During his early training days, Arnold would spend hours not just lifting weights, but vividly imagining himself winning Mr. Universe. He would close his eyes and create such a detailed mental image of victory that it felt absolutely real to him. He would picture himself on the winner’s podium, hear the applause, feel the trophy in his hands, and experience the moment of triumph with absolute clarity.

This wasn’t just daydreaming—it was a deliberate mental strategy. When others told him his dream of becoming a world-famous bodybuilder was impossible for an Austrian farm boy, he remained unshaken. His mental imagery was so powerful that he spoke about his future success as if it had already happened, describing his goals in the present tense.

By 1967, at just 20 years old, Arnold won his first Mr. Universe title—exactly as he had imagined countless times before. His unwavering belief, coupled with intense physical training and powerful visualization, transformed what seemed like an impossible dream into reality.

This approach became a blueprint for his future success, guiding him not just in bodybuilding, but in his Hollywood acting career and later in politics, where he became the Governor of California—another dream he had visualized long before it became reality.

Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength

• Arnold Schwarzenegger

Establishing and adhering to a strict daily routine: He strongly believes in the power of routines to instill discipline. This includes consistently dedicating time to his workouts, and also other tasks, such as keeping his living space tidy. This is an example of building discipline in one area of life, that then transfers to other areas. He’s known for his dedication to showing up at the gym at the same time every day, prioritizing fitness. This shows that he makes his goals a priority, and schedules his life around them.