The pursuit of greatness is often shrouded in uncertainty. Many of us are convinced that success requires a certain level of resilience, but what if we're wrong? In this book, Dan McAdams challenges the conventional wisdom and reveals the surprising science behind why we get tougher with age.

McAdams argues that our perception of resilience is based on a flawed assumption: that it's a fixed trait, something we either have or don't. But what if we've just been conditioned to expect a certain level of success? What if our brains are wired to respond more strongly to challenges than we give ourselves credit for?

Through fascinating research and stories from everyday people, McAdams shows how the brain's response to stress is closely tied to its ability to adapt. He explains that true resilience comes not from having an endless supply of grit, but from being able to rewire our brains in response to adversity. By shifting our mindset and cultivating a growth mindset, we can overcome obstacles and achieve greatness that goes far beyond what we ever thought possible.