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Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life
THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
The seven rules to follow to realize your true purpose in life—distilled by Arnold Schwarzenegger from his own journey of ceaseless reinvention and extraordinary achievement, and available for absolutely anyone.
The world’s greatest bodybuilder. The world’s highest-paid movie star. The leader of the world’s sixth-largest economy. That these are the same person sounds like the setup to a joke, but this is no joke. This is Arnold Schwarzenegger. And this did not happen by accident.
Arnold’s stratospheric success happened as part of a process. As the result of clear vision, big thinking, hard work, direct communication, resilient problem-solving, open-minded curiosity, and a commitment to giving back. All of it guided by the one lesson Arnold’s father hammered into him above be useful. As Arnold conquered every realm he entered, he kept his father’s adage close to his heart.
Written with his uniquely earnest, blunt, powerful voice, Be Useful takes readers on an inspirational tour through Arnold’s tool kit for a meaningful life. He shows us how to put those tools to work, in service of whatever fulfilling future we can dream up for ourselves. He brings his insights to vivid life with compelling personal stories, life-changing successes and life-threatening failures alike—some of them famous; some told here for the first time ever.
Too many of us struggle to disconnect from our self-pity and connect to our purpose. At an early age, Arnold forged the mental tools to build the ladder out of the poverty and narrow-mindedness of his rural Austrian hometown, tools he used to add rung after rung from there. Now he shares that wisdom with all of us. As he puts it, no one is going to come rescue you—you only have yourself. The good news, it turns out, is that you are all you need.
The seven rules to follow to realize your true purpose in life—distilled by Arnold Schwarzenegger from his own journey of ceaseless reinvention and extraordinary achievement, and available for absolutely anyone.
The world’s greatest bodybuilder. The world’s highest-paid movie star. The leader of the world’s sixth-largest economy. That these are the same person sounds like the setup to a joke, but this is no joke. This is Arnold Schwarzenegger. And this did not happen by accident.
Arnold’s stratospheric success happened as part of a process. As the result of clear vision, big thinking, hard work, direct communication, resilient problem-solving, open-minded curiosity, and a commitment to giving back. All of it guided by the one lesson Arnold’s father hammered into him above be useful. As Arnold conquered every realm he entered, he kept his father’s adage close to his heart.
Written with his uniquely earnest, blunt, powerful voice, Be Useful takes readers on an inspirational tour through Arnold’s tool kit for a meaningful life. He shows us how to put those tools to work, in service of whatever fulfilling future we can dream up for ourselves. He brings his insights to vivid life with compelling personal stories, life-changing successes and life-threatening failures alike—some of them famous; some told here for the first time ever.
Too many of us struggle to disconnect from our self-pity and connect to our purpose. At an early age, Arnold forged the mental tools to build the ladder out of the poverty and narrow-mindedness of his rural Austrian hometown, tools he used to add rung after rung from there. Now he shares that wisdom with all of us. As he puts it, no one is going to come rescue you—you only have yourself. The good news, it turns out, is that you are all you need.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published October 10, 2023
About the author
Arnold Schwarzenegger
66 books813 followersArnold Alois Schwarzenegger is an Austrian-American bodybuilder, actor, businessman and politician, and served as the 38th Governor of the state of California.
Arnold gained worldwide fame as a Hollywood action film icon. Schwarzenegger was nicknamed "The Austrian Oak" and "The Styrian Oak" in his bodybuilding days, "Arnold Strong" and "Arnie" during his acting career, and more recently "The Governator" (A portmanteau word of Governor and Terminator, one of his film roles).
As a Republican, he was first elected on October 7, 2003, in a special recall election to replace then-Governor Gray Davis. Schwarzenegger was sworn in on November 17, 2003, to serve the remainder of Davis's term. Schwarzenegger was then re-elected on November 7, 2006, in California's 2006 gubernatorial election, to serve a full term as governor, defeating Democrat Phil Angelides, who was California State Treasurer at the time. Schwarzenegger was sworn in for a second term on January 5, 2007. In May 2004 and 2007, he was named as one of the Time 100 people who help shape the world.
Schwarzenegger was married to Maria Shriver and has four children.
Schwarzenegger's autobiography, Total Recall, was released in October 2012. He devotes one chapter called "The Secret" to his extramarital affair. The majority of his book is about his successes in the three major chapters in his life: bodybuilder, actor, and Governor of California.
Arnold gained worldwide fame as a Hollywood action film icon. Schwarzenegger was nicknamed "The Austrian Oak" and "The Styrian Oak" in his bodybuilding days, "Arnold Strong" and "Arnie" during his acting career, and more recently "The Governator" (A portmanteau word of Governor and Terminator, one of his film roles).
As a Republican, he was first elected on October 7, 2003, in a special recall election to replace then-Governor Gray Davis. Schwarzenegger was sworn in on November 17, 2003, to serve the remainder of Davis's term. Schwarzenegger was then re-elected on November 7, 2006, in California's 2006 gubernatorial election, to serve a full term as governor, defeating Democrat Phil Angelides, who was California State Treasurer at the time. Schwarzenegger was sworn in for a second term on January 5, 2007. In May 2004 and 2007, he was named as one of the Time 100 people who help shape the world.
Schwarzenegger was married to Maria Shriver and has four children.
