Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Overview of Arnold Schwarzenegger

If you were semi-conscious in the 1980’s, then you probably know Arnold Schwarzenegger. He was born in Austria in 1947 and became a world famous bodybuilder at the age of 20. His great success in bodybuilding eventually introduced him to acting. After many box office gems, Arnold became a “huge” Hollywood action movie star. What you may not know, is that he is also a successful businessman, generous philanthropist and the current Governor of California.

It takes a very determined and intelligent man to accomplish what Arnold has done. While continuing to pursue his acting and bodybuilding career, Arnold earned a college degree from the University of Wisconsin and became a U.S. citizen. A few years later, he married a journalist named Maria Shriver. Both Maria and Arnold committed their time, energy and personal finances to charities worldwide. He especially liked the Special Olympics and physical fitness. This led him to become Chair of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports in 1990. In this position, Arnold traveled to all 50 states and recognized the overwhelming need for more after-school alternatives.

Arnold’s efforts did not stop at physical fitness. Since he took office, Governor Schwarzenegger has worked to reform California's fiscal policies, create a better business environment, reduce burdens on employment, boost exports and stimulate job growth. In addition, he has been California's most productive promoter. He spends a great deal of time traveling across the country and around the world promoting California-grown products and cutting-edge technologies. Plus, he has not forgotten his roots. By using his background as a globally recognized athlete, Governor Schwarzenegger has made restoring California’s health and fitness a top priority.

Retrieved on February 10, 2009
http://gov.ca.gov/about/arnold

Qualities of Leadership

Although not born in America, Arnold has always strived to attain the "American Dream". As a young boy in Austria, he began to travel on the road to greatness. He knew that with alot of hard word, dedication and determination, he would someday achieve his goal. These three qualities of his leadership would be the core of his overall success.

Arnold's qualities of leadership began to show early in his teens. When he would work out in the gym, other athletes would look up to him due to his determined attitude. This immediate success was an important turning point in his life. He had found respect, honor and attention where he had least expected it. From here on, he had become a natural leader who would be on the forefront of the bodybuilding world for decades to come. Even with his new found role model status, he never lost track of the important things in life, such as family and charities.

Arnold never did forget his Austrian roots. It was in Austria where he had his first disappointments and failures. He respected himself and his family so much that he could only learn from his early mistakes, in athletics and academics, a begin to take his life seriously. The rest is history.

Krasniewicz, L. and Blitz, M. (2006). Arnold Schwarzenegger: A Biography. Greenwood Press: Westport, CT.

Leadership Capacities

Arnold Schwarzenegger represents a kind of solidarity and durability that few humans will ever achieved throughout their entire life. He has taken his star status and used it to do great things. Arnold and his wife are huge supporters in various charities, especially the Special Olympics. He was raised with great morals and has continued to maintain such kindness. His kindness and outgoing personality have given Arnold the opportunity to build strong relationships across various disciplines.

He has been a leader of the fitness trend that is still popular today. He was also recognized by the President of the United States for his knowledge in physical fitness and his unique abitlity to build ideas and share them with America. His leadership in the fitness world is second to none.

His leadership as Governor of California is still being tested. He has a great ability to accomplish tough political issues with ease. He is able to bring on change without a great deal of friction amongst his people. He is as focused as ever to do what is best for his state. There is no doubt he will accomplish his goals. Arnold has always expanded the world's ideas about the limits of what could be done if you have the right amount of determination.

Retrieved on February 10, 2009
http://gov.ca.gov/about/arnold

Krasniewicz, L. and Blitz, M. (2006). Arnold Schwarzenegger: A Biography. Greenwood Press: Westport, CT.