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Empty Your Backpack: Unpack Your Beliefs, Take Consistent Action, and Create a Life of Meaning
In Empty Your Backpack, Sam Demma demonstrates that your dreams are in reach, and it's the beliefs you carry and the actions you take that determine whether you will achieve them. Demma provides a guide on how to move closer to your dreams faster than you ever imagined. He shows that by cultivating empowering beliefs while committing to consistent actions that fuel your creativity and growth, you can make things happen in your life the way you envision. Are you weighed down by people dismissing your dreams as unrealistic? You have big dreams. There are things you want to accomplish, but maybe they feel out of reach-especially when people tell you they're impossible. That heavy feeling of doubt is your backpack. It's full of limiting beliefs and dreams crushed by the opinions of others. It's time to empty your backpack and release that weight from your shoulders. Demma's guide offers actionable ideas to help young people keep faith in their dreams even when those around them lose theirs. He reveals pathways that can help bring dreams to life and empower you to be the best version of yourself. Empty Your Backpack is an easy-to-follow guide filled with tried-and-tested principles and inspiring stories from Demma's remarkable life that will help you optimize your beliefs and actions to get you where you want to be.
182 pages, Paperback
Published November 18, 2022
149 people are currently reading
617 people want to read
About the author
Sam Demma
2 books11 followersSam Demma is the author of Empty Your Backpack, Be Someone's Taco and Return on Goodwill (forthcoming). He delivers 100+ keynote performances annually around the globe. In his spare time, you can find Sam reading books, dancing the bachata, or travelling with his giant red backpack.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
October 25, 2025
A friend told me about this book and I immediately downloaded it and started listening to it. Yes, a lot of this could be aimed towards a younger crowd (I’m 50), but it also absolutely applied to me as well! As a person who stays comfortable and doesn’t feel she should go for her dreams, this was the book I needed to read!! I hope to see a lot more from Sam!
August 4, 2025
3.5⭐️ rounded up. All pretty basic stuff but he’s such a likable guy that he’s easy to take advice from. What he says really makes sense & the guy seems to have a heart of gold. I started following him on social media and I always like to see the nice guys succeed.
February 2, 2025
This a good book for young adults still trying to figure stuff out.
January 17, 2026
So lets taco-bout this book (you'll understand that reference after you read it). First of all, I'd like to say I had never heard of Sam Demma or this book; this was a recommendation from Goodreads based on other books I had read recently. Secondly, after reading for a bit I found myself thinking "how old is this kid?!" He references his high school / teenage years and gives examples of life experiences that have motivated him to not only write this book, but launch an entire speaking career. So I found myself looking him up on social media, found an Instagram page, started following, then that led me to his website where I see that he's been on speaking tours since 2023, which is awesome! There's no better testament to the legitimacy of a self-help book than an author who is following through with what they're writing about, and he's doing just that! Overall, this book is full of insightful and compelling thoughts and actions of a young man who demonstrates more maturity and self-awareness than I have seen from / experienced with adults twice his age (coming from a middle-aged woman, myself). I sent a DM to his Instagram account while reading the book (he tells you to!), and had a back and forth conversation for a bit. I asked him if it was actually him in these messages or a social media manager - just because I was curious...and you know what he replied with? A voice message telling me that he does indeed respond personally do all of his messages. I think that's just really cool and mature of him! Sam, when are you coming to the Detroit area?!
January 31, 2026
You’ll Be Happy You Read This Book - I Keep Re-Reading It!
I think this book is incredible. At 71, I know I’m not the target audience for this book. The author even says he, and presumably, his readers, don’t want to listen to people 2 and 3 times their age. But he is so filled with positivity and enthusiasm, that I cannot imagine anyone, regardless of age, not enjoying this book.
This is NOT your typical motivational, how to succeed, get rich and famous book. This is a book on how to live your life. Through personal vignettes, Mr. Demma shows how just being true to himself, being open and kind, and believing in himself and others, has led to incredible experiences in his own life.
