Arnold Schwarzenegger interview with Adam Bornstein from Ladder
In an exclusive interview, Arnold Schwarzenegger shares insights into his life, emphasizing the power of routines as the foundation of his success. He regards routines as essential, comparing them to the stable structure of a building. Schwarzenegger discusses his morning rituals, including waking up at 5:00 AM, exercising, and focusing on tasks without conscious effort. He stresses the importance of automatic habits, encouraging individuals to overcome difficulties and build routines gradually. Schwarzenegger recounts his early days in bodybuilding, highlighting the significance of discipline and routine.
The interview delves into Schwarzenegger's approach to setbacks, focusing on setting clear goals and believing in oneself. He emphasizes the value of repetition, visualization, and finding motivation to achieve goals. Schwarzenegger shares his experience with meditation and the benefits of focused thinking, which helped him compartmentalize his life effectively.
Additionally, Schwarzenegger discusses balancing technology and personal connections, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face communication within families. He shares surprising aspects of his life, such as his passion for painting and love for animals.
Throughout the interview, Schwarzenegger's message centers on the power of discipline, routine, and belief in oneself, offering valuable life lessons and motivation for viewers.
Arnold Schwarzenegger | Exclusive Ladder Interview
Rituals and Routines in Arnold Schwarzenegger's Life 00:13
Arnold Schwarzenegger refers to his daily rituals as routines, which he believes are important and act as the foundation of his life.
He emphasizes that routines help eliminate the need for excessive thinking and allow him to accomplish tasks without hesitation.
Schwarzenegger highlights the significance of routines by comparing them to the basic structure of a building or the foundation of a house.
"Routines are very important. It's kind of like the foundation leg to a house or the building. So that means that if I get up in the morning, part of my routine is to get up in the morning." 00:53
"Certain things that we need to do that are supposed to be routine, that's supposed to be part of your daily schedule without you having to think about it." 02:58
Examples of Schwarzenegger's Daily Routine 01:03
Schwarzenegger's morning routine consists of getting up at 5:00 AM, making coffee, and checking important messages on his iPad.
Afterward, he drives to the gym and cycles there, as part of his morning routine, which helps him stay active.
At the gym, he follows a consistent workout routine, focusing on different muscle groups each day.
Schwarzenegger also includes cardiovascular exercise in his routine, doing extra workouts before dinner to burn calories.
"I get up at morning, that's at 5 o'clock. Then I make my coffee, I feed the animals, I go and read the paper, go through my iPad, see if there are any important messages. So, that's part of the routine. I don't even think about that." 01:05
"So, there's certain things that we need to do that is supposed to be routine, that's supposed to be kind of part of your daily schedule without you having to think about it." 03:01
Importance of Automatic Habits 03:26
The interviewer mentions that many people struggle to form good habits and make them automatic in their lives.
Schwarzenegger emphasizes that he has little sympathy for the difficulties people face in this regard.
He urges individuals to adopt a mindset that focuses on overcoming challenges rather than giving up when things become difficult.
Schwarzenegger believes that regardless of whether a task is easy or difficult, one should have the determination to crush through it.
"Are you gonna be one of those guys that they're gonna go and back off every time something is difficult, or do you want to be one of those guys that says, 'Look, it doesn't matter if it's easy or difficult, almost difficult. I'm gonna go and crush through it.'" 03:52
"There are certain things that are difficult. This is difficult for people to maybe have a routine, but they just have to go and do that, and they should just work on it." 04:22
Developing Automatic Habits and Routines 06:46
Schwarzenegger suggests starting by adding simple actions to one's routine and gradually building upon them.
He compares it to incorporating new habits, such as waking up an hour earlier each day or reading the newspaper regularly.
Schwarzenegger emphasizes that routines become powerful when they are automatic, without the need for constant deliberation.
He explains that certain activities, like showering or washing hands, become automatic and require no conscious decision-making.
"We should just go and add slowly to that kind of routine because it is extremely important that we do things automatically." 05:34
"If they bring bread to the table, thank you very much, no bread. It brings in the dessert, no thank you. Right away, you shut it down. So, there's certain things we do automatically, and it would really help you to achieve your goals." 06:47
Arnold's Early Start in Bodybuilding 08:27
Started bodybuilding at a young age, so the intense training routine didn't throw him off.
At 19 years old, he came second in a Mr. Universe pageant and was invited to stay with his idol in South Africa.
Trained with his idol, who had won Mr. Universe three times, and learned from him.
Over the course of three weeks in South Africa, the intense training routine became normal for Arnold.
When he returned to Munich, he continued the routine and trained twice a day.
"It became normal, so by the time I went back to Munich where I was training, I was kind of bringing that ideal to Munich. But we always started training at 9 o'clock in the morning. But now we started training at 7, not at 5, but at 7. And this became the routine." 10:31
Automating Certain Things in Life 16:18
Automating certain tasks in life can be advantageous as it allows you to accomplish more.
In his experience as a governor, there were fixed funds for certain expenditures, such as education, healthcare, and prisons.
Discretionary funds provided a limited opportunity for creativity and decision-making.
"Automatically and like I said there's an advantage because he can get much more done in life if you do certain things automatically."
Overcoming Setbacks in Life 23:46
Arnold Schwarzenegger talks about a time when he encountered setbacks and challenges.
He witnessed people dying without medical care, which made him realize he shouldn't feel sorry for himself.
Schwarzenegger decided to kick in and face obstacles head-on.
Setting a clear goal and visualizing it helped him overcome setbacks.
"There was only one thing and that was for me to kick in and to say this is just one of many obstacles...that's what happens in life and you just got to go and kick yourself in the butt and get going."
Having a Clear Goal 24:22
Schwarzenegger emphasizes the importance of setting a specific goal.
He shares his personal goals of becoming Mr. Universe and a top star in Hollywood.
Having a clear goal helps in staying motivated and focused.
"So if you have a specific goal in mind, then you can go after it... For me, it was being and becoming Mr. Universe...so there's certain things you have to do, you have to grind it out."
Proving Yourself and Being Extraordinary 26:06
Schwarzenegger believes in proving that extraordinary things can happen.
He mentions his achievements, such as becoming the youngest Mr. Universe and the highest-paid entertainer.
He shares his mindset of not being ordinary and proving it to others.
Schwarzenegger encourages not feeling sorry for oneself and thinking of oneself as special.
"...don't listen to this ordinary... prove to them that there are some extraordinary things that can happen... you're not an ordinary person, so don't listen to this ordinary... prove to them that there are some extraordinary things that can happen."
Believing in Yourself and Having a Clear Goal 27:28
Schwarzenegger talks about always believing in oneself and having a clear goal.
He mentions his journey of learning and mastering the English language for his acting career.
Schwarzenegger shares the importance of constantly practicing and working hard to achieve one's goals.
"So it takes a lot of work... it's not something that you do five minutes a day... you have to train those things... so it's a lot of hard work... but it was fun to do all of those things because I knew where I was going."
Motivation and Persistence 31:01
Schwarzenegger emphasizes the importance of motivation and persistence.
He shares his recommendation to keep trying and never give up on one's goals.
Schwarzenegger believes that having a clear direction and working hard are key to achieving success.
"Why I always recommend to people very highly when someone says, 'look, I tried to make'..."
Setting clear goals and visualizing success 31:06
The next level in success is identifying and setting clear goals.
It's important to visualize exactly what you want to accomplish.
For example, if the goal is to be in better shape, be specific about what that means.
Setting a goal of losing 20 pounds provides a clear target to work towards.
Having a specific goal allows for focused training and progress.
"The only way you can go into the work is if you have it specifically and exactly, see exactly, even visualize exactly what it is that you want to accomplish." 31:20
Finding motivation and using it to achieve goals 31:30
Find a specific motivation to fuel your efforts towards a goal.
Whether it's impressing someone or looking great, use that motivation to your advantage.
Having a specific event or deadline can help create a sense of urgency.
Use the motivation to devise a plan and start working towards the goal.
It doesn't matter how silly or trivial the motivation may seem to others.
"Whatever reason that you can find that is a motivation for you, use it. It doesn't matter how stupid it sounds or how stupid it sounds to someone else, use it." 33:10
The importance of repetition and practice 33:22
Repetition, also known as reps, is crucial in achieving success.
In skiing, they refer to it as "mileage," which means putting in the practice and going through the motions.
Repetition builds muscle memory and ensures consistent performance.
Having a clear vision helps make the repetition easier.
Rehearsing speeches multiple times and practicing specific techniques are examples of using repetition effectively.
"It's all about reps, reps, reps, and I think if you have a clear vision, it is easy to do the reps." 34:12
Overcoming setbacks and maintaining motivation 34:52
When feeling drained or facing setbacks, refocus on your goal.
Find ways to recharge and get back on track.
Arnold Schwarzenegger plays chess during late-night filming to stay mentally alert.
Understand your own needs and find what helps you stay motivated.
Sometimes it requires finding moments of calm and practicing techniques like Transcendental Meditation.
"Just find a way to recharge and to get going again. And sometimes, you know, there are moments... where I felt like I was overloaded... I was very fortunate that I had a friend... that trusted 100%... and the first time when he revealed to me that he was a teacher in Transcendental Meditation..." 36:55
Learning Focus Techniques 38:11
Arnold went to a meditation retreat and learned a mantra to help him stay focused.
He practiced meditation for a year, spending 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes at night.
Through meditation, he learned how to compartmentalize his focus on specific activities.
By focusing on one thing at a time, Arnold was able to excel in different areas of his life.
"I learned something new because I learned how to meditate and I was like 22 minutes meditating 20 minutes in the morning in 20 minutes at night and all of a sudden I started focusing on specific things."
The Benefits of Focused Thinking 39:10
Focusing on one thing at a time allowed Arnold to give his full attention to each activity.
He was able to separate his thoughts on real estate, bodybuilding, and acting, giving each the attention it needed.
This focused approach helped Arnold excel in different areas of his life.
"I learned through this meditation of the focus and I did this for like a year and then they discontinued and then never yet had to kind of bring it back but at any given time I know how to do it at any given time if I ever would fill in this kind of a cluster situation again I would do it but I think it really helped me so much so they did it lasted an ounce for the last forty some years that I could really departmentalized things and really focuses on one thing at the time and not let everything cluster together."
The Power of Mantras 39:48
Arnold kept his mantra a secret, as it was a powerful tool for his focus.
He believes that the mantra is one of the biggest secrets in Hollywood.
Having a mantra helped him to center his mind and maintain his focus in various situations.
"Do you remember what the mantra was that would help you focus when you certainly never tell anyone your mantra? It's getting at ya is the biggest secret in Hollywood..."
Arnold's Passion for Chess 40:02
Arnold developed a passion for chess during his childhood when technology was not prevalent.
Chess was one of the games that he played with his family for entertainment.
His training partner, Franco Columbu, also loved chess, and they played together at Muscle Beach.
They encountered chess masters, including Bobby Fischer, who left a lasting impression.
"Frank and I we were like freaking out of how smart this guy was and how talented he was you notice but we had no idea who he was right until his seller told us you know who that is, he's the greatest chess player in America."
Balancing Technology and Personal Connections 43:44
Arnold believes in setting rules to maintain a balance between technology and personal connections.
At the dinner table, phones and other technological devices were not allowed.
This created an opportunity for normal conversations and better communication within the family.
He also avoids bringing any technology devices into his bedroom for a peaceful and undisturbed sleep.
"I think that this has an effect on communication and unlike togetherness of a family. Our family, my family was always really together and connected..."
The Hazards of Excessive Technology 44:28
Arnold disapproves of how technology dominates people's interactions at the dinner table.
He dislikes seeing people engrossed in their phones and iPads instead of engaging in conversation.
Excessive technology usage can hinder communication and togetherness.
Arnold encourages making an effort to communicate face-to-face rather than relying solely on technology.
"I call them machines movement through cell phones and iPads right and computers or whatever it is. But it's very funny that their heads are down and there is a lack of communication on the table then."
Setting Boundaries with Technology 45:35
Arnold believes in setting certain rules to prevent technology from interfering with family time.
Examples include not allowing phones or iPads at the dinner table and not bringing gadgets into the bedroom.
He emphasizes that this effort is necessary for better communication and familial connections.
Some families rely on technology as an easy way to parent, but Arnold values face-to-face communication.
"I think we just have to make an effort and have certain rules and a lot of the families sadly like that idea of having the kids have their cell phones because then they don't have to have make the effort to communicate with the kids."
Practicing Mindful Parenting 44:58
Arnold and his wife were deeply involved in their children's lives.
They communicated with their children regularly, asking about their challenges and experiences.
This approach helped them maintain a strong connection and understanding with their kids.
Knowing everything about their children's lives created a sense of togetherness within the family.
"My wife and I, we always knew everything about the kids because they communicated and we communicated with them."
Importance of Communication and Family 45:56
Communication and playing with kids helps keep the family more together.
Schwarzenegger is against the idea of putting parents in old folks' homes when they get older.
He believes in the importance of communicating more and setting certain rules in the family.
This helps create a close-knit family where parents and children respect and support each other.
"It's not good if you don't communicate and play with the kids because then that family is much more together."
Surprising Hobby: Painting 46:40
Schwarzenegger enjoys painting, which is a hobby that may surprise people.
He had a strong emphasis on artistic activities in his upbringing in Austria.
He used to do drawings and paintings for his mother as gifts.
Schwarzenegger still continues to paint for special occasions like Mother's Day, birthdays, and Valentine's Day.
He believes that putting effort into handmade gifts is more meaningful than simply buying something.
"People probably are surprised that I have a side of me that likes to paint. I think that it's not any norm of normalness if you think about them from Austria where we had arts classes twice a week maybe we did one day painting and one day drawing and then geometric drawings and all this kind of stuff so there was a lot of weight put on that over there."
Importance of Making an Effort 49:10
Schwarzenegger believes that making an effort in gift-giving is important.
He shares a story about how he and his brother would compete to pick the most beautiful flowers for their mother on Mother's Day.
Nowadays, it's easier to buy gifts or flowers, but Schwarzenegger suggests going the extra mile to create something personal.
He enjoys spending time at Color Me Mine, a pottery painting store, where he paints pottery pieces for special occasions.
Schwarzenegger also creates paintings for his children, such as birthday cards and Valentine's Day paintings.
"So you try to at the same time make an effort, so you get them two flowers, you get a gift or whatever it is. But now, when you sit in there in a store in Color Me Mine, like for instance, this is the use to find some pottery, and then you paint on that. They know that you spent hours there painting, then you had to go back and get the glaze, put it on, wait, and get it baked and everything like that. So it takes effort, and people really like that, especially women like that."
Love for Animals 50:03
Schwarzenegger finds spending time with animals relaxing.
He has a donkey, a miniature pony, and two dogs at his house.
Interacting with animals helps him feel more at ease and teaches him patience.
Schwarzenegger believes that animals have a calming effect and can teach people important qualities.
This is something that people may not know about him.
"I love spending time with animals because it's really fantastic. Animals make you feel so relaxed. When you play with animals, they can teach you how to do certain things and stuff like that."
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Summary of Arnold Schwarzenegger | Exclusive Ladder Interview
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00:00:00 - 00:50:00
This interview with Arnold Schwarzenegger is a one-hour look at the life of a successful bodybuilder-turned-actor-turned-politician. In this section, Schwarzenegger discusses the importance of routines and how they have helped him achieve his goals. He talks about his daily routine, which includes a variety of physical and mental activities aimed at preparing him for success. He also talks about the importance of making habits automatic through consistent practice, and the need to embrace a "crush through" mindset when faced with difficult tasks. Overall, Schwarzenegger's routine-based approach to self-improvement emphasizes the importance of consistency, automation, and persistent effort in achieving success.
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00:00:00 In this section of the interview, Arnold Schwarzenegger discusses the importance of routines and how they can be beneficial to an individual's daily life. He describes his own routine, which includes activities such as waking up at a consistent time, cycling to the gym, and performing cardiovascular exercise in the evenings. According to Schwarzenegger, routines are like the foundation of a house or building, providing structure and consistency to daily life. Additionally, he believes that forming good habits through routines can make them automatic and easier to maintain in the long run. When asked how he has made good habits automatic for himself, Schwarzenegger encourages others to approach difficult tasks with a "crush through" mindset and to be persistent in their efforts to form new habits.
00:05:00 In this section of the transcript, Arnold Schwarzenegger discusses the importance of automating routines to achieve goals. He cites examples from his own life experience, such as drinking ice-cold water and doing push-ups in the morning and sticking to a healthy diet. He also mentions the influence of his father, who instilled these habits in him early on. Schwarzenegger stresses the importance of consistency and making these habits automatic to achieve success in various areas of life, including health, fitness, and personal development.
00:10:00 The speaker in this section of the interview talks about pushing boundaries and redefining what is possible with training in the gym. According to Arnold Schwarzenegger, he was used to training in the evening, but began training at 7:00 in the morning while visiting South Africa and staying with Joe Cross. He describes the initial shock of suddenly waking up early and going to the gym before most people were even awake, but ultimately found it an advantage as it allowed him to train and be stronger for competitions later in the day. He also talks about how the idea of training in the morning is gaining popularity but was unheard of years ago, with museums and other places that aren't open during the day opening before noon. Schwarzenegger also mentions how his work schedule has changed to accommodate early morning training and how his assistant now works from 6:00 in the morning to 6:00 in the evening. Throughout the section, Schwarzenegger emphasizes the importance of pushing past the boundaries of what is considered possible in order to achieve success.
00:15:00 In this section, Arnold Schwarzenegger discusses his workout routine and how it relates to his acting and political careers. He explains that he has worked out early in the morning, sometimes as early as 3:00 AM, to prepare for his next big project. He also discusses how working out in the morning can make a difference in accomplishing tasks and making decisions, noting that certain tasks are fixed expenditures and others are discretionary funds. Schwarzenegger also talks about how even with setbacks, having healthy habits and routines can help to re-establish normalcy. He mentions his heart surgery and how it taught him the importance of taking care of himself both physically and mentally.
00:20:00 In this section, Arnold Schwarzenegger shares his experience of undergoing open-heart surgery and how it affected his plans for Terminator 6. Despite the setback, he focused on recovering quickly and resuming his work. He drew motivation from his clear vision and goal, and refused to feel sorry for himself. Schwarzenegger emphasized the importance of setting goals and visualizing them, and how it can help individuals overcome obstacles and setbacks in life. He also stated that his goal was to be ready for family or any other commitments.
00:25:00 In this section of his exclusive Ladder interview, Arnold Schwarzenegger discusses his journey to becoming a successful bodybuilder, actor, and politician. He emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals, believing in oneself, and working hard to achieve those goals. Schwarzenegger talks about his struggles with making adjustments to his accent and language while living in America, which required hours of daily practice to master. He believes that these lessons continued to serve him well in his professional and personal life, and that they are important for anyone looking to succeed.
00:30:00 In this section of the exclusive Ladder interview with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Schwarzenegger discusses the importance of being specific and having a clear vision when setting goals, and the role of repetition and practice in achieving those goals. He speaks about the need to have a clear understanding of the specific steps that need to be taken in order to achieve a goal, whether it be in the realm of language learning, acting, or fitness. He also talks about the importance of motivation in achieving goals, and the benefits of setting a specific deadline for working towards a goal. Overall, he emphasizes the need to put in the work and dedication required to achieve success in any area of life.
00:35:00 In this section, Arnold Schwarzenegger discusses his experiences with feeling drained and exhausted during filming, and how he uses chess to stay mentally alert and focused. He started playing chess when he was 50 years old after realizing he was not able to come back as quickly as he wanted. He discovered that playing chess during his break times helped him stay sharp and alert, and that he was able to remember his lines and perform physical stunts with more ease. He also mentions a friend who taught him Transcendental Meditation, which helped him to focus his thoughts and disconnect from worry and distractions.
00:40:00 In this section, Arnold Schwarzenegger reveals his passion for chess and how he learned to play from his father when he was young. He shared how he competed against other chess players at Rome's Muscle Beach, where he met other great players like Bobby Fischer. He also talked about the importance of communication in family interactions, stating that he tries to establish rules with his children to promote meaningful conversations during meals.
00:45:00 In this section of the interview, Cristina talks about the importance of communication with children and the negative effects of allowing them to have constant access to electronics. She emphasizes the need for families to set rules and make an effort to communicate with their children, rather than relying on technology as an easy solution. Cristina also shares a surprising ritual habit of hers, which is painting as a hobby that she has passed on to her daughters.
00:50:00 In this section of the YouTube video, Arnold Schwarzenegger talks about the various animals he keeps at his home. He has a donkey, a pony, two dogs, and a miniature pony. One of his dogs, Gustav, was named after his father who passed away recently. Schwarzenegger enjoys spending time with animals and finds them to be very relaxing. He also mentions that he teaches animals certain things, although he doesn't specify what those things are. Overall, Schwarzenegger seems to have a deep connection with animals and enjoys their company.