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The Resilience Mindset: How Adversity Can Strengthen Individuals, Teams, and Leaders
An actionable framework to overcome adversity and create a more fulfilling life.
“Finally, a book that provides practical guidance for business professionals and everyday people to find greater success and purpose despite daily challenges.” — Grant Riggs, CEO, Riggs Distributing
Adversity can deliver a blow to our emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual health, eroding our self-confidence and self-esteem. Having experienced a harrowing ordeal with a life-threatening cancer that left him with a permanent facial difference at the age of twenty-one, Healey found a way to harness daily inspirations into key turning points that enabled him to create an actionable framework of four key principles to not only manage adversity whenever confronted with it but to learn how to create a better, more fulfilling life — because of it. Healey’s four principles are invaluable to individuals and to those leading teams of people.
Coping with adversity is one thing, but thriving is another. To thrive, we must find happiness, success, and purpose by developing ways to build resilience, embrace change, and strengthen our resolve so that we become unstoppable. Each of us has the capacity to incorporate Healey’s resilience framework into our daily routines and become more empowered and self-confident.
The Resilience Mindset offers evidence-backed research and stories from others who overcame seemingly insurmountable odds, including paralysis, traumatic brain injury (TBI), severe dyslexia, burn injuries, and other adversities. Offering more than just inspiration, The Resilience Mindset provides readers with the tools to build their own survival kits to take on the smallest and biggest obstacles, leading to a more fulfilling life.
“Finally, a book that provides practical guidance for business professionals and everyday people to find greater success and purpose despite daily challenges.” — Grant Riggs, CEO, Riggs Distributing
Adversity can deliver a blow to our emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual health, eroding our self-confidence and self-esteem. Having experienced a harrowing ordeal with a life-threatening cancer that left him with a permanent facial difference at the age of twenty-one, Healey found a way to harness daily inspirations into key turning points that enabled him to create an actionable framework of four key principles to not only manage adversity whenever confronted with it but to learn how to create a better, more fulfilling life — because of it. Healey’s four principles are invaluable to individuals and to those leading teams of people.
Coping with adversity is one thing, but thriving is another. To thrive, we must find happiness, success, and purpose by developing ways to build resilience, embrace change, and strengthen our resolve so that we become unstoppable. Each of us has the capacity to incorporate Healey’s resilience framework into our daily routines and become more empowered and self-confident.
The Resilience Mindset offers evidence-backed research and stories from others who overcame seemingly insurmountable odds, including paralysis, traumatic brain injury (TBI), severe dyslexia, burn injuries, and other adversities. Offering more than just inspiration, The Resilience Mindset provides readers with the tools to build their own survival kits to take on the smallest and biggest obstacles, leading to a more fulfilling life.
Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 24, 2025
An Excellent Road Map to Resilience
Terry Healey’s journey, beginning with his diagnosis of a rare facial cancer in his twenties, struck a chord with me. As a Registered Nurse who once worked daily at the bedside of patients, I found myself moved by his account of facing and overcoming profound adversity. I have cared for patients navigating similar storms, and reading his honest, sometimes raw narration transported me into the emotional world of those I cared for. Healey’s willingness to share his darkest moments, to lay bare his fear and anger, reminded me that resilience is not a destination, but a daily practice.
What I valued most in "The Resilience Mindset" is Healey’s insistence that resilience can be learned and strengthened. As a nurse, I often see that some people believe that they either have resilience or they don’t, but Healey dispels this myth. He offers hope—not as a vague comfort, but as a toolkit: adaptability, finding meaning, optimism, and the all-important ability to reframe hardship.
The practical exercises at the end of each chapter—prompts for journaling, reminders for mindfulness, gratitude exercises, and visualization techniques—felt immediately useful, both at work and at home. I see myself returning to this book again and again, both for my own growth as well as using Healey’s prompts to help others.
Healey’s interwoven stories—of survivors, friends, medical professionals—reminded me just how powerful personal stories can be. In my own writing, I strive to illustrate the richness and resilience of the human spirit, so I admired Healey’s candor and his clear, unpretentious prose which make his lessons so relatable. I finished the book feeling as though I had been in a therapeutic conversation with a wise, compassionate friend.
But this isn’t a Pollyanna self-care book. Yes, Healey is a gentle soul who offers hope, but he does this without platitudes. He doesn’t sugarcoat suffering and explains that there are no quick fixes—just the steady, courageous act of facing the unknown, and the grit and gratitude needed to keep trying. For anyone who has sat with suffering, as I have, this honesty is not only refreshing but necessary. It is what gives this book its power and credibility.
"The Resilience Mindset" is a book I highly recommend to anyone struggling with loss, chronic pain, or serious illness. But I also recommend it as a resource for to help all of us when facing the more mundane disappointments, like challenges at work, relationship problems, or when experiencing setbacks, failure, and defeat. Because as Healey reminds us, “There is no failure, only learning.” And Healey has done a fantastic job creating a roadmap to resilience, providing us with a cornucopia of useful prompts that we can use for ourselves and others who are facing adversities, both big and small.
In addition to all healthcare workers, I also recommend The Resilience Mindset to corporate managers, supervisors, life coaches, parents and others who want to help people and organizations take advantage of the transformative potential of adversity. Because the goal is for us to not only survive hardship but to find a way to thrive in its aftermath.
Terry Healey’s journey, beginning with his diagnosis of a rare facial cancer in his twenties, struck a chord with me. As a Registered Nurse who once worked daily at the bedside of patients, I found myself moved by his account of facing and overcoming profound adversity. I have cared for patients navigating similar storms, and reading his honest, sometimes raw narration transported me into the emotional world of those I cared for. Healey’s willingness to share his darkest moments, to lay bare his fear and anger, reminded me that resilience is not a destination, but a daily practice.
What I valued most in "The Resilience Mindset" is Healey’s insistence that resilience can be learned and strengthened. As a nurse, I often see that some people believe that they either have resilience or they don’t, but Healey dispels this myth. He offers hope—not as a vague comfort, but as a toolkit: adaptability, finding meaning, optimism, and the all-important ability to reframe hardship.
The practical exercises at the end of each chapter—prompts for journaling, reminders for mindfulness, gratitude exercises, and visualization techniques—felt immediately useful, both at work and at home. I see myself returning to this book again and again, both for my own growth as well as using Healey’s prompts to help others.
Healey’s interwoven stories—of survivors, friends, medical professionals—reminded me just how powerful personal stories can be. In my own writing, I strive to illustrate the richness and resilience of the human spirit, so I admired Healey’s candor and his clear, unpretentious prose which make his lessons so relatable. I finished the book feeling as though I had been in a therapeutic conversation with a wise, compassionate friend.
But this isn’t a Pollyanna self-care book. Yes, Healey is a gentle soul who offers hope, but he does this without platitudes. He doesn’t sugarcoat suffering and explains that there are no quick fixes—just the steady, courageous act of facing the unknown, and the grit and gratitude needed to keep trying. For anyone who has sat with suffering, as I have, this honesty is not only refreshing but necessary. It is what gives this book its power and credibility.
"The Resilience Mindset" is a book I highly recommend to anyone struggling with loss, chronic pain, or serious illness. But I also recommend it as a resource for to help all of us when facing the more mundane disappointments, like challenges at work, relationship problems, or when experiencing setbacks, failure, and defeat. Because as Healey reminds us, “There is no failure, only learning.” And Healey has done a fantastic job creating a roadmap to resilience, providing us with a cornucopia of useful prompts that we can use for ourselves and others who are facing adversities, both big and small.
In addition to all healthcare workers, I also recommend The Resilience Mindset to corporate managers, supervisors, life coaches, parents and others who want to help people and organizations take advantage of the transformative potential of adversity. Because the goal is for us to not only survive hardship but to find a way to thrive in its aftermath.
December 5, 2025
The author's personal story of courage and resilience is truly inspiring, and his book is a must read for anyone facing difficult life challenges that seem insurmountable. The book provides a set of tools and a roadmap to manage adversity and embrace change and to develop an approach and a purpose that leads to confidence, gratitude and emotional success. The inspirational stories in part three of the book are remarkable and extremely moving.
December 17, 2025
Terry does a great job sharing his unbelievable cancer journey and how a growth mindset can be the key component to total wellness and building success. A must read for young people seeking a path towards their life goals, or the older person that needs a reminder of the importance of being a life long learner.
Terry provides you with the critical questions that’s will unlock a path to increased self awareness, self esteem, self confidence, resulting in a longer, happier, and more successful life.
Terry provides you with the critical questions that’s will unlock a path to increased self awareness, self esteem, self confidence, resulting in a longer, happier, and more successful life.
September 20, 2025
Just finished your book and am reflecting on how much positive energy you sent! There is so much to reflect on ,to contemplate, and put into action. I am amazed at how profoundly adaptable your rebar construct is for everyday life vicissitudes to major life changing situations. Thank you for your very valuable insights and your positive approach to what life can and does hand us.
Jan Bryant
Jan Bryant
September 13, 2025
The resilience mindset is a positive, motivating read.
Adversity affects us all and presents itself in different ways.
This books helps everyone to confront what’s happening in their lives and to realize no one is an island.
Terrys story is well told and an inspiration to anyone who needs guidance.
Adversity affects us all and presents itself in different ways.
This books helps everyone to confront what’s happening in their lives and to realize no one is an island.
Terrys story is well told and an inspiration to anyone who needs guidance.
September 11, 2025
The Resilience Mindset is a powerful and inspiring read for anyone facing adversity or just wanting to improve their life and make effective change. Terry Healey’s insightful perspective on resilience feels both wise and accessible, offering practical takeaways without being preachy. Highly recommended for anyone needing a dose of encouragement or help getting out of a rut.
August 8, 2025
How often do you read a book that makes you want to act? I mean, right now, get up out of your seat and do something? Where's a pen, find paper, write it down. How can I best demark pages to return to? Can I rip them out of this book? Then it's the realization, "Why didn't I have the patience to read the book first, then pulverize it! 🤦♀️
This book is two things. First, it is Terry Healey's very real, very painful cancer story. In the hey day of his college days (fraternity president no less), he is diagnosed with fibrosarcoma cancer, a diagnosis that would leave him with "permanent and significant facial difference." His terrifying new reality has him grinding through chemo, radiation, and countless surgeries to remove the cancer. Each new surgery tears more at his facial appearance, his self-esteem, and his ability to cope.
All this at a time in ones life, as Healey puts it, that "so much emphasis is placed on physical appearance."
Second, and the real crux of this book ... Healey examines his full self and pivots from his obsession with his outward appearance (to get himself back to "the old Terry"). He decides to focus on his more pressing and long-term issues, his self-esteem, and his inner self. That was taking a much larger hit.
You will see that Healey is most definitely not defined by his diagnosis. Through a series of Healey's own time-tested techniques, he has formulated a recipe to more than thrive. He is defined by his resilience and the strategies he has curated to tackle any adversity.
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
As I turned the pages, light bulbs were snapping on in my brain. I would insert myself in my own challenges or set backs. Healey's techniques can be applied to such varied circumstances that you are busy setting up your own strategies before you have even finished this book.
I crossed paths with Terry Healey a few times at UC Berkeley football games. I was grateful to receive a review copy of his book from ECW Press in exchange for an honest review.
This book is two things. First, it is Terry Healey's very real, very painful cancer story. In the hey day of his college days (fraternity president no less), he is diagnosed with fibrosarcoma cancer, a diagnosis that would leave him with "permanent and significant facial difference." His terrifying new reality has him grinding through chemo, radiation, and countless surgeries to remove the cancer. Each new surgery tears more at his facial appearance, his self-esteem, and his ability to cope.
All this at a time in ones life, as Healey puts it, that "so much emphasis is placed on physical appearance."
