Be Useful

Be Useful is an autobiographical collection of 7 rules that helped fitness legend, Hollywood icon, and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger live life to the fullest, ready to keep you inspired and taking action until your dreams come true.

Arnold’s young life was full of “ads” for America. The movies he watched were made in Hollywood. Magazine covers showed the Golden Gate Bridge and people driving Cadillacs. At 10 years old, Arnold had no idea what he would do in the USA — he just knew he belonged there.

It’s a good idea for outlining a vision for your life, he thinks. Going back to your childhood, that is. “It’s obviously not that easy, but it is that simple,” Arnold says. “Think very broadly about the things you used to love.” You don’t need to know you want to be a concert pianist playing a Chopin piece at the Royal Albert Hall. Go broad, then zone in later.

For Arnold, zoning in happened at the gym. He read an article about Reg Park, a man from humble beginnings who had become Mr. Universe. Then, Reg broke into acting thanks to the title. “That’s my path to America!” Arnold thought. And off he went.

“For you, the path will be different; so will the destination,” Arnie writes. “Maybe it involves a career choice and a change in scenery. Maybe it involves a hobby that you want to turn into a lifestyle.” There are no wrong answers. Just pay attention to which specific parts of your broader vision speak to you, then narrow the focus when you can.

Sooner or later, your vision will become very specific, and then all you’ll have to do is…

Arnold’s most preeminent piece of advice is “Work your butt off,” as he states in his unmistakable accent. Between sharing this rule in his 2005 USC commencement address and in his 2023 book, I noticed his definition of “work hard” has grown larger. Perhaps his age has taught Arnold that there’s more than one way to do your best. Alas, both versions of him exist: The hardcore fitness fanatic who worked out five hours a day, and the more mellow but still focused writer, who admits that even an hour a day can go a long way. “If you want to write a novel, sit down and write for an hour every day, and aim for just one page. At the end of the year, you will have a 365-page manuscript. That’s a book!” he says. Whether you’re young and full of energy or a mom of two kids with little time to spare, don’t let your dreams die on the back burner. Put in whatever time…