Schwarzenegger's autobiography, Total Recall, was released in October 2012. He devotes one chapter called "The Secret" to his extramarital affair. The majority of his book is about his successes in the three major chapters in his life: bodybuilder, actor, and Governor of California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,751 reviews
November 18, 2023
I picked this one up out of curiosity, and frankly, it's shockingly good - and okay, I might also be biased because Arnold has the audacity to read the audiobook, so more than six ours, with this heavy Austrian accent, while I, as a German who also sounds ... let's say: interesting when I speak a foreign language, cringe when I hear myself on tape - I loved to listen to Schwarzenegger though. The title-giving rules sound simple, but frankly, they do require a lot of dedication and the ability to self-reflect:
1. Have a clear vision
2. Never think small
3. Work hard
4. Sell, meaning: convince others
5. Switch gears
6. Shut your mouth, open your mind
7. Destroy your mirrors
Schwarzenegger conveys his ideas by telling stories from his life, and as he had quite a career, these tales are entertaining and insightful, especially the ones that deal with overcoming odds and facing bad decisions. He puts a strong emphasis on succeeding as a member of a community, so it's not about optimizing singular profit (be it monetary or social), but improving oneself to improve the conditions of others, too. What a fascinating character this man is.
1. Have a clear vision
2. Never think small
3. Work hard
4. Sell, meaning: convince others
5. Switch gears
6. Shut your mouth, open your mind
7. Destroy your mirrors
Schwarzenegger conveys his ideas by telling stories from his life, and as he had quite a career, these tales are entertaining and insightful, especially the ones that deal with overcoming odds and facing bad decisions. He puts a strong emphasis on succeeding as a member of a community, so it's not about optimizing singular profit (be it monetary or social), but improving oneself to improve the conditions of others, too. What a fascinating character this man is.
March 7, 2024
In this book, I gleaned various insights, including WD-40, "I'll be back," 24 Hours, Amor Fati, Haruki Murakami, and more.
The seven useful tools outlined are:
1. Establish a clear vision.
2. Think big.
3. Embrace hard work.
4. Foster effective communication.
5. Cultivate resilience in problem-solving.
6. Remain open-minded and attentive.
7. Commit to social responsibility.
Recall the central message of "Be Useful" by integrating these seven tools into our lives and actively pursuing our dreams.
The seven useful tools outlined are:
1. Establish a clear vision.
2. Think big.
3. Embrace hard work.
4. Foster effective communication.
5. Cultivate resilience in problem-solving.
6. Remain open-minded and attentive.
7. Commit to social responsibility.
Recall the central message of "Be Useful" by integrating these seven tools into our lives and actively pursuing our dreams.
October 17, 2023
The audiobook is a MUST, especially if you love Arnold’s accent. Arnold reads it himself, starting the book out by saying: “I’m recording in my little home studio. If you hear my little pig, Schnelly, going oink oink oink, just bare with me.” I LOL’ed, quite literally.
Arnold amazes me by all that he has accomplished in his lifetime. I first fell in love with what he represented when I went to The Arnold in Columbus, OH in 2019. That led me down a rabbit hole of learning more about his life and his humble beginnings.
I’m part of Arnold’s daily Pump Club newsletter, and I feel like this is an extrapolation of a lot of the tools he teaches us in his daily newsletter. I really enjoyed the opening chapters about setting a vision. He says without a clear vision, how do you know where you’re going? People often float in their lives then wonder how they got to where they are today.
I also loved this opening part in his chapter titled “Work Your Ass Off”:
This would be a 5 star if there wasn’t an element of delusion to the book. Arnold acknowledges that he’s been given advantages by his start in bodybuilding that led to his ability to get into movie making and politics, but he pushes “hard work” throughout the whole book, rarely showing much empathy for individuals with limitations. He himself says that he “has good genetics” and “never gets tired”. At one point, he talks about how we all have 24 hours in a day and we can all give time to our goals - no excuses. He says that people ask him about when is a good time for rest and relaxation, and he says “naps are for babies, relaxing is for the retired”. I love Arnold, but parts like this alienated me from his message.
Overall, it was a motivating read and I walked away with a deeper understanding of “Be Useful” and what that means. I still love Schwarzenegger and all he stands for - an inspiration & a great read when you need a kick in the pants.
Arnold amazes me by all that he has accomplished in his lifetime. I first fell in love with what he represented when I went to The Arnold in Columbus, OH in 2019. That led me down a rabbit hole of learning more about his life and his humble beginnings.
I’m part of Arnold’s daily Pump Club newsletter, and I feel like this is an extrapolation of a lot of the tools he teaches us in his daily newsletter. I really enjoyed the opening chapters about setting a vision. He says without a clear vision, how do you know where you’re going? People often float in their lives then wonder how they got to where they are today.
I also loved this opening part in his chapter titled “Work Your Ass Off”:
I bet you and I have a lot in common. We’re not the strongest, smartest, or richest people we know. We are not the fastest or the most connected. We’re not the best looking or the most talented. We don’t have the best genetics, but what we DO have is something a lot of other people don’t have — the willingness to work. If there’s one unavoidable truth in this world, it’s that there is no substitute for putting in the work.
This would be a 5 star if there wasn’t an element of delusion to the book. Arnold acknowledges that he’s been given advantages by his start in bodybuilding that led to his ability to get into movie making and politics, but he pushes “hard work” throughout the whole book, rarely showing much empathy for individuals with limitations. He himself says that he “has good genetics” and “never gets tired”. At one point, he talks about how we all have 24 hours in a day and we can all give time to our goals - no excuses. He says that people ask him about when is a good time for rest and relaxation, and he says “naps are for babies, relaxing is for the retired”. I love Arnold, but parts like this alienated me from his message.
Overall, it was a motivating read and I walked away with a deeper understanding of “Be Useful” and what that means. I still love Schwarzenegger and all he stands for - an inspiration & a great read when you need a kick in the pants.
February 19, 2024
Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger is a quick and fascinating read. From his life’s experiences, Schwarzenegger lays out how he was able to achieve so much while coming from humble beginnings.
