When we’re resilient, we can transform adversity into a foundation for future success. Throughout history, some of the greatest minds have shown that they could face extreme challenges, and still emerge stronger, wiser, and more purposeful.
I’ve spent 26 years in prison. While there, I used every day to prepare, knowing that I was on a deliberate path to build a life beyond confinement. In that journey, I drew inspiration from leaders like Nelson Mandela and Viktor Frank. They demonstrated that resilience is a mindset—one that anyone could cultivate, even in the most oppressive environments.
This blog will explore three key lessons from their experiences and my own, showing how anyone can develop the resilience needed to navigate life’s obstacles.
Nelson Mandela:
The Power of Strategic Thinking in Isolation
Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison, much of it in solitary confinement on Robben Island. I read about him when I was locked in solitary confinement, during my first year in prison. An officer used to bring me books to pick my spirits up. I was arrested in 1987, and Mandela was still confined–but many people had already written about his heroic efforts to fight for a cause much bigger than his life. He wanted to help other people by bringing an end to an unjust government.
Mandela faced brutal conditions. When I read about his mental strength, it helped me. He refused to allow his captors to dictate his mindset or diminish his sense of purpose.
Mandela understood that resilience did not equate to passive endurance. A person had to be intentional. To prepare for the challenges ahead, he used his time to:
- Study the political landscape and plan for a post-apartheid South Africa.
- Build relationships with fellow prisoners and even guards, knowing he would need allies upon his release.
- Control his emotions, ensuring that rage and bitterness did not cloud his vision.
Lesson from Mandela:
Think beyond your current circumstances. Use isolation as an opportunity to prepare for the future, build strategic relationships, and sharpen your vision.
- My Application: When I entered prison, I could have wasted my days complaining. Instead, I studied business, learned how to learn. Later, I wrote books and built relationships with educators and mentors. By the time I was released, I had a clear plan and a network that helped me launch my career.
- Your Takeaway: No matter where you are—whether in a prison cell, struggling with finances, or facing career setbacks—use your time strategically. Focus on what you can control and prepare for the opportunities ahead.
Viktor Frankl:
Mastering the Mindset of Meaning
Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and author of Man’s Search for Meaning, endured unimaginable suffering in Nazi concentration camps. He lost his family, his freedom, and nearly his life, but found a way to survive through the power of purpose.
Frankl’s philosophy?
- “Everything can be taken from a man. But he can retain one thing: the last of the human freedoms. He could choose his attitude, regardless of external circumstances or his given set of circumstances.”
He discovered the secrets of those who survived the camps. They were not necessarily the strongest. Rather, the people who survived chose to survive, recognizing the reason to keep going. It could’ve been reuniting with loved ones, sharing their story, or pursuing a lifelong mission.
Lesson from Frankl:
Your mindset defines your survival. If you can attach meaning to your suffering, you can endure almost anything.
My Application: I knew that if I allowed my prison sentence to define me, I would waste my life. Instead, I framed my time behind bars as a training ground—an opportunity to develop discipline, knowledge, and credibility.
- I earned degrees.
- I wrote books that now help thousands.
- I refused to see myself as a “prisoner”—I saw myself as a CEO-in-training for my future success.
Your Takeaway: Whatever you’re going through, ask yourself:
- How can I turn this struggle into something meaningful?
- What future purpose can I attach to today’s pain?
That shift in mindset can change everything.
My Journey:
Building Resilience Through Structured Planning
If there’s one thing I learned from Mandela and Frankl, it’s that resilience isn’t luck—it’s a decision. I built my resilience by creating a structured plan for my future, and you can do the same.
My Resilience Blueprint:
- Define Your Goal – For me, it was rebuilding my life after release. For you, it might be starting a business, improving your health, or creating financial stability.
- Develop Daily Habits – I committed to reading, writing, and exercising every day in prison. Small, consistent actions build unstoppable momentum.
- Expand Your Network – I reached out to educators, business leaders, and mentors. Even in isolation, I found ways to connect.
- Memorialize Progress – I documented my growth through writing and publishing. This not only built credibility but also showed others my transformation.
- Stay Adaptable – Obstacles are inevitable. The key is to adjust your strategy without losing sight of your long-term vision.
Your Takeaway:
- Develop a structured resilience plan.
- Build habits that reinforce discipline and progress.
- Control your mindset and narrative—your future self will thank you.
Final Thoughts: Resilience is a Skill—Build It Daily
Resilience isn’t reserved for historical figures. It’s something you can develop—starting today.
- Think like Mandela – Use every challenge as preparation.
- Think like Frankl – Find meaning in every struggle.
- Think like a CEO – Create a plan and execute daily.
I didn’t wait for the system to change. I built my own path. And so can you.
What’s one step you can take today to build resilience?
Self-Directed Question:
- Think about a challenge you’re currently facing. How can you apply the lessons from Mandela, Frankl, or my journey to turn this obstacle into an opportunity for growth?
