#141 Arnold Schwarzenegger My Unbelievably True Life Story

In Arnold Schwarzenegger's memoir "Total Recall," he reflects on his multifaceted life journey from his austere upbringing in post-war Austria to becoming a bodybuilding legend, Hollywood star, and the Governor of California. Schwarzenegger discusses the principles of success that propelled him, emphasizing the importance of vision, self-belief, rule-breaking, ignoring naysayers, and not fearing failure. Despite his disciplined image, he candidly admits to his contradictions—a disciplined superachiever who loves indulgences, an environmentalist with a penchant for Hummers—showcasing his complex persona. Schwarzenegger's narrative underlines the significance of hard work, selling oneself, and seizing opportunities, while also advocating for a life of continuous learning and risk-taking, staying hungry for success, and using one's talents to make an impact.

• Arnold Schwarzenegger acknowledges the contradictions in his life, such as being a disciplined superachiever who loves cigars and Hummers.
• He aspires to inspire others through work ethic, vision, and willpower, despite not being a perfect role model.
• Arnold values the impact of role models, having had them himself, but also enjoys being rebellious and unique.

"I'm a European who became an American leader, a businessman who makes his living as an action hero. A tremendously disciplined superachiever who hasn't always been disciplined enough, a fitness expert who loves cigars."

Arnold is reflecting on the complexity of his identity and acknowledges that his life is filled with contradictions that might make it hard for others to see him as a role model in every aspect.

• Arnold was born in Austria during a time of famine and post-war hardship.
• His mother had to forage for food, and he grew up in a simple home with no plumbing, highlighting his humble beginnings.
• The environment in post-war Austria was filled with men who felt like losers after WWII, leading to a culture of anger and domestic abuse, which influenced Arnold's early life.

"I was born in a year of famine. It was 1947 in Austria was occupied by the allied armies that had defeated Hitler's Third Reich."

The quote provides historical context to Arnold's early life, emphasizing the tough conditions he was born into and the broader societal challenges of post-war Austria.

• Arnold's father imposed a strict routine of physical and mental discipline on his family, which included rigorous physical training and educational outings followed by detailed report writing.
• Despite feeling that he was never good enough for his father, Arnold internalized this discipline and transformed it into personal drive and ambition.

"We had a strict routine that nothing could change. We'd get up at six, we had to earn our breakfast by doing situps."

This quote illustrates the intense discipline Arnold's father instilled in him from a young age, which played a significant role in developing his work ethic.

• Arnold developed an unwavering belief in himself and a vision for his life that included becoming Mr. Universe, moving to America, and becoming a leading figure.
• He was convinced that he was special and meant for bigger things, which drove him to share his plans with others despite being seen as weird.
• His vision was specific and non-negotiable, demonstrating the power of having clear goals.

"I became absolutely convinced that I was special and meant for bigger things. I knew I would be the best at something, although I didn't know what, and that it would make me famous."

Arnold's quote captures his strong self-belief and the clarity of his vision, which were foundational in his journey towards success.

• Arnold aimed to be financially independent through entrepreneurship.
• He was motivated by the desire for independence rather than material possessions.
• His business ventures, not his movie career, made him a millionaire before the age of 30.

"I decided that the best course for independence was to mind my own business and make my own money."

The quote reflects Arnold's early recognition of entrepreneurship as the path to independence and control over his life.

• Arnold was inspired by successful individuals like Kurt Marno and Reg Park, who balanced physical strength with intelligence and achievement.
• He sought to emulate Reg Park's path from bodybuilder to movie star, which became a blueprint for his own life.
• Arnold believed in seeking out the toughest competition as a way to stay motivated and accelerate his progress.

"I could become another Reg Park. All my dreams suddenly came together and made sense."

Arnold credits Reg Park's story as a pivotal moment that helped him refine his vision and set a clear trajectory for his life.

• Even as Arnold enjoyed the freedoms of youth, he maintained discipline in his training.
• He recognized the importance of being disciplined in the pursuit of his goals, even when indulging in other aspects of life.

"I was wild only when I was wild. When it was time to train, I never missed a session."

This quote underscores Arnold's ability to compartmentalize his discipline for training, ensuring his personal pursuits did not interfere with his professional ambitions.

