The Stuff: Unlock Your Power to Overcome Challenges, Soar, and Succeed

by Sharlee Jeter, Sampson Davis, Derek Jeter (Foreword)

Everyone has difficult moments in life. But everyone also has the ability to overcome hardships—and to not only survive but thrive. Discover how to realize your own potential with “one of the most inspiring and motivating books of our time” (Wes Moore, New York Times bestselling author).

In the face of impossible odds—maybe the devastating consequences of a personal loss, the pain of a collapsed career, the struggle against a powerful disease, or a destructive and toxic relationship—how do you keep going?

We may wonder if we have the strength to survive this ordeal before us. Dr. Sampson Davis and Sharlee Jeter want to prove that we do.

No strangers to adversity themselves, Dr. Sampson Davis and Sharlee Jeter created The Stuff Movement by interviewing dozens of survivors to discovery how they triumphed over their challenges. These inspirational interviews reveal eleven core elements—founded on attributes we all possess—that empower us to not only survive through hardship, but also thrive.

You already have the Stuff. Now learn to use it.

“Sampson and Sharlee’s message of the power of positivity, hard work, and resilience is one that we need to hear right now” (Chris Gardner, #1 New York Times bestselling author) and you can join the conversation at TheStuffMovement.com.

Featuring stories from John O’Leary (On Fire), Mercy Alexander, Rich Ruffalo, Mindee Hardin, Glenn and Cara O’Neill, Sean Swarner, Traci Micheline, Wess Stafford (Too Small to Ignore), Austin Hatch, Debra Peppers, Christine Magnus Moore, Martha Hawkins, Ali Stroker (Glee), Susan Scott Krabacher, Deval Patrick, and more.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Personal Growth

368 pages, Paperback

Published March 19, 2019

Reviews

[Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Stuff
Resilience
Grit
Fortitude
Hope
Fight
Insight
Reason
Passion
Believe
Determination
Pushing Limits
Raising the bar
Giving
Paying Forward
Charity
Mentoring
Dreams
Goals
Empowerment
Overcome
Triumph

Trauma
Tragedy
Obstacles
Challenges
Adversity
Poverty
Drugs
Crime
Racism
Stereotypes
Cancer
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Third-degree burns
Askin’s Sarcoma
Abuse
Bankrupt
Addiction

All these keywords incorporate the empowering needed stories of The Stuff, vital humans, hearts at battle with themselves with all the terrible things thrown their ways, obstacles overcome, trauma endured and moving forward with greatness, the stuff, the greatness of souls, the stuff of real super heroes, giving back and paying forward all clearly layered out in essential human truth work.

One story of courage and greatness was of Sean Swarner, he had beaten cancer twice and along with his brother he established a non-profit organisation called The Cancer Climber Association. He bravely climbs the world’s highest mountains raising money for cancer research. On May 16 2002, with just one lung and odds stacked against him, he climbed with his brother successfully to summit of Mount Everest with a tribute flag inscribed with the names of cancer sufferers.

In the Foreward Derek Jeter says :
“The individuals profiled in this book are incredible, and how they overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles, stayed so hopeful, kept charge of their lives, and remained resilient in the face of trauma and tragedy can provide all of us with tremendous insight. Stories of triumph energize us to become better people.”

I do agree with this. these are memorable stories, memorable characters , ones of which the reader shall have engraved upon their hearts and minds. Word of caution these narratives may evoke a reality check upon ones ruminations on life and humanity.

