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Start Right Where You Are: How Little Changes Can Make a Big Difference for Overwhelmed Procrastinators, Frustrated Overachievers, and Recovering Perfectionists
What Are You Waiting For?
An overwhelmed procrastinator, frustrated overachiever, and recovering perfectionist herself, Sam Bennett knows all the ways we avoid pursuing our dreams and reaching our goals. She also knows how to “get it done.” Start Right Where You Are is an easy-to-read, easy-to-do guidebook for anyone who wants to change their life but doesn’t know where or how to begin. Of course, the process of getting out of your own way, raising your self-esteem, improving your relationships, and making better choices can be a bumpy road. But Bennett’s fun, original voice lets you know that you’ve got a friend along the way, a friend who offers a comforting cup of tea ― or a bracing shot of whiskey, depending. Her gentle-kiss-on-the-cheek and loving-thwack-upside-the-head attitude gives us what we all inspiration, shortcuts, and breathing room.
An overwhelmed procrastinator, frustrated overachiever, and recovering perfectionist herself, Sam Bennett knows all the ways we avoid pursuing our dreams and reaching our goals. She also knows how to “get it done.” Start Right Where You Are is an easy-to-read, easy-to-do guidebook for anyone who wants to change their life but doesn’t know where or how to begin. Of course, the process of getting out of your own way, raising your self-esteem, improving your relationships, and making better choices can be a bumpy road. But Bennett’s fun, original voice lets you know that you’ve got a friend along the way, a friend who offers a comforting cup of tea ― or a bracing shot of whiskey, depending. Her gentle-kiss-on-the-cheek and loving-thwack-upside-the-head attitude gives us what we all inspiration, shortcuts, and breathing room.
256 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 14, 2019
Personal growth books are full of information we can take and try. New ideas for improving our character, habits, relationships, and approaches in our personal and professional lives. Not every one of these books is for every person. Some might veer toward the work life, others toward romance, and yet others toward religion.
Regardless of the theme, I usually find that amongst all the information presented, there are pieces of advice here and there that stand out and make me want to try applying them in my own life. I never want to think of myself as a procrastinator. In fact I've read from more than one source that highly successful people will first tackle the things they want to work on the least. This is something I am constantly working on. And it is indeed one of the things that drew me to this book. I found it to be full of little gems and I'm glad I read it.
Regardless of the theme, I usually find that amongst all the information presented, there are pieces of advice here and there that stand out and make me want to try applying them in my own life. I never want to think of myself as a procrastinator. In fact I've read from more than one source that highly successful people will first tackle the things they want to work on the least. This is something I am constantly working on. And it is indeed one of the things that drew me to this book. I found it to be full of little gems and I'm glad I read it.
February 19, 2019
I may just be "self help booked" out but Sam Bennett's book here probably could have ultimately been a series of Medium articles. Each chapter (considerably small which was a plus) covers a short topic with an action item at the end. The action items at the end of each chapter were valuable and useful. However, chapters tended to be a bit repetitive and focused a fair bit on "feelings" and felt a bit empty at times.
Though Sam mentions not focusing on God with a capital "G", the book containers actual prayers in interludes. This... confused me. She spends almost a chapter describing how she doesn't actual mean a religious deity when she mentions God but rather how we're all inter-connected. I can get behind that. Then, a few chapters forward, you see the first prayer. This obviously won't irk everyone but I wasn't looking for that as part of my purchase of this book.
Overall, there are a fair number of useful actionable tidbits in this book which give it a 2 stars in my mind. Overall though, this book is primarily a set of affirmations for the reader.
Though Sam mentions not focusing on God with a capital "G", the book containers actual prayers in interludes. This... confused me. She spends almost a chapter describing how she doesn't actual mean a religious deity when she mentions God but rather how we're all inter-connected. I can get behind that. Then, a few chapters forward, you see the first prayer. This obviously won't irk everyone but I wasn't looking for that as part of my purchase of this book.