From emptying your backpack of all the negative messages you’ve received, to thinking the best of “bad” drivers - his stories about how positive vibes from others have affected him will have you smiling throughout your day. He shares how his failure to comply with expectations, by standing out and going the extra mile, has led him to a wealth of fantastic experiences in his own young life.
It’s a fun, short read, with a summary take-away after each story. Whatever you’re trying to succeed at, be it the quest for success, dealing with kids, medical issues, trying to diet, or just getting through one day at a time. etc., his stories will inspire you. Loved this book and recommend it for everybody.
I think this book is incredible. At 71, I know I’m not the target audience for this book. The author even says he, and presumably, his readers, don’t want to listen to people 2 and 3 times their age. But he is so filled with positivity and enthusiasm, that I cannot imagine anyone, regardless of age, not enjoying this book.
This is NOT your typical motivational, how to succeed, get rich and famous book. This is a book on how to live your life. Through personal vignettes, Mr. Demma shows how just being true to himself, being open and kind, and believing in himself and others, has led to incredible experiences in his own life.
From emptying your backpack of all the negative messages you’ve received, to thinking the best of “bad” drivers - his stories about how positive vibes from others have affected him will have you smiling throughout your day. He shares how his failure to comply with expectations, by standing out and going the extra mile, has led him to a wealth of fantastic experiences in his own young life.
It’s a fun, short read, with a summary take-away after each story. Whatever you’re trying to succeed at, be it the quest for success, dealing with kids, medical issues, trying to diet, or just getting through one day at a time. etc., his stories will inspire you. Loved this book and recommend it for everybody.
February 19, 2026
As both a parent and an educator, I appreciate Empty Your Backpack for its clear, uplifting message and practical guidance for young people navigating self-belief and personal growth. Sam Demma invites readers to recognize the “backpack” of limiting beliefs, self-doubt, and outside expectations that can weigh them down, and then offers accessible strategies to let go of that mental load and move forward with purpose and confidence. 
What stands out is how the book balances encouragement with concrete steps—it doesn’t just tell students to “believe in themselves,” but shows how confidence and meaningful action grow through practice and reflection. The stories and examples from Demma’s own life make the lessons feel relatable and real, especially for teens and young adults who are figuring out their goals and place in the world. 
From a classroom standpoint, this book is a great springboard for discussions about mindset, resilience, and goal-setting. Parents may also find value in the way it opens conversations about dealing with criticism, staying focused, and choosing beliefs that support growth rather than hold children back. 
Overall, Empty Your Backpack provides a thoughtful blend of inspiration and practical tools that can support both school and home environments in helping young people grow into confident, intentional individuals.
What stands out is how the book balances encouragement with concrete steps—it doesn’t just tell students to “believe in themselves,” but shows how confidence and meaningful action grow through practice and reflection. The stories and examples from Demma’s own life make the lessons feel relatable and real, especially for teens and young adults who are figuring out their goals and place in the world. 
From a classroom standpoint, this book is a great springboard for discussions about mindset, resilience, and goal-setting. Parents may also find value in the way it opens conversations about dealing with criticism, staying focused, and choosing beliefs that support growth rather than hold children back. 
Overall, Empty Your Backpack provides a thoughtful blend of inspiration and practical tools that can support both school and home environments in helping young people grow into confident, intentional individuals.
March 20, 2023
really 3.5
Usually, I take a hard opposing stance to motivational speakers, but I actually found this guy's book quite engaging. There were a lot of good messages in this book and I especially liked his specificity---where there was a lot of room for his words to be misinterpreted, he made sure to clarify and say exactly what he meant.
However, there were quite a few grammatical errors and spelling mistakes, which I can usually ignore in fictional works, but in non-fiction, I feel like it is important for establishing the ethos of an author. I also felt that some of his stories kind of hindered his point at times. Like, he'd say, "don't take no as an answer and here's an example of me doing that. Except, my desired outcome didn't come from that but also I was better off." So I felt as if that kind of made me like 👀 like it didn't work for you so why should I bother? But maybe that's just my pessimistic nature. It was obvious that it was written by a white middle-class guy, but I think his messages were general enough to apply to a vast group of people.
