Books: Think the Opposite

I just breezed through a slim, but powerful book by Paul Arden, formerly an executive creative director of Saatchi & Saatchi, one of the biggest ad agencies in the world. Arden has created a couple of books that qualify as big creativity boosters.

I highly recommend this one in particular. It’s inexpensive, nicely produced, and contains bits of wisdom and insight that are easily digestible, inspiring, and highly relevant for any freelancer or consultant, particular those in creative lines of work.

The book is titled Whatever You Think, Think the Opposite and it’s one of the most engaging reads I’ve had in a long time. Ok, so it only took me about 20 minutes to read the entire thing. I plan on reading it several times a month, just to hammer home some of the more compelling ideas.

Right on the inside flyleaf of the book, Arden starts out, “This book explains the benefits of making bad decisions. It shows how risk is your security in life. And why unreason is better than reason. It’s about having the confidence to roll the dice.”

Arden’s book is full of engaging, clever, and puzzling photographs and illustrations, some of which you may have seen, most quite original. If you need a lift of spirit, and what solo entrepreneur doesn’t now and then, this book may do the trick.