For years, Dr. George Everly's clinical practice has focused on helping adults recover from the physical and mental illnesses caused by excessive stress. He concluded that such treatment would not have been necessary if they had been taught to better manage stress early in life. Unlike many books on this subject, this one does not promote stress reduction techniques as such. Instead, it presents seven pillars on which a stress-resilient life may be built. Dr. Everly explains that resisting stress and rebounding are based on strength of character; strength of character is resiliency; and resiliency is based on seven core life lessons that parents can teach their children. Essential actions, beliefs, and codes that shape true resiliency in the face of challenges can -- if learned early enough -- prevent debilitating stress.

Dr. Everly persuasively frames his approach as an "acquired immunity" to the effects of stress in areas from health to relationships and careers.