Schwarzenegger begins with having a clear vision. If you don’t have it, then start with creating little goals and keep completing them; day by day, week by week, month by month, year by year. The process never ends as life is a continuous journey of growth.
In Austria, Schwarzenegger got inspired by then famous bodybuilder and made it his goal to become the best in the field. So he went from vision to action. He felt passionate about bodybuilding. Thus, he felt like it wasn’t a matter of discipline for him to go to the gym as he loved doing it.
It was interesting to read how refreshing walks are and how many famous people used walks to create their time and space and were creative within that time and space.
Dream big. Ignore naysayers. He used any kind of negativity into motivation. No plan Bs as that would be already setting plan A for failure.
“Fulfilling a dream gives you the power to see further and deeper – further out into the world toward what is possible, and deeper into yourself to what you are capable of.”
“I learned that the only limits that truly exist are in our minds.”
The will to work is important part. You have to be diligent and consistent in your work.
After retiring from bodybuilding, he went into acting, then politics, and now philanthropy as you need to continue setting new goals.
His harsh childhood didn’t break his spirit, it rather helped him to find his passion and purpose. He chose the higher road and became his own creator, rather than taking a negative approach and blaming the system. I find his story and his ethics to make something of himself very inspiring.
My favorite chapter-title is “Shut Your Mouth, Open Your Mind.” In this chapter, he talks about the lesson he received from his first mentor who supported him in his dream of bodybuilding, who told him that he “can’t just be hungry for success and money and fame and muscles. We have to be hungry for knowledge as well… the world was the ultimate classroom, and that we need to be like a sponge, soaking up as much of it as we could…always be curious…it was better to ask good questions than to make smart statements.” Listen, learn, and grow.
I set to write a short review, but Schwarzenegger’s life’s journey is truly fascinating, how he propelled himself up, his high ethics, and the phenomenal drive to achieve unimaginable. This non-fiction is filled with his life’s stories which support what he aspired to do and continues to do.
TRENDING INSPIRATION: Be Useful
https://biopurposeland.blogspot.com/
Schwarzenegger begins with having a clear vision. If you don’t have it, then start with creating little goals and keep completing them; day by day, week by week, month by month, year by year. The process never ends as life is a continuous journey of growth.
In Austria, Schwarzenegger got inspired by then famous bodybuilder and made it his goal to become the best in the field. So he went from vision to action. He felt passionate about bodybuilding. Thus, he felt like it wasn’t a matter of discipline for him to go to the gym as he loved doing it.
It was interesting to read how refreshing walks are and how many famous people used walks to create their time and space and were creative within that time and space.
Dream big. Ignore naysayers. He used any kind of negativity into motivation. No plan Bs as that would be already setting plan A for failure.
“Fulfilling a dream gives you the power to see further and deeper – further out into the world toward what is possible, and deeper into yourself to what you are capable of.”
“I learned that the only limits that truly exist are in our minds.”
The will to work is important part. You have to be diligent and consistent in your work.
After retiring from bodybuilding, he went into acting, then politics, and now philanthropy as you need to continue setting new goals.
His harsh childhood didn’t break his spirit, it rather helped him to find his passion and purpose. He chose the higher road and became his own creator, rather than taking a negative approach and blaming the system. I find his story and his ethics to make something of himself very inspiring.
My favorite chapter-title is “Shut Your Mouth, Open Your Mind.” In this chapter, he talks about the lesson he received from his first mentor who supported him in his dream of bodybuilding, who told him that he “can’t just be hungry for success and money and fame and muscles. We have to be hungry for knowledge as well… the world was the ultimate classroom, and that we need to be like a sponge, soaking up as much of it as we could…always be curious…it was better to ask good questions than to make smart statements.” Listen, learn, and grow.
I set to write a short review, but Schwarzenegger’s life’s journey is truly fascinating, how he propelled himself up, his high ethics, and the phenomenal drive to achieve unimaginable. This non-fiction is filled with his life’s stories which support what he aspired to do and continues to do.
TRENDING INSPIRATION: Be Useful
https://biopurposeland.blogspot.com/
October 11, 2023
Due to the prevalence of online reels/stories, I've become increasingly aware of Arnold's philosophies around work, life and how to succeed. I've often been surprised by how inciteful a few-minute clip could be. I was, therefore, keen to read this book on release.
I got the E-book (for highlighting purposes) and audiobook as he performed it.
The audiobook is excellent, He reads the book but also elaborates on certain points, more than the text of the E-book. It's like listening to him chat rather than reading a book.
The content is split into tools, with each one being backed by his life experiences, sometimes in very direct and unflinching terms.
Many of the tools are straightforward, and common sense but that does not mean they are 'less than'.
The simplicity of the tools is actually a huge benefit. Anyone can implement them, just 'Wenn Schon, Denn Schon'.
(Roughly translated, it means “If you’re going to do something, DO IT. Go all out.”)
This could be a 'one-sitting book' due to its length but don't let that fool you.
I would have finished much quicker if I didn't have to take as many notes, highlight passages and jot down ideas. A prime example is Chapter 3. Do your own '24-Hour Countdown' rather than just reading it. It's eye-opening.
Five stars.
I got the E-book (for highlighting purposes) and audiobook as he performed it.
The audiobook is excellent, He reads the book but also elaborates on certain points, more than the text of the E-book. It's like listening to him chat rather than reading a book.
The content is split into tools, with each one being backed by his life experiences, sometimes in very direct and unflinching terms.
Many of the tools are straightforward, and common sense but that does not mean they are 'less than'.
