At a young age, Gordon MacDonald recognised that he had inherited a "quitter's gene," and because of this-and an influential track coach-he began a lifelong quest for answers. "Why," he had to ask, "do some people finish what they start, persevere in moments of adversity, push themselves in the direction of their potential, and often make their greatest contributions in the latter half of life? Why do others expect to retire from life when they reach their senior years?" The key element in those who don't quit is resilience. Those who have it, MacDonald insists, have gathered all the lessons from life-successes and failures-to build a foundation of strength and character, preparing them to face anything.