I recently opened a job opportunity for a person who had transitioned out of federal prison into a halfway house. Although I don’t remember meeting him, he told me that we had connected after I visited a prison to give a seminar. He told me he had a Ph.D. and wanted to contribute to our cause. I offered him a job.
Unfortunately, the job didn’t work out. After he began writing, I started to question his credibility. Instead of over delivering, he over promised. Despite wanting to provide him with a career opportunity, he lost credibility with me when he began to work through tasks. I removed him from the job, wishing him the best going forward.
The more I worked with him, the more he lost credibility in delivering what he promised. Had I felt he was being honest with me, I would have liked to have groomed him for leadership in our nonprofit.
A person going into the federal prison system should think about building credibility. It’s extremely hard to get going again after a challenge with the criminal justice system. To accelerate progress, a person should build a body of assets that will advance prospects for success.
By the time I transitioned from solitary confinement to a high-security penitentiary, I understood that people would form opinions. They would our behavior, adjustment, or response to the environment. Whether it was a staff member or other prisons, everyone would form an opinion.
The more we understand about building credibility, the more we can put ourselves on a pathway to success. Staff within the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) make decisions about programming, job assignments, and even security levels. Other people who are serving time will also form opinions.
If a person wants a better outcome, it makes sense to start thinking about how to build credibility.
The most powerful mindset shift I adopted came early on, inspired by lessons I learned studying Socrates while in solitary confinement. I routinely thought about a single, simple question:
- “What actions can I take today to demonstrate my commitment to growth and transformation?”
Why Credibility Matters Behind the Scenes
Many people facing federal prison make the mistake of assuming that their sentencing concludes their story. It doesn’t. From a judge’s sentence onward, every decision—from the prison designation to opportunities to move to lower-security facilities or be considered for compassionate release—is informed by a person’s documented actions. Judges, probation officers, and BOP staff continually assess individuals based on what they see in institutional records.
We can build credibility with the intentional decisions we make that lead to measurable, visible accomplishments. I urge you to think about the long game, as I had to do.
Every action you take today makes you better prepared to influence decision-makers tomorrow.
Actions That Build Credibility
Here’s what worked for me and can work for you. These steps may seem straightforward, but they require consistent effort and follow-through:
Establish a Plan
I created a long-term plan for my future, focusing on three pillars:
- Education
- Contribution
- Building a Support Network
I began each day by focusing on small, measurable goals under each of these categories.
Your plan might look different depending on your sentence or personal values. Create a roadmap you can hold yourself accountable to each day.
Commit to Education
Education is one of the most visible ways to demonstrate growth. Early in my sentence, I committed to earning undergraduate and graduate degrees while incarcerated. I knew that education help me get measurable results to reflect my growth.
Whether you enroll in a formal degree program, complete certifications, or even take part in free learning resources like those on Prison Professors, every milestone becomes part of the story you’re creating to show rehabilitation.
Document Your Efforts
Actions lose their credibility if no one can see them. One mistake I often see individuals make is failing to document their progress. We need to create a tangible body of work that shows we’re following through on commitments.
While preparing for your prison term, begin creating a portfolio to show:
- Why you’ve chosen specific goals and how those goals matter to your future.
- Documented milestones and achievements, such as certificates of completion, coursework, or letters of acknowledgment from mentors.
You should publish your plan and progress on a profile you build on prisonprofessorstalent.com.
Build Connections With Purpose
The network you build can be enormously helpful. Judges and prosecutors see connections as a sign of accountability and growth. During my term, I built a group of mentors to help me grow. Many mentors advocated on my behalf.
Start reaching out to positive influences now. Build relationships with educators, mentors, and other professionals who are willing to vouch for your character and progress.
Focus on Contribution
Contribution show that a person wants to reconcile, make amends, and live as a fully functioning member of the community. Early in my sentence, I worked on writing articles and sharing strategies I used to overcome challenges. By putting myself in a position of service and contributing to educational causes, I created an opportunity to show my growth instead of simply talking about it.
Identify ways to contribute to those around you or larger communities. Whether that’s volunteering, educational mentoring, or quietly assisting someone in need, these contributions help build credibility within and beyond the institution.
A Critical Lesson Learned After 26 Years
No one should work harder than you to earn freedom. It doesn’t matter how much your family supports you, how many programs the prison offers, or what opportunities are available to you. Judges and officials focus on what you have done to show personal accountability. Those documented actions have the power to influence everything from program participation to potential sentence reductions.
What Will Your Progress Story Say About You?
When you arrive in federal prison, the environment may seem chaotic or even overwhelming. But amidst the noise, every day presents you with a choice.
- How will you build credibility?
- How will you show that you’re more than the worst decision you’ve made?
- What body of work will you create to persuade others to see the value you can bring?
If you’re unsure where to start, I encourage you to use the free resources we offer at PrisonProfessors.org.