• Joe Weider was a significant fitness entrepreneur in the United States.
• Weider noticed Arnold Schwarzenegger's potential and invited him to compete in Miami.
• Arnold's loss in Miami was a turning point, leading to a reassessment of his work ethic and approach.

"It gets the attention of this guy named Joe Weider... he's probably the most important fitness entrepreneur in the United States at the time." "And he invites Arnold to come compete."

These quotes highlight Joe Weider's status in the fitness industry and his role in bringing Arnold to the U.S. to compete, which had a profound impact on Arnold's career trajectory.

• Arnold realized that resting on his laurels after winning Mr. Universe was a mistake.
• His loss in Miami was a humbling experience that taught him the importance of consistent hard work.
• Arnold's biography reveals the challenges and low points in successful individuals' lives, providing a contrast to the often idealized portrayals on social media.

"And when he competes in Miami, he doesn't do as well because he didn't work as hard." "I really feel biographies are the antidote to social media, because you see the ugly, depressing side of people's lives."

The first quote emphasizes the consequence of Arnold's reduced effort, while the second quote suggests that biographies, by presenting a fuller picture of someone's life, can serve as a reality check against the selective and often misleading positivity of social media.

• Arnold faced despair after his loss in Miami, feeling isolated and unsure of his future.
• He experienced a moment of vulnerability, questioning his decisions and his ability to succeed in a foreign country.
• Arnold's inner monologue reveals the mental and emotional struggles that accompany failure.

"That night, despair came crashing in... Worst of all, I had lost." "And so he gives us this insight into this inner monologue."

The quote conveys Arnold's deep sense of despair following his loss, while the explanation highlights the importance of understanding the internal struggles that successful people face, which are often hidden from public view.

• Arnold took his failure as a learning experience, recognizing the need to maintain his vision and drive.
• He critiqued his own preparation and acknowledged that he had behaved like an amateur.
• Arnold's determination to become a professional bodybuilder led him to make a commitment to never be unprepared again.

"I could have found a way to train more... You're still a fucking amateur, I told myself." "So when he references Joe Weeder... he's got a year, and if he performs well in the year, he can stay in America forever."

The first quote illustrates Arnold's self-criticism and realization that his preparation was inadequate. The second quote shows the opportunity presented by Joe Weider, which motivated Arnold to focus and perform well within a year to achieve his dream of staying in America.

• Arnold saw the value in learning from Joe Weider's business experience.
• He recognized the importance of understanding the business side of bodybuilding, not just the athletic aspect.
• Arnold's ambition extended beyond bodybuilding; he aspired to achieve financial success and learn from successful entrepreneurs like Weider.

"Arnold's like, this is just a means to an end... Need to study the business." "And he says, I also launched a mail order business out of my apartment."

These quotes show Arnold's foresight in leveraging his bodybuilding success as a stepping stone to broader entrepreneurial ventures, such as launching a mail order business to capitalize on his growing fame.

• Arnold expressed gratitude for his living conditions, despite their modesty.
• His positive outlook allowed him to appreciate what he had, contrasting with his previous living situation in Munich.
• Arnold's attitude of gratitude is presented as a key aspect of his character and success.

"So two of them are living in a one bedroom apartment... This was pure luxury to me." "No matter how small the place was, we felt like we'd really arrived."

The quotes illustrate Arnold's ability to find contentment and see the positive side of his circumstances, which is framed as an important component of his success-oriented mindset.

• Arnold's schedule was packed with various activities, including training, studying, and running businesses.
• He believed in the importance of organizing time effectively to accomplish more within the same 24-hour day.
• Arnold's relentless work ethic was evident in his ability to juggle multiple commitments without wasting time.

"He's running a construction business... He's training 5 hours a day." "You just have to organize your day better."

These quotes reflect Arnold's disciplined approach to time management, enabling him to pursue multiple goals simultaneously without compromising on any front.

• Arnold was a proponent of writing down specific goals to provide clear direction for his efforts.
• He found specificity in goal setting to be liberating, allowing him to focus on the steps needed to achieve his objectives.
• Arnold's practice of goal setting is presented as a key strategy for success.

"I always wrote down my goals... Knowing exactly where I wanted to end up freed me totally to improvise how to get there." "Get twelve more credits in college, earn enough money to save $5,000..."

These quotes emphasize the significance of having well-defined goals and the freedom it provides to navigate the path to achieving them, illustrating Arnold's strategic approach to success.

• Arnold was frugal and focused on saving and reinvesting his income to grow his wealth.
• He resisted distractions and lucrative offers that did not align with his primary goals.
• Arnold's financial discipline and unwavering commitment to his objectives are highlighted as admirable traits.

"He wanted to save as much of his income as possible... No offer, no relationship, nothing." "It was a lot of money, but it turned it down because it would not take me to where I wanted to go."

The quotes underscore Arnold's ability to prioritize his long-term goals over immediate financial gain, demonstrating his strategic foresight and discipline.

• Arnold prefers to face problems directly without prior knowledge to avoid overthinking.
• He believes that too much information can be paralyzing when making decisions.
• Observations from his economics professor led him to conclude that knowledge alone does not guarantee success.

"Don't tell me any more of this information. I like to always wander in like a puppy. I want to walk into a problem. And then figure out what the problem really is. Don't tell me ahead of time. Often it's easier to make a decision when you don't know as much. Because then you can't overthink. If you know too much, it can freeze you."

Arnold discusses the concept that having less information can sometimes aid in decision-making by preventing overthinking and paralysis by analysis.

• Arnold was noted for never looking angry while training, despite lifting heavy weights.
• He found joy in the gym, viewing each repetition and set as a step closer to his goals.

"Arnold never, ever had an angry look while he was training. He was lifting huge amounts of weights. And he's always smiling."

The quote highlights Arnold's positive mindset and how he associates the hard work of training with the joy of progressing towards his goals.

• Arnold's acting career began with small TV gigs and publicity for the documentary "Pumping Iron."
• He received advice from Lucille Ball to persevere in Hollywood despite rejections.

"So it says, lucy gave me advice about Hollywood. Just remember, when they say no, you hear yes and act accordingly."

The quote captures advice Arnold received from Lucille Ball, which encouraged him to persist and interpret rejections as opportunities.

• Arnold had to choose between continuing as a bodybuilding champion or pursuing an acting career.
• He decided to retire from competition to explore new challenges and avoid stagnation.

"I couldn't have it both ways. So I was forced to make the decision I'd been leaning toward anyway to retire from competition."

Arnold explains his thought process behind leaving bodybuilding to pursue acting, emphasizing the importance of staying hungry for new challenges.

• Arnold realized the importance of mental health and began practicing transcendental meditation.
• He recognized that the mind, like the body, needs care and tools to manage stress and fatigue.

"The mind can also have a problem. It's overstressed or it's tired or it's bored or it's fatigued. It's about to blow up. Learn the tools for that also."

This quote reflects Arnold's revelation about the need to take care of mental health, drawing a parallel with the physical care he was accustomed to.

• Arnold's intense drive and vision for his life were incompatible with a conventional existence.
• His determination to achieve extraordinary goals set him apart from others.

"But she was a normal person who wanted normal things, and there was nothing normal about me. My drive was not normal. My vision of where I wanted to go in my life was not normal."

Arnold reflects on his past relationship and how his extraordinary ambition and drive did not align with a partner who desired a normal life.

• Arnold faced criticism in Hollywood due to his accent, physique, and name.
• He persevered, refusing to abandon his goal of becoming a leading man in films.

"Why should I give up my goal? Because a couple of Hollywood agents turn me down."

Arnold's determination is evident as he explains why he did not let Hollywood rejections deter him from his goals.

• Arnold was selective about the roles he accepted, aiming to be seen as a leading man.
• His financial independence from other businesses allowed him to turn down roles that did not align with his vision.

"I was very glad I could afford to say no. With the income from my businesses, I didn't need money from acting."

The quote shows Arnold's strategic approach to his acting career and how his financial stability gave him the freedom to be selective with roles.

• Arnold's breakthrough role was Conan, which included a deal for sequels.
• He conceded his profit points for the opportunity to establish himself as a movie star.

"The money was laid out. I'd make $250,000 for the first movie, 1 million for the next, and 2 million for the next, and so on, plus 5% of the profits."

Arnold discusses the financial terms of his role in Conan, highlighting the long-term vision he had for his acting career.

• Arnold underwent extensive training in martial arts and sword combat for Conan.
• He emphasizes the importance of repetition and practice in mastering new skills.

"For three months, I was tutored in sword combat 2 hours a day. The training was intense and time-consuming, and I took to it completely."

