Resilience is not a fixed trait but a skill that can be trained in the heat of the moment, a recently published neuroscience study has found.

The report, ‘Building Resilience: The Stress Response as a Driving Force,’ highlights how resilience develops during stress itself, not afterwards. It has been written by Erno J Hermans , Talma Hendler, and Raffael Kalisch.

It identifies two core mechanisms that make the difference between being overwhelmed and bouncing forward – looking ahead under stress and reinforcing small wins.

When facing pressure, the brain actively predicts what might happen next.

This “mental rehearsal” gives people a greater sense of safety and control, reducing overwhelm and preparing them for effective action.

Each time a coping strategy succeeds – whether it’s pausing to breathe, reframing a thought, or taking one step forward – the brain stores that success as proof of capability.

Over time, these “micro-victories” build into a feedback loop that strengthens resilience, confidence and adaptability.

The study emphasises that resilience is not about avoiding stress but about how we work with it. By predicting what lies ahead and embedding successful responses, the brain literally rewires itself to be stronger the next time.

This science also underpins the approach of The Mental Wealth Revolution (TMWR), founded by Birmingham-based activist and trainer Jules Mitchell (pictured).

For more than two decades, Jules has worked across the NHS, UK Armed Forces, blue-chip companies and community sectors to disrupt outdated wellbeing models and introduce neuroscience-backed tools for real change.

Her pioneering Neuroshaping approach and the SPIN Method align closely with the report’s findings, equipping people to anticipate stress, interrupt spirals and reinforce the small wins that make resilience grow.

Jules said: “Resilience doesn’t come from avoiding stress.

“It comes from learning to face it differently — to look ahead and to celebrate the wins you create in the heat of it. That’s how you train your brain to thrive.”

To make these insights more accessible, TMWR will soon launch the Revolution Hub – a free online platform where leaders, professionals, therapists, changemakers and individuals can access practical tools, education and real-life stories.