Notes on Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life

19 Nov, 2023

Main takeaways:

• He calls people “schnitzels”
• Vision is more important than any goal. It’s about who you become more than any achievement. A vision dictates your goals. Example: Vision: be the best body builder in the world. Goal: make body building popular in the US. goal: win N competitions. Etc
• You aren’t self made. Give back to others. Doing this is more fulfilling than any personal goals you achieve.
• don’t be afraid to turn down “good” opportunities, if accepting those opportunities take away from your vision. Example - Arnold wanted to be a leading man. He turned down roles as bouncers or Nazi officers, because he wanted to be a leading man.
• just as important, make decisions that prevent you from compromising on your vision. He bought an apartment after his first movie so he wouldn’t have to take roles he didn’t want.
• lifting gave kids more self confidence than any other sport or skill