Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life by Arnold Schwarzenegger
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
“Failure is not fatal.”
“Busyness is bullshit.”
Be Useful is another book in the grand tradition of bettering oneself. However, this one is written by a former governor, former bodybuilding champion, and a great action/movie star. That’s right, Arnold Schwarzenegger has put together a book about his seven tools for living life. The book is broken down into these seven tools and then broken down and discussed in even greater detail. He throws in his personal experiences from throughout his entire life. He was born and grew up in Austria and then made it to the United States where he rose to the top of bodybuilding. He then became an action and movie star which then led to him becoming governor of one of the largest economies in the world. Arnold prides himself now on giving back in any way he possibly can.
In general, this book doesn’t say anything new. It is the same thing we have heard from multiple sources and for years. In the beginning, it starts where books usually start, with the clear vision suggestion. This is par for the course and one that has perpetually frustrated me whenever I read these types of books. This is a usual first stop with many self-help books but they never really go into how you get your vision. How does one figure out what their vision is? What kind of questions should they ask themselves? What exercises should they work on? Should you sit in a quiet room and just think or go out and just try everything until you find something? This is a major failing of so many books in this genre and one that the author continues in. It then continues with thinking big and don’t let failure deter you as well as other well-known suggestions. This book uses familiar ideas like pain being temporary and struggle is part of the game but there are several quotes (some attributed to others) that I liked. In relation to your goals and going for them, “if you’re going to do, do it.” Basically, the adage of shoot for the moon because even if you miss, you’ll be amongst the stars. “Your work to make a dream come true, you don’t whine it into existence” and “To do great things that last, sacrifices are necessary.” The one thing that I liked about this book and what sets it apart from others is the anecdotes and stories that Arnold is able to tell. He has a unique story and brings a lot of that to highlight and solidify his advice. He can tie real world examples in which help make it entertaining as well as believable. It draws you in more and creates a better narrative. It was a quick and easy read. Some things will stay with me but to me it wasn’t revolutionary. Let me leave you with this, “when it comes to achieving your vision, it isn’t failure you have to worry about, it’s giving up.”
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Tag: self help
Search Inside Yourself
I was loaned this book by my counselor as I have been struggling with a mind on full speed constantly. I have thought of doing meditation for a long time but I haven’t had the discipline to stick with it or form habits. I think it would help me to calm my mind and not let it spiral out of control. My brain is constantly full of moving thoughts throughout the day and it is not helpful. I ruminate on negative thoughts about myself and others. I conjecture. I invent conversations. I ascribe meaning without knowing.
One thing that I have always struggled with when reading self-help books is that a lot forget to start at Step 0. They go right to “work towards your goals” and “find something dealing with your passion” but they never address the precursor. How does one figure out what they are passionate about or what their values are? That is something I have always found frustrating and this book somewhat addressed this concern. It didn’t speak to it head on but I think skirted around it. With the techniques discussed throughout the book I think one could start to learn to understand oneself.
This book helps explain the benefits of mediation as well communication, kindness, and empathy. Throughout the entire time I was reading I was thinking that I would love to be able to train my mind in all the topics covered. I think it would benefit me greatly and I would be less stressed, bitter, angry, and depressed. It will take some time and work but it will be beneficial. And not just for me but for everyone I interact with. My friends. My co-workers. Strangers.
Chade-Meng Tan wrote is such a way that was relatable, and I was engaged while reading. It threw in humor and real-life examples. It was a little overwhelming with all the things to work on but it provides something to work towards if one wants to improve themselves. It is a valiant and worthy goal for anyone to endeavor. It was based on a course within Google so it definitely has a corporate tint but the approach is from an individual level. It can apply equally as well to a person, family, team, or company. His goal is a noble one.
I have started with short mediation sessions the last few days and I hope to continue with it. I will pursue greater understanding and knowledge regarding these topics. I will get more comfortable with it and learn to calm my mind. I will learn not to let my emotions rule me and to give people the benefit of the doubt. I know I am starting late in life but I really hope to take what I have learned and apply it in my everyday life.
I read the loaned copy but I ended up buying my own. I think this will be a good book to have around to reference whenever you need a refresher but for me especially, to learn and stick with it. I highly recommend giving it a try and like it is said in the book, work towards world peace. As of now I am just trying to work towards my own happiness but it is a place to start.