Arnold Schwarzenegger: From Iron Will to Evergreen Icon

Arnold Schwarzenegger is a living legend. While most of us struggle to manage a 9 to 5 job, our man Arnold has achieved more in one lifetime than we could even dream of in seventy. A millionaire businessman, a successful bodybuilder, an action movie star, and even a politician—everything Arnold touched turned to gold.

Now, you must be wondering, how did Arnold achieve all of this?

Let’s find out in this video.

Get ready to step out of your comfort zone, because today’s journey will push you beyond your limits.

Let’s begin.

Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger was born on 30th July 1947, in a small village named Thal in Austria. His father was a police chief, and the household was extremely strict. Even the smallest mistake led to beatings with shoes, belts, or whatever was within reach. I mean, were his parents secretly Indian?

Interestingly, Arnold’s father used to take him to watch Hollywood movies. There, Arnold saw actors like Reg Park and Steve Reeves—bodybuilders who later became Hollywood superstars. Their incredible physiques inspired young Arnold to become a bodybuilder.

At the age of 15, Arnold started weight training. He once said that his dedication was so intense that if he missed even a single workout, he couldn't look himself in the mirror.

In Austria, it was mandatory for every boy to serve one year in the Austrian army after turning 18. So in 1965, Arnold joined the army. Around that time, the Junior Mr. Europe bodybuilding competition was being held. Arnold applied for leave from the army to participate—but his request was denied.

So what did he do?

Arnold left the army without permission and went to compete.

He won first place at Junior Mr. Europe, but when he returned with his trophy and medal, the Austrian army punished him with a week in military jail.

Now that’s dedication!

But instead of breaking him, this incident fueled Arnold’s determination. He trained even harder.

In 1966, Arnold went to London to compete in the Mr. Universe contest. This competition was his ticket to America. He came in second place, losing to American bodybuilder Chester Yorton. However, one of the judges, Charles Bennett, saw potential in Arnold and offered to coach him.

Arnold accepted the offer, but he didn’t have money to survive in an expensive city like London. So Charles Bennett took him in like family. For the first time, Arnold had proper guidance.

While staying at Bennett's house, Arnold met his childhood idol Reg Park, who later became his mentor.

All of Arnold’s hard work paid off when, in 1967, at just 20 years old, he became the youngest Mr. Universe.

Meanwhile, across the ocean in America, Joe Weider, a businessman and founder of the IFBB (International Federation of BodyBuilding & Fitness), was looking for international talent. He saw Arnold’s potential and invited him to the U.S. to represent the IFBB.

Arnold didn’t waste a second.

In 1968, at the age of 21, with broken English and a suitcase of clothes, Arnold landed in America.

He met Franco Columbu, who became his lifelong friend. Like Arnold, Franco also came from a small village in Italy and barely spoke English. The duo was like Jai and Veeru from Sholay.

Bodybuilding, however, is an expensive sport. The federation stipend barely covered food. Soon, they realized they’d have to find other ways to survive. So, the two started a bricklaying business. Despite their broken English, they hustled and found work. In a short time, Arnold became a millionaire even before becoming a champion bodybuilder.

Even though Arnold was Europe’s top bodybuilder, the American competition was elite. He had mass, but lacked conditioning. Under Weider’s guidance, Arnold worked hard on improving his form.

In 1969, he won the NABBA Mr. Universe (Professionals) and became eligible for the Mr. Olympia competition—where all Mr. Universe winners compete. Arnold stepped onto the Mr. Olympia stage but came in second, losing to the reigning champ Sergio Oliva.

This loss made Arnold even more focused. He promised himself he would never lose again. He trained 8 hours daily, ran a business with Franco, attended college, and slept just 4 hours a night.

In 1970, Arnold defeated his own idol Reg Park at Mr. Universe. Reg even told Arnold on stage, “You’re the next Mr. Olympia.” And he was right.

Later that year, in 1970, Arnold beat Sergio Oliva and won Mr. Olympia. From there, no one could beat him. Arnold went on to become 7-time Mr. Olympia.

But in 1975, something happened that turned Arnold into a household name.

A director named George Butler was making a documentary called “Pumping Iron,” showcasing the preparation for the 1975 Mr. Olympia. For the first time, audiences got to see the personal lives of bodybuilders.

Though it was meant to promote bodybuilding in general, Arnold—being the reigning champion—was in the spotlight, and soon became world-famous.

If you're a hardcore bodybuilding fan, you’ve definitely seen Pumping Iron.

After winning Mr. Olympia 1975, Arnold retired at just 28 years old.

While most 28-year-olds struggle to land a job, Arnold had already retired.

Now it was time to chase his second dream: Hollywood.

But Hollywood wasn’t welcoming.

Despite being a world champion with global fame, Arnold was rejected by filmmakers for his massive size and thick Austrian accent. He was told his body was too unrealistic, his name too long, and his accent too heavy.

But this didn’t stop him.

Arnold worked on his acting, learned English, took business classes, and never gave up.

Eventually, he landed roles in movies like Conan the Barbarian, and finally broke through with The Terminator in 1984, where the line “I’ll be back” became iconic.

Today, Arnold Schwarzenegger is known not just as a bodybuilding legend, but as a global icon.

He went from a poor village boy in Austria to Governor of California—the first foreign-born individual to ever hold that office in the U.S.

His story is a perfect example of how discipline, dedication, and dreaming big can change your destiny.

He once said,

“You can’t climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets.”

So whether you want to become a bodybuilder, a businessman, or a star—Arnold's journey proves that nothing is impossible if you want it badly enough and work relentlessly for it.