In his book Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life, Arnold Schwarzenegger, world-renowned bodybuilder, Hollywood actor, and former Governor of California, shares the lessons that shaped his incredible life. With a voice that’s both tough and inspiring, Arnold outlines seven essential tools that anyone can use to create a life of purpose, success, and contribution.
Here’s a closer look at his wisdom, and how you can start applying it to your own journey.
For those who just see him as a hunk of muscle, I hope this gives you a greater insight into the businessman and the strategist, that this legend truly is.
1. Vision: Define a Clear Picture of Your Goals
“You can have the best ship in the world, but if the captain doesn’t know where to go, you’re lost.”
Arnold insists that everything begins with a clear vision. Without a vivid mental picture of where you’re headed, your energy and efforts are scattered. Vision sharpens your focus and fuels your persistence through obstacles. Whether it’s sculpting your dream body, launching a business, or creating a fulfilling family life, clarity is your first weapon.
Ask yourself: What do I truly want? Write it down. Visualise it daily. Let it guide your decisions.
2. Think Big: Smash Through Your Limitations
“The only way to be truly satisfied is to push beyond your limits. Dream huge dreams, then double them.”
Arnold’s life is a testament to thinking far beyond conventional boundaries. Growing up in a small Austrian town, he envisioned not just being a bodybuilder, but the best in the world. Then he dreamt of Hollywood stardom, and later public service. At every step, he ignored the voices telling him it was impossible.
Thinking small guarantees small results. If your goals don’t scare you a little, they’re probably not big enough.
3. Work Hard: Outwork Everyone
“You can have all the talent in the world, but if you don’t work your arse off, you’re not going anywhere.”
No surprise here: Arnold ties relentless work ethic directly to success. His early morning gym sessions, marathon acting lessons, and tireless campaigning for governor were all driven by discipline, not just passion.
Hard work, day after day, compounds into extraordinary achievements. The key isn’t just putting in hours, it’s putting in focused hours on what matters most.
4. Sell, Sell, Sell: Master the Art of Communication
“You can have the greatest product in the world, but if you can’t sell it, it doesn’t matter.”
Schwarzenegger highlights a skill many overlook: the ability to sell. Not just products, but ideas and yourself. Whether pitching a movie role, campaigning for votes, or negotiating business deals, his ability to communicate clearly and persuasively has been crucial.
Learn to tell your story. Believe in what you’re offering. Practise connecting with people and sharing your vision passionately.
5. Shift Gears: Adapt When Necessary
“You can’t climb the ladder of success with your hands stuck in your pockets.”
Adaptability is another of Arnold’s critical tools. When bodybuilding no longer challenged him, he shifted to acting. When Hollywood tired of action heroes, he shifted into politics. He didn’t cling to old identities, he evolved.
Life demands agility. The more willing you are to pivot, learn new skills, and embrace change, the more opportunities you’ll unlock.
6. Shut Your Mouth, Open Your Mind: Be a Lifelong Student
“When you’re talking, you’re not learning.”
Arnold reminds us: stay humble enough to listen. He credits much of his success to surrounding himself with smart people, listening to mentors, and constantly seeking new knowledge.
Resist the urge to prove yourself all the time. Instead, ask questions, absorb feedback, and stay curious. Every person you meet knows something you don’t.
7. Break Your Mirrors: Serve Others
“Look beyond yourself. True satisfaction comes from improving the lives of others.”
The final—and perhaps most profound—tool is service. Arnold’s father instilled the idea that a life worth living is a life that’s useful, to your family, your community, your country.
After achieving personal success, Arnold turned outward, dedicating time and resources to causes bigger than himself. Serving others isn’t just about charity, it’s about finding deeper purpose.
Arnold leaves us with a powerful question… How can you be useful?
In a world obsessed with individual achievement, Schwarzenegger’s message is refreshing, greatness is not just about what you do for yourself, but how you lift others up.
Take a moment today. Look at your goals through the lens of these seven tools.
Ask yourself:
* Where do I need more vision?
* Am I thinking big enough?
* Could I work a little harder, sell a little smarter, or shift gears faster?
* Am I truly listening and am I focused on helping others?
By living these principles, you won’t just find success, you’ll build a life that matters.
“Be useful. Serve others. And you’ll find that happiness and success chase you down.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Be Useful