Introduction: Learning the Power of Goal-Setting
Success doesn’t happen by accident—it happens by design. When I began serving my 18-month sentence at Taft Federal Prison Camp, I felt lost. I had spent my career in finance, yet my decisions led me to prison. I needed a way to rebuild my life.
Soon after I arrived at Taft, I started to follow guidance from other people who’d already been in prison for a long time. They approached each day with discipline and purpose. One of my friends introduced me to books by Nelson Mandela, Viktor Frankl, and Frederick Douglass, and through their stories, I saw the power of goal-setting. I realized that if I wanted to turn my life around, I had to take control by setting clear goals and committing to them.
Why Setting Goals Matters
Without clear goals, it’s easy to drift through life, reacting instead of leading. Whether inside prison or out, goal-setting gives you:
- Purpose – A reason to wake up each day with determination.
- Direction – A roadmap to guide your decisions.
- Momentum – Small victories build confidence and lead to bigger wins.
- Resilience – A way to push through obstacles and stay focused on the end game.
How to Set and Achieve Goals
- Define Your Long-Term Vision
- Look 5 to 10 years ahead. What kind of life do you want after release? Education, career, financial stability, personal growth?
- Write it down. Clarity is power.
- Break the goals into Actionable Steps
- Identify what skills, education, or connections you need to reach your vision.
- Set short-term milestones (weekly, monthly, yearly goals) that move you forward.
- Example: If your goal is to start a business, study business principles, write to industry professionals, and outline a business plan.
- Make Daily Progress
- Success begins inside—your habits, mindset, and choices matter.
- Read books, take courses, practice skills, and write down your progress.
- Stay accountable by tracking your steps.
- Overcome Setbacks with Discipline
- Expect challenges—whether it’s limited access to resources, negative influences, or self-doubt.
- Stay focused on what you can control: your effort, attitude, and persistence.
Document Your Progress—It Matters
I’ve been documenting my progress since I got to prison. I don’t know exactly what I’ll do when I get out, but I know that case managers in prison, and the case managers I expect to meet at the halfway house, will want to know more about how I served my time. From my experience before prison, i know that employers, mentors, and others like to see people who take initiative.
That’s why I started writing daily. I kept track of my reading, personal growth, and goals.
When I get out, I intend to build a business around all that I learned. One lesson I’ll teach them is to write out everything they’re doing–and then use that work to create new opportunities. This strategy of writing and publishing is one of the reasons my case manager recommended me for maximum halfway house placement. I’m getting out of here on May 20, 2009, and the countdown feels great.
Why This Matters for Long-Term Success
Goals transform your time into an asset. Instead of waiting for circumstances to improve, you create your future. The discipline of goal-setting leads to credibility, financial stability, and a network of people willing to invest in you.
Take Action Now
- Step 1: Write out your long-term vision today. What does success after release look like for you?
- Step 2: Break it down into actionable steps—what can you start doing right now?
- Step 3: Track your progress. Document your journey in a journal, and if you’re able to publish, that’s even better.
- Step 4: Learn from others. Read books, follow success stories, and apply proven strategies.
Your future starts today. Take control, set your goals, and begin the journey toward success.
Self-Directed Question:
What is one long-term goal that excites you, and what steps will you take today to make it a reality?
