I love arrogance and I love grit. Like a moth to a flame, I’m drawn to people who have overflowing levels of self-confidence.
And I think deep down we all do. But I really do.
So it should come as no surprise, that 18-year old me fell in love with Arnold Schwarzenegger. (also my dad and him are similar)
Today, I reread this book. When I reread it though, I was surprised at how many parts of his story I’d misremembered, and how many narratives I had told myself over the years that were simply not true.
I had to write.
Hard work is all you need. Directionality matters - and you’ll know within the first month whether something is worth investing hard work into.You can do it alone. Seek out mentors and experts. Keep a beginners mind.Life and luck is emergent Vision matters. You have to visualize success, before you achieve it.You can leave your family behind. Forever Arnold goes to America to pursue his dream, but ultimately takes care of his mother and brings him along for the journey later in life.Wealth comes from “the main thing” There are steps you can take (brick laying -> supplements -> real estate -> movies). Wealth eventually means income from multiple streams.You can fall into a leading role The only way to be a leading man, is to treat yourself as a leading man. Say no to subpar opportunities when things start working.Bodybuilding was a clear path to success Arnold marketed the hell out of everything he did. He was charismatic and helped bodybuilding go mainstream, just as he did with his movie career.
Arnold for me represents excellence - domination against three domains (strength, acting, and politics)
If you like this archetype, here are a few other biographies from winners: