GREATER THAN
The Power and Strength of Emotional Grit
by Jennifer Fernjack
_edited.jpg)
Jennifer's Story
Jennifer Fernjack is an author and keynote speaker. From in person workshops and symposiums, to virtual meetings and conferences, her messages of hope and emotional grit have been heard across the U.S. and by people from places such as Australia, Europe, Canada, India and New Zealand.
Raised in Cloquet, Minnesota, she currently resides in Edina, Minnesota. She has a BA degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas. Jennifer's personal story of emotional grit stems from a health scare where she learned the best things in life are free.
Book Available For Purchase
Most people assume that being brave is the absence of fear, when in reality, it can mean feeling afraid and being able to persevere anyway. If you’re open to such things as the power of music, gratitude, pets, laughter, random acts of kindness or facing fears, you can change or enhance your perception of life in the most trying times. Demonstrating this “emotional grit” is invaluable every day with small or big concerns – or when you face a medical scare as the author did. In this book, you will learn:
-
How to reduce or eliminate fear by embracing it,
-
How the science of optimism can change your brain chemistry, and
-
Ways perspective and gratitude can help carry you.
Testimonials
"Through the unimaginable, Jennifer discovered the power and strength of emotional grit. By sharing her personal story and those of others, she has shown it's possible to persevere during times of adversity. The scientific evidence she gathered shows ways to not only develop grit but strengthen it. Her book is one of discovery, hope, and triumph. Best of all, she shows us that the best things in life are free."
—Terry Wu, Ph.D. -- Neuroscientist, Speaker, and Business
Consultant
"Jennifer's book wonderfully illustrates how we can rewire our mind to effectively navigate challenging situations. This is something I experience first-hand every day at our airport. I watch the expression of a traveler who is outside of his or her comfort zone visibly soften after a kind interaction with an airport volunteer or employee, a few moments enjoying the beauty of our artwork or live music, or petting one of our Animal Ambassador therapy dogs. Understanding and opening oneself up to these opportunities
is truly a gift."
—Laura Sartain, Director of Foundation Programs, Airport Foundation MSP
Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport
"Jennifer Fernjack's Greater Than is a powerful exploration of resilience, emotional grit, and the transformative power of perspective. Through her personal story of facing a medical scare and the insights she gleaned along the way, Fernjack offers readers a refreshing take on what it means to be brave. The premise of the book challenges the common assumption that bravery is the absence of fear, instead highlighting that true courage often involves feeling fear and choosing to persevere in spite of it.
In this heartfelt and enlightening work, Fernjack taps into the everyday tools we all have at our disposal—music, laughter, gratitude, pets, and even random acts of kindness—as sources of strength during life's most challenging moments. Her approach encourages readers to confront their own fears and adversities with a new mindset, one that emphasizes growth, positivity, and acceptance over avoidance or resistance.
One of the book’s most compelling aspects is the way Fernjack integrates science with personal narrative. She introduces readers to the concept of "emotional grit," explaining how optimism and a positive outlook can physically alter the brain's chemistry, leading to improved mental health and overall well-being.
Through practical advice and evidence-based strategies, Fernjack teaches readers how to reduce or even eliminate fear by embracing it, rather than running from it. The idea that perspective and gratitude can act as powerful tools in facing fears is threaded throughout the book.
Fernjack offers simple yet profound exercises and reflections that help readers practice these principles daily. Her message is clear: no matter the size of the obstacle or the depth of the fear, there is always a way to approach life with an open heart and a resilient spirit.
Greater Than is more than just a self-help book; it is a manual for navigating life's difficulties with grace, humor, and optimism. Fernjack’s writing is engaging and relatable, and her authenticity shines through in every chapter. She doesn't claim to have all the answers, but she offers a compassionate, empowering perspective that encourages readers to believe that they, too, are capable of facing whatever challenges come their way.
Whether you are struggling with a major life change, a medical scare, or simply feeling overwhelmed by everyday stressors, Greater Than serves as a reminder that the greatest strength often comes from within. By changing our perceptions and embracing fear, we can unlock our own potential to thrive in the face of adversity.
Rating: 4.5/5
A thought-provoking and uplifting read for anyone seeking to build resilience and live with greater courage and gratitude."
— URLink Print and Media
News & Events
Featured Posts
