I had the absolute pleasure and honor of meeting Arnold Schwarzenegger at the Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio recently. Arnold has reached an unprecedented level of success in a multitude of diverse areas and is clearly one of the most iconic individuals on the planet. I’ve watched his movies. I’ve read his books. Now I’ve had the opportunity to hear him speak and shake his hand. It’s cool to meet one of your childhood heroes, especially when they are still cool.

Arnold isn’t just a celebrity. He was governor of California twice! He is an incredible chess player. He is a statesman, a philanthropist, author, speaker, actor, and more! The more I learn about him, the more impressed I become. He strives to improve in all areas of life. I’m into that. I wish I could have asked him questions or interviewed him on my podcast, but just to hear him speak and shake his hand was really cool too.

This is some of what he has taught me:

1. Your Name is Your Brand: Early in his career people tried talk Arnold out of using his real name, Schwarzenegger. They thought it would deter people. He’s now an icon! Make your name mean something. Your reputation and personal integrity are invaluable assets in life. Everything you do reflects on your name, so always uphold it. Arnold’s name represents so much in fitness, public service, movies, books, and more!

2. Fit First. Fit Final: Arnold’s focus on fitness created the discipline and habits that transferred to all areas of life. Physical fitness is not just about looking good; it’s about being disciplined, committed, and resilient. It’s a metaphor for life—building strength and endurance to face challenges head-on. Focus on getting fitter and you will improve in other areas too. He’s 76, just got a pacemaker, and he’s still rocking the gym. Let’s go! This is my #1 Goal this year.

3. Stay Relevant: Arnold is as popular now as he ever was. He’s got a hit TV show, podcast, making movies, writing bestsellers, and more. He’s been doing this for over 50 years. Luck? I think not! Adaptability and staying current are essential in a rapidly changing world. Embrace new ideas and technologies to remain relevant in your field.

4. Be Good and Kind: Arnold is a giver, and he always has been. I love that about him. I watched him look out for others. Success means nothing if it comes at the expense of others. Use your platform and resources to lift others up. I respect him so much for his commitment to the Special Olympics. Always strive to be a good person and show kindness and compassion to those around you.

5. Make Time for Others: I watched Arnold at the Arnold Classic take time to talk with everyday people like me. He just likes people! It’s awesome! I have seen so many people make it and quit connecting as if they are above that.  True fulfillment comes from meaningful connections and relationships. Prioritize spending time with loved ones and supporting those in need.

6. Build & Rule Your Empire Well: I love that Arnold is awesome at a lot of different things! I remember him starring in Conan the Barbarian, and he really has become the warrior king. He has built an empire and takes care of a lot of people. It is cool to see in real life. Success is not just about achieving your goals but also about managing them effectively. Build your empire with integrity and lead with purpose.

7. Celebrate Others: Watching Arnold watch amateur athletes at the Arnold Classic was really fun. He celebrated everyone as if they were world champions. He looks for the good in others first and foremost. Acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of others. A rising tide lifts all boats, and supporting others’ success can contribute to your own.

8. Keep Adding Multiple Revenue Streams and Never Stop: Movies, sports, books, television, podcasts, apps, workout videos, newsletters and everywhere imaginable, you will find Arnold. If you want to be successful you need more than one stream of income. Diversify your sources of income and always be open to new opportunities for growth and financial stability.

9. Build a Community and Keep Them Excited: Arnold’s newsletter is great. I read it every morning. His community on his Pump Club App is on fire! Arnold has a way of bringing people together and getting them excited about the possibility of what could be. Cultivate a loyal community around your brand or mission and keep them engaged and enthusiastic about what you’re doing. It can be in the classroom, your family, or a side hustle. Build a community not customers.

10. Make Someone Else the Villain: Arnold absolutely takes ownership for his mistakes, but he has some fun with it too. I watched him speak in Columbus and someone asked if he would be on their podcast. (I’d like in on that too. LOL.) Arnold did NOT say no, instead he said, “Yes, I would love to but Keshel is responsible for booking me on podcasts. He checks on all of that and if I cannot make it, blame him,” and he laughed. It was pretty cool. Take responsibility for your actions and avoid blaming others for your failures or setbacks, but have some fun with it too. Explain to others why it might not work out. Don’t say yes and not do it, and don’t say no either.

11. Have an Annual Event and Keep Improving It: Arnold looked like he was with family at the Arnold Classic that he holds once a year, and I believe it to be true. I think we should all create an annual event to reconnect and celebrate with others. I know I am now going to do that. Create traditions or events that bring people together and continually strive to make them better each year. Arnold does!

12. Positivity Wins: Arnold seems to always have a smile on his face, even when lifting heavy weights and flexing. (Except maybe in the movies when he is fighting Predator.) Maintain a positive attitude even in the face of challenges. Optimism and resilience can help you overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.

13. Partner with Others: Arnold’s a BIG deal, but he understands the importance of partnering with others like the editors of his newsletter Adam Borstein and Danny Keschel as well as other actors and leaders in his lifetime. As an actor, governor, and businessman, Arnold is smart to make partnerships and work with others. We need to do the same. Collaboration and partnerships can amplify your impact and bring about mutually beneficial outcomes.

I really could easily add thirteen more, but this is already too long. I recommend reading his books, joining his Pump Club app, and subscribing to his newsletter.

Arnold is a competitor. He seeks competition because it pushes him. I heard him tell others to Get a Mission! Work Hard! and Be Useful! I became a founding member of his Pump Club and I would love to interview him on my Wired Educator Podcast to inspire educators and students and talk about his commitment to The Special Olympics.

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s wisdom encompasses far more than just lifting weights or starring in action movies. His insights into success, integrity, and resilience are applicable to all aspects of life. Let’s embrace these lessons and strive to become the best versions of ourselves, just as Arnold has done throughout his extraordinary life.

The two books I read of his are:

Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life 

and

Arnold: The Education of a Bodybuilder (Which teaches us how to get after our goals.)

In case you haven’t figured it out, I’m sorta a big fan of Arnold. I wanted to share this very special memory with you.

Let’s continue to inspire and uplift one another. Everyone has something to teach us, whether they are as famous as Arnold, a colleague or neighbor. Take time to connect and learn from everyone we encounter.

Always forward,

Kelly

I would like to speak at your event!

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Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker
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