Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thinking Big, Building Resilience, 7 Tools for Life, and More

Added: Oct 3, 2023

Schwarzenegger begins by describing his heart surgery in 2018, which started as a routine non-invasive aortic valve replacement but turned into an emergency open heart surgery due to complications. He shares his experience of waking up after the surgery and being unable to speak due to a breathing tube. Despite the challenges, Schwarzenegger focused on his recovery and set goals for himself, such as walking to exercise his lungs and prevent pneumonia. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and not shying away from discomfort and pain in order to grow and overcome obstacles.

The conversation then shifts to Schwarzenegger's early entrepreneurial experiences. At the age of 10, he sold ice cream pops around a lake to earn money for a training suit. This taught him the value of hard work and the satisfaction of achieving goals. Schwarzenegger credits his father for instilling in him the mindset of being useful and serving others. He believes that success comes from working hard and finding ways to help people.

The discussion then delves into Schwarzenegger's resilience and how his upbringing shaped him. He explains that while he and his brother faced similar challenges, he was able to thrive and his brother struggled. Schwarzenegger attributes this to his ability to handle punishment and setbacks, while his brother became more vulnerable. He reflects on the importance of having a clear vision and setting goals, as well as finding new father figures and mentors along the way.

The conversation then turns to the concept of "never think small." Schwarzenegger shares examples from his life where he aimed high and achieved success by thinking big. He recalls his decision to compete in the Junior Mr. Europe competition instead of just the Mr. Austria competition, which led to opportunities in Munich and eventually his move to America. Schwarzenegger emphasizes the importance of building one's own ladder to success and not waiting for others to create opportunities.

The discussion also highlights Schwarzenegger's experience with the film "Twins" and how he bet on himself by taking a backend deal instead of a salary. This unconventional approach paid off, as the movie became a huge success and Schwarzenegger and his partners made significant profits. He emphasizes the importance of taking risks and betting on oneself.

The conversation then explores the rule of "sell, sell, sell." Schwarzenegger explains that selling is an art and a crucial skill in any field. He shares his early experience in sales and how he learned the importance of addressing the needs and desires of customers. Schwarzenegger believes that selling oneself and one's product is essential for success, and he cites examples from the art world and his own career to illustrate this point.

Schwarzenegger continues by emphasizing the importance of being able to shift gears and confront the unexpected. He shares his experience of transitioning from bodybuilding to show business and how he had to learn to tap into his emotions for acting, which was a significant shift from his bodybuilding mindset of keeping emotions out of the way. He highlights the importance of being adaptable and not getting stuck on certain things or tracks.

The conversation then turns to grief and how Schwarzenegger deals with the loss of his friend Franco Columbu. He explains that he reacts differently to such losses, focusing more on the ongoing missing of the person rather than the initial shock. He shares personal anecdotes about his friendship with Columbu and how he keeps his memory alive through various means, such as the Franco Columbu posing trophy at the Arnold Classic.

The topic of aging is also discussed, with Schwarzenegger sharing his thoughts on how he relates to aging and the challenges that come with it. He talks about his own experiences with chronic pain and various surgeries, highlighting the importance of taking care of one's body and making adjustments as needed. He emphasizes the need to have goals and purpose in life, as well as the importance of accepting failure and not being afraid to take risks.

Schwarzenegger then delves into his current identity and what he hopes to achieve in the future. He discusses his various projects, such as his newsletter and the Pump Club app, and how he aims to combine his different passions and create synergy between them. He expresses his desire to make a positive impact in areas such as environmentalism, public policy, show business, and promoting health and fitness.

The conversation shifts to Schwarzenegger's new book, "Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life," and the impact he hopes it will have on readers. He explains that the book aims to help people live better lives and fulfill their dreams by providing practical advice and tools for success. He discusses the importance of having goals, overcoming the fear of failure, and giving back to others. He encourages readers to break free from self-centeredness and recognize the role others have played in their success.

In closing, Schwarzenegger expresses his gratitude to his fans and supporters, acknowledging that without them, he would be nothing. He thanks them for their continued support and for giving him the opportunity to make a positive impact. He also expresses his gratitude to America for providing him with opportunities and success.