Overall, there are a fair number of useful actionable tidbits in this book which give it a 2 stars in my mind. Overall though, this book is primarily a set of affirmations for the reader.
June 15, 2023
I'm biased because I've worked with Sam and have done the course this is based on but what a fantastic book for getting started on any endeavour. Laid out in short chapters so you can flip to whatever you need help on as well as follow from start to finish, Sam lays out how to work your inner game to create outer results. So if you have that project you just can't seem to start, or just feel like you're floundering, check this book out.
ETA: Did the audiobook for a re-read and was great to hear Sam's voice. It hit differently this time but still a fantastic book.
ETA: Did the audiobook for a re-read and was great to hear Sam's voice. It hit differently this time but still a fantastic book.
March 21, 2023
I do believe that I have read way too many of these self-help books. They all sound alike.
You know, take care of yourself, It's okay to be self-centered, look at the scripting in your head, you're only standing in your own way, you know the story.
I had a supervisor one time who said that self-help books are like new and improved tide. The detergent. Same detergent, new box.
The author has a few interesting things. I've never really read any self-help book that has something like what was it naked happy adult time? That was interesting a
And like I said, brand new. But you know what kind of makes sense.
Anyway, I gave it three stars because the author in a fairly whimsical sort of way talks about everything that other authors do but in a refreshing, I'll be dumb to down, manner.
You know, take care of yourself, It's okay to be self-centered, look at the scripting in your head, you're only standing in your own way, you know the story.
I had a supervisor one time who said that self-help books are like new and improved tide. The detergent. Same detergent, new box.
The author has a few interesting things. I've never really read any self-help book that has something like what was it naked happy adult time? That was interesting a
And like I said, brand new. But you know what kind of makes sense.
Anyway, I gave it three stars because the author in a fairly whimsical sort of way talks about everything that other authors do but in a refreshing, I'll be dumb to down, manner.
January 16, 2018
3.25 stars
February 3, 2017
Sam Bennett has learned from experience and shares her wisdom in short, snappy chapters—sixty-five of them. The sub-title of the book is: "How little changes can make a big difference for overwhelmed procrastinators, frustrated overachievers, and recovering perfectionists." Bennett has used those descriptions about her own behavior and shares her life lessons as an enthusiastic coach.
Her intent for the book is "to help you make the little changes that will lead to big joy." Because so many of us feel overwhelmed, "Start right where you are," is good advice. Bennett finds that "overwhelmed" is an overused work and has suggestions for mitigating it. For instance, you may have too many ideas so write them down. Maybe you call it "overwhelm" but you're actually "underwhelmed"—or maybe even "overwrought."
Bennett says: "Challenge yourself to take only the simplest, easiest, most affordable next step toward something that feels overwhelming. That's one of what she calls a "Little Changes Action Step" at the end of each chapter. That makes good sense to me because things will get done with a bit of time spent each day. Even less than fifteen minutes Bennett suggests. "All the things you keep telling yourself you want to do, be, or have are possible for you, if you are willing to take it one step at a time."
I know from experience that it does feel good to have a project moving, however slowly, rather than spending time being anxious about it as an "overwhelmed procrastinator."
Among Bennett's tools are an effective breathing pattern to help panic attacks (in her own case) and other bumpy sorts of situations. Making "5-minute art" to respond to a frustrating situation is another of her suggested tools.
Many chapters contain several tips, such as "Six Ways to Take Control of Your Time" and "Ten Ways to Cultivate Your Intuition." The book is a boost to valuing yourself, taking excellent care of yourself, and finding the positive in what you once referred to as mistakes.
by Mary Ann Moore
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women
Her intent for the book is "to help you make the little changes that will lead to big joy." Because so many of us feel overwhelmed, "Start right where you are," is good advice. Bennett finds that "overwhelmed" is an overused work and has suggestions for mitigating it. For instance, you may have too many ideas so write them down. Maybe you call it "overwhelm" but you're actually "underwhelmed"—or maybe even "overwrought."
