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Start Where You Are: Life Lessons in Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be – Indispensable Wisdom for Transformation and Hope
“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, “a book that teaches you how to transform the impossible into the possible” (Sidney Poitier), Gardner offers indispensible life lessons in getting from where you are to where you want to be.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2008
196 people are currently reading
1501 people want to read
About the author
Chris Gardner
56 books215 followersChristopher Gardner is the owner and CEO of Gardner Rich LLC with offices in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. Conquering grave challenges to become a successful entrepreneur, Gardner is an avid motivational and aspirational speaker, addressing the keys to overcoming obstacles and breaking cycles. Gardner is also a passionate philanthropist whose work has been recognized by many esteemed organizations.
The amazing story of Gardner’s life was published as an autobiography, The Pursuit of Happyness, (Amistad/Harper Collins) in May 2006, and became a New York Times and Washington Post #1 bestseller. In paperback, the book spent over twenty weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and has been translated into fourteen languages. Gardner was also the inspiration for the movie “The Pursuit of Happyness,” released by Columbia Pictures in December 2006. The movie is the #2 all-time domestic grossing drama. Will Smith starred as Gardner and received Academy Award, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominations for his performance. Gardner was an associate producer on the film.
Gardner’s second book, Start Where You Are: Life Lessons in Getting From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be will be published on May 12, 2009.
Born February 9, 1954 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Christopher Paul Gardner’s childhood was marked by poverty, domestic violence, alcoholism, sexual abuse and family illiteracy. Gardner published his autobiography out of a desire to shed light on these universal issues and show they do not have to define you. Gardner never knew his father, and lived with his beloved mother, Bettye Jean Triplett (nee Gardner), when not in foster homes. Gardner is indebted to Bettye Jean for his success as she provided him with strong “spiritual genetics” and taught him that in spite of where he came from, he could chart another path and attain whatever goals he set for himself.
Gardner joined the Navy out of high school and then moved to San Francisco where he worked as a medical research associate and for a scientific medical supply distributor. In 1981, as a new father to son Christopher Gardner Jr., he was determined to find a career that would be both lucrative and fulfilling. Fascinated by finance, but without connections, an MBA or even a college degree, Gardner applied for training programs at brokerages, willing to live on next to nothing while he learned a new trade. Chris Jr.‘s mother left and Gardner, despite his circumstances, fought to keep his son because, as he says, “I made up my mind as a young kid that when I had children they were going to know who their father is, and that he isn’t going anywhere.”
Gardner earned a spot in the Dean Witter Reynolds training program but became homeless when he could not make ends meet on his meager trainee salary. Today, Gardner is involved with homelessness initiatives assisting families to stay intact, and assisting homeless men and women who are employed but still cannot get by. It is estimated that 12% of the homeless population in the United States is employed; in some communities that estimate is as high as 30%.
Gardner worked at Bear Stearns & Co from 1983-1987 where he became a top earner. In 1987 he founded the brokerage firm Gardner Rich in Chicago from his home with just $10,000. Gardner Rich LLC is an institutional brokerage firm specializing in the execution of debt, equity and derivative products transactions for some of the nations largest institutions, public pension plans and unions.
Dedicated to improving the well-being of children through positive paternal involvement, Gardner is a board member of the National Fatherhood Initiative, and received the group’s Father of the Year Award in 2002. He serves on the board of the National Education Foundation and sponsors two annual awards: the National Education Association’s National Educational Support Personnel Award and the American Federation of Teachers’ Paraprofessio
The amazing story of Gardner’s life was published as an autobiography, The Pursuit of Happyness, (Amistad/Harper Collins) in May 2006, and became a New York Times and Washington Post #1 bestseller. In paperback, the book spent over twenty weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and has been translated into fourteen languages. Gardner was also the inspiration for the movie “The Pursuit of Happyness,” released by Columbia Pictures in December 2006. The movie is the #2 all-time domestic grossing drama. Will Smith starred as Gardner and received Academy Award, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominations for his performance. Gardner was an associate producer on the film.
Gardner’s second book, Start Where You Are: Life Lessons in Getting From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be will be published on May 12, 2009.
Born February 9, 1954 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Christopher Paul Gardner’s childhood was marked by poverty, domestic violence, alcoholism, sexual abuse and family illiteracy. Gardner published his autobiography out of a desire to shed light on these universal issues and show they do not have to define you. Gardner never knew his father, and lived with his beloved mother, Bettye Jean Triplett (nee Gardner), when not in foster homes. Gardner is indebted to Bettye Jean for his success as she provided him with strong “spiritual genetics” and taught him that in spite of where he came from, he could chart another path and attain whatever goals he set for himself.
