Resilience is not optional

In a world defined by uncertainty—socially, economically, and politically—one truth has become clear: resilience is no longer optional; it is essential.

- Dr Lamell McMorris, founder & CEO, Phase 2 Consulting; founder, Greenlining Realty USA; and author, The Power to Persist: 8 Simple Habits to Build Lifelong busts myth that hold back people, communities, and industries.

We live in a time when leaders, teams, and communities are being tested daily. From global crises to personal challenges, resilience has become the defining skill that separates those who merely survive from those who adapt, grow, and lead. Yet too often, resilience is misunderstood. It is treated as an individual trait, something we summon in hard times, rather than as a daily practice that shapes how we respond, rebuild, and rise together.

Let me make something clear: I did not set out to write a book. I simply wanted to answer the question I have been asked my entire career—how do you keep going?

I have been fired. I have had partnerships end. I have had moments where I had to rebuild from scratch—including starting a new company in just 24 hours after one door closed. Those experiences taught me that resilience is not abstract—it is practical.

Resilience is not mysterious or reserved for the naturally strong; it is a set of learnable habits that anyone, any team, and any industry can build. Still, myths about resilience continue to hold people and organisations back. Here are five I encounter most often, and why it's time to let them go.

MYTH 1: Resilience is a personal trait.

TRUTH: Resilience is a collective strength.

We often think of resilience as something possessed by a few extraordinary individuals. But resilience is not a solo act; it's a shared skill. It thrives in connected systems: in families, teams, organisations, and communities. When one part of the system bends, others help it bounce back.