The writing was simple, easy to understand, which I think is good for non fiction books. Very easy to grasp. But it's very motivational speaker-y so if you're not into that, you might not be into this either
Usually, I take a hard opposing stance to motivational speakers, but I actually found this guy's book quite engaging. There were a lot of good messages in this book and I especially liked his specificity---where there was a lot of room for his words to be misinterpreted, he made sure to clarify and say exactly what he meant.
However, there were quite a few grammatical errors and spelling mistakes, which I can usually ignore in fictional works, but in non-fiction, I feel like it is important for establishing the ethos of an author. I also felt that some of his stories kind of hindered his point at times. Like, he'd say, "don't take no as an answer and here's an example of me doing that. Except, my desired outcome didn't come from that but also I was better off." So I felt as if that kind of made me like 👀 like it didn't work for you so why should I bother? But maybe that's just my pessimistic nature. It was obvious that it was written by a white middle-class guy, but I think his messages were general enough to apply to a vast group of people.
The writing was simple, easy to understand, which I think is good for non fiction books. Very easy to grasp. But it's very motivational speaker-y so if you're not into that, you might not be into this either
December 5, 2025
This book deserves to be required reading in every school. Sam is a remarkable speaker, and his stories of everyday encounters reveal how powerful even the smallest actions can be impactful and helpful to a person. These consistent gestures offer a practical way to truly understanding people.
During my time in law enforcement, I reminded myself that we often meet individuals on their worst days, and judging them solely in those moments would be unfair. Accountability is important, and being aware of the danger involved course, but recognising this perspective helped me de-escalate situations that could have otherwise turned out much worse.
I believe this book would teach high school students as well as adults those same lessons—how empathy and persistence can shape their interactions and inspire them to pursue their dreams. Sam, you are an inspiration. It feels like fate that I came across your work, and I’m deeply grateful.
During my time in law enforcement, I reminded myself that we often meet individuals on their worst days, and judging them solely in those moments would be unfair. Accountability is important, and being aware of the danger involved course, but recognising this perspective helped me de-escalate situations that could have otherwise turned out much worse.
I believe this book would teach high school students as well as adults those same lessons—how empathy and persistence can shape their interactions and inspire them to pursue their dreams. Sam, you are an inspiration. It feels like fate that I came across your work, and I’m deeply grateful.
February 5, 2026
Hace mucho no leía las palabras de alguien tan joven. El Sam es un soñador empedernido y la verdad me recuerda a mí a los 18.
Pero hay que decir que leer a un morrillo Canadiense claramente no va a tener nada que ver con la realidad Latinoamericana. A veces los sueños no se pueden perseguir con la misma fiereza en un país con inestabilidad, peligro, crimen y la necesidad de trabajar desde muy joven pa' poder comer.
Sam se balancea entre "échale ganas" y "construye una vida con sentido". Sobre lo último estoy muy de acuerdo. Me gusta que cuestiona el status quo de lo que significa el éxito y cómo es una definición individual que habrá que encontrar a prueba y error.
Me hubiera encantado leerlo antes, (es literatura pa' chiavos), pero a la Diana bebé le hubieran encantado estas ideas. La Diana del 2026 cree en construir la vida que quiere, pero está cansada de un mundo tan cruel y capitalista.
Pero hay que decir que leer a un morrillo Canadiense claramente no va a tener nada que ver con la realidad Latinoamericana. A veces los sueños no se pueden perseguir con la misma fiereza en un país con inestabilidad, peligro, crimen y la necesidad de trabajar desde muy joven pa' poder comer.
Sam se balancea entre "échale ganas" y "construye una vida con sentido". Sobre lo último estoy muy de acuerdo. Me gusta que cuestiona el status quo de lo que significa el éxito y cómo es una definición individual que habrá que encontrar a prueba y error.
Me hubiera encantado leerlo antes, (es literatura pa' chiavos), pero a la Diana bebé le hubieran encantado estas ideas. La Diana del 2026 cree en construir la vida que quiere, pero está cansada de un mundo tan cruel y capitalista.