Gardner joined the Navy out of high school and then moved to San Francisco where he worked as a medical research associate and for a scientific medical supply distributor. In 1981, as a new father to son Christopher Gardner Jr., he was determined to find a career that would be both lucrative and fulfilling. Fascinated by finance, but without connections, an MBA or even a college degree, Gardner applied for training programs at brokerages, willing to live on next to nothing while he learned a new trade. Chris Jr.‘s mother left and Gardner, despite his circumstances, fought to keep his son because, as he says, “I made up my mind as a young kid that when I had children they were going to know who their father is, and that he isn’t going anywhere.”
Gardner earned a spot in the Dean Witter Reynolds training program but became homeless when he could not make ends meet on his meager trainee salary. Today, Gardner is involved with homelessness initiatives assisting families to stay intact, and assisting homeless men and women who are employed but still cannot get by. It is estimated that 12% of the homeless population in the United States is employed; in some communities that estimate is as high as 30%.
Gardner worked at Bear Stearns & Co from 1983-1987 where he became a top earner. In 1987 he founded the brokerage firm Gardner Rich in Chicago from his home with just $10,000. Gardner Rich LLC is an institutional brokerage firm specializing in the execution of debt, equity and derivative products transactions for some of the nations largest institutions, public pension plans and unions.
Dedicated to improving the well-being of children through positive paternal involvement, Gardner is a board member of the National Fatherhood Initiative, and received the group’s Father of the Year Award in 2002. He serves on the board of the National Education Foundation and sponsors two annual awards: the National Education Association’s National Educational Support Personnel Award and the American Federation of Teachers’ Paraprofessio
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
August 5, 2016
This was assigned reading for a Senior Capstone course in college. There were some good tips, but I think Gardner's ego and tendency to name drop are a little off-putting. If you are looking for obtaining monetary success by way of the corporate world, this book will speak to you. If you don't necessarily define success in Gardner's terms, you may find other books more helpful.
July 14, 2010
If I were to write a book on "life lessons in getting from where you are to where you want to be", I think I would whittle it down to fewer than 44. That's right. There are 44 separate "lessons" in this book. Gardner's story (which he doesn't tell in depth here, but refers to often) is remarkable, but this book is repetitive and unfocused. The best lesson I learned was at the very beginning where he describes the "C-5 complex": clear, concise, compelling, committed, and consistent. I wish he had remembered to be concise when writing this book (with a co-author... amazing! How bad was this book before she got her hands on it???).
I wonder about the truthfulness of the book. Perhaps the facts are all there, but Gardner describes the "haunting and life-transforming experience of visiting Robben Island Prison, where (Nelson) Mandela had been sent at the end of 1962 - with a life sentence - and where I was shown his prison cell." Wow! Sounds like a special tour that only some select few are able to experience, right? NO! Any yob with a few rand and an afternoon free in Cape Town, South Africa can go on that tour. I have been on that tour. Maybe I'm being too critical about this, but I feel that he was putting a spin on this, and it makes me question the rest of the book.
I wonder about the truthfulness of the book. Perhaps the facts are all there, but Gardner describes the "haunting and life-transforming experience of visiting Robben Island Prison, where (Nelson) Mandela had been sent at the end of 1962 - with a life sentence - and where I was shown his prison cell." Wow! Sounds like a special tour that only some select few are able to experience, right? NO! Any yob with a few rand and an afternoon free in Cape Town, South Africa can go on that tour. I have been on that tour. Maybe I'm being too critical about this, but I feel that he was putting a spin on this, and it makes me question the rest of the book.
January 6, 2013
Start Where You Are, authored by Chris Gardner and co-authored by Mim E. Rivas is an inspirational, exciting, uplifting road-map to get from the place in your life where you currently are, to becoming the person you always knew you could be! This book is a must read for anyone who is interested in pursuing their personal goals and simply making your dream a reality.
This book shares so many motivating stories of people who are in need of a lift in their life and through perseverance and hard work, they overcome every one of their obstacles; coming out of their hardships light-years ahead of where they ever imagined they could be. This book is proof that hard work and determination, a driving spirit and a will to overcome truly is the secret to success! In addition to personal stories that move you, the step by step guide is also woven within Gardner’s book to show you exactly how you can go from either unemployment or a job which makes you unhappy, to the amazing, successful individual you have always wanted to become!
This book shares so many motivating stories of people who are in need of a lift in their life and through perseverance and hard work, they overcome every one of their obstacles; coming out of their hardships light-years ahead of where they ever imagined they could be. This book is proof that hard work and determination, a driving spirit and a will to overcome truly is the secret to success! In addition to personal stories that move you, the step by step guide is also woven within Gardner’s book to show you exactly how you can go from either unemployment or a job which makes you unhappy, to the amazing, successful individual you have always wanted to become!
May 18, 2020
When you've read this book and answered all the questions in the end, you really get to know your core and strengths inside of it.
December 31, 2019
My last book of 2019 was full of advices and experiences. Keep dreaming and believe in yourself.