The simplicity of the tools is actually a huge benefit. Anyone can implement them, just 'Wenn Schon, Denn Schon'.
(Roughly translated, it means “If you’re going to do something, DO IT. Go all out.”)
This could be a 'one-sitting book' due to its length but don't let that fool you.
I would have finished much quicker if I didn't have to take as many notes, highlight passages and jot down ideas. A prime example is Chapter 3. Do your own '24-Hour Countdown' rather than just reading it. It's eye-opening.
Five stars.
December 6, 2023
TE VOY A DECIR UNA COSA: HAZLO!
🌸Es más, mira la fotografía de este libro y dime: ¿Por qué este hombre ha triunfado en todo lo que se ha propuesto? ¿Por qué ha conseguido todo lo que ha querido lograr? ¿Puede, acaso, tener algo que nosotr@s no tenemos?
"¿Qué hubiera sucedido si no hubiera encontrado el fisicoculturismo o si lo hubiera practicado como un pasatiempo, en lugar de permitir que se transformara en una vocación?... ¿Cómo sería todo si me hubiera conformado con lo "suficiente?"
🌸Es más de los mases, ¿quién de nosotras hubiera dado un euro por un Terminator que quería hacer películas cómicas o por el actor de "Los gemelos golpean dos veces" que deseaba ser gobernador de California sin ser americano?
🌸Hay una frase que leí hace tiempo y que me impactó mucho: cuando no nos permitimos brillar, lo que estamos haciendo realmente es ser egoístas, pues impedimos que los demás crezcan como nosotros. ¿A cuánta gente crees que ha podido motivar la vida de Arnold? ¿Cuánta gente lo mira y se dice: si él ha podido yo también puedo?
🌸Y, tú, ¿cuánta gente podrías motivar si te atrevieras a brillar?
RECUERDA: HAY LIBROS QUE VIENEN A TI POR UN MOTIVO MUY ESPEICAL, y solo tú puedes abrirles las puertas o dejar que pasen de largo. En ti está la decisión de brillar o no...
🌸Es más, mira la fotografía de este libro y dime: ¿Por qué este hombre ha triunfado en todo lo que se ha propuesto? ¿Por qué ha conseguido todo lo que ha querido lograr? ¿Puede, acaso, tener algo que nosotr@s no tenemos?
"¿Qué hubiera sucedido si no hubiera encontrado el fisicoculturismo o si lo hubiera practicado como un pasatiempo, en lugar de permitir que se transformara en una vocación?... ¿Cómo sería todo si me hubiera conformado con lo "suficiente?"
🌸Es más de los mases, ¿quién de nosotras hubiera dado un euro por un Terminator que quería hacer películas cómicas o por el actor de "Los gemelos golpean dos veces" que deseaba ser gobernador de California sin ser americano?
🌸Hay una frase que leí hace tiempo y que me impactó mucho: cuando no nos permitimos brillar, lo que estamos haciendo realmente es ser egoístas, pues impedimos que los demás crezcan como nosotros. ¿A cuánta gente crees que ha podido motivar la vida de Arnold? ¿Cuánta gente lo mira y se dice: si él ha podido yo también puedo?
🌸Y, tú, ¿cuánta gente podrías motivar si te atrevieras a brillar?
RECUERDA: HAY LIBROS QUE VIENEN A TI POR UN MOTIVO MUY ESPEICAL, y solo tú puedes abrirles las puertas o dejar que pasen de largo. En ti está la decisión de brillar o no...
Read
November 14, 2023Arnold ma troszeczkę ego top, ale w sumie ja na jego miejscu też bym miała. Niektóre fragmenty czytane bez kontekstu brzmią trochę absurdalnie, ale totalnie zapadają w pamięć. Z pewnością ciekawsze niż zwykłe poradniki i bardzo pouczające.
February 23, 2024
This was a buddy read with Simon. We truly enjoyed it. Arnold Schwarzenegger entertained, engaged and inspired us as we listened to his resonant voice reading his own words. Here are the highlights:
From the introduction: "Every color, creed and orientation in a rainbow of humanity."
From Chapter 1: Have a Clear Vision:
"A 2004 study by the researchers at Stanford University showed that walking increased the creative thinking of 100% of the study participants."
"You need to be able to see what you want to achieve before you do it not as you do it."
From Chapter 3: Work Your Ass Off:
Regarding how to be successful in life - "American Country singer and sausage maker Jimmy Dean nailed it, he said, "Do what you say you are going to do and try to do it a little bit better than you said you would." In other words, under promise and over deliver.
From Chapter 5: Shift Gears:
"I have a rule, no complaining about a situation unless you're prepared to do something to make it better."
From Chapter 7: Break Your Mirrors:
My main take away from this chapters was about how reliant we are on others, how we learn and grow because of the various characters we come across. For example, we are all trying to make ourselves better because of the people in our lives, whether they had a positive or negative influence, they motivate us to change. We either learn what we want to become, or what we do not want to become.
Schwarzenegger doesn't like the term 'self-made man' as he believes that "None of us have ever done anything on our own, when you really think about it. We have always had help or guidance."
"Give back, pay it forward. Be useful as often as you can."
From the introduction: "Every color, creed and orientation in a rainbow of humanity."
From Chapter 1: Have a Clear Vision:
"A 2004 study by the researchers at Stanford University showed that walking increased the creative thinking of 100% of the study participants."
"You need to be able to see what you want to achieve before you do it not as you do it."
From Chapter 3: Work Your Ass Off:
Regarding how to be successful in life - "American Country singer and sausage maker Jimmy Dean nailed it, he said, "Do what you say you are going to do and try to do it a little bit better than you said you would." In other words, under promise and over deliver.
From Chapter 5: Shift Gears:
"I have a rule, no complaining about a situation unless you're prepared to do something to make it better."
From Chapter 7: Break Your Mirrors:
My main take away from this chapters was about how reliant we are on others, how we learn and grow because of the various characters we come across. For example, we are all trying to make ourselves better because of the people in our lives, whether they had a positive or negative influence, they motivate us to change. We either learn what we want to become, or what we do not want to become.
Schwarzenegger doesn't like the term 'self-made man' as he believes that "None of us have ever done anything on our own, when you really think about it. We have always had help or guidance."
"Give back, pay it forward. Be useful as often as you can."
October 29, 2023
3.5 stars rounded down — I appreciate Schwarzenegger's calm yet driven perspective on life, as well as his servant’s heart. "Be Useful" is a good primer on finding your goals and on how to live a life that is true to yourself. Given the title, I did expect the book to be focused a bit more on finding your purpose vs. just setting a goal. There is a chapter solidly dedicated to encouraging others to find ways to serve others, but overall I came away with more of a "be relentless" theme than "serve yourself by serving others." Schwarzenegger advocates personal responsibility for your own destiny, yet avoids the trap of blind privilege by also being adamantly clear that he did not achieve his success on his own.
The narrative is a little bit scattered at times, such as when he suddenly begins discussing the benefits of taking a walk, in depth, in the middle of a seemingly unrelated chapter. Having read a number of memoirs and self-help books, for me "Be Useful" landed squarely in the middle of the pack, but wasn't without benefit. It's a great book for seeing all the various sides of Schwarzenegger and exposing yourself to a little inspiration on the way.
The narrative is a little bit scattered at times, such as when he suddenly begins discussing the benefits of taking a walk, in depth, in the middle of a seemingly unrelated chapter. Having read a number of memoirs and self-help books, for me "Be Useful" landed squarely in the middle of the pack, but wasn't without benefit. It's a great book for seeing all the various sides of Schwarzenegger and exposing yourself to a little inspiration on the way.
October 4, 2023
Very useful.
February 15, 2024
My brother and I now have a booktube called The Brothers Gwynne. Check it out! The Brothers Gwynne
Some great tips from the man himself. I could listen to Arnie talk about anything and I always love hearing more regarding his mindset.
Some great tips from the man himself. I could listen to Arnie talk about anything and I always love hearing more regarding his mindset.
October 19, 2023
While I'll admit that I find it very charming to listen to Arnold read this book, unfortunately a lot of it is steeped in "Boomer advice".
Don't play video games, have fun at work, only ever work towards a goal. Rest and restitution is for pussies. Maybe if you have an extremely specific mindset, this book can work for you. Maybe things are different in the US
"Be me, with my dreams, in the time in history I was. Also make sure you don't have fun with anything but your vision."
The absolutely best part of the book is that Arnold himself is reading it to you.
Don't play video games, have fun at work, only ever work towards a goal. Rest and restitution is for pussies. Maybe if you have an extremely specific mindset, this book can work for you. Maybe things are different in the US
"Be me, with my dreams, in the time in history I was. Also make sure you don't have fun with anything but your vision."
The absolutely best part of the book is that Arnold himself is reading it to you.
February 10, 2024
I picked this one on a whim and so glad I did. The audiobook is excellent. Loved the straightforwardness of it and the basic ideas. “Own your story” “There is 24 hours in a day, use them.” Take what you need from the book and yes, as another review said it might be coming from a boomer perspective. The idea of working hard to get what you want though I think can be used for any one. Outcomes take input. Anyways, it did include politics but it was used in connection to his ideas.
February 27, 2024
Lieliska grāmata! Ļoti vērtīgas lietas, šķietami zināmas, vet tik labi, ka atgādina un nokiek “priekšā dienaskārtībā”!
Ceru, ka kāda no izdevniecībām šo izdos Latvijā!
Ceru, ka kāda no izdevniecībām šo izdos Latvijā!
October 29, 2023
Schwarzenegger shares immensely wise words of advise. He shares examples of using these "tools for life", through examples of his life experiences. Totally fascinating read. His words will stay with me forever.
I'd like to thank Random House, the author Arnold Schwarzenegger and Goodreads, for the opportunity to read this advanced reading copy of his book.
I'd like to thank Random House, the author Arnold Schwarzenegger and Goodreads, for the opportunity to read this advanced reading copy of his book.
December 1, 2023
No, no, no & no - I had the impression that I was reading Yet Another Self-help Book for bored housewives (no offense, housewives). Uninspired, flat, no captivating stories/thoughts/moments. Fortunately, it's rather short (it took me two running sessions to get through it), so I didn't waste too much time. The funny thing is, I was somehow convinced that I enjoyed his previous book ("Total Recall"), but in fact, I did not (as I've found out from my old interview) - I've enjoyed his documentary - but not Netflix'es "Arnold" but quite ancient "Pumping Iron"! OK, never mind, let's get back to the book ...
I couldn't help the feeling that he wrote this book after his political career collapsed & he suffered a family scandal - he didn't want to be remembered/perceived as someone whose monument has been - maybe not shattered - but seriously scratched. So he has written a book to provide some explanations & explain to the poor reader that there is no grandiosity gone here ;)
2 stars, not more. The only fragment that actually made me smile was:
"Rest is for babies, relaxation is for the retired." - definitely a good punchline ;> (that was already heavily criticized across all the major media)
I couldn't help the feeling that he wrote this book after his political career collapsed & he suffered a family scandal - he didn't want to be remembered/perceived as someone whose monument has been - maybe not shattered - but seriously scratched. So he has written a book to provide some explanations & explain to the poor reader that there is no grandiosity gone here ;)
2 stars, not more. The only fragment that actually made me smile was:
"Rest is for babies, relaxation is for the retired." - definitely a good punchline ;> (that was already heavily criticized across all the major media)
October 17, 2023
Ich glaube, dieses Buch lässt sich schwer mit anderen "Selbsthilfe-Büchern" vergleichen.