The quote illustrates Arnold's commitment to preparing for his role in Conan and his belief in the power of consistent practice.

• Arnold recognized the importance of marketing in the success of his projects.
• He actively promoted his movies and books, seeing it as a responsibility to ensure their success.

"I felt it was my responsibility to pump up the grosses."

Arnold explains his proactive approach to marketing his work, viewing it as essential for achieving success and not beneath him as a creator.

• Arnold never saw his work as burdensome, but rather as a series of enjoyable opportunities.
• He criticized those who complained about long work hours, valuing the full use of his time.

"I love the variety of my life. One day I'd be in a meeting about developing an office building or a shopping center. The next day I'd be talking to the publisher of my latest book."

This quote captures Arnold's enthusiasm for the diverse aspects of his career and his philosophy that work should be enjoyable and exciting.

• Arnold views work as a joyride and an opportunity for discovery and fun.
• He believes in living a life filled with excitement, contrasting it with mere existence.

"My definition of living is to have excitement, always. That's the difference between living and existing."

Arnold defines his approach to life, emphasizing the importance of excitement and passion as the essence of truly living.

• Arnold's willingness to learn new skills, such as tennis, for opportunities exemplifies his adaptability.
• He applies the same dedication to learning as he does to physical training.

"He just plays tennis for 2 hours every day for three weeks until the charity."

The quote demonstrates Arnold's commitment to improving his skills, regardless of his initial level of proficiency, to take advantage of opportunities.

• Arnold believes that selling and marketing are integral parts of any career.
• He views promotion as beneficial to all stakeholders, including the audience.

"No matter what you do in life, selling is a part of it."

Arnold stresses the significance of selling and marketing in any professional endeavor, including the creative industries.

• Arnold sees selling as not just a personal benefit but a service to the public.
• He believes that quality work deserves to be known and appreciated by as many people as possible.

"But also good for the public. They get to see a good movie."

The quote reflects Arnold's mindset that marketing and selling are not just for personal gain but also for the benefit of the audience who gets to experience the work.

• Arnold advocates for tackling difficult tasks as there is less competition at the top.
• He views the scarcity of high achievers as an opportunity rather than a limitation.

"People were always talking about how few performers there are at the top of the ladder."

This quote highlights Arnold's perspective on success, suggesting that the challenges associated with reaching the top are precisely what make it a worthwhile pursuit.

• Arnold Schwarzenegger discusses the misconception that there is limited room for success at the top.
• He advises against joining crowded spaces and instead seeking less crowded, challenging areas.
• Arnold emphasizes the importance of action over overthinking and the paralysis that can come from knowing too much.

"I felt that because there was so little room, people got intimidated and felt more comfortable staying on the bottom of the ladder. But in fact, the more people that think like that, the more crowded the bottom of the ladder becomes."

This quote highlights the psychological barrier that prevents people from striving for higher achievements due to the fear of limited space at the top.

"Don't go to where it's crowded. Go to where it's empty. Even though it's harder to get there. That's where you belong, and that's where there's less competition."

Arnold suggests that seeking less crowded spaces can lead to greater success and less competition, encouraging people to take the harder path that leads to their rightful place.

"This is him repeating, don't see only problems. You can overthink anything. There's always negatives."

Arnold warns against the tendency to focus on problems and the negative aspects that can deter action.

• Arnold Schwarzenegger stresses the necessity of marketing and selling one's work, regardless of the field.
• He uses examples from his own career in movies, bodybuilding, and politics to illustrate the importance of advertising and getting one's work known to succeed.
• Arnold cites Ted Turner's quote on hard work and advertising to reinforce this concept.

"Every film had to be nurtured in the marketplace. You can have the greatest movie in the world, but if you don't get it out there, if people don't know about it, you have nothing."

This quote emphasizes the critical role of marketing and exposure in the success of any product, including movies.

"No matter what I did in life, I was aware that you had to sell it."

Arnold acknowledges that selling is an essential part of success in any endeavor, not just in business.

• Arnold Schwarzenegger describes his willingness to take financial risks to avoid being typecast.
• He discusses the negotiation process for the movie "Twins," where he, Danny DeVito, and a producer agreed to share the income from the movie instead of upfront payment.
• This decision resulted in significant financial success for Arnold, demonstrating the benefits of aligning interests and taking calculated risks.

"He's willing to take a risk financially, so he's not typecast."

