Ep. 546 | Robust vs. Resilient vs. Mindful: A New Framework for Mental Toughness with Philadelphia Phillies Director of Mental Performance Cecilia Craft

---

Is toughness about taking the punch, getting back up, or avoiding the hit altogether? Cecilia Craft, the Philadelphia Phillies' Director of Mental Performance, reveals a groundbreaking framework for understanding mental toughness across generations. Drawing from her experience in MLB and Special Forces, she breaks down why different approaches to adversity might all have their place.

Learn:

• The surprising generational shift in how we handle life's challenges

• When avoiding hardship might be smarter than pushing through

• A counterintuitive truth about building psychological strength

• Why your approach to difficulty might be limiting your growth

• The hidden value of each mental toughness strategy

---

ABOUT Cecilia Craft

Cecilia (Ceci) Craft is the Director of Mental Performance, Life Skills and Education for the Philadelphia Phillies. She received her B.A. from Bates College in Maine where she captained the women’s soccer team in 2005. She then went on to attend the University of Wales, Bangor, one of the premier Sports Science institutions in Britain. At Bangor she received her MSc in Applied Sport and Exercise Science. Ceci’s work at the University of Wales, Bangor focused mostly on Transformational Leadership Behaviors and its effects on role function within a team.

Ceci has spent a combined 10 seasons as a mental performance coach in Major League Baseball. She spent her first 6 seasons with the Cleveland Guardians and the past four seasons coaching the Phillies.

As a mental performance coach Ceci assisted players and staff at the Major League level of the organization in the continued development and integration of programs and services that enhance performance and mental and emotional development. She also has recently taken on directing the Life Skills and Education Program supporting Phillies players in learning English, completing high school and having basic life skills to compete both in the Dominican Republic and the United States.

Ceci previously worked for the United States Army for a combined seven years from 2008-14, 2019-2021 working for the Special Warfare Center and School, primarily with Special Forces soldiers, and was the “Head of Performance” for the Special Operations Cognitive Enhancement Program (SOCEP), and went on to direct the program.

---

ABOUT THE BLUEPRINT PODCAST

The BluePrint Podcast is for busy professionals and Household CEOs who care deeply about their families, career, and health. Host Dr. Erik Korem distills cutting edge-science, leadership, and life skills into simple tactics optimized for your busy lifestyle and goals.   Dr. Korem interviews scientists, coaches, elite athletes, entrepreneurs, entertainers, and exceptional people to discuss science and practical skills you can implement to become the most healthy, resilient, and impactful version of yourself.

On a mission to equip people to pursue audacious goals, thrive in uncertainty, and live a healthy and fulfilled life, Dr. Erik Korem is a High-Performance pioneer. He introduced sports science and athlete-tracking technologies to collegiate and professional (NFL) football over a decade ago. He has worked with the National Football League, Power-5 NCAA programs, gold-medal Olympians, Nike, and the United States Department of Defense.

Erik is an expert in sleep and stress resilience. He is the Founder and CEO of AIM7, a health and fitness app that unlocks the power of wearables by providing you with daily personalized recommendations to enhance your mind, body, and recovery.

Check out Other Episodes