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

“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.

Since Chris Gardner's remarkable transformation from homeless single father to millionaire—chronicled in his number one New York Times bestseller The Pursuit of Happyness, which inspired the movie of the same name—he has been inundated with two questions: "How did you do it?" and "How can I do it too?"

Start Where You Are is Gardner's power-packed reply. Focusing on real issues that impact individuals in all walks of life, he provides a road map for success.

If you've had the rug pulled out from under you, are dealing with the loss of a home or a job, a health or financial crisis, or simply can't find the motivation to pursue new challenges, these forty-four clear, cogent, and accessible life lessons are invaluable. In Start Where You Are, Chris Gardner shows us how to tap into the infinite resources we already have on hand to move in the only direction—forward!

“Start Where You Are represents the next phase in Gardner’s career, offering hope and sound advice in this tough economic climate. . . .Transformative and inspirational.” - BookPage

“With . . . Start Where You Are, he 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 knock out!” - Maya Angelou

“This smart and well-written guide includes excellent suggestions for both everyday life and work, with the last sentence summing up Gardner’s message: “Accepting responsibility is accepting that your dreams really can come true.” The result is hopeful and uplifting. - Library Journal

“Gardner offers practical advice and pragmatic suggestions for tackling life’s problems. . . In 44 ‘tell-it-like-it-is’ chapters. . .Gardner provides a blueprint for navigating tumultuous times.” - Ebony

“A book that teaches you how to transform the impossible into the possible.” - Sidney Poitier

“Start Where You Are is a must-have, must-read guide to pursuing happiness in changing times. It’s not just about surviving as an individual or business in the current economic environment, but about thriving -- personally, collectively, and globally.” - Quincy Jones