Resilience researchers are intrigued with the challenge of understanding how people overcome risk or adversity to succeed in life. The study of resilience emerged about 40 years ago when a group of scientists studying the origins of behaviour problems and mental illness were surprised to find that many children in "high risk" groups were developing well. Realizing the importance of understanding such children, these pioneers inspired many others to study resilience. These scholars have been instrumental in moving away from deficit-based models to positive frameworks for change that take advantage of existing adaptive systems in human development and social systems. This article highlights key lessons learned from current research on resilience that may guide practices and policies aimed at promoting positive development among children exposed to high levels of risk or adversity.