Excerpts @ https://more2read.com/review/the-stuff-by-sharlee-jeter-sampson-davis/

[Theresa Riggs]

I just finished reading the "The Stuff" for the SECOND time. The substance behind the Eleven Core Principles of Resilience that is uncovered in this book is worthy of a second read maybe a third! The true life stories of each one of these incredible individuals could have easily been a book of its own. However, the condensed version gives the full picture and a clear understanding to the extent of feeling as though I actually know these individuals personally. That in itself is a great feature of reading “The Stuff”. Realistic, factual, believable and inspirational are just a few of the words that come to mind. It is written in such a way that makes it simplistic and understandable to readers of all ages and all walks of life. It is an awakening for each reader to discover their own stuff (talents, passion, strong points) in addition to learning the eleven core concepts of the common stuff that is within all of us. It is a brilliant concept that can be nurtured and continue to grow with every life experience. “The Power of Common Cause” and “The Necessity of Giving Back” pull the entire reading together. The summary is very fitting: learn and value this knowledge; discover the power within; incorporate this power into your daily routine and most important of all, share and encourage others to start their own journey to master, conquer and succeed.
So to the brilliant Authors -- do I hear sequel? If it is not already in the works you better get on it. You have already started your readers on a mission and we are ready for more.

[Karin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the stories. A lot of the points the authors make are not new or different. What they bring to the table are the stories of people who overcame their trials using traits like hope, pushing limits believing etc. They believe we already HAVE 'the stuff' in us to allow us to succeed. We just have to recognize it (name it) and use it without giving up.

[Leigh Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Stuff" is essentially a collection and discussion of heartwarming and moving real-life stories in which the common theme is overcoming obstacles. Dr Sampson and Ms Jeter use simple, familiar, and encouraging language to nudge their readers towards "launching" their own successes and overcoming obstacles of their own. As they say, the people in these success stories are just regular people, so anyone can do it too!

I couldn't put the book down. The stories inside make me evaluate my own life and decisions, and make me feel thankful for what I have. All in all, a very inspiring lesson.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, engaging read. I would like to think I have the Stuff because I overcame the trauma of my motorcycle incident, though, at times, I did not always have a positive, can do attitude, like some of the people in this book. I did listen to what doctors told me to do, and I had the MOST AMAZING support system, and a partner who is quite positive, and who loves me so much.

1. The question everybody asks
2. Choose to help
3. Forge your motivation statement
4. You must lunch
5. Develop your team
6. Push your limits
7. Refuse to give in to fear
8. Focus your rage
9. Lean into hard work
10. Stay open to unforeseen inspiration
11. Flip negative to positive
12. Be a giver
You’ve already got what it takes

[Jay Bryan Mower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished THE STUFF, a book full of amazing people and life changing stories, where people found ways to take on adversity and not just overcome it but live lives that inspire people and help others. Great work by the amazing authors in not only recognizing these people and moments, but seeing the traits that help us all realize how we can take on such challenges in our own lives and make other people’s lives better each day. This book is truly a continuation of the amazing work that Sharlee Jeter and Dr. Sampson Davis do with their lives each day.

[Sara Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

While going through a tough time, this book has taught me that the situation does not have to define me or how I live my life. I know that I will get through this and I will overcome any obstacles in my way. The Stuff reinsured me that this will take time, but I will get there. Such a great read, that I’m passing it along to my friend!

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not a huge non-fiction reader as I usually read for relaxation and non-fiction feels more like an assignment to me. But I felt I was in a place where I could use a mental pick me up and this was good for that.

[Robert Grieco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely inspirational book. It's my belief it will change your life after reading it. Superb!

[Ananth Koovappady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that Sharlee Jeter and Dr. Sampson Davis have co-authored Every story therein is reflective of the fact that ordinary people can become everyday heroes. All that is needed is to summon the inner strength, refuse to give in to fear and stay open to the unforeseen possibilities life has to offer.

[Suzanne Ondrus]

There are many uplifting stories here, akin to watching The Secret.

[Gregory Mcnew]

My daughter won this book in a GoodReads giveaway.

I thought the stories that led off each chapter were individually inspiring. Viewed from that perspective, it is a good example, overall, of how people can overcome life-threatening and overwhelming circumstances. Each story clearly led to the areas that they were discussing in each chapter, and the authors showed how those characteristics can be applied in your personal life.

As for the actual characteristics, they are not necessarily any different from those are presented in other similar books. I think the value of this book is to show those inspiring stories can be applied to your circumstances.