3 Lessons I learned from Arnold Schwarzenegger. You will never guess!

We all know Arnold Schwarzenegger as a body builder, movie star and later as Governor of California. I was not particularly expecting much reading and listening to his interview but I was spectacularly wrong.

1. Career and managing perception

Arnold had great success in Hollywood as an action hero after starring in "Conan the Barbarian" and "Commando". Arnold's role as the "Terminator" made him Hollywood royalty.

Arnold felt that he had a very humorous side but no one was willing to work with him because of perception. He approached and collaborated with director Ivan to develop the comedy script for "Twins" with Danny DeVito starring as his twin.

They sold the idea to universal studio with the deal, no salary upfront but 37% profit share for Arnold, Ivan and Danny. It cost $16.5 million to make but ultimately the movie made $216 million worldwide, $40 million was Arnold's profit share. Arnold earned most from "Twins" than any other movie in his entire career.

Lesson: Perception is reality but you have the power to change the perception, if you are willing to create your own luck by getting out of your comfort zone.

2. Parenting

As the Governor of California, Arnold was focussed on reducing juvenile crime and teenage pregnancy. Arnold and law enforcement analysed crime data and it was clear that between 3 P.M and 6 P.M was a danger zone for children, especially for those with 2 working parents.

"Those are the peak hours for juvenile crime, for teenage pregnancy, for gang-related violence. It's also between 3 and 6 o'clock, the time when most likely the kids get involved in drugs, in alcohol and smoking" according to Arnold.

Arnold implemented proposition 49, after school clubs, between the critical hours of 3 in the afternoon and 6 in the evening. It cost only $5 a day per student but resulted in a dramatic reduction in juvenile crime.

Lesson: As parents, both of us work, so it made me pause and think. Sometimes, simple and cost effective solutions can solve complex problems, do not let complexity fool you.


3. Unconscious bias

I try not to drown in my echo chamber, I try to read or listen to something out of my strike zone to cultivate an open mind.

I must admit that my perception of Arnold dramatically changed after reading and listening about his life and career.

Technology will feed what you want to consume, make conscious effort to consume alternate cuisine to maintain a balanced view.


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Image credit: IMDB

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