The Mindset U Playbook
The Mindset U Playbook isn’t about baseball.
Baseball is just the entry point.
This is about building a person who can actually carry pressure, handle reality, and perform when it matters. On the field, in business, and in life.
Every episode breaks down what most people avoid.
Discipline. Standards. Emotional control. Decision-making under pressure.
Not the highlight reel. The stuff that determines who you become when nobody’s watching.
We get into the real gap.
The one between what you know and what you actually do.
Because talent isn’t the separator. Behaviour is.
And you won’t just hear it from me.
We bring in athletes, coaches, doctors, and high performers who are in it, not talking about it.
People doing real work, dealing with real pressure, making real decisions.
No theory for the sake of sounding smart.
Just lived experience, hard lessons, and what actually holds up when things get difficult.
This is for athletes, parents, coaches, and anyone who knows they’re capable of more but keeps hitting the same ceiling.
No hype. No shortcuts.
Just a system for showing up properly, consistently, across every area of your life.
Because what you do off the field isn’t separate.
It’s the whole game.
The Mindset U Playbook
# 34 - Craig Kilshaw - Ex pro pitcher, Long time friend, Dad of Baseball prospect
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In this conversation, Curtis Pelletier and Craig Kilshaw discuss their long-standing friendship and shared experiences in baseball, focusing on the dynamics of coaching, fatherhood, and the importance of mindset in young athletes. They explore the balance between being a supportive parent and a coach, the significance of learning from failure, and the need for a strong team culture. Craig shares insights on how to support young athletes, the challenges they face, and the importance of maintaining a level-headed approach to the game. The discussion culminates in advice for young players and their parents, emphasizing the value of commitment, resilience, and the right mindset in achieving success in baseball and beyond.
Takeaways
- It's better for young athletes to have their parents cheering from the sidelines rather than coaching them directly.
- Allowing kids to learn from their failures is crucial for their development.
- Mindset plays a significant role in how young athletes perform and handle pressure.
- Treating every practice and game with seriousness can lead to better outcomes.
- The culture of a team can greatly influence individual player performance and growth.
- Parents should support their children without overwhelming them with advice after every game.
- Young athletes need time to adjust to new environments and challenges.
- Failure is a part of the game, and how players respond to it is what matters most.
- Building a strong support system with coaches and mentors is essential for young athletes.
- Maintaining a balanced emotional state is key to consistent performance.
Sound Bites
- "You don't know who's watching."
- "Kids aren't giving it time."
- "It takes a village."
Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Background
02:51
Coaching Dynamics and Fatherhood
05:41
The Importance of Mindset in Baseball
08:50
Learning from Failure and Team Culture
11:30
Supporting Young Athletes
14:17
Reflections on Personal Growth and Experience
17:09
Advice for Young Players and Parents