Start Where You Are is an inspirational feel-good guide for anyone wanting to improve their life. This includes those who feel down and out as if life has manipulated the gaming table against them. It is for people who want to become all they can be, but don’t have the confidence to “make it so.” Finally, it is written for those who have done well with their lives, but hunger for something much greater, something more satisfying than collecting a paycheck and muddling through.

If you are one of these folks and many of us are, The Start Where You Are will inspire you, just as you might inspire a baby, to take those first difficult steps toward a fulfilling goal. In the book's opening pages, Gardner’s encouraging message is this. Set aside any and all negative feelings because you and he will begin your life changing journey together, by starting where you are at this moment in time.  

Some place in my past, I remember hearing the expression or slogan, “Today is the first day of the rest of your life!” Well, that is Start Where You Are’s first mental commandment. You have the power of the present on your side along with an abundance of resources you are going to tap.

You will need some kind of road map to follow. Although Gardner suggests that even Lewis and Clark had a map, drawing your own map either in your mind or on paper, is essential. You need a specific plan to reach your goal. As a reviewer, I feel it is critical to sit and write out your roadmap so you can refer to it every time you get discouraged

Suppose you want to be an automobile engine mechanic. Then, that is the button you need to push-start NOW. Obviously, you need to measure the mechanical skills you have at this moment, over-against the skills you will need, to analyze today’s sophisticated engines.

Already, you may possess basic knowledge of the internal combustion engine. But you will have to learn the basics of computerized engine technology. Right NOW you must list on your map, what specific courses you'll take, and exactly where you'll take them to prepare yourself for a job change.

Article Author: Regis Schilken

Regis Schilken's stories reflect his search for meaning in a very human but frightening way. Three of his books have been published: The Oculi Incident, The Island Off Stony Point, and a third, You Know When was just recently released. …

Visit Regis Schilken's author page — Regis Schilken's Blog