Ever felt like you’re not “good enough” to achieve your dreams? Maybe you’ve thought success is reserved for a chosen few with extraordinary talent or luck. If so, Paul Arden’s “It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want to Be” is here to challenge that mindset. This gem of a book will shift your perspective, help you dream bigger, and take action—no matter where you’re starting.
Let’s dive into why this book is a game-changer, with real-life examples and lessons that will stick with you long after reading.
Why Read This Book?
At just over 100 pages, this book is a quick, inspiring read. But don’t let its size fool you—it’s packed with wisdom, quirky insights, and practical advice that applies whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, corporate professional, or someone chasing a personal goal.
Paul Arden, the advertising genius behind iconic campaigns, boils down decades of experience into bite-sized lessons. His core message? Talent isn’t the secret to success. It’s your willingness to try, fail, learn, and keep going.
Here’s what makes this book stand out:
- Straightforward wisdom: No jargon or complicated theories—just raw, real, and relatable advice.
- Visual appeal: Every page is designed to inspire, with bold fonts, striking visuals, and thought-provoking quotes.
- Actionable takeaways: Each lesson can be applied to your life right away.
Dive Deeper into the Magic of Paul Arden’s Wisdom
Paul Arden doesn’t just share advice; he delivers a new lens to view your life and potential. Let’s unpack some of the most impactful lessons, complete with real-life examples and actionable insights, so you can apply them to your journey.
Make Mistakes. Lots of Them.
Why It Matters:
We’re often taught that mistakes are bad, something to be avoided at all costs. But Arden flips the script, saying mistakes are essential for growth. The faster you make them, the quicker you figure out what doesn’t work—bringing you closer to what does.
In Action:
Take Thomas Edison’s story. While working on the light bulb, he encountered thousands of failed experiments. Yet, each failure gave him critical knowledge about what materials and designs wouldn’t work, narrowing his focus on the right solution.
Your Takeaway:
Start viewing mistakes as part of the process. Whether you’re launching a business, writing a novel, or learning a skill, give yourself permission to get it wrong. Every error is a clue leading you to success.
Practical Tip:
At the end of each day, write down one mistake you made and what you learned from it. Over time, you’ll see how much those “oops” moments contribute to your growth.
Stop Waiting for the ‘Perfect’ Idea
Why It Matters:
Many of us wait for inspiration to strike before starting something new. Arden argues that this mindset is holding you back. The best ideas rarely arrive fully formed—they evolve as you work on them.
In Action:
Look at J.K. Rowling. The idea for Harry Potter came to her on a train ride, but it wasn’t a fully fleshed-out story. She simply started writing and let the details unfold over time. By the end of the journey, she had a world so rich and detailed that it changed literature forever.
Your Takeaway:
Stop overthinking and start doing. Whether it’s a blog, a business, or a painting, let your project grow organically instead of waiting for it to feel perfect.
Practical Tip:
Commit to spending 10 minutes every day working on your idea, no matter how messy or incomplete it feels. Progress beats perfection every time.
Don’t Play It Safe
Why It Matters:
In a world saturated with mediocrity, playing it safe ensures you’ll blend in. If you want to make a real impact, you have to take bold risks—even if they make you uncomfortable.
In Action:
Steve Jobs is the ultimate example. While other companies were cramming devices with endless features, Jobs focused on simplicity and user experience. The iPhone’s sleek design and intuitive interface weren’t the “safe” choices, but they revolutionized technology and set Apple apart.
Your Takeaway:
Big rewards come from big risks. Whether it’s pitching an unconventional idea at work, moving to a new city, or starting a passion project, lean into opportunities that scare you.
Practical Tip:
Ask yourself, “What’s the worst that could happen?” Most of the time, the fear of failure is far scarier than the failure itself. Then, take one small, bold step outside your comfort zone.
Seek Criticism, Not Praise
Why It Matters:
Praise feels amazing in the moment, but it doesn’t push you to improve. Arden encourages us to actively seek out criticism because it helps us see our blind spots and grow faster.
