What makes Schwarzenegger tick?

(From Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Byline: Manolo R. Inigo

FOR many, former bodybuilder and movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger is the leading candidate in the recall election for governor of California on Oct. 7. They say that if the voters consider not just his great physique but his overall attributes as well, Arnold would beat incumbent Gov. Gray Davis and a host of other aspirants.

"I want to be the people's governor," said the 56-year-old Austrian-born superhero in a recent TV ad. "I stand for fiscally responsible government, rebuilding California's economic engine. (California is currently nursing a huge $38-billion deficit), putting the needs of children first and reforming our political system so that the public interest comes before special interests."

Arnold Schwarzenegger has been a source of fascination. His success in bodybuilding business and life is no accident. Said fitness writer Bill Dobbins: "His achievements have come about because of who he is, how his mind works, the way he sees the world, his attitude towards life, his sense of reality and his ability to assign priorities and solve problems."

Arnold started with nothing but dreams, determination and a job that bodybuilding godfather Joe Weider gave him way back in the late 1960s. But by dint of hard work and a strong discipline, he rose from being a virtual unknown to become the greatest bodybuilder the sport has ever seen-and perhaps the best it will ever see.

Young people aspiring to succeed in sports could use "The Austrian Oak" as a role model, to study his way of thinking and methods of action and learn from them. For instance, as a bodybuilder, Arnold has that ability to forego pleasures when necessary. He loves to ski, but during his competitive bodybuilding years he kept off the slopes because the simplest skiing accident could cost him his career. Same with motorcycling, another favorite sport. "The pleasure of riding wasn't worth the risk of an injury that could end my career," he said.