When authorities arrested me, in August 11, 1987, I was 23 years old. Since I faced a potential life sentence, and I’d never been confined before, the gravity of my situation staggered me. I felt unprepared, isolated, and uncertain about my future. Surrendering to despair wouldn’t help. Thankfully, by reading, I found mentors who redirected my focus. They helped me commit to using my time constructively.
How Plato’s Republic Introduced Me to Socratic Thinking
During the first year, while in solitary confinement, an officer gave me a copy of Plato’s Republic. The book inspired me, introducing me to the concept of Socratic thinking—a way of questioning the world and examining life with purpose and clarity. I began to reflect deeply on my own circumstances, realizing that meaningful change required rigorous self-examination. Inspired by Socrates’ method of inquiry, I crafted a three-part goal to guide me through my journey.
- First, I resolved to educate myself fully, both academically and spiritually, to become a person capable of contributing to society.
- Second, I committed to building a support network, understanding that relationships would be crucial for achieving success beyond prison walls.
- Finally, I vowed to build a body of work that would show my commitment to contributing to society in meaningful, measurable ways.
That deliberate plan helped me develop discipline. I needed that forward-thinking mindset, ensuring that every action I took aligned with my long-term vision. These values became my roadmap, lighting the way through even the darkest moments of my confinement.
I created long-term goals, enrolled in educational programs, read voraciously, and connected with people outside the walls who believed in my potential. Their guidance and encouragement helped me become the person I aspired to be. The decisions I made during incarceration set the stage for my eventual success—building multiple businesses, helping others, and working toward financial independence.
Strategies to Prepare Before Prison
1. Accept Reality and Take Charge
Acknowledging the reality of incarceration is the first step to taking control. This is a time to reflect on the choices that led here, without judgment, and focus on the future. Journaling or writing down your long-term goals can help bring clarity and create a sense of purpose.
2. Start with Your Mindset
Developing a proactive and growth-oriented mindset is your most important tool. Shift your thinking from “Why me?” to “What can I learn from this?” Visualization exercises can help—imagine the person you want to be when you walk out of prison and focus on embodying that version of yourself daily.
3. Explore Education and Skill Building
Education became a lifesaver for me. I completed university courses during incarceration, and my focus on learning kept my mind sharp. Look for available prison education programs or create a self-directed study plan. Skills acquired now can help rebuild your life after release.
4. Build Strong Relationships with Mentors
Surrounding yourself with mentors changed everything for me. While in prison, I found people (in books, letters, and later in person) who offered perspectives that widened my understanding of life. Engage with people who uplift you and share your vision of growth, whether they’re fellow inmates, outside supporters, or advisors willing to connect.
5. Use Time to Strengthen Your Health
Time is your most valuable currency. Use it to stay active and improve your physical health. Daily fitness routines don’t just strengthen your body—they improve mental resilience too. Focus on sleep, hydration, and nutrition to sustain this.
6. Immerse Yourself in Self-Improvement
One of my most rewarding areas of focus was reading materials about leadership, business systems, personal finance, and emotional intelligence. Books became my vehicle for transformation. Prison offers time to think, read, and apply lessons that will prepare you for a better future.
A Case Study – Success Through Proactivity
My partner, Justin Paperny, became a case study of using this same concept. A federal judge sentenced Justin to an 18-month term for a violating securities laws. When we met, in a federal prison, I had already served more than 20 years. I encouraged Justin to focus on personal development, and preparing for the career he could lead after he got out. He worked alongside me every day. Through that process, when he walked out of prison, he had a book, lesson plans, and all the work necessary to launch White Collar Advice, a business that has helped more than 1,000 people prepare for better outcomes before they even went into the prison system.
By developing a habit of structured goal setting, anyone can use time in prison to build opportunities for growth.
Overcoming Challenges
Facing incarceration isn’t easy, but obstacles don’t have to derail your progress.
- Dealing with Isolation: Build connections through letter writing, visiting family when possible, or joining prison programs that foster relationships.
- Accessing Resources: Connect with our team at PrisonProfessors.org and use all the free tools and guidance we offer. If you need a personal connection, reach out to Justin. As our sponsor, he offers free webinars so that members of our community can ask questions and get a response.
- Staying Proactive: Shift your focus from limitations to opportunities. Even small, incremental improvements make a difference.
Conclusion
Prison can become the catalyst for incredible change. By focusing on proactive choices, building meaningful connections, and committing to self-improvement, you’re already taking the first step to create the future you deserve.
Take charge, prepare with intention, and use every resource to position yourself for long-term success. Remember, you hold the power to redefine your story.
Self-Directed Reflection Question
- How can you use the challenges you face today as stepping stones toward the person you want to become tomorrow?
