Start Where You Are: Life Lessons in Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be

by Chris Gardner and Mim E Rivas

Book Overview

"Gardner is encouraging us all to start where we are and dare to make our lives bigger and stronger, more satisfactory, and better. Chris Gardner is a knockout!"

--Maya Angelou

Chris Gardner's astonishing memoir--the phenomenal New York Times bestseller, The Pursuit of Happyness, which inspired the film of the same name starring Will Smith--served as a shining beacon of hope for countless people. In Start Where You Are,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 006153711X
• ISBN13: 9780061537110
• Release Date: May 2009
• Publisher: Amistad Press
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

It's Up to Us

"Start Where You Are" is a refreshing reminder for those that forget that the only people who can make a difference in one's life is his/herself. I haven't read his first book, "The Pursuit of happiness," but his personal story seems interesting enough to try it in the future. Gardner's latest isn't just a "think positive" or "self-help" book. Six different parts of "Start Where You Are" provide a realistic plan based on reality, and focuses on action. During adverse times, be they personal difficulties, professional ones, or socio-economic struggles, people need to focus on action, obviously. There are testimonials in "Start Where You Are." Honestly, I'm not impressed by, nor want to hear testimony from professional or Olympic athletes, movie stars, financial "gurus," CEOs, surgeons, or pundits on how they became "happy" or what they think about "happiness." These famous testimonials are published several times of year in several different books. My job and my personal goals are not the same as those mentioned above. I'm a "regular person" who has different interests and circumstances. The only common denominator is that myself, like most folks, and those mentioned above, want to maintain, enhance, or acquire a form of happiness - happiness....is in your head. It's nowhere else. I like the authors apt take that yes, More money means more options and often more problems. Fixating on "money" can lead one astray to what is intended. Money is a vehicle that can facilitate a path to being content, but again, being content is in one's mind. All situations in our lives are temporary: our jobs, relationship, place of living, etc. Nothing is permanent; everything is temporary. I do like the focus of this book: you. The only one that can change these temporary circumstances is you. As author Gardner says "No, the cavalry isn't coming." There will be no savior to knock on the door or fall out of the sky. That is illusionary day-dream thinking. Nothing wrong with dreaming. It's healthy. But these dreams need to be realistic and be acted upon. Proactive, not passive. Passivity doesn't lead to change or trying new things, or pursuing new challenges. There are also wise words on self-reflection. Readers (people) should look back on their lives and realize and understand as objectively as possible how they came to where they are in all facets of life. What negative traits do we have? What bad decision did we make, or what good ones did we fail to make? And, what good moves did we act on? "Stay Where You Are" is a positive reinforcer to those going through or anticipating change. It can be change that is unexpected and stressful, or positively planned change, such as starting a new business or new career path. In the end, we all know....it's up to us.

The Best!

I want to do a shout-out to a book I mentioned in yesterday's blog: Start Where You Are, by Chris Gardner, the guy who inspired the movie The Pursuit of Happyness (based on his memoir). I have read many books in the self-help/career search genre this year and after a while, they start to sound the same. Which is why this book is such a stand-out. Mr. Gardner's book is by far the best I've read (actually listened to as an audiobook). Perhaps because he is speaking from hard-won experience and has a real passion to help others, his words ring true and inspirational. Unlike other books that seem to promise that everything is possible if we just 'picture' what we want, Mr. Gardner is an advocate of single minded focus and hard work, what he calls, 'hitting the anvil'. One lasting thought that really made an impression: if you really want to succeed, work for yourself. Be an entrepreneur. Work for yourself.

An excellent and thought provoking read.

The timing of the Chris Gardner book "Start Where You Are" could not have come at a more critical moment. Very well written easy to understand guide for anyone who no matter their situation could benefit from. Make the plan, work the plan being sure to keep Chris's book at your side at all times.

The Next Road Less Traveled

Not long ago, I made the difficult choice to open up my own practice as a therapist. After years of working in human resources and relying on a steady paycheck, I was nervous to go into business for myself - having never done anything like this! When I told a friend about my worries, that I lacked the know-how to make a success of my dream, she recommended "Start Where You Are". I had been moved by the movie of Gardner's life and recalled that many of my clients, who were struggling with a variety of issues, had been inspired by his journey from homelessness and single parenthood to success. Still, I didn't expect that his new book, in which he explores the lessons that allowed him to succeed, would have so much relevance for me. But from the moment I opened it up and read the very first lesson ("Without a Plan, A Dream is Just a Dream"), I was hooked! It is chockfull of stories from his own life and from famous individuals as well as "everyday" people he meets. They are a constant reminder that no matter how tough a situation may seem, someone else has overcome that obstacle and prevailed. The lessons also reinforce the idea that we all already have the resources we need to be successful, if only we take the time to recognize them and put them to use. That has been transformational for me in my new role as a business person. As a therapist, I have already recommended this book for its eyeopening and practical insights. In particular, the chapter called "The Thorny and Golden Past" has been helpful for many of my clients who are reluctant to talk about the past or who don't recognize what joy can come from self-discovery and from the freedom of dealing with it. The discussion about Spiritual Genetics is fascinating, as is the lesson on "Breaking Generational Cycles". This book should also be required reading for any free-lance person, small-business owner, or executive, either just starting out or in the process of reinventing yourself or your company. Although Chris Gardner has a deceptively simple, clear way of imparting his wisdom, "Start Where You Are" does give you a dose of tough love. It will challenge you to get out of your rut and to stop excuses. For those reasons, I give it five stars, and compare it to "The Road Less Traveled". At a time when everyone else is talking about the economic collapse, Chris Gardner has the audacity to remind us that there are not easy fixes, but that with tenacity and vision, we can achieve real joy in life.

Great Inspirational Book

Chris Gardner's story is well-known from his first book, The Pursuit of Happyness. In "Start Where You Are" he, and co-author Mim Rivas, collect additional stories that are tied together in a very enjoyable book. The stories are divided into six sections, Start Where You Are, The Thorny and Golden Past, Hitting the Anvil, Your Empowerment Zone, Spiritual Genetics, and The Good Old Everyday. As an investment advisor, I particularly enjoyed Mo' Money, Mo' Options, Mo' Problems. His observations about people's attitudes toward money, his three questions, and the transition to the next chapter, "Money is the Least Significant Component of Wealth", are worth the price of the book. I give the book five stars because there are so many inspiring stories in this book. If you read one a day, at the beach, it will take you through most of the summer! If you're like me, you'll be rereading a few after just a couple of days. I couldn't put it down. For those that like me, are human, this book provides a positive message that is not only inspirational but also enjoyable. Happy Reading! Paul Puckett - Author Investiphobia: You Can Invest Without Fear!