It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want to Be

“Talented but timid? this noted ad-man is here to tell you that ambition, not just mere ability, is the key to success in his world. … Arden is punchy and memorable about ‘failing better next time.’ ” i-D magazine, May UK ‘ARDENT ABOUT ARDEN Saatchi & Saatchi creative legend-turned-director Paul Arden has committed his considerable with and creative thinking to paper in a handy-sized book on how to succeed. Not just in advertising but in business generally. Far from being one of those excruciating self-help guides favored by buttoned-down businessmen, It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want To Be is a startlingly refreshing, unputdownable collection of thought-provoking pearls of wisdom. Chapters such as It’s Right to be Wrong, Have you Noticed How the Cleverest People at School Are Not Those Who Make It In Life? and Do Not Seek Praise, Seek Criticism are accompanied by an entertaining collection of photos and illustrations. Get it and you’ll never think the same way again.’ SHOTS, July 2003 UK “The former creative director of Saatchi & Saatchi teaches readers how to smash down life’s impossible barriers using a fresh combination of wit, smart thinking, and horiffic mistakes. Outrageously genius.’ The Good Book Guide, June 2004 ‘ - a wonderful book by one of the most brilliant men I have ever met - I met him when he worked as creative director at Saatchi and Saatchi and he was simply inspirational - as is this practical, unpretentious little book.’ Amanda Platell, Daily Mail, 20 January 2005

Paul Arden (1940 2008) spent a stormy 18 years in advertising and then found his Alma Mater in Saatchi & Saatchi in 1977, where he worked for 15 years. During his tenure as Executive Creative Director he was responsible for some of Britain’s most successful advertising campaigns including British Airways, Silk Cut, Intercity and Fuji and famous slogans, such as ‘The Car in front is a Toyota’ and ‘The Independent It is. Are you?’. In 1993 Arden set up the film production company Arden Sutherland-Dodd and began a successful second career as a writer with a weekly column in The Independent and several publications including Whatever You Think, Think The Opposite (2006) and God Explained In A Taxi Ride (2007).