The world’s greatest bodybuilder. The world’s highest-paid movie star. The leader of the world’s sixth-largest economy. That these are the same person sounds like the setup to a joke, but this is no joke. This is Arnold Schwarzenegger. And this did not happen by accident.

Arnold’s stratospheric success happened as part of a process. As the result of clear vision, big thinking, hard work, direct communication, resilient problem-solving, open-minded curiosity, and a commitment to giving back.

by Tiemen

I have always been a fan of Arnold Schwarzenegger, not just because he is the Terminator or has an awesome accent—although his accent is awesome—but because he has led an interesting life with a great focus on realizing his dreams.

Becoming the best body-builder.

Becoming a huge action movie star.

Becoming the governor of California.

But not just becoming the best only for himself, but doing it in such a way that being the best helps other people become their best selves and realize their own dreams.

That is what the title of the book refers to. Not just tips and advice for achieving your dreams—although there is plenty of that—but also doing it in such a way that you can be a genuinely positive influence on everyone around you. Considering the times we are living in, with so many supposed leaders acting selfishly or hiding behind management jargon, it is quite refreshing to read seven useful lessons about realizing your dreams and goals that ultimately mean you help other people as well.

  • These Violent Delights
  • The Courage to Be Disliked
  • The Seven Year Slip
  • Some Desperate Glory
  • Under Your Spell
  • Nothing But the Rain
  • BOSH!
  • The Undiscovered Deaths of Grace McGill
  • Be Useful
  • All Boys Aren’t Blue