5 Tips Arnold Schwarzenegger Would Give to His Younger Self

Arnold Schwarzenegger has lived many lives—bodybuilding legend, Hollywood megastar, governor, and author. He built his life through grit, resilience, and a “no-excuses” mentality. He’s someone who’s embraced risk, tackled adversity head-on, and kept pushing boundaries. 

So, what advice would a guy like Arnold give to his younger self, knowing what he knows now? Based on his books like Be Useful and various interviews, here’s what Schwarzenegger might tell a younger Arnold – and anyone else trying to live life on their own terms.

1. Embrace the Hardship. It Builds Strength.

Arnold’s life isn’t the story of someone who had it easy. Growing up in post-war Austria, he didn’t have much, but he learned early on that struggle is what makes you stronger. He’s often said, “Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths.” What he’s saying is that pain, failure, and hard times are the real training ground. You don’t build resilience by dodging challenges—you build it by taking them head-on.

When he came to the U.S. with barely any English, Arnold had to fight for every inch he gained in bodybuilding and acting. Imagine trying to break into Hollywood with a thick accent and a last name most Americans couldn’t pronounce. But instead of letting the obstacles stop him, he used them as fuel to push harder. If he were talking to his younger self, he’d probably say, “Don’t run from the hard stuff. Run right into it. That’s how you’ll get strong.”

2. Set a Vision and Work Like Hell to Make It Happen

Arnold doesn’t believe in safety nets. As he often says, “Never have a Plan B.” As a teenager, he was already telling people he was going to be the best bodybuilder in the world and a Hollywood star. Most people would laugh at that kind of ambition, especially coming from a kid in a small town in Austria. But Arnold set his sights high and made it happen through relentless focus and brutal work.

His advice to his younger self would be to never stop setting big goals. Without a clear vision, you’re just coasting through life. Arnold’s success wasn’t accidental—he went after what he wanted with everything he had. If you’re going to do something, do it fully. Set the goal, block out the noise, and work like hell until it’s yours.

3. Write Everything Down and Track Your Progress

One of Arnold’s secrets to success is accountability—he holds himself to a standard, and one of the ways he does that is by writing things down. During his bodybuilding days, he’d log every workout, every rep, and every goal. Same when he transitioned into movies; he’d track his lines and go over the script repeatedly. Tracking progress isn’t just about remembering what you did; it’s about staying focused on where you’re going.

Arnold’s advice would be simple: don’t leave things to memory. Write it down, check it off, and review your progress. If you want to build something big, you need a map to keep you on course. Writing things down builds discipline and keeps you accountable, especially on the days when motivation is low.

4. Don’t Just Chase the Outcome—Enjoy the Grind

A lot of people get obsessed with the end goal, but Arnold has always emphasized the importance of loving the process. He believes that if you’re only focused on the finish line, you’re missing out on what makes the journey worthwhile. During his bodybuilding days, he wasn’t just thinking about trophies; he loved the hours spent in the gym, the meticulous diet, and the discipline that came with it. The work itself was the reward.

His advice here would be straightforward: fall in love with the grind. Don’t get caught up in just wanting results. Results are fleeting; what sticks with you is the discipline, the character, and the skills you build along the way. Arnold knows that success is never final, and failure is never fatal—it’s the effort that counts.

5. Always Be Useful: Make Yourself Valuable to Others

One of Arnold’s core philosophies, taught to him by his father, is to “be useful.” In Be Useful, he emphasizes the importance of contributing to the world, helping others, and leaving an impact. To Arnold, success isn’t just about personal gains; it’s about making a difference. He went from bodybuilding to movies to politics with one consistent mission: to be of value to others.

If he could go back, he’d remind his younger self to keep asking, “How can I be of service?” It’s not just about self-improvement; it’s about what you bring to the table. Find ways to be useful, whether it’s helping someone else succeed, sharing what you know, or even just being a positive influence. Arnold believes that this mindset is the key to a fulfilling life.

The Last Word

Arnold’s advice isn’t sugar-coated or complicated. It’s hard-hitting, practical, and rooted in his own experiences of going from a kid with big dreams in Austria to one of the most recognized figures in the world. His message to his younger self? Embrace the struggle, set a clear vision, hold yourself accountable, love the grind, and always find ways to be useful.

Schwarzenegger isn’t just talking about success—he’s lived it. And for anyone looking to carve out their own path, there’s no better guide than the man who did it all with grit and resilience.