Total Recall is a memoir written by Arnold Schwarzenegger, which chronicles his life from his childhood in Austria to his successful career as a bodybuilder, actor, and politician in the United States. In this article, we will focus on five key lessons from the book that can inspire and motivate readers to achieve their own goals.
Lesson 1: Set Clear Goals and Take Action to Achieve Them

Arnold Schwarzenegger is a firm believer in setting clear goals and taking action to achieve them. He credits his success to his ability to visualize his goals, write them down, and create a plan of action to achieve them. He advises readers to set realistic, specific, and measurable goals and to take consistent action toward achieving them.
Lesson 2: Embrace Failure and Learn From It
Arnold Schwarzenegger believes that failure is an essential part of the learning process. He shares his personal experiences of failing in bodybuilding competitions, movies, and political campaigns. However, he never let failure defeat him. Instead, he used his failures as an opportunity to learn and improve himself. He advises readers to embrace failure, learn from it, and use it as a stepping stone toward success.
Lesson 3: Develop a Strong Work Ethic
Arnold Schwarzenegger has an incredible work ethic, and it is a trait that has been instrumental in his success. He believes that success comes from hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of one’s goals. He advises readers to develop a strong work ethic and to be willing to put in the effort required to achieve their goals.
Lesson 4: Surround Yourself with Positive Influences
Arnold Schwarzenegger credits his success to the people he has surrounded himself with throughout his life. He has sought out mentors and positive influences who have helped him to develop and grow as a person. He advises readers to surround themselves with positive influences and to seek out mentors who can help them to achieve their goals.
Lesson 5: Give Back to Others
Arnold Schwarzenegger has always believed in giving back to others, and it is a value that he has held throughout his life. He has used his success and influence to help others, whether it’s through his charitable work or his political career. He advises readers to find ways to give back to others, whether it’s through volunteering, charitable work, or simply helping others in their everyday lives.
In conclusion, Total Recall is a powerful and inspiring memoir that offers valuable insights into Arnold Schwarzenegger’s life and career. The five lessons discussed in this article, setting clear goals, embracing failure, developing a strong work ethic, surrounding yourself with positive influences, and giving back to others, are just a few of the many lessons that readers can take away from the book. By incorporating these lessons into their own lives, readers can achieve success, overcome challenges, and lead fulfilling lives.