January 30, 2014
I loved this book. To me it is a "life resource" that I will go back to constantly to remind myself how my life experiences and current network can empower me to expand and grow in my journey. I don't think of this as some unrealistic, self-help book. Instead, Chris Gardner points out that you are where you are in life mostly due to the choices you have made up to this point. If you don't like the direction you are heading in, then change the direction you are going. He asks you to explore your past, no matter how painful, and seek understanding for why you made certain choices or surrounded yourself with certain people during your journey.
I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially someone who wants to be in a better place than where they are right now.
I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially someone who wants to be in a better place than where they are right now.
May 7, 2017
This book reminded me of why I stopped reading self-help books. I found this one particularly overwhelming. Filled with great inspirational advice I will just ignore because all I want to do is keep reading books...
May 30, 2017
This book was like sitting with your favourite uncle and receiving life lessons.
Insightful and truly for that person who has the guts to grab hold of their dreams.
Insightful and truly for that person who has the guts to grab hold of their dreams.
January 21, 2022
Sin duda alguna agradecida de empezar el año 2022 con este pedazo de libro que aunque no es un tocho contienen tanta sabiduría que podría servir para una vida.
Este autor tiene una capacidad increíble de hacerte repenzar de muchas cosas que en el momento nos frenan a empezar a luchar por nuestro sueño.
A través de varias lecciones de vida de otras personas y de él mismo nos enseña que aveces nosotros solo nos ponemos excusas, pero al mismo tiempo no busca regañarte si no que también te da lecciones de cosas que te ayudarán a llegar al éxito de una manera real y para que evites ciertos errores aunque recuerda (fracasar es parte del éxito).
Me gusta, porque no te da los típicos consejos que te garantiza un supuesto éxito istantaneo de lo cual el está en contra. Me sentí identificada con muchas lecciones de vida de otras personas, son situaciones reales y que de verdad me da a entender que solo es cuestión de tener fe, un sueño y un plan para lograrlo.
Lo recomiendo mucho para esas personas que están pasando por diversas situaciones que los puede llegar a hacer pensar que nunca podrán llegar a su meta soñada.
Este autor tiene una capacidad increíble de hacerte repenzar de muchas cosas que en el momento nos frenan a empezar a luchar por nuestro sueño.
A través de varias lecciones de vida de otras personas y de él mismo nos enseña que aveces nosotros solo nos ponemos excusas, pero al mismo tiempo no busca regañarte si no que también te da lecciones de cosas que te ayudarán a llegar al éxito de una manera real y para que evites ciertos errores aunque recuerda (fracasar es parte del éxito).
Me gusta, porque no te da los típicos consejos que te garantiza un supuesto éxito istantaneo de lo cual el está en contra. Me sentí identificada con muchas lecciones de vida de otras personas, son situaciones reales y que de verdad me da a entender que solo es cuestión de tener fe, un sueño y un plan para lograrlo.
Lo recomiendo mucho para esas personas que están pasando por diversas situaciones que los puede llegar a hacer pensar que nunca podrán llegar a su meta soñada.
December 9, 2023
Chris Gardner has some clear cut advice on how to move forward with your dreams. I appreciate that he states that you are where you are becasause of your decisions. Yes, awful things can happen, but it's up to you to make the decision to let it pull you down, hold you back or if you'll work hard to move forward. No, it's not always easy and yes there are set backs, but YOU can choose to take the next best step.
Chris' C5 List to get started: Clear, Concise, Compelling, Committed, Consistent
Chris then goes on to list over 30 things to consider when working on whatever it is you need to. It's interesting that he says to look back at your life map to see what lessons were learned and where you may have gotten hung up. Embrace that and learn so that you may continue.
He also states that it helps to have authority, authenticity and autonomy.
So many more tidbits are found in this book. You should pick it up to be inspired and refocus your goals by setting a plan. Chris' lists can help you to do so.
Chris' C5 List to get started: Clear, Concise, Compelling, Committed, Consistent
Chris then goes on to list over 30 things to consider when working on whatever it is you need to. It's interesting that he says to look back at your life map to see what lessons were learned and where you may have gotten hung up. Embrace that and learn so that you may continue.
He also states that it helps to have authority, authenticity and autonomy.
So many more tidbits are found in this book. You should pick it up to be inspired and refocus your goals by setting a plan. Chris' lists can help you to do so.
May 9, 2024
This wasn't for me. It was positive. He used scripture. He talked with passion. All things I expect in this type of book. However, this rambled and it was repetitive. He liberally peppered this with own personal experience. I like personal experiences but it was chopped up here a little, there a little, everywhere a little little. I wish he had just put it all out there in one go.
When I read things like this, if it doesn't strike a chord with me, I try to think which of my friends or my grown children this could benefit. No luck. If you are new to life lesson books, this might be a good start. However, there are many other books that are better written. So 2 stars is all I have for this one and that was for his enthusiasm.
When I read things like this, if it doesn't strike a chord with me, I try to think which of my friends or my grown children this could benefit. No luck. If you are new to life lesson books, this might be a good start. However, there are many other books that are better written. So 2 stars is all I have for this one and that was for his enthusiasm.
July 24, 2024
This read was an unexpected one that I didn't think that I would enjoy so much. There are some really valuable lessons that I think would benefit anyone who is confused on where they are going in life. Some of these lessons may seem obvious in nature, but Garnder puts it in a way that sinks into your spirit. Although, there were times when I felt the book lagged, especially when talking about business, overall it was a quick and easy read. I give this 5 out of 5 stars. I finished this book with a new perspective.
November 29, 2017
Average. It felt like just another self-help book. If you have read self-help books before about "how to succeed", you won't find anything really new here. Each chapter has a summary at the end of it, plus another chapter by chapter summary at the end of the book. It could be shortened quite a bit.
February 26, 2018
A nice build on The Pursuit of Happyness - a detailed outline of steps to make dreams actionable, organized around 44 lessons supported with keywords and a lot of stories and analogies from Gardner's and others' lives; felt like it was trying to be a companion for the road more than a delivery mechanism for any individual aha.
April 12, 2020
Started off with a couple cool lessons. Turned into a bit of a mix of random thoughts and creative writing with good intentions. He often a references people who have written to him which I found to be something I didn’t enjoy. If I buy a book from an author then I want that to be the guiding material not joe from St Louis... sorry joe. All in all it is just ok in a category filled with options.
November 17, 2020
This is one of those self help books that really spoke to me and eviscerated a lot of my excuses that have become a little to engrained in my mind. The author speaks from a place of experience, his story is one of hardship and how he has overcome those difficult times and become successful is remarkable and inspiring.
August 22, 2022
Garder gives direct and actionable feedback throughout this book while telling his life story. This book is much different from the Will Smith movie but if you can open yourself up to it, it is worthwhile in every way. Especially for young people looking to make an impact. All these years later and it's still part of my favorite books pile!
February 9, 2017
Awesome life lessons. down to earth, but very powerful. Really makes you think about what is holding you back from your dreams. He hit rock bottom but was able to work out of it, even with a strong head wind. He tells it like it is.
March 7, 2018
My buddy, Mim Eichler Rivas, co-authored this book and “The Pursuit of Happyness” with Chris Gardner (Will Smith played him in the movie). Chris’s rags-to-riches story is moving; and this book (overflowing with quotable wisdoms) is a nice complement to his story.
February 18, 2020
Good book. Very inspirational. I would probably not read this book if I had not watched the Will Smith movie. The pursuit of happyness, gives Chris Gardner a level of credibility. He is speaking out of experience and sharing tips that actually made a difference in his life. Highly recommend.
February 7, 2018
Absolutely LOVED this book, so much insight,
April 16, 2019
Great book with a lot of valuable lessons.
September 14, 2019
I really
October 14, 2019
Absolute amazing read. So inspiring and informative filled with valuable tips and wisdom easily applied to your every day Life. Gardner is a true trail Blazer.
October 19, 2019
good book.
March 28, 2020
Its anamazing book.
March 3, 2022
Great book, pretty similar to most self help books, but I liked the stories and added intros to each lesson.
April 16, 2023
I listened to the audiobook and it’s very good. Lots of great examples and stories.
I preferred Gardener’s first book over this one.
I recommend this book.
I preferred Gardener’s first book over this one.
I recommend this book.
January 7, 2024
YES YES YES! Chris Gardner, the Pursuit of Happiness. This man's story is an inspiration, and the words in his memoir truly capture the tribulations and lessons he faced throughout his life. Since reading the book, it made me inclined to think about the future. I believe this is a fantastic book to gift someone in their mid or late 20's, soon to have a baby. Although I am not either of those things, I still related to many of the stories Gardner wrote regarding his job insecurity, education, and racism. This book does not get enough credit!
June 8, 2017
The movie, The Pursuit of Happyness came out 10 years ago, but for some reason I had never seen it. I finally did and was blown away, what an amazing true life story.
I was so inspired that I decided to check out Chris Gardner's book that the movie was based on. While looking into that I stumbled upon this book.
This is literally THE best self-help/pursuing your dream career book I have ever read. Gardner is so inspirational and practical with his advice. I wrote down many quotes and plan to re-read parts and take more notes. A wonderful man with a wonderful message.
I was so inspired that I decided to check out Chris Gardner's book that the movie was based on. While looking into that I stumbled upon this book.
This is literally THE best self-help/pursuing your dream career book I have ever read. Gardner is so inspirational and practical with his advice. I wrote down many quotes and plan to re-read parts and take more notes. A wonderful man with a wonderful message.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews