What happens in the space between where you are… and where you want to be?

That space can feel uncomfortable, uncertain, and heavy with pressure. But it is also where resilience does some of its most important work.

In this episode of PLAN TO BE YOUR BEST® Live, Rick Cram explores the powerful idea of creative tension—the space between current reality and desired outcomes—and how it can become a catalyst for resilience, discovery, and forward movement.

Drawing from his personal journey navigating daily pain and recovery following a recent Stroke, Rick reflects on what it means to:

• understand the tension between reality and hope
• use creative tension as a catalyst instead of a burden
• apply the Three Steps of Resilience—Tune In, Plan, Be Your Best
• identify what is within your control when pressure feels overwhelming
• turn frustration into focused action
• become the holder of the tension—rather than letting it hold you

This conversation is not theory.

It is resilience practiced in real time—through pressure, uncertainty, and discovery.

Whether you are navigating:

• chronic pain
• Stress or unexpected change
• leadership pressure
• personal setbacks
• moments of uncertainty

You will find encouragement and practical direction in this episode.

★ What You’ll Take From This

• A clear definition of creative tension
• Why the space between reality and hope matters
• How frustration often grows from unmet expectations
• What you can control—even when life feels out of control
• How creativity becomes fuel for resilience
• Why patience, curiosity, and action are essential in difficult seasons
• A reminder that your best is greater than the pain

★ Free Resource:

Download The Three Steps of Resilience Worksheet (fillable PDF):

👉 https://rickcram.com/download-the-three-steps-of-resilience-worksheet/

Use this worksheet to:

• Tune In to your current reality
• Plan intentional next steps
• Take meaningful action
• Strengthen resilience under pressure

★ Connect with Rick Cram

PLAN TO BE YOUR BEST®
Resilience When Life Demands More

Learn more or schedule a free Resilience Planning Conversation:

👉 https://rickcram.com

(A private conversation. No pressure. Just support.)

#PlanToBeYourBest
#CreativeTension
#Resilience
#ResilienceCoaching
#ChronicPain
#Leadership
#IntentionalLiving
#StressManagement
#PersonalGrowth
#PTBYBLive

Most Recent Episodes

June 1, 2026

How Do You Encourage Yourself? | PTBYB Live Preview

PTBYB Live Preview This Friday, June 5 at 12:00 PM (ET) One of the questions I've been thinking about lately is this: How do we encourage ourselves when life becomes difficult? Not when...

Watch Now

May 31, 2026

Sometimes You’re Walking for Me

What happens when you can't do something the way you once could? In this reflection, I share something a friend reminded me about resilience: sometimes we need to lift our eyes from what's directly...

Watch Now

May 30, 2026

Honest Resilience | What To Do When Hope Feels Far Away

What does a hard day feel like? Not what happened. Not the diagnosis. Not the circumstances. But what does it actually feel like? In this deeply personal episode of PLAN TO BE YOUR BEST® Live,...

Watch Now

Load More Episodes

Rick Cram Rick Cram — Plan To Be Your Best

Rick Cram is the creator and author of Plan To Be Your Best …As You Navigate Pain© and a Resilience Coach who helps you become the most resilient person you know. He lives by his guiding truth: “The level of pain must be matched by the level of intentionality.”

With a background as a communications expert and trained caregiver, Rick’s own journey—from a life-altering football injury, seven surgeries on his left knee, and decades of pain—taught him that resilience isn’t just surviving; it’s transforming. His signature method moves beyond mere endurance. Through three actionable steps—Tune In, Plan, and Be Your Best—integrated across the Eight Paths of Intentionality, Rick guides individuals and groups to turn pain into direction, build sustained resilience, reclaim energy, and live with purpose.

Whether you’re navigating personal hardship or leading through organizational stress, Rick’s whole-person, intentional approach equips you with proven strategies and skills—and emerge more confident, empowered, and resilient than ever.

Rick has a passion for the ocean, Cape Cod, fishing, music and working out with his Total Gym (which he immediately bought after Chuck Norris invited him to workout together.