Obsession Drives Results

I am currently reading, "Total Recall" By Arnold Schwarzenegger, and I gotta say, this is one of the best autobiographies I have ever seen and read.

What truly made me think that way was the mindset Arnold developed ( or "programmed" as he would say ) to win big in bodybuilding, acting, politics and now, philanthropy.

THE MINDSET OF THE TERMINATOR:

• Always go with the intention that you will run over the competition - After his first loss at the Mr.Universe event in Europe, Arnold made a deal with himself to never EVER go into a competition without needing and believing, that he will win
• Go where others won't go - Most of the "ambitious" people Arnold knew were only focused on starring the traditional path. Arnold never did that. He didn't just want to win and do it by playing small, he wanted to play bigger and go straight to the top.
• Have a very clear vision - At the ripe age of 15, Arnold decided that he will become the greatest bodybuilder of all time, which will in turn, help him get into movies and become the highest paid entertainer ever.
• Get your ass to work - No matter how tough you need to work or no matter how many things you need to do, you will do it, because it's all about the finished product, the person you become, the thing you will build, the connections you will make along the way, etc.

These principles of the terminator mind, can be summarised in one word: Obsession

How To Cultivate Obsession:

• Step 1: Identify Your Vision

Let's take a look at Arnold Schwarzenegger, again:

Arnold had a clear vision of the steps he'd need to take to achieve what he has set for himself. He broke it down, realised that in order to get to America and become rich movie star ( his main goal), he'd have to first do something extraordinary in Europe. Working out was something he enjoyed, so he decided to run with it, developing fanatical workout regimes and listening to experienced lifters.

Don't limit yourself to a certain activity.

If you want to become a successful entrepreneur for example, start identifying the key skills that you need to learn, then go about becoming great at them and THEN start your own company.

E.g. #1 If you want to be great at business, get great at sales first.

E.g. #2 If you want to run for office one day, get good at speaking first.

E.g. #3 If you want to become a great musician, start studying the business, don't just practice your singing or instrument

E.g. #4 If you want to become a great writer, enrich your vocabulary

• Set Your Goals High

Arnold didn't just want to be a great bodybuilder, he wanted to be the greatest of all time. He didn't want to be a minor actor with a minor role, he wanted to be a leading man.

If you want to change something in your country, community, family, circle of friends, county, city, town, or even your continent, you need to think big. Don't limit yourself to paradigms.

• Work 10 Times Harder Than The Average Man

PS: If you don't think you might be able to do the necessary work, you are not committed and you are most definitely not a believer.

Arnold Schwarzenegger worked out 5 - 6 hours a day to fulfil his bodybuilding goals. Ted turner lived on a couch in his office for 7 straight years before CNN took off.

Here's the thing: If you are committed to do whatever it takes to achieve your vision and you like what you are doing, you will not CARE how long or how gruelling it would be to get to the top.

Find your vision.