Arnold Schwarzenegger

Quotes are word for word from the source.

• Lessons from competition

  “In sports, you learn competition means go after it, win it. And not to let anything else interfere. It's something you learn, and it sticks with you.”

  Our noteReflecting on how sports competition translates to other areas of life.

• Singular focus on goals

  “I consider myself an expert in looking into a particular idea or goal and then going after it without anything else in mind.”

  Our noteDescribing his ability to focus intensely on a chosen objective.

• Simple goal achievement

  “You pick a goal, and then you just go after it, accomplish it, and get satisfaction out of that.”

  Our noteExplaining his straightforward approach to success and satisfaction.

• Refusal to conform

  “I was one who did not conform and whose will could not be broken. Therefore I became a rebel.”

  Our noteDiscussing his upbringing and his refusal to follow the status quo.

• Overcoming fear

  “I always say don't be afraid of failure, because how far can you really fall? You found out - to the ground. It's right there. Now you know it isn't anything that should scare you.”

  Our noteEncouraging someone on Reddit who was afraid of failing at a new goal.

• Constructive criticism

  “Never complain if you don't have a better solution.”

  Our noteSharing a personal rule for professional and personal conduct.

• Power of community

  “Make sure that it is not about me. That it is about 'we.' Turn the 'me' into 'we,' and I guarantee you that you can change the world.”

  Our noteExplaining why the concept of a self-made man is a myth.

• Choosing personal heroes

  “My father told me to take Petrovich's picture down, and to find a German or Austrian hero. But I did not take the photograph down, because it didn't matter to me what flag he carried.”

  Our noteRecalling his childhood admiration for a Russian weightlifter.

• Speaking up

  “There are moments that are so wrong that we have to speak up.”

  Our noteExplaining why he addresses political and global crises.

• Owning communication mistakes

  “I'm sorry for saying those words. I try to be relentlessly positive, but sometimes my mouth gets ahead of me. I should have communicated better.”

  Our noteApologizing for his previous harsh language regarding personal freedom.