Arnold's willingness to forgo upfront payment for a share in the movie's profits is an example of his strategic risk-taking to diversify his career.

"The deal we ended up with guaranteed the three of us 37.5% of all the income from the movie."

This quote details the specific financial arrangement made for the movie "Twins," highlighting an innovative approach to movie compensation.

• Arnold Schwarzenegger reflects on public perception and the importance of not overestimating how much others focus on one's failures.
• He shares insights from Tim Urban's blog post "Taming the Mammoth," which discusses the common misinterpretation of people's focus on our mistakes.
• Arnold emphasizes the realization that people are generally self-interested and not as concerned with others' failures as one might fear.

"People are not thinking about you. They're thinking about themselves."

This quote encapsulates the idea that individuals are primarily focused on their own lives and concerns, rather than the failures of others.

"When you feel embarrassed, like I did, you tend to assume that the whole world is focused on your failure."

Arnold shares his personal experience with embarrassment and the false belief that everyone is paying attention to his setbacks.

• Arnold Schwarzenegger discusses his private nature and his decision to keep his heart surgery a secret from his family.
• He explains his dislike for repeatedly discussing problems and his preference for quick decision-making without seeking many opinions.
• Arnold's anecdote about planning to conceal his heart surgery from his family illustrates his desire for privacy and control over his personal matters.

"I'm a person who does not like to talk about things over and over. I make decisions very quickly, and I don't ask many people for opinions."

This quote reveals Arnold's personal approach to decision-making and his tendency to keep matters to himself.

"I will tell my family that I'm going to Mexico... and then I'll go home and no one will ever know I had heart surgery."

Arnold's plan to hide his surgery from his family demonstrates his extreme dedication to privacy and his unconventional approach to handling personal issues.

• Arnold Schwarzenegger challenges the notion of not having enough time, emphasizing the importance of organizing one's day effectively.
• He shares an anecdote of a conversation with a student about managing time for work, study, and other activities.
• Arnold's own experiences of balancing multiple commitments as a student illustrate his belief in maximizing the use of time.

"The day is 24 hours. Have you ever thought about working more, maybe taking more classes rather than wasting your life away?"

Arnold confronts the student's complaint about time constraints by breaking down the hours in a day and suggesting better time management.

"You're talking about six, 7 hours a day. You got plenty of other... Organize your day better."

This quote is a direct call to action for the student (and the audience) to reassess how they allocate their time and to make better use of it.

• Arnold Schwarzenegger advocates for the importance of repetition and consistency in achieving success.
• He shares his practice of crossing off sets on a chalkboard as a young weightlifter, which provided visual feedback and motivation.
• Arnold's philosophy that "there are no shortcuts" and that success in any field requires "reps, reps, reps" is a central theme in his approach to life and work.

"Everything is reps, reps, reps. No matter what you do in life, it's either reps or mileage."

Arnold emphasizes the universal principle that practice and repetition are essential for mastery in any endeavor.

"The only way that you have your act together is to do the reps. If you've done the reps, you don't have to worry."

This quote underlines the confidence and preparedness that come from consistent practice and hard work.

• Arnold Schwarzenegger discusses the impact of parental influence and the importance of taking personal responsibility for one's problems.
• He reflects on how the harshness of his father and his upbringing ultimately drove him to success.
• Arnold encourages embracing the challenges one faces, including those from one's upbringing, and using them as motivation rather than excuses.

"If they've left you with problems, those problems are now yours to solve."

Arnold asserts that individuals must take ownership of their issues, regardless of their origins.

"I became Arnold because of what he did to me. I recognized that I could channel my upbringing in a positive way rather than complain."

This quote conveys Arnold's belief in using adversity as a catalyst for personal growth and success.

• Arnold Schwarzenegger concludes with a series of life rules that encapsulate his mindset and approach to success.
• He emphasizes the importance of staying hungry for success, taking risks, and doing something meaningful with one's talents and skills.
• Arnold's final message is to live a fulfilling life by embracing challenges and continually pushing oneself beyond comfort zones.

"Be hungry for success, hungry to make your mark, hungry to be seen and to be heard, and to have an effect."

Arnold's closing thoughts encourage an insatiable desire for achievement and impact in one's life and work.

"Every day do something that scares you. We should all stay hungry."

This quote inspires individuals to face their fears and maintain a constant drive for personal and professional growth.