Table of Contents
Sean has inspired me for years, so much so that I even wrote about him in my book. The reason why I love and respect my good buddy is he truly gets ithe lives in harmony! In this book he gives you timeless wisdom in a fun, loving, and modern-day voice that youll enjoy rereading for the rest of your life.
James Arthur Ray, author, Harmonic Wealth; coauthor, The Secret
As a writer it takes a lot for a book to impress meand a lot more for a book to impact me. Get Off Your But did both! Simply put, Sean silences the voice that tells us were not enough.
Steven Pressfield, author, The War of Art
The reason why some people never win at the game of life is theyre too busy sitting on their BUTS on the sideline instead of standing on the field making history! Perseverance is the name of the game, whether youre running a business, a family, or making the cut for the Notre Dame football team. Get Off Your But is the perfect book to strengthen your perseverance and lead you to the ultimate victories in life!
Rudy Ruettiger, inspiration for the movie Rudy; author, Rudys Insights for Winning in Life
If youve ever been afraid of meeting someone, dating someone, or starting a conversation with someone you wanted to meet, and youd like to destroy those fears, then read this book. I guarantee that the material inside will get you the results you want from life...
David DeAngelo, author, Double Your Dating
No ifs, ands, or BUTS about it. Sean sets an awesome example of someone who could find every reason to give up. This book offers inspiration, humor, and insights on overcoming mental barriers that could rent space in your head!
Gary Coxe, author, Dont Let Others Rent Space in Your Head
Have you ever felt stuck in life? If so Id recommend you read this book. Sean lays out in a very entertaining manner a set of tools for us to deal with challenging circumstances. While he might not be able to walk, he truly embodies the idea that anything is possible if you take it one step at a time.
Robert Maurer, Ph.D., author, One Small Step
Sean is an inspiration showing like no one else what perseverance and the raw power of belief can accomplish. He has imbued this book with an extraordinary message he puts into action every day. Read ityou wont be disappointed.
Ray Dodd, author, BeliefWorks and The Power of Belief
Seans book is a touching, surefire approach to stop your excuses from controlling your life; and even more important, to stop putting off the life you dream of.
Rita Emmett, author, The Procrastinators Handbook and The Clutter-Busting Handbook
Sean Stephenson is a human re-frame. The moment his story and passion connect with you, life looks different, and your excuses are out the window.
Steve Chandler, author, The Story of You
To fears, excuses, and insecurities.
If it werent for you, I would be out of a job.
Be forewarned thoughI plan on eradicating you from this planet.
Your days are numbered.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
To Mom, Dad, and Heidithanks for all your love and support, and for asking a million times the most annoying question ever, Is your book done yet?
To my amazing pit crewyou know who you are. Youre the reason Im in first place!
To my powerful mentors and friendtorsthanks for teaching me the things that I needed to learn, saying the things I may not have wanted to hear but needed to, and believing in me on the days I didnt believe in myself.
To Bryn Freedmanthanks for seeing things in me other people couldnt. I love ya, partner.
To Alice Martellthanks for finding the perfect publisher and kindly answering all my extremely naive questions.
To Tony Robbinsthanks for carrying me across the coals in life.
To Dr. RobertYoungthanks for making me unbreakable.
To Eben Paganthanks for proving to me that I am capable of creating attraction. And thanks for being one of the most giving mentors I have.
To President Clintonthanks for teaching me the power of connection.
To William O. Lipinskithanks for teaching me how to network.
To Alan Rinzler and Naomi Luchs Sigalthanks for making me sound as though I know what Im talking about here.
To Phi Kappa Theta, the American Legion, Lyons Township High School, DePaul University, Shriners and Chicago Childrens Hospitals, and the Make-A-Wish Foundationyour presence shaped the course of my destiny.
To the entire Stephenson and Clinch extended familiesthanks for all the prayers; God heard you. Keep them coming.
FOREWORD
Anthony Robbins
I have dedicated my time here on earth to finding the tools that can help each of us experience an extraordinary quality of life. I do believe that such a life can only be found by living ones true passion. Without passion, an individual gets caught in the trap of making a living instead of designing a life. When we fall into the trap of getting up each day to reenact an ordinary existence, we find ourselves at a level that is merely one of survival. Thus, I have spent more than a quarter of a century traveling the globe, learning from and teaching individuals the importance of living life at the level were made for! One of the blessings of teaching so many people is getting to meet some incredible human beings. In 1998, I made friends with one such person, Sean Stephensona little man with such a big spirit, it could move mountains. His smile and loving nature were truly infectious.
Sean came to me through the help of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He wanted me to mentor him because, although his life was filled with accomplishments and joy, so too was it filled with frustration, pain, and a fight for survival. His face was covered in acne. Because of his genetic bone disorder, his back was riddled with pain, and his bones were so brittle that they were fracturing constantly. Doctors felt that Seans condition would most likely turn fatalwith a premature death. One could see that his entire body lacked the energy and vitality it deserved. I told Sean exactly whom to see and what to do. He took immediate and massive action by changing his entire diet and lifestyle. This action turned Seans physiology around 180 degrees. His acne, chronic back pain, and bone fractures disappeared completely, and they havent returned since. His prognosis is no longer premature death. Believe it or not, Sean now body-builds and has a six-pack set of abs that most fitness competitors dream of.
The way a person lives his life can either serve as a warning or as an example to us. Sean is the example! An example of how to get over your fears, insecurities, and excuses. Sean could have sentenced himself to a lifetime of misery, yet he consciously chose to pardon himself from the pity. Sean amazes me not because he overcame his struggles, but because he chose to dedicate his life to helping others do the same. He doesnt just have a compelling story to tell in this book; he has a specific plan for you to follow. His plan is designed to help you and people you care about to get off what he calls your BUTS. Of course, in Seans own words, hes referring to our