Why Intentionality Matters When You’re in Pain

If you live with chronic pain—whether it’s physical, emotional, or both—you know how draining it can be. Every day can feel like a mountain to climb. I know that journey well.

After seven surgeries on my left knee and decades of navigating intense daily pain, I’ve learned something that changed everything:

“The level of pain must be matched by the level of intentionality.”

That one truth became a turning point. It didn’t just shape how I deal with pain—it transformed how I lead, how I serve others, and how I built the resilience coaching method I now share with clients around the world.

Turning Pain into Purpose
My journey—marked by surgeries, setbacks, and slow recovery—eventually led to the creation of PLAN TO BE YOUR BEST …As You Navigate Pain.

It’s more than a tagline. It’s a guided approach to building resilience before, during, and after your toughest moments.

Whether you’re struggling with:

Chronic pain
Emotional stress
Grief or loss
Life or career transitions

…you deserve to feel supported, grounded, and empowered to take intentional steps forward.

The Video: How to Stay Encouraged When You’re in Pain
In this short video (under a minute), I explain what led me here—and what drives me now as a Resilience Coach. It’s personal, honest, and filled with hope.

If you’ve ever asked:

How do I stay strong through this?
Can I find meaning in the middle of my struggle?
Is it possible to get my life back on track?

…this video—and everything behind it—is for you.

A New Chapter of Support: Resilience Coaching
This post marks more than a reflection. It’s also a professional pivot.

After years as a communication strategist and trained caregiver, I’ve now focused my practice on resilience coaching.

Why? Because helping others navigate pain and challenges with intentionality is the most meaningful work I’ve ever done.

I’ve coached people through:

Pain and illness
Caregiving exhaustion
Burnout and change fatigue
Personal loss and emotional overwhelm

And the truth is: you don’t need to do this alone.

Let’s Talk: Free Resilience Planning Calls
If you’re facing something hard right now—and looking for clarity, encouragement, and a plan—I’d love to help.

There’s no pressure and no commitment. Just a real conversation to help you:

Identify what’s holding you back
Clarify what matters most
Take your first step toward healing and forward momentum

Schedule Your Free Resilience Planning Call

With resilience,

Rick Cram
Resilience Coach
PLAN TO BE YOUR BEST©
International Service from Boston, MA
📞 617-500-0006

Experience You Can Trust

Hundreds cared for.

Since 2001, I’ve been trained to care for those navigating chronic pain, grief, stress, terminal illness, divorce, job loss, and more.

Thousands equipped.

With 30+ years as a communications expert, coach, and speaker, I’ve helped leaders navigate adversity and drive positive change—no matter how tough things get.

One journey, lived daily.

I’ve live this—decades of pain, 7 surgeries, and a method forged in the fire to help you build lasting resilience and be your best.

Host of “Your Resilience Coaching Studio” at Cadre

Delivering Mental Health Support Through the Power of Community

“Cadre keeps learning how to do really hard things with Rick Cram.” – Nicole Mollet, Director of Coaching

Use this code to try Cadre free through September 30, 2025: RICKCRAM

👉 Discover Cadre. Click “Start for Free,” download the app and use the code.

Meet the 3 Steps of Resilience^©

Tune In. Plan. Be Your Best.

This simple, actionable process works to regain your focus, spark new, positive energy and is your catalyst for lasting growth.

Experience them with this free worksheet, a one-page PDF.

Rick Cram, PLAN TO BE YOUR BEST ..As You Navigate Pain with the Three Steps of Resilience.

Instantly view and download the PDF...

Resilience grows through conversation.

Let's Talk

I’m Here for You

Get Free Resilience Insights In Your Inbox

Let’s Connect at Cadre

As a Contributor at Cadre—the social platform for better mental health—I host “Your Resilient Coaching Studio” every Tuesday evening. Learn more and get a code to experience it for free.

Schedule Your Free Resilience Planning Call

I’d be honored to offer you a complimentary, no-obligation conversation—just you and me. We’ll explore what’s most challenging for you right now and begin to map out practical steps to help.

Let's Talk

Video Transcript

“Hi I’m Rick Cram, I understand what it’s like to live with intense pain for —seven surgeries on my left knee and a lot of hard lessons. Perhaps the most important lesson I’ve learned is that the level of pain must be matched by the level of intentionality. That’s one of the reasons why I created plan to be your best as you navigate pain. As your resilience coach I’ll walk with you guide you and encourage you every step of the way as you build your own unique resilience. You don’t need to go this alone and you’ll soon discover that your best is greater than the pain.”