Second, and the real crux of this book ... Healey examines his full self and pivots from his obsession with his outward appearance (to get himself back to "the old Terry"). He decides to focus on his more pressing and long-term issues, his self-esteem, and his inner self. That was taking a much larger hit.
You will see that Healey is most definitely not defined by his diagnosis. Through a series of Healey's own time-tested techniques, he has formulated a recipe to more than thrive. He is defined by his resilience and the strategies he has curated to tackle any adversity.
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
As I turned the pages, light bulbs were snapping on in my brain. I would insert myself in my own challenges or set backs. Healey's techniques can be applied to such varied circumstances that you are busy setting up your own strategies before you have even finished this book.
I crossed paths with Terry Healey a few times at UC Berkeley football games. I was grateful to receive a review copy of his book from ECW Press in exchange for an honest review.
December 16, 2025
Terry Healey wrote an A+ book on how he uses his REBAR method to tackle adversity, and it has become my most important book of 2025 to share this holiday season! Putting aside my 50+ year friendship with Terry, I have bought 50+ copies of The Resilience Mindset for friends and family because sharing its messages to help those you love is a wonderful gift. This is especially true for younger people dealing with adversity because they may lack experience and confidence, but it still applies to older folks who may need help grappling with their own problems in a different and more effective way. Terry’s last chapter, True Inspiration, is a collection of stories that reads like JFK’s Profiles in Courage, and it’s an amazing tribute to how combining grit and determination, positivity with purpose creates magical inspiration for others to follow. For many reasons, I am so proud to call Terry my lifelong friend, but mostly for the example he has shown in helping others in need how to get better with such grace and conviction!
December 12, 2025
When we first enter a room, we are seen before we are heard. For Terry Healey, this was a lesson he never had to consider in his early life as a high school homecoming king and “most handsome” young man. But when his life changed, Terry transformed that challenge into a powerful mission.
Through the deformation of his face, Terry didn’t retreat—he rose. He took every lesson, every experience, and turned them into education, inspiration, and guidance for his readers and for all who are fortunate enough to hear him speak. He has built not only a full and successful life, but a meaningful one, choosing to share his journey so that we, too, can cultivate positivity, purpose, and success by following his example and his method.
Thank you, Terry, for your courage, your openness, and your unwavering commitment to helping others live happier, more fulfilled lives. Your story is a gift, and your wisdom is a guidepost for us all.
Through the deformation of his face, Terry didn’t retreat—he rose. He took every lesson, every experience, and turned them into education, inspiration, and guidance for his readers and for all who are fortunate enough to hear him speak. He has built not only a full and successful life, but a meaningful one, choosing to share his journey so that we, too, can cultivate positivity, purpose, and success by following his example and his method.
Thank you, Terry, for your courage, your openness, and your unwavering commitment to helping others live happier, more fulfilled lives. Your story is a gift, and your wisdom is a guidepost for us all.
December 30, 2025
The Resilience Mindset is a powerful and deeply human reminder that our greatest challenges can become the source of our greatest strength. Written with wisdom, compassion, and authenticity, Terry Healey shares lived experience—not theory alone—inviting readers to see adversity as a catalyst for growth, purpose, and renewed hope.
What makes this book so impactful is its heart. Terry’s voice feels like that of a trusted guide who truly understands struggle and believes wholeheartedly in the resilience within every soul. His insights are practical, inspiring, and profoundly uplifting, offering readers the tools and perspective needed to rise—not just endure.
This is a book for anyone navigating hardship, leading others, or simply seeking reassurance that no experience is ever wasted. Terry Healey reminds us that resilience is not about what happens to us, but how we choose to meet life—with courage, meaning, and love.
What makes this book so impactful is its heart. Terry’s voice feels like that of a trusted guide who truly understands struggle and believes wholeheartedly in the resilience within every soul. His insights are practical, inspiring, and profoundly uplifting, offering readers the tools and perspective needed to rise—not just endure.
This is a book for anyone navigating hardship, leading others, or simply seeking reassurance that no experience is ever wasted. Terry Healey reminds us that resilience is not about what happens to us, but how we choose to meet life—with courage, meaning, and love.
