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

Intro

In this episode of the “Science vs” podcast, host Wendy Zukerman interviews Arnold Schwarzenegger, a world-class performer who has achieved success in bodybuilding, acting, business, philanthropy, and politics. Schwarzenegger shares insights from his new book, “Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life,” and discusses topics such as building resilience, thinking big, processing grief, and more. He also opens up about his personal experiences, including his recovery from open-heart surgery. This episode offers valuable advice and inspiration for listeners looking to improve their lives and achieve their goals.

Main Takeaways

Building Resilience and Overcoming Challenges

• Schwarzenegger emphasizes the importance of staying active and healthy to prevent heart disease, drawing from his own experience with open-heart surgery.
• He shares his journey of recovery and highlights the significance of exercising his lungs to prevent pneumonia.
• Schwarzenegger sets goals and pushes himself to build strength and get out of the hospital as quickly as possible.
• He emphasizes the role of friends and family in providing support and motivation during difficult times.

Thinking Big and Achieving Goals

• Schwarzenegger’s upbringing taught him the importance of hard work and being useful to others.
• He shares his early entrepreneurial experience of selling ice cream to fulfill a need in his community.
• Schwarzenegger’s father’s message of being useful influenced his success and stayed with him throughout his life.
• He encourages listeners to think big and strive for bigger goals, drawing from his own experiences in bodybuilding and acting.

Shifting Gears and Adapting to New Circumstances

• Schwarzenegger’s success in different fields, such as bodybuilding, acting, and business, required him to shift gears and adapt to new challenges.
• He shares how he overcame initial obstacles, such as his accent and name, to stand out in Hollywood.
• Schwarzenegger emphasizes the importance of taking risks, betting on oneself, and being systematic in building a ladder to success.
• He discusses his transition into comedy and the importance of being open to new opportunities.

Lessons on Selling and Success

• Schwarzenegger highlights the art of selling and its critical role in achieving success.
• He challenges the negative perception of selling and emphasizes the importance of marketing and communication.
• Schwarzenegger shares his own experiences in selling himself and his talents, overcoming initial hesitations from studios.
• He encourages listeners to identify the real customer and adapt their selling approach to different audiences.

Embracing Aging and Finding Joy in Every Stage of Life

• Schwarzenegger discusses the challenges of aging and the importance of embracing it.
• He emphasizes the need for discipline, self-care, and making healthy choices as we age.
• Schwarzenegger shares his own experiences with chronic pain and health issues, highlighting that they do not discriminate based on age or status.
• He encourages listeners to find joy in every stage of life and make the most of their time.

Summary

Building Resilience and Overcoming Challenges

Schwarzenegger’s personal experience with open-heart surgery and recovery highlights the importance of staying active and healthy to prevent heart disease. He shares his journey of building resilience and emphasizes the role of exercise in preventing complications. Schwarzenegger sets goals and pushes himself to recover quickly, relying on the support of friends and family.

Thinking Big and Achieving Goals

Schwarzenegger’s upbringing and his father’s message of being useful influenced his success in various fields. He encourages listeners to think big and strive for bigger goals, drawing from his own experiences in bodybuilding and acting. Schwarzenegger shares his early entrepreneurial experience of selling ice cream and highlights the importance of hard work and serving others.

Shifting Gears and Adapting to New Circumstances

Schwarzenegger’s success in bodybuilding, acting, and business required him to shift gears and adapt to new challenges. He shares his experiences of overcoming initial obstacles, such as his accent and name, in Hollywood. Schwarzenegger emphasizes the importance of taking risks, being systematic in building a ladder to success, and being open to new opportunities.

Lessons on Selling and Success

Schwarzenegger highlights the art of selling and its critical role in achieving success. He challenges the negative perception of selling and emphasizes the importance of marketing and communication. Schwarzenegger shares his own experiences in selling himself and his talents, overcoming initial hesitations from studios. He encourages listeners to identify the real customer and adapt their selling approach to different audiences.

Embracing Aging and Finding Joy in Every Stage of Life

Schwarzenegger discusses the challenges of aging and the importance of embracing it. He emphasizes the need for discipline, self-care, and making healthy choices as we age. Schwarzenegger shares his own experiences with chronic pain and health issues, highlighting that they do not discriminate based on age or status. He encourages listeners to find joy in every stage of life and make the most of their time.

Conclusion

In this episode, Arnold Schwarzenegger shares valuable insights and lessons from his new book, “Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life.” From building resilience and thinking big to shifting gears and embracing aging, Schwarzenegger’s experiences and advice offer inspiration and guidance for listeners looking to improve their lives and achieve their goals. He emphasizes the importance of staying active, serving others, taking risks, and finding joy in every stage of life. Schwarzenegger’s journey of success serves as a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and never thinking small.