with your goals.

Examples

• Schwarzenegger's vision of becoming a bodybuilding champion helped him endure intense physical training.
• His American dream motivated him to learn English and expand his horizons beyond Austria.
• Reflection and vision-setting kept him on track through multiple career transitions.

2. Think Beyond Small Goals

Schwarzenegger insists that you should never settle for mediocrity. Dream big and push boundaries with bold aspirations. Limiting your ambitions only restricts what you're capable of achieving.

He shares how his career in action movies skyrocketed in the '80s, but he set his sights even higher—wanting to become a comedy star. This unconventional choice was risky, especially after critics doubted he could be funny. Yet, taking the leap paid off when he starred in the hit movie Twins.

Going "all in" helps you stay focused. Eliminating a backup plan pushes you further because there's no fallback. Critics will always question big ambitions, but he suggests letting their doubt fuel your progress.

Examples

• Schwarzenegger risked his pay for Twins, opting for a profit share that led to huge success.
• Director James Cameron's full-scale replica of Titanic inspired Schwarzenegger’s “go all in” mindset.
• His relentless focus helped transform himself from a bodybuilder to an actor and then to a politician.

3. Work Relentlessly

Ambitions require relentless work. Schwarzenegger reminds us that success is earned, not handed out. There are no shortcuts.

His dedication began in his bodybuilding years, where he spent hours daily in rigorous training. He carried this ethos into politics, fully committing to every task, such as ensuring resources reached those suffering from California wildfires.

Even limited time shouldn't be an excuse. Schwarzenegger himself trained five hours daily while juggling other commitments. He calls this "breaking down your goals into small, daily steps," which can make massive achievements feel attainable.

Examples

• Intense gym regimens helped him win seven Mr. Olympia titles.
• He personally monitored progress after deploying resources during wildfire recovery.
• His disciplined daily routines allowed him to balance acting, politics, and philanthropy.

4. Master Persuasion

Schwarzenegger calls on people to champion their dreams by advocating for them passionately. You can't just have a vision—you must effectively communicate and persuade others to see its value.

When he first arrived in America, bodybuilding was an underappreciated sport. But he tirelessly promoted it, leveraging media appearances and public events to change perceptions. Arnold's efforts established bodybuilding as a respected discipline and helped popularize fitness culture worldwide.

To persuade others, you must also walk the talk. Set examples through action, ensuring your efforts align with the message you promote.

Examples

• He held seminars and media events to reframe bodybuilding as a legitimate sport.
• Joe Weider, seeing potential, exaggerated bodybuilding success early to inspire others, with Arnold as the perfect spokesperson.
• Arnold turned the seemingly niche sport into a mainstream fitness movement.

5. Embrace Change

Frustrations and challenges are inevitable, but Schwarzenegger advises viewing them as opportunities to adapt and overcome. This sense of adaptability defines true resilience.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, instead of complaining about the lack of masks and ventilators, Schwarzenegger secured resources himself and distributed them to hospitals. He encourages reframing failures as learning experiences for growth.

He also shares how overcoming his post-surgery recovery challenges meant documenting progress meticulously. By taking action instead of focusing on setbacks, he believes anyone can turn obstacles into stepping stones.

Examples

• He responded to the pandemic shortage by raising funds and resources on his own.
• Growing up in post-war Austria, he turned adversity into motivation to succeed.
• After heart surgery, he tracked progress diligently to get back on his feet quickly.

6. Keep Learning

Lifelong curiosity is Schwarzenegger’s "superpower." Staying open-minded ensures you keep expanding your discoveries and improving both personally and professionally.

He credits Fredi Gerstl, an influential mentor, for teaching him the value of asking questions and developing a thirst for knowledge. This attitude helped him succeed in an unexpected role as the Terminator, which required seeing beyond immediate opportunities.

He also applied this mindset beyond acting, using his fitness advocacy to educate himself about social issues and widen his impact.

Examples

• Fredi Gerstl’s support for Arnold’s bodybuilding journey strengthened his confidence early.
• Listening intently to James Cameron’s vision helped him embrace the iconic Terminator role.
• Chairing the President’s Council expanded his work on neglected youth development programs.

7. Give Back Generously

Schwarzenegger asserts that no success is individual; we're shaped by those who help us. To reciprocate, he urges everyone to give back and lift others up.

He draws inspiration from acts of selflessness, like those of firefighters, and devotes his efforts to programs like the Special Olympics. Arnold believes that helping others leads not only to their betterment but also fosters joy and satisfaction for the giver.

His mantra "Break your mirrors" reflects how looking beyond oneself can create wins for everyone involved, both personally and socially.

Examples

• His work for the Special Olympics and youth training programs showcases his dedication to giving back.
• His father-in-law’s advice about prioritizing others shaped his outlook on community service.
• Contributing to national fitness programs expanded opportunities for underprivileged youth.

8. Don’t Be Afraid to Break the Rules

Schwarzenegger says that achieving greatness often involves taking risks and ignoring conventional wisdom. Going against "how it's always been done" creates room for innovation.

Starting as an outsider in acting, politics, and bodybuilding, he didn’t let rules or traditions dictate his journey. He boldly leveraged his unique accent and physique as tools rather than obstacles in creating his Hollywood identity.

Breaking norms doesn't mean recklessness. It's about challenging outdated perspectives and trusting your vision to lead the way.

Examples

• He dismissed advice to change his accent, turning it into his trademark instead.
• Risking a chance in comedy, he successfully reinvented himself as a versatile actor.
• His nontraditional approach reshaped action films and how the public viewed bodybuilders.

9. Success is a Collaborative Effort

Schwarzenegger rejects the idea of being “self-made.” He emphasizes the collective nature of success, where mentors, peers, and communities contribute.

He praises the "land of opportunity" that is America and advocates acknowledging the role of others in our achievements. He stresses becoming someone who pays it forward, improving everyone’s circumstances.

Acts of collaboration and shared success lead to lasting impact, creating a ripple effect that positively influences society.

Examples

• He credits Joe Weider for linking him to influential opportunities early on.
• Supporting struggling actors on set became part of his Hollywood journey.
• His philanthropic work reflects appreciation for those who helped him succeed.

Takeaways

1. Sit down and visualize your goals in detail. Map out the steps needed to achieve them and stay disciplined in following through.
2. Dedicate time each day to reflect on your progress. Break big goals into manageable daily tasks to stay consistent.
3. Look for communities or causes that could benefit from your skills and time. Giving back will enhance your sense of purpose and make a broader impact.