Sometimes life doesn’t work out the way we expect. We face obstacles that threaten to define our trajectory. If we yield to such setbacks, we must also own the downfall that follows. A more empowering approach comes from the Straight-A Guide, which teaches us to act in ways that align with a values-based, goal-oriented strategy.
While serving decades in prison, I encountered countless moments when I had to choose action over apathy. In earlier articles, I wrote about how leaders influenced my adjustment. I wanted to learn from them whenever I faced an obstacle. I hated living in prison, and I worried about the inevitable challenges I would face after release—unless I prepared in advance.
At times, I would lie on my bunk, staring at the ceiling, thinking about how I might earn a living after prison. I believed my imprisonment would be a huge impediment to landing a traditional job. As a result, I focused on developing skills that would translate into an income stream.
Through reading The Republic, I learned from Socrates that by asking better questions, I could cultivate critical thinking. With an improved ability to think strategically—asking if this happened, then what might follow?—I realized the importance of drawing on my intrinsic motivation. Since prison administrators focused more on perpetuating “the system” than on my personal growth (as sociologist Max Weber wrote about organizational theory), I knew I had to take full responsibility for my education. I wouldn’t learn, or develop new skills unless I acted with discipline.
Early in my journey, I worked as a clerk under Lynn Stephens. She allowed me to use a typewriter and eventually a word processor for my schoolwork, which helped me hone my writing skills. Later, when I switched jobs, I got a new supervisor who prohibited me from using the typewriter or computer for anything other than assigned tasks. I explained I was pursuing a master’s degree and that my previous supervisor supported my educational goals. The new supervisor told me that Ms. Stephens didn’t have authority to allow me to use the computer for anything other than assigned work. He said that if education was a priority, I should have thought about that before selling cocaine. Ironically, he oversaw the education department in the penitentiary.
For a few hours, I felt paralyzed by despondency. But giving in to frustration would not resolve my predicament. Instead, I turned to reading again, immersing myself in Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables. Hugo wrote his masterpiece by hand, and in the novel, he offered many examples that showed each person’s responsibility to prepare for success. Regardless of what other people do, we can always work on developing new skills, or creating value.
Like Victor Hugo, I knew that I could train myself to write by hand. It would require more discipline, and more work, but it would advance my objective of preparing for success. Once I got out, no one would care about the process I had to go through in prison–they would only care if I could bring results. If I wanted to learn how to become a better writer, I’d have to act.
That realization replaced my self-pity with action. I started writing on unlined sheets of paper, and I maintained my daily goal of writing at least 1,000 words. If we want to change our lives, we have to take bold, committed action.
Self-Directed Learning Question:
- Think about a current obstacle you face—how can you take a proactive step that aligns with your values and long-term goals, despite the restrictions or resistance in your environment?