When I began serving my 45-year sentence, I needed to figure out how I would get through it. I couldn’t rely on the prison system to prepare me for success. If I wanted opportunities later, I had to create my own plan.
From leaders, I learned the importance of defining goals clearly. Otherwise, they are just dreams. When we define goals clearly, we create blueprints for action. We can set priorities. And we can execute the plans.
During my time inside, I studied the strategies of Nelson Mandela, Viktor Frankl, and Socrates—leaders who endured hardship but emerged stronger. Their strategies helped me develop my own framework for success. The same strategies can work for you.
Why Goal-Setting Matters
Many people inside say they want success, but saying it isn’t enough. If you don’t define your goals with precision, it’s easy to drift.
I focused on these three areas:
✅ Education – I earned degrees and studied topics that would help me build a future.
✅ Contribution – I wrote and published books to build a credible record of self-improvement.
✅ Network Building – I developed relationships that led to opportunities after release.
The more clearly you define your plan, the better your results will be.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Goals
✅ 1. Define Your Long-Term Vision
Where do you see yourself five to ten years from now?
What kind of career, business, or personal life do you want?
For example, if you want to start a business after release, what industry are you passionate about? What skills will you need?
✅ 2. Break It Down into Actionable Steps
If your goal is to start a business, you need to:
Learn financial literacy
Study marketing and sales
Build a professional network (even from inside prison)
✅ 3. Make Daily Progress
Track your actions. Keep a journal or log of the books you read, courses you take, and people you reach out to.
Adapt when necessary. Success is about adjusting while staying committed.
✅ 4. Learn from Others Who Have Done It
I built my strategy by studying those who overcame massive obstacles.
I documented my journey, which later helped me build a career, create businesses, and advocate for change.
Why Documenting Progress is Key
Your credibility is your greatest asset. Employers, mentors, and future business partners won’t take your word for it—they need to see proof.
That’s why I recommend creating a profile on PrisonProfessorsTalent.com. It allows you to document your growth in real time.
Every book you read, every goal you set and accomplish, every skill you learn—it all matters.
People want to invest in those who invest in themselves.
Take Action Now
1️⃣ Write out your long-term vision today. Where do you want to be five years from now?
2️⃣ Start tracking your progress. Even if it’s just in a notebook, build evidence of your work.
3️⃣ Read about others who have succeeded. My book, Earning Freedom: Conquering a 45-Year Prison Term, details the steps I took inside prison to build a foundation for success. If you don’t have access to it, request a copy through our nonprofit.
If you need personal guidance, I encourage you to visit our weekly webinars at WhiteCollarAdvice.com/Nonprofit.
Self-Directed Question
- What specific goal can you define today, and what is the first step you will take toward achieving it?
