Goal Setting: the Arnold Schwarzenegger Example
By Angie
“I knew I was a winner back in the late sixties. I knew I was destined for great things. People will say that kind of thinking is totally immodest. I agree. Modesty is not a word that applies to me in any way – I hope it never will.” ~ Arnold Schwarzenneger
Whether you love him or hate him, Arnold Schwarzenneger is a fantastic example of the potential power of goal setting. After moving to the US, he became a serial goal setter – writing his goals on index cards at the beginning of each year.
He wanted to be the greatest bodybuilder in the world which meant winning the title of Mr Olympia – he became the youngest ever Mr Olympia at the age of 23 (he’s won the title seven times).
He wanted financial success. He was a millionaire by the age of 30 thanks to successful business investments and ventures (this was before Hollywood!).
He wanted to become a successful Hollywood actor (44+ movies).
He wanted success in politics – he’s the current governor of California and the husband of 26 years to Maria Shriver (related to the Kennedy family).
Arnie once said the only thing a person needs to change their health and lifestyle is “a committed decision to reach a predetermined specific goal, combined with burning desire, followed by immediate, massive action repeated consistently for as long as it takes until your goal is reached“.
Pretty impressive stuff for a guy who started off in a small Austrian town! My point? Determination and perseverence can certainly go a long way. Goal setting is not lame or a waste of time! Think about Arnie next time you sit down to write a goals list.
I think you have not been reading the news in a looooong time, Angie. He really screwed up his personal life, in my opinion.
No one is perfect in every aspect of life. There is still a lot to be learned from many successes he has achieved. Highly recommend his autobiography. A truly inspiring life story!