The more you peel back the layers, the more amazed you become. Yes, Arnold Schwarzenegger, the 7-time Mr. Olympia, is also one of the most intelligent celebrities ever, with an IQ of 135.

And the Austrian Oak’s brainpower is evident in his massive cross-industry success.

However, it is important to note that achieving popularity across many fields alone cannot prove that one has a high IQ. While intelligence matters, this activity, often considered a polymath, requires exceptional discipline, intense adaptability, and time management.

And Schwarzenegger’s success is proof of all of this. Let's dive into this.

A bodybuilding legend

Coming from a financially unstable family and an underdeveloped region in Austria, Schwarzenegger demonstrated an exceptional power of dedication and commitment to bodybuilding from childhood.

His dedication was so high that he used to train secretly in the kitchen after returning from school so that his parents and neighbors failed to see him.

From joining the military to continuing his workout at night after serving in the military all day only proves his adaptability and discipline.

The story did not end there. Schwarzenegger earned his first major bodybuilding title in 1965 by winning Junior Mr. Europe. At the age of 20 in 1967, he earned the amateur Mr. Universe title. And the rest is history. The world today knows him as the 7-time Mr. Olympia winner and as the founding father of the iconic bodybuilding competition, the Arnold Classic.

A movie star

Schwarzenegger's journey on the silver screen spans more than 5 decades, making him one of the most legendary action stars in Hollywood.

He debuted in 1970 as a mythical hero in the movie Hercules in New York. Since then, he has delivered many successful movies, including Conan the Barbarian and The Terminator.

Although Schwarzenegger is mostly known for his action roles, he has also successfully transitioned into comedy. Movies like Twins and True Lies are examples.

It only proves how the legendary bodybuilder effectively adopted and smartly maintained the same popularity over the years.

Savvy entrepreneurship

Schwarzenegger did not limit himself to bodybuilding and movies; he is also a savvy entrepreneur.

Schwarzenegger became a self-made businessman who earns millions through real estate investments. Apart from that, the bodybuilding legend also built some of his wealth through a mail-order bodybuilding business.

Currently, he is associated with and partnered with many brands.

Political leader

Schwarzenegger served the people of the US as the Governor of California from 2003 to 2011.

Serving for that long a time demands intense policy negotiation, bipartisan cooperation, and administrative skills, and he excelled in all of these.

Polygot

Schwarzenegger is a polyglot. He speaks fluent English, Italian, French, German, and Spanish.

Although he was not very fluent in English in his early days, dedication helped him learn the most widely spoken language, too.

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Written by

Supradeep Dutta

Edited by

Ashvinkumar Patil