From bodybuilder to action hero, governor, and now a source of advice: Arnold Schwarzenegger aims to guide people in reaching their goals and finding purpose in life.
Arnold Schwarzenegger shares the best advice he got from his father in his new book “Be Useful: Seven Simple Rules for a Better Life.” Before we delve into his father’s wisdom, let’s acknowledge that the 76-year-old star is now an author offering advice. But it’s no surprise. “Arnie” has reinvented himself multiple times: from bodybuilder to blockbuster actor in films like “Terminator” and “Total Recall,” to California’s governor. Now, he’s passing on his knowledge.
Success begins with having a clear vision. “I was lucky that I always knew exactly what my goals were,” Schwarzenegger shared in our Zoom chat during the summer of 2020. “At the age of ten, I knew I wanted to go to America; the only question was how.” He pursued bodybuilding, envisioning himself winning the Mr. Universe title. “I dedicated five hours a day to training, posing, and learning about nutrition to make my vision a reality.” In 1967, at just 20 years old, he became the youngest Mr. Universe, winning the title three more times. “It all starts with a clear vision,” he insists. “While some may take any job after school for money, if you aspire to be a real estate mogul, you start by working in a real estate agency, then get your agent license, and learn sales.”
Here’s how you climb the ladder in a great company and eventually make hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. You can then use this money to invest in real estate. That’s the idea. If you aim to become a doctor, it’s a 15-year journey. With a clear destination and a plan, you’ll reach your goals.
However, things don’t always go as planned: Arnold Schwarzenegger, the former Governor of California (2003-2011), might have envisioned himself as President of the USA, but since he wasn’t born in America, that path was closed to him – despite his vision and plan. But he’s not one to complain: “America has given me so many opportunities; I won’t dwell on the one thing that’s off-limits.” The Governator” is critical of his fellow Republican, Donald Trump, and tends to support liberal issues like climate change and equal opportunities. “Why should caring for our planet be a left-wing issue?” he wonders, believing that as a conservative, environmental protection should concern everyone. “There’s no left air. We all breathe the same air.” Tax hikes for the wealthy don’t bother the Republican either: “I’ve always made smart investments to offset tax increases. I don’t care if an administration raises or lowers taxes.”
There has never been a successful movement based on hate: Nazis, the Confederates, the apartheid state – losers all of them. Don’t be losers!
Arnold Schwarzenegger
However, Arnold Schwarzenegger finds the political system in Washington frustrating: “Both Democrats and Republicans need to see each other as partners, not enemies,” he believes. “But politicians just care about keeping their jobs. When their term ends, they switch chambers or become mayors. Maybe they can’t do anything else but politics. But focusing solely on politics gets in the way of good governance.” But it doesn’t have to be this way: During his time as governor, Schwarzenegger set up a cigar tent behind the Capitol building where representatives from both parties could come together to chat and find common ground. Along with clear vision and hard work, his seven simple rules for a better life include thinking big, communicating clearly, staying open-minded, and ultimately, giving back.
The Schwarzenegger Institute at the University of Southern California (USC) is researching reforms based on this philosophy. “Democracy can be tough,” he says, “but it’s still the best system we have.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger is now using his social media platform to unite people and spread positive messages. Just four days after the storming of the Capitol, he sat in front of American and California flags to record a video message. In it, he compared the events of January 6, 2021, to Kristallnacht. He recalled the broken men he grew up around after World War II: “My father came home drunk, yelling and hitting… The neighbors did the same… They suffered physically from bullet fragments in their bodies and mentally from the guilt of what they had seen or done. It all started with lies, lies, and more lies, and intolerance.” Schwarzenegger, now a Californian by choice, warns against selfishness and cynicism. He also criticizes Donald Trump, whom he sees as attempting a coup through deceit and lies. “My father and our neighbors were also deceived with lies.”
Last year, Schwarzenegger shared a video against rising anti-Semitism with a clear message: “Hate has never won: Nazis, the Confederates, the apartheid state – all ended up losers. Don’t be losers!” Remaining optimistic, he believes it’s always possible to make things better. Now, he’s brightening up negative headlines with positive posts and feel-good messages.
He takes his fans along during workouts with his pump app and features his pets—Lulu the donkey, Schnelly the pig, Whiskey the mini pony, and his three dogs Noodle, Dutch, and Schnitzel—in his home videos. During the pandemic, he added some fun to Zoom interviews with cookies for himself and his furry friends in his kitchen. His love for sweets is a throwback to his childhood in Austria: “I know it’s not the healthiest, but I enjoy sweets: cookies, ice cream, apple strudel, doughnuts, dark chocolate with nuts, and more. If someone brings sweets when they visit, I’m thrilled!”
Even doctors won’t stop Arnold Schwarzenegger from enjoying desserts and a daily cigar. He’s had three heart surgeries to replace valves due to an inherited condition from his mother and grandmother. But retirement isn’t on his mind—not for more money, but because he loves trying new things. Last year, he took on his first leading role in a series: in “Fubar,” he plays a retired CIA agent brought back for a job, only to discover his own daughter is an undercover agent. The comedy series, reminiscent of “True Lies,” quickly became a hit on Netflix, with a second season in the works. People appreciate that he doesn’t take himself too seriously. Plus, it’s good for business: He starred in a State Farm insurance commercial that aired during the Super Bowl, poking fun at his accent. “I once took an accent removal class. I should probably ask for a refund,” he joked on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”
Aside from his various commitments, Arnold Schwarzenegger stays busy with his two granddaughters, Lyla (3) and Eloise (1). They’re the daughters of his eldest daughter Katherine and “Guardians of the Galaxy” star Chris Pratt. “Becoming a grandfather was the first time I was congratulated for something I couldn’t do at all,” Schwarzenegger says with a smile. “I’m thrilled for Katherine because having a family was something she really wanted.” The granddaughters often visit their grandfather’s petting zoo, although they haven’t shown much enthusiasm for cleaning out the stable just yet. Donkey, pig, and pony manure doesn’t seem to be in their vision of the future (at least not yet)…
Jason Walker
Journalist – Serenewings.com
