While serving decades in prison, I had limited access to technology. I couldn’t make excuses. I had to learn how to cope in that environment, and creating systems helped. By reading books on business leadership and studying biographies of innovators, I discovered a critical lesson: we advance prospects for success when we create systems that produce results consistently.
The most effective leaders build systems that move them forward, regardless of obstacles. That realization shaped my approach to preparing for success, even in an environment designed to restrict progress.
Lessons from Jeff Bezos and Amazon
A biography about Jeff Bezos reinforced this idea. After graduating from Princeton and working in a hedge fund, Bezos became fascinated with the internet’s exponential growth—more than 1,000% per year in the early 1990s. He saw opportunity where others saw uncertainty.
Rather than simply launching an online bookstore and hoping it would succeed, Bezos built systems that would allow Amazon to grow:
- He recognized that physical bookstores had limited inventory, restricted by shelf space. An online store could offer every book available in distribution.
- Book distributors required bulk orders, but Bezos didn’t have enough demand to meet minimums. His solution? Amazon paired each order with an out-of-print book, ensuring it met the distributor’s threshold while only fulfilling the books customers wanted.
That system allowed Amazon to grow efficiently, paving the way for it to become the global giant it is today.
Building Systems in Prison
While incarcerated, I faced different constraints. Prisons blocked me from using computers or the internet. I couldn’t simply wait for better conditions—I had to build my own system.
- Since I couldn’t type, I wrote everything by hand.
- Since I couldn’t publish, I mailed my handwritten manuscripts home, where my wife typed them and published them online.
- Since I couldn’t attend business meetings, I studied business books and biographies to learn indirectly from leaders.
That system allowed me to build a body of work, connect with a global audience, and position myself for opportunities after release.
From Constraint to Opportunity
One of the greatest lessons I learned from Epictetus, the Stoic philosopher, was to focus only on what I could control. Complaining wouldn’t change my situation, but creating a system would change my future.
I developed a daily system that included:
- Writing every day – This commitment kept me disciplined, improved my skills, and built intellectual assets.
- Reading every day – Learning from leaders gave me a roadmap for success.
- Exercising every day – This helped me maintain discipline and build resilience.
- Memorializing my journey – Documenting my progress reinforced my commitment.
That system carried me through 9,500 days in prison and led to a successful transition into society. Those systems also led to the Straight-A Guide, which I use to teach others. Even today, I follow a structured system for financial growth, health, and productivity.
Systems Matter as much as setting Goals
Goals define what we want. Systems define how we get there.
- A goal is to write a book. A system is writing 500 words per day.
- A goal is to run 2,500 miles in a year. A system is running 7 miles per day.
- A goal is to become financially independent. A system is saving, investing, and creating value daily.
By focusing on systems, success becomes inevitable. The process itself moves us forward, ensuring that even on difficult days, progress still happens.
Applying This Strategy Today
Creating personal systems isn’t just for people in prison—it’s for anyone striving to reach a higher potential. Whether it’s in fitness, business, or personal development, designing the right daily habits and workflows will produce long-term success.
If you want to improve in any area of life, ask yourself:
- What systems can I create to move me toward my goal?
- How can I build structure into my day to ensure consistent progress?
- How can I remove reliance on motivation and instead rely on disciplined habits?
Final Thoughts
Jeff Bezos didn’t just hope Amazon would grow—he designed systems that made growth inevitable. I didn’t just wish for success after prison—I built a system that prepared me to succeed.
You don’t have to be in prison or running a billion-dollar company to apply this strategy. No matter where you are today, you can build a system that puts you on a path toward a better future.
Self-Directed Learning Question:
- What system can you create today that will move you toward your long-term goals, regardless of obstacles?