In Action:
Think about Michael Jordan. His high school basketball coach told him he wasn’t good enough to make the varsity team. Instead of giving up, Jordan used that criticism as fuel to work harder. Years later, he became one of the greatest athletes of all time.
Your Takeaway:
Criticism isn’t rejection—it’s a tool for growth. Surround yourself with people who will give you honest feedback and help you get better.
Practical Tip:
The next time you share a project or idea, specifically ask for constructive feedback. Say, “What do you think I could improve?” Then, listen with an open mind and use their input to refine your work.
Turn Rejections Into Opportunities
Why It Matters:
Rejection can feel like a dead end, but Arden reframes it as a redirection—a chance to try a new approach. It’s not a reflection of your worth; it’s part of the process.
In Action:
Consider Oprah Winfrey. Early in her career, she was fired from her job as a television reporter because she was “too emotional.” Instead of giving up, she channeled her authenticity into creating The Oprah Winfrey Show, which became one of the most successful TV programs in history.
Your Takeaway:
Rejections are inevitable, but they don’t define you. Use them as stepping stones to pivot, learn, and come back stronger.
Practical Tip:
Start a “rejection journal” where you document every no you receive. Next to each one, write what you learned or how you plan to adapt. Over time, you’ll see how each setback pushed you closer to your goals.
Always Be Hungry to Learn
Why It Matters:
Arden emphasizes that being “good” isn’t the end goal. The truly successful people are those who are always striving to improve, learn, and grow—no matter how accomplished they are.
In Action:
Think of Elon Musk. Despite his success with Tesla, SpaceX, and other ventures, Musk constantly reads, studies, and surrounds himself with experts. His insatiable curiosity fuels his ability to innovate in industries he wasn’t originally trained in.
Your Takeaway:
Adopt a mindset of lifelong learning. Whether it’s reading, taking a class, or experimenting with a new skill, stay curious and open to new experiences.
Practical Tip:
Pick one skill or topic you’ve always wanted to learn about. Spend 30 minutes a week exploring it, and see how it opens new doors for you.
By breaking down these lessons, you can see how Arden’s advice applies not only to the biggest names in history but also to everyday moments in your life. Now, it’s your turn to step out of your comfort zone and put these principles into action!
Why This Book Hits Different
Paul Arden’s writing feels like a pep talk from a brutally honest yet deeply encouraging friend. He challenges your excuses and pushes you to think bigger while reminding you that greatness is within reach if you’re willing to work for it.
Whether you’re launching a project, stuck in a creative rut, or just doubting yourself, this book feels like a burst of fresh air.
Join the Conversation!
Have you read It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want to Be? What lesson stuck with you the most? Or maybe you’ve got a story about how taking a risk or embracing failure helped you succeed.
Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear from you! Let’s inspire each other to dream big and take bold action.
This isn’t just a book. It’s a wake-up call to stop playing small and start chasing the life you want. So, what are you waiting for?
5 quotes from It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want to Be with explanations:
📖 “Your vision of where or who you want to be is the greatest asset you have.”
This means your ability to imagine your future self gives you direction and purpose. Without a vision, you’re just drifting.
Simple terms: If you can picture where you want to go, you’re halfway there.
📖 “Do not seek praise. Seek criticism.”
Praise feels good, but it doesn’t help you grow. Criticism, when constructive, reveals what you can improve.
Simple terms: Compliments are nice, but feedback makes you better.
📖 “Fail, fail again. Fail better.”
Failure is not the opposite of success—it’s part of it. Each failure teaches you something valuable.
Simple terms: Mess up, learn, repeat—until you win.
📖 “Do not covet your ideas. Give away everything you know and more will come back to you.”
Sharing your ideas freely fosters collaboration and sparks even better ones. Hoarding limits your growth.
Simple terms: The more you share, the more you gain.
📖 “Don’t look for the next opportunity. The one you have in hand is the opportunity.”
Instead of constantly searching for what’s next, maximize the chance you have right now.
Simple terms: Focus on making the most of today before chasing tomorrow.