Wer sich ein Ziel im Leben setzen und dieses erreichen möchte, macht mit Arnold Schwarzenegger als Vorbild natürlich alles richtig. Die Disziplin dieses Mannes ist wirklich beeindruckend.
"Be Useful" enthält einerseits viele Tipps und vor allem unglaublich viele Denkanstöße, um ein ähnliches Mindset wie Arnie zu bekommen und seine Ziele zu erreichen.
Andererseits erklärt er alles - manchmal etwas sehr ausschweifend - an Beispielen aus seinem Leben, seinen Werken und von seinen Freunden. Für jeden Arnie-Fan ist das vermutlich sehr interessant (es sei denn, ihr habt bereits seine Biografie gelesen, da wiederholt sich nämlich so einiges!). Für alle anderen könnte es aber eher störend sein, da er erstmal lang und breit von seinem Leben erzählt bevor er auf den Punkt - den Tipp - kommt.
Davon abgesehen ist der Schreibstil etwas gewöhnungsbedürftig. Ich denke aber fast, dass das an der deutschen Übersetzung liegt und im englischen Original wesentlich besser klingt.
Schlussendlich konnte ich persönlich wirklich sehr viele Denkanstöße daraus mitnehmen und bin mit neuer Motivation aus dem Buch hervorgegangen :)
Nichtsdestotrotz denke ich, dass man sich als Leser wenigstens ein bisschen für Schwarzenegger interessieren muss, um das Buch wirklich mögen zu können.
Wer sich ein Ziel im Leben setzen und dieses erreichen möchte, macht mit Arnold Schwarzenegger als Vorbild natürlich alles richtig. Die Disziplin dieses Mannes ist wirklich beeindruckend.
"Be Useful" enthält einerseits viele Tipps und vor allem unglaublich viele Denkanstöße, um ein ähnliches Mindset wie Arnie zu bekommen und seine Ziele zu erreichen.
Andererseits erklärt er alles - manchmal etwas sehr ausschweifend - an Beispielen aus seinem Leben, seinen Werken und von seinen Freunden. Für jeden Arnie-Fan ist das vermutlich sehr interessant (es sei denn, ihr habt bereits seine Biografie gelesen, da wiederholt sich nämlich so einiges!). Für alle anderen könnte es aber eher störend sein, da er erstmal lang und breit von seinem Leben erzählt bevor er auf den Punkt - den Tipp - kommt.
Davon abgesehen ist der Schreibstil etwas gewöhnungsbedürftig. Ich denke aber fast, dass das an der deutschen Übersetzung liegt und im englischen Original wesentlich besser klingt.
Schlussendlich konnte ich persönlich wirklich sehr viele Denkanstöße daraus mitnehmen und bin mit neuer Motivation aus dem Buch hervorgegangen :)
Nichtsdestotrotz denke ich, dass man sich als Leser wenigstens ein bisschen für Schwarzenegger interessieren muss, um das Buch wirklich mögen zu können.
July 1, 2023
Fascinating read on Arnold and his trials and tribulations. Some good content and easy to follow and read
February 26, 2024
Eh…I thought this might be interesting and maybe a different perspective on the usual “self help” book than the millions of ones out there so I took a shot at this.
While on paper things about this book should make sense. Arnold being a very successful body builder, actor and politician you’d think he’d have some amazing insight in what brought him to where he is. But most of what he talks about and has labeled as his 7 rules is just plain common sense like “work hard” or “have a plan in place” just doesn’t seem like great advice to me.
While I really like his attitude and I get the feeling he would be a really good motivational speaker, I just didn’t think the steps were that great and most of it was pretty basic, simple things you don’t need a book to tell you to do.
I’m on the fence on this one. 3 stars
While on paper things about this book should make sense. Arnold being a very successful body builder, actor and politician you’d think he’d have some amazing insight in what brought him to where he is. But most of what he talks about and has labeled as his 7 rules is just plain common sense like “work hard” or “have a plan in place” just doesn’t seem like great advice to me.
While I really like his attitude and I get the feeling he would be a really good motivational speaker, I just didn’t think the steps were that great and most of it was pretty basic, simple things you don’t need a book to tell you to do.
I’m on the fence on this one. 3 stars
February 17, 2024
From one hand, you won't find anything unusual or profound in this book — it's just old-fashioned life wisdom you've probably heard many times before, but from the other hand, it's coming from a genuinely good dude who worked his ass off his whole life, inspired so many people and accomplished so much. It's especially nice to listen to the audiobook narrated by Arnold himself, it's full of warmth and heart.
April 4, 2024
Great motivational book!
January 11, 2024
Be useful to the world. Break the mirror and help others and make a difference in someone's life. Help people. Do what you can. We live in a very individualistic society so it's important to remind yourself of that.
I found Arnolds take on failure interesting coming from a body builder, you only succeed in a work out once your muscles fail. So his goal is to fail fail fail. He welcomes it because he knows that that is what brings growth. It's a great metaphor for success in life.
Once Arnold conquered the body building world he went on to becoming a leading man in Hollywood, and then he went on to being the governor of California. Now in this chapter of his life he's trying to help others.
His mom was the best mom and his dad was good but sometimes drank too much and would physically abuse him. But he doesn't hold his dad in ill regard. In fact that's another value about Arnold is that he's always thinking positively, always seeing the good.