December 14, 2025
This book is more than a traditional motivational book. Empty your back is a guide that helps you to reconnect with your essence and your dreams. There is a roller-coaster of emotions that allows you to reconnect with the child inside you, lives the present, and dreams again about the future. This book reconnects you with your purpose in life, or at least shows you that this purpose does not have to be something bigger like save the world, but every consistent action approaches you to that. Also, with life experience, show you how kindness opens doors that you never imagined. Once you start reading it, you can't stop. Go, buy and read the book, and I am sure, if you are open to learn and listen, this book will give you a new perspective about kindness, work, your dreams, and goals. A new perspective about life itself. doesn't matter how old or young you are. Empty your backpack is open to everyone who wants to bring kindness to the world and reconnect with yourself. I will end this review with this question... What small consistent actions are you doing to reach your goals or bring kindness to the world? Enjoy it
March 5, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars | Game Changer in One Night
Sam Demma’s Empty Your Backpack completely shifted my perspective. I didn’t realize how much garbage I had been stuffing into my own “backpack” for years… self-doubt, negative thoughts, old stories, and all the junk we tell ourselves. No wonder it felt so heavy.
This book helped me realize I’ve basically been hiking through life carrying a backpack full of bricks I packed myself. The way Sam explains things makes you stop, reflect, and finally start unpacking that weight.
The best part? It only took one night to listen to and it still managed to hit like a ton of bricks (the good kind). Quick, powerful, and genuinely life-changing.
If your mental backpack feels a little overloaded, do yourself a favor and read or listen to this book. Your shoulders will thank you. 🎒✨
Sam Demma’s Empty Your Backpack completely shifted my perspective. I didn’t realize how much garbage I had been stuffing into my own “backpack” for years… self-doubt, negative thoughts, old stories, and all the junk we tell ourselves. No wonder it felt so heavy.
This book helped me realize I’ve basically been hiking through life carrying a backpack full of bricks I packed myself. The way Sam explains things makes you stop, reflect, and finally start unpacking that weight.
The best part? It only took one night to listen to and it still managed to hit like a ton of bricks (the good kind). Quick, powerful, and genuinely life-changing.
If your mental backpack feels a little overloaded, do yourself a favor and read or listen to this book. Your shoulders will thank you. 🎒✨
December 25, 2025
Be careful - Sam Demma and his book may just change your life. I hope that it becomes part of a school curriculum because what Sam teaches is exactly what this world needs. I can’t wait to read it again to my 14 year old.
Sam’s positive and selfless, growth mindset are such an amazing lesson for anyone who is struggling with their self worth or just trying to find your way in this life. I saw Sam in a random video and now I’m hooked. His social media is a must for all kids to learn positivity, selflessness and kindness. Like I said - don’t be surprise if you close that book and immediately do something small but meaningful for someone else - and that random act of kindness will keep spreading!
Sam’s positive and selfless, growth mindset are such an amazing lesson for anyone who is struggling with their self worth or just trying to find your way in this life. I saw Sam in a random video and now I’m hooked. His social media is a must for all kids to learn positivity, selflessness and kindness. Like I said - don’t be surprise if you close that book and immediately do something small but meaningful for someone else - and that random act of kindness will keep spreading!
January 16, 2026
Overall, Empty Out Your Backpack is a meaningful and uplifting read. It’s especially valuable for anyone feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or in need of a fresh start. This book is inspiring and gives a sense of hope, it reminded me that lightening up their load can lead to greater peace, freedom, and clarity in life. What I appreciated most about this book is how gentle and understanding it is. It doesn’t make the reader feel guilty for having emotional baggage. Instead, it reminds us that everyone carries something, and that letting go is a journey, not something that happens all at once. The author’s words felt encouraging and reassuring, especially during moments when self-reflection can feel uncomfortable.
September 27, 2025
🌮 Beyond expectations 🌮
🌮🌮🌮 be someone's taco, that's this book, the book is my tacos 🌮 🌮🌮
I've read more than just a few books, but this one I'd put at the top of my list to read again.