Bennett says: "Challenge yourself to take only the simplest, easiest, most affordable next step toward something that feels overwhelming. That's one of what she calls a "Little Changes Action Step" at the end of each chapter. That makes good sense to me because things will get done with a bit of time spent each day. Even less than fifteen minutes Bennett suggests. "All the things you keep telling yourself you want to do, be, or have are possible for you, if you are willing to take it one step at a time."
I know from experience that it does feel good to have a project moving, however slowly, rather than spending time being anxious about it as an "overwhelmed procrastinator."
Among Bennett's tools are an effective breathing pattern to help panic attacks (in her own case) and other bumpy sorts of situations. Making "5-minute art" to respond to a frustrating situation is another of her suggested tools.
Many chapters contain several tips, such as "Six Ways to Take Control of Your Time" and "Ten Ways to Cultivate Your Intuition." The book is a boost to valuing yourself, taking excellent care of yourself, and finding the positive in what you once referred to as mistakes.
by Mary Ann Moore
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women
December 3, 2016
Is Procrastination your middle name? Are you stuck in one gear: overwhelmed? Do you run out of time to do what you really want to do, but have plenty of time for chores?
Yeah, me too. Boy oh boy, me too.
If you, like me, feel like you're paddling madly to reach your goals but unable to leave the shore, this book might be your lifesaver. Sam Bennett was in the same leaky boat, and discovered techniques to patch it up and sail into the sunset (so to speak). She offers her hard-earned advice here so you, too, can take control of your life's rudder. With Sam as your funny, kick-in-the-pants captain, you'll learn how to get a handle on your time; find out what's really making you feel in over your head; set good, better, and best goals; clear the mental and emotional clutter that holds you back; raise your self esteem; get a tribe; and apply some fifty more tips to achieve success. Did I say fifty? Yep. Plenty to choose from to target your specific issue, so there's no excuse for staying beached.
The chapters are short, so you can chew on one at a time and still have time for chores. Or whatever floats your boat.
Yeah, me too. Boy oh boy, me too.
If you, like me, feel like you're paddling madly to reach your goals but unable to leave the shore, this book might be your lifesaver. Sam Bennett was in the same leaky boat, and discovered techniques to patch it up and sail into the sunset (so to speak). She offers her hard-earned advice here so you, too, can take control of your life's rudder. With Sam as your funny, kick-in-the-pants captain, you'll learn how to get a handle on your time; find out what's really making you feel in over your head; set good, better, and best goals; clear the mental and emotional clutter that holds you back; raise your self esteem; get a tribe; and apply some fifty more tips to achieve success. Did I say fifty? Yep. Plenty to choose from to target your specific issue, so there's no excuse for staying beached.
The chapters are short, so you can chew on one at a time and still have time for chores. Or whatever floats your boat.
November 30, 2016
Sam Bennett (she's a she) helps artists (and others) market their work. She also wrote Get It Done. But this book is not just for artists. It's for anyone who isn't getting in gear, getting it done, and enjoying work.
Bennett helps you with one of my favorite ways to get in motion--with small steps. She shows you which small steps are most effective and then helps you take them. The book is written in workbook style, with an explanation of a step, an example, and an exercise to help you stay in action.
She writes in a conversational tone, and while I read this book on an airplane, I could not wait to put some of the steps into action. And they work. Again, to be honest, I already believe in the book's premise: When you decide you want something and move toward it physically, emotionally, even spiritually, you are opening up new ways to get there. The more small steps you take, the easier it is to see the path to your opportunity.
A wonderful book you will want to keep.
Bennett helps you with one of my favorite ways to get in motion--with small steps. She shows you which small steps are most effective and then helps you take them. The book is written in workbook style, with an explanation of a step, an example, and an exercise to help you stay in action.
She writes in a conversational tone, and while I read this book on an airplane, I could not wait to put some of the steps into action. And they work. Again, to be honest, I already believe in the book's premise: When you decide you want something and move toward it physically, emotionally, even spiritually, you are opening up new ways to get there. The more small steps you take, the easier it is to see the path to your opportunity.