Arnold came from Austria and he always dreamed of coming to America as a body builder which at the time was unheard of. Body building was deferent in the States and he brought new things and he learned new things from other body builders in the States.
I found Arnolds take on failure interesting coming from a body builder, you only succeed in a work out once your muscles fail. So his goal is to fail fail fail. He welcomes it because he knows that that is what brings growth. It's a great metaphor for success in life.
Once Arnold conquered the body building world he went on to becoming a leading man in Hollywood, and then he went on to being the governor of California. Now in this chapter of his life he's trying to help others.
His mom was the best mom and his dad was good but sometimes drank too much and would physically abuse him. But he doesn't hold his dad in ill regard. In fact that's another value about Arnold is that he's always thinking positively, always seeing the good.
Arnold came from Austria and he always dreamed of coming to America as a body builder which at the time was unheard of. Body building was deferent in the States and he brought new things and he learned new things from other body builders in the States.
October 29, 2023
Loved hearing Arny's version of the pathway to success. There was nothing really new to his method, but the way he delivers the message is and he made it exciting. He's very motivating.
Some favorite lines: "wenn schon, denn schon"- if you're going to do something, do it, go all out
Work works
Don't do the bare minimum and think this is all set, I took care of it. No. Don't be a lazy fu*k. Do the work. Completely! Follow through
Busyness is Bullsh*t, we all have things to do, make time to work for it.
Rule " no complaining about a situation unless you're prepared to do something to make it better.
Some favorite lines: "wenn schon, denn schon"- if you're going to do something, do it, go all out
Work works
Don't do the bare minimum and think this is all set, I took care of it. No. Don't be a lazy fu*k. Do the work. Completely! Follow through
Busyness is Bullsh*t, we all have things to do, make time to work for it.
Rule " no complaining about a situation unless you're prepared to do something to make it better.
November 30, 2023
I admit, this was an impulse buy, and the main reason I bought it was because I couldn’t resist the idea of listening to Arnie read me an audiobook. I grew up loving his films and his accent, so I wasn’t really expecting much from this beyond the narration, but after I got over the initial amusement of walking around my house with him on loud speaker, I actually got pretty absorbed in the contents.
From the outside, his life had always seemed so random to me—from body building to acting to being a the Governor of California—that I assumed chance and luck had swept him down on all these paths. Through listening to this, I realised how intentional all of it was, unified by a very early dream of going to America, and how he worked to make it all happen. From the get go he planned to use bodybuilding as a path to becoming a movie star, and even his shift into comedies was driven by his own ideas and determination. The more I listened, the more I realised that the pairing of being a body builder and having an accent had often made people underestimate him, but he regularly overcame this and even used it to his advantage. It was interesting to get an insight into the way he thinks and approaches things.
The other thing I appreciated about this book was that it didn’t feel totally narcissistic and self-focused. He regularly mentions and quotes other people who he admires, both famous and ordinary, talks about people who have helped him, and turns his nose up at the idea of the ‘self-made man’. He devotes chapters to things like listening to others and giving back to your community. All in all, I came out of this with a greater respect for him than I had going in, and a better understanding of his life and what got him to where he is today. I'm not aligned with him on everything politically, and ego has of course driven a lot of what he's done (I'd wager it's the same for all actors and politicians) but I believe he genuinely wants to help people and do good in the world.
In terms of life advice, I don’t think all of the suggestions in this will work for all personality types and situations, but I found some of it motivating and useful. So if you like Arnold Schwarzenegger, this is a short, fun, and motivating read, and a good way to learn about his life and his way of thinking in his own words (and in the case of the audiobook – his own voice!).
From the outside, his life had always seemed so random to me—from body building to acting to being a the Governor of California—that I assumed chance and luck had swept him down on all these paths. Through listening to this, I realised how intentional all of it was, unified by a very early dream of going to America, and how he worked to make it all happen. From the get go he planned to use bodybuilding as a path to becoming a movie star, and even his shift into comedies was driven by his own ideas and determination. The more I listened, the more I realised that the pairing of being a body builder and having an accent had often made people underestimate him, but he regularly overcame this and even used it to his advantage. It was interesting to get an insight into the way he thinks and approaches things.
The other thing I appreciated about this book was that it didn’t feel totally narcissistic and self-focused. He regularly mentions and quotes other people who he admires, both famous and ordinary, talks about people who have helped him, and turns his nose up at the idea of the ‘self-made man’. He devotes chapters to things like listening to others and giving back to your community. All in all, I came out of this with a greater respect for him than I had going in, and a better understanding of his life and what got him to where he is today. I'm not aligned with him on everything politically, and ego has of course driven a lot of what he's done (I'd wager it's the same for all actors and politicians) but I believe he genuinely wants to help people and do good in the world.
In terms of life advice, I don’t think all of the suggestions in this will work for all personality types and situations, but I found some of it motivating and useful. So if you like Arnold Schwarzenegger, this is a short, fun, and motivating read, and a good way to learn about his life and his way of thinking in his own words (and in the case of the audiobook – his own voice!).
October 28, 2023
This book got a surprisingly good review from The Guardian and as one who likes to read the occasional personal productivity/self-help books, I thought – why not give the Terminator a go? Here’s why not: This is a book that tells you how amazing Arnold Schwarzenegger is. Really amazing. He was the best bodybuilder, ever. The inventor of action film heroes. The most fantastic governor California ever had. And through it all — he was just helping people. Many of the things he says, he says more than once. He flew people around on his personal jet — several times. He’s really good pals with lots of super-famous people and thanks, among others, Nelson Mandela and Mikhail Gorbachev in his acknowledgements. He even thanks his ex-wife for being a great mom to their kids. Yes, he’s a great guy. No, his book isn’t worth buying. Unless you really want to know a lot more about what a great guy he is.