August 20, 2025
Inspiring Story and Practical Guidebook
The Resilience Mindset is not only about the author’s story to find the courage to overcome a life-threatening and facially disfiguring cancer at the young age of twenty-one, but it also provides a blueprint for others dealing with challenges in their own lives. His resilience framework that he calls ReBAR provides a workbook/guidebook that anyone can use in their quest to deal with change and adversity in their own lives. I highly recommend this for all ages.
The Resilience Mindset is not only about the author’s story to find the courage to overcome a life-threatening and facially disfiguring cancer at the young age of twenty-one, but it also provides a blueprint for others dealing with challenges in their own lives. His resilience framework that he calls ReBAR provides a workbook/guidebook that anyone can use in their quest to deal with change and adversity in their own lives. I highly recommend this for all ages.
November 24, 2025
This book touched me deeply. Terry Healey writes with honesty, courage, and a wisdom that feels like a hand reaching out when life gets hard. The Resilience Mindset isn’t just about overcoming challenges — it’s about discovering strength you didn’t know you had and learning how to turn struggles into growth. Every page left me feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to face life with a little more hope and confidence. Truly a book that stays with you long after you finish it.
December 16, 2025
The Resilience Mindset goes beyond motivation and delivers a clear, actionable framework for turning adversity into growth. Healey blends evidence-based research with powerful real-life stories, making the lessons relatable and easy to apply. The viral takeaway: adversity doesn’t break you—it trains you. A must-read for anyone ready to build resilience, purpose, and confidence no matter the challenge.
December 22, 2025
This is a brilliant personal story and share that will shift your thinking. I love how Terry gets so honest and raw in the emotions he was going through that can really offer a perspective shift for many.
I also really value the reflection element of this book and the guidance Terry gives us for personal reflection. Plenty of practical tools and exercises.
It's like having your own coach to get the best out of yourself when you read this.
Thank you Terry!
I also really value the reflection element of this book and the guidance Terry gives us for personal reflection. Plenty of practical tools and exercises.
It's like having your own coach to get the best out of yourself when you read this.
Thank you Terry!
September 12, 2025
Terry has an inspiring story, and his passion for helping others through challenges in life shines through this book. He has clearly spent a lot of time reflecting, and learning, from his personal adversity. In The Resilience Mindset he lays out a path for dealing with the hard sessions in life. Because if there's anything in life that's certain, besides death and taxes, it's difficulty.
December 9, 2025
Terry's latest text is so very motivating and inspirational. It is a manual on how to overcome adversity and can be a real guidepost during tribulation. If you are struggling in any way, this book will help. The book is well written, well cited, and backed by a lot of science. I highly recommend it. David
December 17, 2025
This is a must read for aspiring leaders. The author doesn’t position resilience as a trait reserved for a few, but rather a skill that can be built over time. For any leader in a high pressure situation, this book will be incredibly valuable to your success.
October 11, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Extraordinary read. Highly recommended.
Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2025
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Terry Healey’s book is an extraordinary read. He captures the strength and determination that everyone needs to face huge obstacles. It is truly inspirational, and I could hardly put it down.
I have met the author personally, and I am witness to his horrific struggles with cancer, his positive mindset, and his ultimate success. Highly recommended.
Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2025
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Terry Healey’s book is an extraordinary read. He captures the strength and determination that everyone needs to face huge obstacles. It is truly inspirational, and I could hardly put it down.
I have met the author personally, and I am witness to his horrific struggles with cancer, his positive mindset, and his ultimate success. Highly recommended.
February 13, 2026
This is one of those books you want to have a highlighter, pen and paper handy. Terry shares his own journey with adversity and weaves it with evidence-based ways to take control and embrace change. He does so in such a hopeful way it feels contagious in that--wow, if he can do it so can I-- kind of way!
As a life coach working with humans who find themselves navigating difficult transitions, this book will be a resource I share again and again.
As a life coach working with humans who find themselves navigating difficult transitions, this book will be a resource I share again and again.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews