The Universal Struggle of Change:

Lessons from Arnold Schwarzenegger

I received an unexpected email —from none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Yes, you read that right!

I’m on his email list, and it turns out even icons like him find value in sharing their insights through newsletters. It’s a reminder that while many creatives and artists often overlook the power of communication, we can all learn from those who offer their wisdom.

In his message, Arnold touched on themes that resonate deeply with anyone navigating the often tumultuous journey of personal growth and change.

Here are the highlights that I believe you need to hear today:

“If you’re one of those people who committed to a big change, you might be feeling frustrated. If you’re thinking about giving up, I want to talk to you. You are not a failure; you’re just hitting some speed bumps along the way. Remember, you are only a failure if you completely give up. And I know you don’t want to give up.”

Change is undeniably hard. Our bodies crave the comfort of familiar routines, and our minds cling to the habits of the past. But there’s a reason you sought change—it’s essential to reflect on that reason, especially when the going gets tough.

Arnold emphasises the inertia we face:

“An object in motion wants to stay in motion, and we face inertia in our lives, not just in physics.”

Even the simplest morning decisions—like getting out of bed—can feel monumental. But ask yourself: Is this what you were created for? To huddle under the blankets? Nature itself is a testament to action—look at the plants, the birds, the bees—all diligently fulfilling their roles.

So why not you?

The answer often lies in self-love. If you truly valued yourself, you would embrace the demands of your nature.

When considering the changes you want to make, it’s crucial to harness the right kind of motivation. Negative motivation—like telling yourself, "I hate my stomach"—is a slippery slope. It’s unsustainable and can lead to discouragement. Instead, shift your perspective: “I want to lose weight because I love myself and deserve to be healthier.”

Creating new habits can also be daunting.

Are you setting overly ambitious goals? Transitioning from no reading to finishing 100 pages a day overnight is unrealistic. Lasting change happens incrementally. Aim to do a little more today than yesterday, celebrate those small victories, and repeat.

Arnold reminds us to “trick your mind and body.”

We all have those voices in our heads—one cheering you on, the other urging you to retreat. To drown out the negativity, practice self-love, push through inertia, and focus on small wins.

Remember, no matter where you are on your journey, don’t give up. If you’ve stumbled, start again today. You haven’t failed; you’re simply on the path to becoming the best version of yourself. Write down your goals, take deliberate steps, and celebrate your progress. By year’s end, you’ll be amazed at how far you’ve come.

If you’re interested in receiving Arnold Schwarzenegger’s insights directly, you can join his email newsletter [here].