A wonderful book you will want to keep.
January 9, 2024
This book was a breeze to listen to and I found myself taking notes so frequently of information that stuck out that I had to get the physical book. Strongly recommend listening to the book and then going back over the pieces with the physical copy as there is just so much to gain. The Little Changes Action Steps are bite-sized enough that one could do them daily or weekly without major time investments.
My favorite piece to reference is the Future Self. What would your future self do? This is such a simple way to approach situations when you are trying to improve yourself or feel like the future you will be better than the current you. If the future you is better, then what would they do? Then do it. Simple and repeatable for life improvement.
This book will definitely be reread multiple times and used as a self-growth reference.
My favorite piece to reference is the Future Self. What would your future self do? This is such a simple way to approach situations when you are trying to improve yourself or feel like the future you will be better than the current you. If the future you is better, then what would they do? Then do it. Simple and repeatable for life improvement.
This book will definitely be reread multiple times and used as a self-growth reference.
Read
January 26, 2017Sometimes the tools we learn are so simple, but they are not easy. This is both. The book is divided into short chapters, making it very quick to read. I suggest reading the book in full first, to familiarize yourself, and then keep it on your desk for reference. Even if the reader implements ONE tool – you don’t need to use every single one, just the one that feels right to you – there will be a positive impact. ANY time is a good time to make changes. Any month, day, week or MOMENT. The title says it all and it truly doesn’t get any easier than this. You cannot go wrong – little tools that effect BIG change – go ahead, Start Right Where You Are – and start now.
September 11, 2017
This is one of the few advice for creatives book that I knew I wanted to have my own copy of before I was halfway through. There are so many little tidbits of advice and lots of prompts. I didn't complete every lesson in the book because there are a lot, but I did read the entire thing. It was the positive, start doing it already, type of book that I need right now.
January 5, 2022
3.8☆
I probably could have used these insights 8-10 years ago, but alas I had to discover them for myself the long way around. Some of the actionable 15 minute suggestions were not helpful and turned me off. Still I found it a nice way to reflect on my personal progress and I walked away with a couple of ways to improve my outlook on certain things
I probably could have used these insights 8-10 years ago, but alas I had to discover them for myself the long way around. Some of the actionable 15 minute suggestions were not helpful and turned me off. Still I found it a nice way to reflect on my personal progress and I walked away with a couple of ways to improve my outlook on certain things
February 15, 2017
So many little things to try
This book is full of so many small things to do to move your life forward. Some I have done and many I still have to try. They are simple enough I think this book will be a reference for the future.
This book is full of so many small things to do to move your life forward. Some I have done and many I still have to try. They are simple enough I think this book will be a reference for the future.
February 14, 2017
Not sure what I intended to get out of this, but what I ended up with was an affirming "you're doing your best, now believe it!" chant.
September 24, 2017
Spoke to my soul
Enjoyed this book! Sam verbalize the way that I feel and see the world. I truly relish her tips, strategies , and prayers
Enjoyed this book! Sam verbalize the way that I feel and see the world. I truly relish her tips, strategies , and prayers
January 17, 2018
I got this as an iBook so I can have something to read between traditional real paper books. I love her stories. This book is written in the same style.
November 22, 2017
Love this. Need to read again and again - especially when I feel stuck.
December 29, 2017
Sam is fun to read, encouraging and helpful. This book focuses on little actions you can take now to improve your life and focus on your work.
February 6, 2019
Found this provides good insight into productivity, As an overachiever, it's not often that there is helpful suggestions about coping with the overwhelm.
November 24, 2025
"And those times when you wished and hoped for things to change, but nothing happened? It's because you never actually moved. You stayed put. So your relationship to the potentiality of all things remained the same, and you kept getting the same results, over and over and over and over again."
"The negative voices in your head are not more important than your well-being. Your old stories are not more important than your well-being. Even the demands of your family, the pressures of your job, and the good opinion of others are not more important than your well-being. I'm not saying those things are not at all important, of course. They are important. But they are not more important."
"Bringing just a bit of mindfulness to your daily movements can help a lot. One way to check in with yourself is to play the Because/Because game. The Because/Because game asks you to pause for one moment before you begin an activity and ask why you are doing what you're doing and why you're the person doing it.
So, in the moment before you start catching up with the bookkeeping for your side hustle, you might have this conversation with yourself: 'Why am I doing this bookkeeping? Because it's important to me that I know whether this side business is really profitable. Why am I the one doing this? Because even though I dislike doing these kinds of detail-oriented tasks, I'm the only employee.' Now, this awareness might not lead you to hire an assistant immediately, but once you've had this conversation with yourself five times in a week, you might start to see the value of getting some help.
On the other hand, if you find yourself dreading a visit to Sad Susan, your friend who just ended yet another disastrous love affair, you might hear yourself thinking, 'Why am I going to see Susan? Because she needs a shoulder to cry on. Why am I the one doing this? Because even though Susan's love life is a nonstop soap opera, I care deeply about her happiness.' Remembering your true motivation can put a smile back on your face as you stop off along the way for the margarita mix and ice cream."
"I have also used the thought 'That's not my story' to fill events when everyone says it's impossible to fill an event these days, and to sell books when everyone says that publishing is dead. That may be their story, but it's not my story. Try it for yourself. 'Change is hard?' That's not my story. 'Teenagers are impossible?' That's not my story. 'You can't get a well-paying job that's flexible?' That's not my story."
"Dear God, I have worked myself into a lather... I feel worried that I will fail, that I will blow this chance. I feel terrified that I might succeed and my life will change in ways I'm not comfortable with. And I'm most concerned that nothing will happen at all.
I'm making myself miserable by living in an imaginary future.
Help me to live in the present moment.
As I put my hand on my heart, let me feel the soft, quiet peace that is your now. Let me be filled with the certainty that if I stay connected to you,
I will see what is fun, funny, and joyful about this,
I will quit making nightmares in my mind,
I will focus my attention on this now right now.
Our one and only now."
"Our reasoning about a sunk cost can also sound like, 'Well, I've already spent three years getting this doctoral degree, so I guess I should see it all the way through, even though I'm absolutely hating it.' Nope. The fact that you are miserable now is the information that matters. You're not getting those three years back, no matter what decision you make next. So it might serve you better to remember that no learning is ever wasted, in the same way that no time is ever wasted. You can't waste time. Time just happens, with or without you.
I'm always surprised when people say things like, 'I got a law degree, but I never bothered to pass the bar, so I don't use it. It was a total waste.' How can that be? You had the experience of getting a law degree, and I'm sure that influenced you mightily then, and continues to shape your worldview now. Just because you didn't get the result you thought you would doesn't mean it wasn't a valuable experience."
"The negative voices in your head are not more important than your well-being. Your old stories are not more important than your well-being. Even the demands of your family, the pressures of your job, and the good opinion of others are not more important than your well-being. I'm not saying those things are not at all important, of course. They are important. But they are not more important."
"Bringing just a bit of mindfulness to your daily movements can help a lot. One way to check in with yourself is to play the Because/Because game. The Because/Because game asks you to pause for one moment before you begin an activity and ask why you are doing what you're doing and why you're the person doing it.
So, in the moment before you start catching up with the bookkeeping for your side hustle, you might have this conversation with yourself: 'Why am I doing this bookkeeping? Because it's important to me that I know whether this side business is really profitable. Why am I the one doing this? Because even though I dislike doing these kinds of detail-oriented tasks, I'm the only employee.' Now, this awareness might not lead you to hire an assistant immediately, but once you've had this conversation with yourself five times in a week, you might start to see the value of getting some help.
On the other hand, if you find yourself dreading a visit to Sad Susan, your friend who just ended yet another disastrous love affair, you might hear yourself thinking, 'Why am I going to see Susan? Because she needs a shoulder to cry on. Why am I the one doing this? Because even though Susan's love life is a nonstop soap opera, I care deeply about her happiness.' Remembering your true motivation can put a smile back on your face as you stop off along the way for the margarita mix and ice cream."
"I have also used the thought 'That's not my story' to fill events when everyone says it's impossible to fill an event these days, and to sell books when everyone says that publishing is dead. That may be their story, but it's not my story. Try it for yourself. 'Change is hard?' That's not my story. 'Teenagers are impossible?' That's not my story. 'You can't get a well-paying job that's flexible?' That's not my story."
"Dear God, I have worked myself into a lather... I feel worried that I will fail, that I will blow this chance. I feel terrified that I might succeed and my life will change in ways I'm not comfortable with. And I'm most concerned that nothing will happen at all.
I'm making myself miserable by living in an imaginary future.
Help me to live in the present moment.
As I put my hand on my heart, let me feel the soft, quiet peace that is your now. Let me be filled with the certainty that if I stay connected to you,
I will see what is fun, funny, and joyful about this,
I will quit making nightmares in my mind,
I will focus my attention on this now right now.
Our one and only now."
"Our reasoning about a sunk cost can also sound like, 'Well, I've already spent three years getting this doctoral degree, so I guess I should see it all the way through, even though I'm absolutely hating it.' Nope. The fact that you are miserable now is the information that matters. You're not getting those three years back, no matter what decision you make next. So it might serve you better to remember that no learning is ever wasted, in the same way that no time is ever wasted. You can't waste time. Time just happens, with or without you.
I'm always surprised when people say things like, 'I got a law degree, but I never bothered to pass the bar, so I don't use it. It was a total waste.' How can that be? You had the experience of getting a law degree, and I'm sure that influenced you mightily then, and continues to shape your worldview now. Just because you didn't get the result you thought you would doesn't mean it wasn't a valuable experience."
December 31, 2025
Listened to the 6-hour audiobook, read by the author and suitable for 1.5x speed. I read the author’s book on procrastination before picking this one up. It’s not required reading but it definitely gives you a bigger understanding of how she works her magic. This book further builds on that. Would recommend.
Favourite Quotes:
"In the infinity of life where I am, all is perfect, whole, and complete." ~ Louise Hays
Summary:
- No cellphone in the bedroom.
- Feel the net.
- Schedule fun time.
- Acknowledge that feeling overwhelmed is a choice.
- Turn complaints into requests.
- Release that which no longer serves you.
- Stop visualizing arguments.
- Make 5-minute art to externalizer your feelings.
"Clutter is the residue of old decisions."
"You are everything. You are literally made of stardust."
"We are all connected - to each other biologically, to the Earth chemically, and to the rest of the universe atomically. We are in the universe and the universe is in us." ~ Neil de Grasse-Tyson
"Plug into the energy of the universe. Let it heal you."
"As far as the net is concerned, you are fine. You are forgiven, you are valuable, you are essential, you are loved and you are love."
"I imagine the net makes a sound that I call the benevolent hum. It’s a sound the universe sings. It might sound like 'Om'."
"I bet that when you are well-cared for and your inner monologue is friendly, you actually get more done for the people around you."
"Important stuff is the work that only you can do."
"Be reliable but not infinitely available."
"Busy is not a virtue."
MDR - minimum daily requirement
Think of the smallest thing possible towards your goal
Then cut that in half!
"Surrender is not giving up, it’s giving in."
"She didn’t want to look at how her own behaviour might be contributing to the cycle, so she just kept repeating it."
"That may be their story, but it’s not my story."
"You can’t waste time, time just happens."
"You can tell it’s clutter because [it’s stuck,] there’s no movement, no progress, and no life."
"If you watch and listen carefully, you’ll notice that people tell you exactly who they are in the first few minutes of knowing them." (Variation on: When people tell you who they are, believe them.)
"You will not have unlimited opportunities to do your work, so do it now."
"There will come a time when your can no longer express your love, so express it now."
"Your moment is now."
Favourite Quotes:
"In the infinity of life where I am, all is perfect, whole, and complete." ~ Louise Hays
Summary:
- No cellphone in the bedroom.
- Feel the net.
- Schedule fun time.
- Acknowledge that feeling overwhelmed is a choice.
- Turn complaints into requests.
- Release that which no longer serves you.
- Stop visualizing arguments.
- Make 5-minute art to externalizer your feelings.
"Clutter is the residue of old decisions."
"You are everything. You are literally made of stardust."
"We are all connected - to each other biologically, to the Earth chemically, and to the rest of the universe atomically. We are in the universe and the universe is in us." ~ Neil de Grasse-Tyson
"Plug into the energy of the universe. Let it heal you."
"As far as the net is concerned, you are fine. You are forgiven, you are valuable, you are essential, you are loved and you are love."
"I imagine the net makes a sound that I call the benevolent hum. It’s a sound the universe sings. It might sound like 'Om'."
"I bet that when you are well-cared for and your inner monologue is friendly, you actually get more done for the people around you."
"Important stuff is the work that only you can do."
"Be reliable but not infinitely available."
"Busy is not a virtue."
MDR - minimum daily requirement
Think of the smallest thing possible towards your goal
Then cut that in half!
"Surrender is not giving up, it’s giving in."
"She didn’t want to look at how her own behaviour might be contributing to the cycle, so she just kept repeating it."
"That may be their story, but it’s not my story."
"You can’t waste time, time just happens."
"You can tell it’s clutter because [it’s stuck,] there’s no movement, no progress, and no life."
"If you watch and listen carefully, you’ll notice that people tell you exactly who they are in the first few minutes of knowing them." (Variation on: When people tell you who they are, believe them.)
"You will not have unlimited opportunities to do your work, so do it now."
"There will come a time when your can no longer express your love, so express it now."
"Your moment is now."
August 6, 2019
If I DNF a book, do I call it read, currently-reading, or to-read? Shouldn't there be another category?
I’m really sorry that I bought this one. I heard Sam Bennett on a podcast and she was so entertaining, smart, and funny that I immediately ordered both of her books (“Get It Done” and this one, “Start right Where You Are”). I listened to the audio of “Get It Done” and basically enjoyed it — or at least, the first half. It contains a lot of good ideas and some strategies I’d like to try to put into practice. But the sequel, well, I’ll never know because I can’t bring myself to read any further. Too much God talk. What’s up with that? Even if, as Bennett claims, she doesn’t use the word God like most people do, she’s big into prayers and her gushy spirituality is soooo off-putting to me. Here’s where I closed the book: “Focus in on the heartwood core of you that’s now plugged into the living earth, that’s connected to the sky and the stars and the sun. Imagine that that beam glows — that it has a color, and an intensity. And visualize all the spokes radiating out from you like a dandelion puff, extending out, out, out, into infinity. The spokes glow, too.” Seriously?? Uh, no thanks.
I’m really sorry that I bought this one. I heard Sam Bennett on a podcast and she was so entertaining, smart, and funny that I immediately ordered both of her books (“Get It Done” and this one, “Start right Where You Are”). I listened to the audio of “Get It Done” and basically enjoyed it — or at least, the first half. It contains a lot of good ideas and some strategies I’d like to try to put into practice. But the sequel, well, I’ll never know because I can’t bring myself to read any further. Too much God talk. What’s up with that? Even if, as Bennett claims, she doesn’t use the word God like most people do, she’s big into prayers and her gushy spirituality is soooo off-putting to me. Here’s where I closed the book: “Focus in on the heartwood core of you that’s now plugged into the living earth, that’s connected to the sky and the stars and the sun. Imagine that that beam glows — that it has a color, and an intensity. And visualize all the spokes radiating out from you like a dandelion puff, extending out, out, out, into infinity. The spokes glow, too.” Seriously?? Uh, no thanks.