So much encouragement, and many moments to make you stop and "smell the leather" as Dan Pena says to do. This book encourages the stop moment.
Or maybe not a full stop, more a pause and inhale. With tips to exhale and go forward.
I'd recommend it to anyone starting life's journey, or for someone who is having a life moment.
Very much liked this book, will put in my "read once a year stack"
Stacking tacos 🌮 🌮🌮🌮
🌮🌮🌮 be someone's taco, that's this book, the book is my tacos 🌮 🌮🌮
I've read more than just a few books, but this one I'd put at the top of my list to read again.
So much encouragement, and many moments to make you stop and "smell the leather" as Dan Pena says to do. This book encourages the stop moment.
Or maybe not a full stop, more a pause and inhale. With tips to exhale and go forward.
I'd recommend it to anyone starting life's journey, or for someone who is having a life moment.
Very much liked this book, will put in my "read once a year stack"
Stacking tacos 🌮 🌮🌮🌮
December 9, 2025
I started following Sam on IG and instantly loved his reels and message, the more he talked about his book the more I wanted to read it and I am so glad I did. I like at the end of each chapter how he reviews the key take always. As a teacher I would love to order his book in bulk and have all my students read it. While I am a little older now a lot of the message is still things that can resonate with me and would definitely recommend to younger teens and adults with big dreams. I actually listened to it on Spotify and thought it was awesome he was the narrator. Great book. Great speaker and love his material and messages.
March 5, 2026
I highly recommend this book to anyone who feels stuck, lost, or that the world is ignoring them. This book is for the people who know they are going to do great things but have no idea where to start. This book would be great for highschoolers to people like me (early 30's). This isnt the book that is going to tell you the same boring things of listen to your elders, go to school, watch lectures, get certifications. This book tells you to trust your gut, go against the stream, believe in yourself, dream big, and speak your goals into reality! And most of all it tells you to be someone else's Taco, put good out there into the world.
January 30, 2026
I just finished Empty Your Backpack by Sam Demma, CSP
It’s a timely reminder that in business and life, the weight we carry into decisions — past experiences, assumptions, and habits — often matters more than the situation in front of us.
Sam shares practical, relatable stories that encourage better leadership, stronger relationships, and more intentional decision-making.
This is a book I’d recommend to anyone leading teams or navigating change.
Simple, thoughtful, and highly applicable.
It’s a timely reminder that in business and life, the weight we carry into decisions — past experiences, assumptions, and habits — often matters more than the situation in front of us.
Sam shares practical, relatable stories that encourage better leadership, stronger relationships, and more intentional decision-making.
This is a book I’d recommend to anyone leading teams or navigating change.
Simple, thoughtful, and highly applicable.
February 24, 2026
This book that Sam has written is one that I am very excited to read again. I found his thoughts and life extremely valuable for my life and l am very excited to go purchase a hard copy and read it with my kids. I know this is one of those books that each time you read it you will take something new out of it. I love the message in this book and the way he is able to explain it simply enough for older children to understand yet keep an adult like myself entertained. Well done Sam! I will look for ways to continue to be someone's taco!
November 5, 2025
Empty Your Backpack is a motivational and relatable book that encourages readers to let go of fear, self-doubt, and past mistakes, the “weight” we carry around mentally. Sam Demma shares personal stories and practical lessons that remind us we don’t have to be defined by our challenges. Instead, we can choose purpose, gratitude, and belief in ourselves.
It’s a quick, inspiring read, perfect for students, young adults, or anyone looking for a mindset reset.
It’s a quick, inspiring read, perfect for students, young adults, or anyone looking for a mindset reset.
February 14, 2026
Great Read. Not too long, and very motivational! I think I read it in two days, but you could probably read it much quicker. I plan to re-read it again to let things soak in better, and I may take some notes this time. It has a very nice flow and is broken into logical sections with Beliefs and Actions being the main section. Sam provides great guidance in this book and provides great testimony from his personal life that illustrate the lessons being taught.
