Arnold on Giving It 100%

 11/3/2025

 

Despite what he says Arnold blew it on the family thing but on pumping iron, movie star, and Governor he got it right. He is correct, this is how I passed the CPA exam, first time, back than first time pass rate, 10%. And that may be high, I have read as low as 3%. But back then stat gathering was not what it is today.     Arnold’s Corner Monday Motivation

This week, the discussion inside the Pump Club app was all about finding your 100 percent.

It was one of my favorite topics ever because I believe most people go through life without ever finding out what they’re really capable of. And I don’t just mean in the gym. I mean everywhere.

When I was on FaceTime with Ketch after the app’s Zoom meeting, I could see how fired up he was. That’s what happens when you start talking about going all out. You feel alive.

Because somewhere deep inside, we all know we have more in the tank.

I think every single person is capable of greatness at something. It could be teaching, building a business, training, parenting, writing, anything.

But too many people realize that giving less than 100% is comfortable, and they settle there.

They never find out what it feels like to give everything.

When I say “wenn schon, denn schon,” or “leave no stone unturned,” it all means the same thing: if you’re going to do something, give it your whole heart. There are no half-measures.

So many people divide themselves up into percentages.

I see it everywhere.

At breakfast, someone gives 40% of their attention to the person across the table and 60% to their phone.

At the gym, they give 50% to the set and 50% to checking email.

In life, it seems like most people are giving 20% of themselves to some social media app or another on a daily basis.

They think they’re being efficient, but really, they’re just getting C’s and D’s in a lot of things instead of an A in one thing at a time.

Forget the percentage. The only percentage I ever want to think about is 100 percent. This doesn’t mean you can’t lead a balanced life. You can. The balance is that whatever you are doing, you are doing 100 percent.

When you train, train.

When you work, work.

When you’re with your family, be with your family.

It’s not about doing just one thing. It’s about doing what you’re doing with your full effort.

I’ve learned this my whole life, from bodybuilding to acting to politics. You can’t fake 100 percent. People can feel it.