Read
October 13, 2023Audiobook. I think the audiobook is the only choice for this thing. A good self help motivational text. Have a clear vision, don't think small, work your ass off, shift gears, etc.
I thought it would be more concrete mental tools about usefulness, but it was more of elaboration about his career. Which is great, still. Especially to listen to Arnold read it himself. Not a critical or life changing text for me, but it was a nice listen.
I thought it would be more concrete mental tools about usefulness, but it was more of elaboration about his career. Which is great, still. Especially to listen to Arnold read it himself. Not a critical or life changing text for me, but it was a nice listen.
November 9, 2023
Nothing new here but it’s a joyous and entertaining read on having a vision, a plan, and just knuckling down and doing it and never forgetting who helped you- gratitude and paying it forward. A good gift for a high school graduate.
January 26, 2024
I read this ironically, but I have to admit, it was actually a pretty sick audiobook.
At the opening he says he's in his home studio, so you may hear his pig Schnitzel come in the room. His conversational style creates a funny sense of intimacy, as if the Governator himself is sitting at your kitchen table, telling you what he learned about life while he was shooting the Terminator with "Jim".
Content wise there isn't anything revolutionary, but I think that's as it should be. I don't think the basic principles of being a useful, positive, healthy person should be that complicated or novel. I really loved the way he breaks down the process of creating a vision and purpose, and how you can work towards it in small steps and slowly hone in on it.
The way Arnold delivers his message is really what makes this book great. His voice, his humour, drawing from his own extraordinary journey--it worked for me! I found myself feeling more motivated, and I even found that throughout my days while reading this, I would actually put into practice some of the things he was telling me about. I've had my girlfriend occasionally give me similar advice, but she's not nearly as muscular or as German.
I don't especially like his movies, or his politics, or even care about bodybuilding, but somehow I found myself connecting with Arnold Schwarzenegger. I've always been the kind of person who sort of forges his own weird path, and walk this line of people laughing with me/at me, which I am aware of and use to my advantage. If a puny baby man such as myself can learn from Arnold, why not you?
At the opening he says he's in his home studio, so you may hear his pig Schnitzel come in the room. His conversational style creates a funny sense of intimacy, as if the Governator himself is sitting at your kitchen table, telling you what he learned about life while he was shooting the Terminator with "Jim".
Content wise there isn't anything revolutionary, but I think that's as it should be. I don't think the basic principles of being a useful, positive, healthy person should be that complicated or novel. I really loved the way he breaks down the process of creating a vision and purpose, and how you can work towards it in small steps and slowly hone in on it.
The way Arnold delivers his message is really what makes this book great. His voice, his humour, drawing from his own extraordinary journey--it worked for me! I found myself feeling more motivated, and I even found that throughout my days while reading this, I would actually put into practice some of the things he was telling me about. I've had my girlfriend occasionally give me similar advice, but she's not nearly as muscular or as German.
I don't especially like his movies, or his politics, or even care about bodybuilding, but somehow I found myself connecting with Arnold Schwarzenegger. I've always been the kind of person who sort of forges his own weird path, and walk this line of people laughing with me/at me, which I am aware of and use to my advantage. If a puny baby man such as myself can learn from Arnold, why not you?
December 2, 2023
5 stars
Someone on amazon left a review and said " I FEEL PUMPED" and I could not say it any better!!! This is the vibe this book will leave you with. Not motivated, not dreamy, but pumped, empowered, confident, positive and over all in a good mood (because it is also funny at times).
Brilliant!!! What a pleasant surprise!!! This book it's MUST read by anyone! Each and every person could take something away from this book.
What I loved about the book: Arnold is such a straight shooter, he is sincere, he says it as he sees it and he speaks for people at all levels, whether you are a celebrity or a broke no-one, there is something in there for each person.
The advices are solid and I loved the parallels with the gym as I can relate to them since i love weight lifting/strength training.
More than once Arnold surprised me with how humble he was, how witty he was and how deep he dived with some concepts. It takes a lot of courage just to be these things, let alone everything else.
It is amazing because we get a glimpse into Arnold's mind, his mindset, the way he focused to and achieved everything he did at different times in his life. What a treat!!!
Thank you, Arnold! For sharing all this with us!!! Thank you!
Someone on amazon left a review and said " I FEEL PUMPED" and I could not say it any better!!! This is the vibe this book will leave you with. Not motivated, not dreamy, but pumped, empowered, confident, positive and over all in a good mood (because it is also funny at times).
Brilliant!!! What a pleasant surprise!!! This book it's MUST read by anyone! Each and every person could take something away from this book.
What I loved about the book: Arnold is such a straight shooter, he is sincere, he says it as he sees it and he speaks for people at all levels, whether you are a celebrity or a broke no-one, there is something in there for each person.
The advices are solid and I loved the parallels with the gym as I can relate to them since i love weight lifting/strength training.
More than once Arnold surprised me with how humble he was, how witty he was and how deep he dived with some concepts. It takes a lot of courage just to be these things, let alone everything else.
It is amazing because we get a glimpse into Arnold's mind, his mindset, the way he focused to and achieved everything he did at different times in his life. What a treat!!!
Thank you, Arnold! For sharing all this with us!!! Thank you!
November 10, 2023
More of a reminder to work hard, be positive, and give back using examples from his own life and career as opposed to in-depth explanations of these 'tools' and the benefits they bring. Got to love ol' Schnitzel though, legend.
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