Tell us Your Story

Struggles, challenges, and crises are inevitable parts of life. We all face them in one form or another. For me, my greatest challenge stemmed from a terrible decision I made at the age of 20—I sold cocaine. That choice led to federal charges, solitary confinement, and a lengthy judicial process. Ultimately, I was sentenced to 45 years in prison.

But my story didn’t end there. Thanks to the guidance and wisdom of great leaders, I realized I could choose to write a different narrative for my life. I refused to let the world define me solely by my mistakes. Instead, I committed to creating a story of growth and redemption, one that demonstrated my determination to prepare for success after release.

With that shift in mindset, I developed a strategic plan—a roadmap for navigating the decades I would spend in prison. I focused on self-improvement and personal transformation. I chronicled that journey in my book, Earning Freedom: Conquering a 45-Year Prison Term, which details how I turned adversity into an opportunity for growth.

What will your story be? Choose to write a narrative of triumph, resilience, and self-determination. The power to define your life lies in your hands.

Why Your Story Matters

Stories inspire action. They move people. Your story can move you. It can help you overcome limiting beliefs, frame challenges as opportunities, and put you on a path to meaningful progress. When I started writing my story from prison, I felt as if I was mapping out a framework for my future. It became a compass for me, helping me make better decisions through the labyrinth of confinement. I laid out a methodical plan, prioritizing my actions:

• Earn academic credentials,
• Build a body of work showing contributions I'd make to society,
• Grow an influential support network.

Despite the walls around me, that strategy became my story. It gave me strength and restored confidence. Rather than allowing the system to define me, I'd chart my course to success.

Your story matters because it defines your response to circumstances. It reflects not what has happened to you, but how you choose to rise from it. And when others see your resilience, they find motivation to confront their own adversities. Remember, the hardest chapters in your life can lead to the most inspiring transformations.

The Strategy Behind Building Your Story

Crafting your story requires reflection, strategy, and action. Start by defining success, considering the best possible outcome. During my time in incarceration, I developed specific strategies to help me plot a different course. Below are the key steps that worked for me and can work for you too.

1. Reflect on Your Current Chapter

Take time to honestly assess where you are today. What challenges are you facing? What resources, strengths, or support systems do you already have? This requires deep self-reflection and brutal honesty. Writing out your thoughts can help bring clarity.

Ask yourself:

• What is holding me back right now?
• If nothing changed, where would I be in 1 year? 5 years?
• What strengths or lessons have I gained from past adversity that I can use now?

Reflections like these lay the foundation for your next steps.

2. Define Your Vision

Success doesn’t happen by accident. I envisioned a future beyond prison walls. Who would my friends be? How would I earn a living? How would the world judge me? I used to visualize myself coming out of prison, putting on a suit and tie, and knowing that my past would not limit my opportunities. I considered how I could create a pathway to use my imprisonment as a strength.

You must define your end goal. Think of this step as writing the final chapter of your story before planning how to get there.

Ask yourself:

• What does success look like to me?
• Who do I want to become in the next 5 or 10 years?
• What values do I want to embody in this next chapter of my life?

Be specific. A clear vision will keep you anchored when challenges arise.

3. Break Your Vision into Incremental Milestones

Big goals feel overwhelming. If you break them into smaller, actionable steps, you build momentum. While in prison, I broke down my pathway into manageable goals. First, I completed one class, then another. Each credential, degree, or article I wrote was like turning a page toward my ultimate vision.

Here’s how to create your incremental timeline:

• Set 1-month, 6-month, and 1-year goals that support your vision.
• Focus on daily habits that create momentum over time.
• Celebrate small wins to stay motivated.

Every milestone becomes a stepping stone toward your greater story.

4. Leverage Resources

Think of the resources around you as tools for writing your best story. Despite being in solitary, I could learn from books. Despite walls around me, I could write and invite mentors into my life. I could learn by reading about the leaders I wanted to emulate. What adversity did they face and how did they overcome? How did they think? I'd learn lessons and apply those lessons to my life.

Consider:

• What books, courses, or tools can help you grow?
• Who can mentor or guide you through challenges?
• What networks or communities can offer support and encouragement?

Surround yourself with resources that fuel your transformation.

5. Own Your Setbacks

Setbacks are inevitable, but they don’t define your story unless you allow them to. Every setback I faced taught me something crucial about grit, determination, and resilience. Use those lessons.

When challenges arise, ask:

• What can I learn from this experience?
• How can this challenge make me stronger?
• What adjustments can I make to stay on track?

Your ability to reframe failures into opportunities will set you apart.

6. Document Your Journey

Finally, keep track of your story as it unfolds. I encourage you to build a profile on Prison Professors Talent. Other areas of our website show you how. Start a journal, write letters to people who can influence a better future. Create a visual timeline of your progress. Documenting your thoughts and milestones becomes a powerful reminder of how far you’ve come.

The Power of Persistence

Creating a new story for yourself doesn’t happen overnight. It requires discipline, planning, and an unwavering belief that you are capable of change. The 26 years I spent in prison felt productive. I didn't allow the time inside to define me. I persisted because I believed my story could still inspire others. Your story can inspire others. Write it by taking consistent, incremental steps. The steps you take today will open opportunities for you tomorrow. Write with intention. Your story will become a testament to what’s possible—even through adversity.

What chapter will you write today to move your life forward? Start small. Set one goal, take one action, and watch how the trajectory of your life begins to shift.

Reflective Questions:

• What’s the current challenge I want to overcome, and how will it inspire my future story?
• What resources or mentors can I seek out to support my progress?
• What will I commit to achieving in the next 30 days?

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