Life doesn't come with an instruction manual for success, so Darren Hardy has written one for you. The Compound Effect shows you how small, smart choices add up to transform your life.

Time is free, but it's priceless. You can't own it, but you can use it. You can't keep it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it you can never get it back.

Never buy anything in a room with a chandelier.

You only get one chance to make a good first impression, and yours may be in the hands of the receptionist.

Good habits are as addictive as bad habits, and a lot more rewarding.

When you wake up every day, you have two choices. You can either be positive or negative; an optimist or a pessimist. I choose to be an optimist. It's all a matter of perspective.

Most fears of rejection rest on the desire for approval from other people. Don't base your self-esteem on their opinions.

If you wish others to believe in you, you must first convince them that you believe in them.

A dream is just a dream. A goal is a dream with a plan and a deadline.

None of us got to where we are alone. Whether the assistance we received was obvious or subtle, acknowledging someone's help is a big part of understanding the importance of saying thank you.

There is a time to provide advice and offer an opinion, and there is a time not to. Don't be too quick to offer unsolicited advice. It certainly will not endear you to people.

There is nothing more amazing than being with the one you love.

I would give a century of my life for a single taste of your lips

I do not spoil women. ... I don't send them flowers and gifts. . . . I'm saving those gestures until I am an unpleasant old man who must resort to bribery to win a woman's synthetic affections.

An optimist sees an opportunity in every calamity a pessimist sees a calamity in every opportunity.

The Bible was meant to be read by those in love. It's sad when it's not.

I think caring more about flags than people is an issue. I'd like to see that change.

Keep your eye on the main chance and don't stop to kick every barking dog.

Do not confuse excellence with perfection. The first is possible to achieve, the second is probably not.

I don't care how much money you have, free stuff is always a good thing.

The morning glories and the sunflowers turn naturally toward the light, but we have to be taught, it seems.