March 21, 2019
Interesting testimonial of Sam Bennett, but maybe too practical for me.
I like to be pointed out things that can change, but I also like to choose myself how to do it.
Unfortunately, Sam focuses a lot on the "How" in this book.
So if you lack the energy, the time or the imagination and wants ready-made solutions to change your life, this book is for you.
But if you want to think and invent your own solutions, you'll certainly find this book too practical, and not necessary appropriate to your own style.
I like to be pointed out things that can change, but I also like to choose myself how to do it.
Unfortunately, Sam focuses a lot on the "How" in this book.
So if you lack the energy, the time or the imagination and wants ready-made solutions to change your life, this book is for you.
But if you want to think and invent your own solutions, you'll certainly find this book too practical, and not necessary appropriate to your own style.
January 31, 2021
Morning Motivation
I read this book one chapter each day, first thing in the morning, to help jump-start my creative writing projects. The strategies in the chapters, combined with the exercises at the end of chapters, really helped jump-start my creative process and get into the flow. My production increased easily 5-fold, even on busy days during the holiday season, and through some tough emotional times. Sam understands Highly Creative People and knows exactly how to motivate and encourage them to more profitability and productivity.
I read this book one chapter each day, first thing in the morning, to help jump-start my creative writing projects. The strategies in the chapters, combined with the exercises at the end of chapters, really helped jump-start my creative process and get into the flow. My production increased easily 5-fold, even on busy days during the holiday season, and through some tough emotional times. Sam understands Highly Creative People and knows exactly how to motivate and encourage them to more profitability and productivity.
November 30, 2020
"Knowing what I know now- would I chose it all over again?"
There is magic in just get started. This book explores the possibility of how someone can succeed with tenacity and saves more time. It has a lot of instances that made a person to just stop in the middle of the road but it takes a truly resilient man to keep going despite all the challenges. Change the malicious thinking and move toward the goal- 1 game at a time.
There is magic in just get started. This book explores the possibility of how someone can succeed with tenacity and saves more time. It has a lot of instances that made a person to just stop in the middle of the road but it takes a truly resilient man to keep going despite all the challenges. Change the malicious thinking and move toward the goal- 1 game at a time.
May 23, 2018
I went to this for organizational tips. It did not contain any.
But it sure made me feel warm and fuzzy inside.
Honestly, this is probably one of my favorite self-help books. Who knew? Still 3 stars, because... well, you know it all in your heart already. At least, I hope you do. That's all "self-help" is, usually.
I just wanted some tips on prioritization. Wrong book. : /
But it sure made me feel warm and fuzzy inside.
Honestly, this is probably one of my favorite self-help books. Who knew? Still 3 stars, because... well, you know it all in your heart already. At least, I hope you do. That's all "self-help" is, usually.
I just wanted some tips on prioritization. Wrong book. : /
November 16, 2021
I loved this book! I used it like a daily morning practice and read a chapter at a time. This isn’t the type of book you can read cover to cover and get the most benefit. It’s filled with practical advice and action steps that were wonderful reminders on how to proceed through each day and life. It was like having a little Sam Bennett on my shoulder everyday! I’m sort of sad I finished the book.
December 22, 2024
Disappointed.
I enjoyed Sam's first book, 4 stars, but this one was ridiculous. Too much pushing for readers to adopt the author's beliefs. One size does not fit all and most of the book was that. 1.5 stars because there is a couple good things.
I enjoyed Sam's first book, 4 stars, but this one was ridiculous. Too much pushing for readers to adopt the author's beliefs. One size does not fit all and most of the book was that. 1.5 stars because there is a couple good things.
April 9, 2018
Very quick read. Ok content.
January 1, 2019
Start Right Where You Are - Sam Bennett
Rating: ★★
Review coming soon!
Rating: ★★
Review coming soon!
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