How to set goals like a terminator
By Arnold: For me, the key to setting goals and achieving them always begins with visualization. You have to create a picture in your mind of what you want to achieve and imagine it’s already true. Then it’s almost easy to get there because you know what it is you want—it just takes time and work.
People fail to achieve goals because they can’t really see themselves succeeding, so they don’t believe they can, and then they quit at the first sign of adversity. Successful people don’t quit, because, in their minds, they’ve already won. It just isn’t official yet.
I like to use the example of how I brought up my calves to illustrate this. When I finally acknowledged that they were a serious weak point, I began to visualize my calves all the time—I saw them growing and taking shape. This automatically led to me taking practical steps to make them grow. To help me concentrate, even more, I cut the legs off my sweatpants so that I could see my calves whenever I trained. It didn’t matter how puny they looked; I kept seeing them as champion-level calves. Ultimately, my calves grew, and
my vision was fulfilled.
And that’s the formula for success: create an image and let it lead you down a path that makes it real.
Today we are sharing the valuable lessons from bodybuilding legend, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Rule #1: Trust Yourself
“I was determined to be unique.” no matter what anyone else said, Arnold believed he could make his bodybuilding dreams come true.
Rule #2: Team Up
He knew a strong and knowledgeable partner could assist and motivate him. So he teamed with powerhouse Franco Columbu for workouts. Arnold later applied this success secret to business.
Rule #3: Learn From Mistakes
When smooth 250-pound Arnold lost the 1968 Mr. U to lean and polished Frank Zane, he learned a valuable lesson. Afterward, he paid careful attention to all the details.
Rule #4: Profit From Mentors
Joe Weider taught Arnold about training, posing, promoting, and business. Throughout his diverse careers, Arnold has benefitted from the wisdom of experienced advisers.
Rule #5: Choose A Nourishing Environment
In fertile soil, a seed can grow into an oak. Training in Gold’s Venice twice daily amid his fellow Mr. Universes exposed Arnold to positive reinforcement, constructive criticism, and practical knowledge.
Rule #6: Break The Rules
Early in his career, Arnold’s calves lagged. But after consulting with Reg Park, he worked them six days per week–an unorthodox approach that helped turn a weakness into a strength. “you have to think outside the box,” Arnold states.
Rule #7: Invite Competition
To be his best, Arnold had to beat the best. That’s why he welcomed his duels with Oliva – the one man in the world who could actually challenge him when both were at their peaks.
Rule #8: Work Your Butt Off
He knew a strong and knowledgeable partner could assist and motivate him. So he teamed with powerhouse Franco Columbu for workouts. Arnold later applied this success secret to business.
Rule #9: Stay Hungry
When Arnold had nothing left to prove in one field (bodybuilding), he set out to prove himself in another (movies). He has continuously challenged himself.
Rule #10: Don’t Be Afraid To Fail
Arnold was advised against putting his immense reputation on the line in another Olympia. But, as always, he reveled in the challenge and refused to let fear of defeat dissuade him.
Rule #11: Ignore The Nay-Sayers
This applies to both those cautioning him against entering the ’80 Olympia and the chorus claiming he would never be more than a b-movie actor. “pay no attention to people saying it can’t be done,” Arnold instructs.
Rule #12: Give Something Back
“Whatever path you take in your life, you must always find time to give something back,” Arnold instructs. “Reaching out and helping people will bring you more satisfaction than anything else you have ever done.”