March 4, 2026
I recently listened to Empty Your Backpack which was narrated by Demma himself. I appreciate this book, as it gave a visualization (the red backpack) of something people typically discuss in a more abstract and philosophical manner. I like how he acknowledges that he doesn’t know what the reader/listener is going through either, as most authors in this realm/field don’t typically do that.
He made a lot of great points, and I felt quite connected to the material. He hit some chords and gave me great insights on how to look at different aspects of life.
I love how he gave his own experiences which shows he means what he does. I could also feel more immersed and connected through hearing his stories. Especially considering that I prefer real-life stories/examples from books like these. Hearing Demma narrate, I could sense the authenticity which enhances the connection and interest in the material. He was also not only a friendly voice, but he was very encouraging as well. He absolutely kept me engaged throughout it.
If you can, I highly recommend listening to this book! Honestly, get it in print, ebook, or audio format. Any type of way, it’s a great book!
He made a lot of great points, and I felt quite connected to the material. He hit some chords and gave me great insights on how to look at different aspects of life.
I love how he gave his own experiences which shows he means what he does. I could also feel more immersed and connected through hearing his stories. Especially considering that I prefer real-life stories/examples from books like these. Hearing Demma narrate, I could sense the authenticity which enhances the connection and interest in the material. He was also not only a friendly voice, but he was very encouraging as well. He absolutely kept me engaged throughout it.
If you can, I highly recommend listening to this book! Honestly, get it in print, ebook, or audio format. Any type of way, it’s a great book!
October 18, 2025
Sam Demma did a fantastic job explaining how we allow others thoughts and opinions effect our own goals, habits, and dreams! I believe the target audience is much younger than myself but I was able to relate to much of what was written. It was a great read with good things to remember. I especially liked how at the end of each chapter there was a list of items Sam hoped you were able to take away from that chapter. This book definitely helped put things in perspective and provides motivation.
October 24, 2025
I have so many great takeaways from this book! I have shared it with multiple people already!! I had also bought a few copies of “Be Somebody’s Taco” Sam’s children’s book and I have shared that with others also!! Go read it and make sure to have a notebook and little tabs to mark your favorite pages!!
November 25, 2025
I just completed your book, Empty Your Backpack, this morning. It has been quite inspiring. I am within 6 months of being eligible to retire after being in law enforcement for 25 years. As I look at the opportunity to ride off into the sunset and consider what's next, your book has provided me with the courage to find a new path to occupy my time and pursue new opportunities.
November 28, 2025
Sam has the craft of speaking to youth. He is inspiring and encouraging. He may be the next Stephen Covey. We are using his literature with Behavioral Health patients to help motivate and encourage them to hone their coping skills and change their automatic negative thoughts into intentional behaviors. We need more teachers like Sam
February 7, 2026
This book is a fountain of truth for those who are looking for the awakening required to understand what you are to do with this life. Whether for selfish, or selfless reasons, with the help of this book you can learn your path and the tools to be exactly where you wish to be. One of the first major chronicles of this generation of authors. Keep up the amazing work Sam!
February 17, 2026
Sam does a great job of laying out how to help yourself find success. Great stories. Great thought process. I consumed the book via audio and Sam was the reader. It was great! I felt like the book was written for younger folks that are finding their way. at 61, I still found great value in it! Read it! You will NOT be disappointed.
June 13, 2023
Good job Sammy! This book is real! I think it will be very helpful to those who are trying to figure “life out”. It helps to give direction. It also gives you hope! Hopefully one day I’ll hear you speak live!
October 2, 2025
I didn't finish because this book is aimed at a different age range.
The main takeaway was be yourself and don't pay attention to what other people say. What they say isn't about you, it's about them.
The main takeaway was be yourself and don't pay attention to what other people say. What they say isn't about you, it's about them.
November 19, 2025
Listened to this as an audiobook, and while Sam is young and has written this to ignite and educate other young people, this book is filled with inspiring stories and tools to get the best from our lives.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews