Our next book in the Dave Reads series is the newest (2023) autobiography book by Arnold Schwarzenegger, Be Useful. I have always been a fan of Arnold, I mean, what guy isn’t a fan of his action movies?! This book may not exactly be a business book, but there are a lot of gems in here we can all apply to our work. Let’s pump the iron and dive right into the details here.
2023 Be Useful Arnold Schwarzenegger cover
What really stood out to me about this book is Arnold’s casual and entertaining candor and voice. Another re-occurring theme is hard work. Obviously, Arnold has put in the hard work in the gym and in Hollywood, I particularly like what he says in Chapter 3, “Work your Ass Off”:
If there is one unavoidable truth in this world, it’s that there is no substitute for putting in the work. There is no shortcut or growth hack or magic pill that can get you around the hard work of dong your job well, of winning something you care about or of making your dreams come true.
This quote really stands out to me. I believe it also and identify with it. The most rewarding things in my life required a significant amount of hard work to obtain. It’s like climbing a mountain and I don’t know who said it first, but I love the saying, Everyone wants the view, no one wants the climb. I want the climb and apparently so does Arnold.
Every chapter in this book has a very easy to follow theme clearly presented in the title. For example from Chapter 1, “Have a Clear Vision”, my favorite quote is – If you want to win, you need more than just ability and desire. You can’t hope your way into the winner’s circle. You need to see your way there.
Now I have a Clear Vision to go Work my Ass Off. Thanks Arnold.