Chris Gardner’s Manifesto of Self-Determination
The Origins of Go Get It Philosophy
Chris Gardner’s declaration “If you want something, go get it. Period.” encapsulates a philosophy forged not in comfortable boardrooms but in the crucible of poverty, homelessness, and relentless determination. A struggling single father forged this deceptively simple statement through lived experience. He overcame extraordinary adversity to become a successful stockbroker and entrepreneur. The quote represents far more than motivational platitude—it’s the crystallized wisdom of someone who literally did go and get it. Gardner transformed himself from homeless to wealthy through sheer force of will and strategic action. He has repeated variations of this message throughout his career as a motivational speaker, author, and businessman, making it one of his most recognizable aphorisms. It mirrors the arc of his remarkable life precisely.
Chris Gardner’s early life reads like a Horatio Alger story updated for the late twentieth century. Born in 1954 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Gardner grew up in poverty with an abusive, alcoholic stepfather. His mother worked multiple jobs to keep the family afloat. Rather than letting these circumstances define him, Gardner channeled his childhood experiences into driving ambition. This ambition would sustain him through decades of struggle. After high school, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served for two years.
The military gave him the discipline and mental toughness that would later characterize his business approach. Following his military service, Gardner worked various jobs—as a medical corpsman, a healthcare salesman, and eventually as a stockbroker trainee. Each position represented a deliberate stepping stone toward financial independence and respectability. His early career experiences taught him that talent, persistence, and strategic networking often matter more than formal credentials or family connections. He would later teach these lessons to millions.
If you want something, go get it means action
The turning point in Gardner’s life came in 1981 when, at age twenty-seven, he became a single father. The mother of his son declined to continue their relationship. This development coincided with a significant downturn in his financial fortunes. By 1982, Gardner found himself literally homeless, living in a bathroom stall at a San Francisco Bay Area train station. He worked during the day to support himself and his young son. This period lasted approximately one year and became the crucible from which his philosophy was born.
During this time, Gardner actively pursued a position as a stockbroker trainee at Dean Witter Reynolds. He commuted to work, studied for his Series 7 exam, and cared for his son—all while experiencing homelessness. He would shower at the YMCA and sleep in his car or shelters. Each day he arrived at work presenting himself as though he had a stable home life. This period demonstrated the central tenet of his philosophy: circumstances need not determine destiny. Consistent action toward a goal could eventually overcome even the most daunting obstacles.
What makes Gardner’s story particularly compelling is his shrewd understanding of human psychology and systematic self-improvement. Often, simplified retellings overlook this crucial element. Gardner didn’t simply persist through willpower alone; he strategically positioned himself. He attended industry events and cultivated relationships with senior brokers. He studied market trends obsessively and made himself indispensable through superior knowledge and effort. Gardner understood that going to get what you want requires not just desire but strategy. Persistence and the willingness to outwork everyone around you matter equally.
By 1983, Gardner had secured a position as a broker at Dean Witter Reynolds. Within two years, he was managing a multi-million dollar portfolio. He eventually moved to Robinson-Humphrey in Atlanta, where he became one of the top earners. Later, he founded his own brokerage firm, Gardner Rich & Co. His ascent wasn’t magical or instantaneous; it was the product of calculated determination executed over years. Motivational versions of his story often lose this important nuance.
How this mindset changes your life forever
The quote gained widespread recognition following the 2006 film adaptation of Gardner’s memoir “The Pursuit of Happyness” (note the unusual spelling, deliberately chosen for the book). Will Smith starred in an Oscar-nominated performance as Gardner. The film brought Gardner’s story to a mainstream audience of millions. It introduced his philosophy to people far beyond the business world. The movie version compressed and dramatized many elements of Gardner’s actual experience. However, it captured the emotional essence of his determination and single-minded focus on improving his circumstances.
Following the film’s success, Gardner became a sought-after motivational speaker. He appeared at corporations, universities, and conferences where he would inevitably invoke some version of this core statement about taking action. The phrase resonated particularly strongly because it rejected victimhood narratives. It avoided the dismissive tone of “just try harder”—it acknowledged that the world won’t hand you opportunities. It also insisted that individuals possess agency over their own futures.
A lesser-known aspect of Gardner’s character is his commitment to mentorship and giving back to struggling youth despite his extraordinary success. He has certainly capitalized on his story through speaking engagements, books, and consulting. However, Gardner has also worked extensively with homeless and disadvantaged populations, particularly young people aging out of the foster care system. He founded the Gardner Rich Foundation specifically to provide resources, mentorship, and opportunity to young people from impoverished backgrounds. This charitable work reveals something deeper about his philosophy than simple self-interest: he genuinely believes that proper guidance, access, and mentorship enable people to overcome their circumstances. He’s committed resources to proving this premise. Additionally, Gardner is known for his meticulous personal habits and disciplined lifestyle, which he credits as foundational to his success. These habits weren’t glamorous or complicated—they were simply the unglamorous daily practices of someone committed to excellence. Gardner’s story ultimately teaches us that wanting something badly enough to pursue it systematically, with strategy and unwavering effort, remains one of the most reliable paths to transformation. The rest truly is up to you.