Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger is an Austrian-American bodybuilder, actor and politician. He won the Mr. Olympia title seven times, starred in films such as The Terminator, and served as the 38th Governor of California.
5 quotes in this collection. Read them below, share your favourites, or follow the related links to explore similar voices.
All quotes by Arnold Schwarzenegger
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“You pick a goal, and then you just go after it, accomplish it, and get satisfaction out of that.”
Meaning: In a September 2004 Cowboys & Indians interview, Schwarzenegger described his approach as simple: choose a target, pursue it, and enjoy finishing. Keep your list short. Pick one goal for this month, define the daily action, and track it on a calendar. -
“Just remember, you can't climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets.”
Meaning: Schwarzenegger told University of Southern California graduates in 2009 that success demands active effort, not waiting for luck. Take your hands out of your pockets by doing the first uncomfortable action on a goal today, such as sending the email or booking the class. -
“Going through the pain barrier, that's what makes the muscles grow.”
Meaning: Schwarzenegger gave this training lesson in a May 2009 Guardian interview: progress comes from pushing just past what feels comfortable. The same applies to study or work. Raise difficulty slightly each week, such as one more problem or one harder task, then rest and repeat. -
“When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.”
Meaning: Said in the same 1982 Boston Globe interview, this defines strength by persistence rather than muscle. Quitting is always an option, and refusing it is the skill. When you want to stop a project, commit to one more small step today before deciding anything. -
“Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths.”
Meaning: In a 1982 Boston Globe interview, Schwarzenegger described how the effort of training, not the trophies, built his character. It reframes setbacks as the actual work. When something is hard this week, treat it as practice and note one skill it is building.