The Tim Ferriss Show

#696: Be Useful — Arnold Schwarzenegger on 7 Tools for Life, Thinking Big, Building Resilience, Processing Grief, and More

Oct 2, 2023

Arnold Schwarzenegger, an iconic bodybuilder, actor, and former governor of California, shares his journey and life lessons. He discusses resilience and recovery following unexpected heart surgery, emphasizing the importance of setting small goals. Schwarzenegger reflects on his entrepreneurial beginnings and the role of hard work and community service in his success. He also explores shifting from action roles to comedy with 'Twins' and highlights the critical skill of selling as a pathway to success. Tune in for a dose of inspiration from a true master of reinvention!

01:19:24

Episode guests

Arnold Schwarzenegger

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Highlights

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Thinking big is crucial for achieving greater success and surpassing expectations.

The art of selling oneself and one's ideas plays a vital role in achieving success and creating opportunities.

The ability to adapt and shift gears when faced with unexpected situations allows for seizing new opportunities and continuing progress.

Deep dives

Importance of Thinking Big

Thinking big has been a consistent theme throughout Arnold Schwarzenegger's life. From his early days in bodybuilding, he pushed himself to compete in bigger competitions, aiming for Mr. Europe instead of just Mr. Austria. In his acting career, he set his sights on becoming a leading man, not settling for character roles. Thinking big allowed him to achieve greater success and surpass the expectations of others.

Unexpected New Era: Motivational Speeches and Books

02:53

Selling as an Art: The Importance of Adapting and Improvising

01:20

Lessons Learned in the Gym: Grow through Pain and Discomfort

01:11

Thinking Big and Taking Action in Pursuit of Dreams

01:21

Intro

4min

Exploring Resilience and Recovery: A Conversation on Overcoming Challenges

3min

Journey Through Unexpected Surgery and Recovery

4min

The Foundations of Resilience and Ambition

24min

From Action Star to Comedy Success: The Vision Behind 'Twins'

6min

The Art and Necessity of Selling for Success

6min

Shifting Gears: Embracing Change and Resilience

27min

Weekly Discoveries and Wellness Essentials

5min

Brought to you by Wealthfront high-yield savings account, Eight Sleep’s Pod Cover sleeping solution for dynamic cooling and heating, and AG1 all-in-one nutritional supplement.

Arnold Schwarzenegger (@schwarzenegger) is an Austrian-born bodybuilder, actor, businessman, philanthropist, bestselling author, and politician. He served as the thirty-eighth governor of California. His new book, Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life, is out October 10th, and his daily email newsletter Pump Club recently hit more than 500,000 subscribers and continues to grow as a positive corner of the Internet.

Schwarzenegger has made it his mission to give back. Since his time in the Governor’s house, he’s been working diligently to combat climate change, anti-semitism, ensure fair voting practices, help youth, work with Veterans, and inspire healthy living.

Please enjoy!

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[06:37] Recovering from heart surgery.

[11:19] Age 10 entrepreneurship.

[15:38] Arnold's dad and the importance of being useful.

[21:02] Arnold and his brother: same upbringing, different outcomes.

[27:53] Building ladders and never thinking small.

[34:49] When Arnold's self-bet to be a comedic lead paid off.

[41:26] We're all in sales.

[46:43] The significance of shifting gears.

[50:24] Grieving Franco Columbu.

[54:53] Aging.

[1:02:17] Arnold's current state of self-identity.

[1:05:07] What Arnold hopes readers take away from Be Useful.