Rebuilding after Prison

I spoke with Michael yesterday. He is rebuilding his life after serving three years in a minimum-security federal camp. He reached out for a conversation, and I asked him permission to record so that others could learn from what we discussed.

A Background of Lessons Learned  

During our call, Michael expressed some of the challenges he faced while incarcerated. He had a background in finance and wealth management, and he expressed regret on how a single poor decision led to a seven-year sentence. He had to serve three years of that term at the prison camp in Duluth, Minnesota. He wanted to find his way forward.  

He transitioned from prison to a halfway house less than two weeks before we recorded our video. He expressed an idea for using AI to help others understand how to prepare for a better journey through prison.

Many people leave prison with hopes of making a living out of what they learned.

Taking One Step at a Time  

Anyone leaving prison should begin by working to build financial stability. I asked Michael about his current circumstances and explained the importance of making intentional, deliberate choices to rebuild.  

I used the analogy of putting on your own oxygen mask first before assisting others. "It’s noble to want to help people right away," I told him, "but ensuring your financial stability comes first. Just as you built success in finance before your incarceration, you should use the same intentional focus to rebuild."  

Becoming financially stable would open doors. By focusing on himself first, he could create a stronger foundation for future contributions.  

Navigating the Transition  

We spoke about the challenges that come with navigating the complexities of transitioning from prison through community confinement, supervised release, and then to stability. Michael should focus on completing this phase deliberately and without setbacks. Early termination of supervision is possible, but it requires intentional efforts, such as demonstrating compliance, productivity, and a clear vision for the future.  

Prioritizing Liberty and Planning for the Future  

Given his family support and professional background, I told him, “This is an opportunity for you to prioritize liberty over accepting the first job that comes your way."  

The first instinct for many people leaving prison is to secure immediate employment, regardless of fit or growth potential. While that’s understandable, it’s not the best path for everyone. Given his support, I suggested that Michael take the time to map out a long-term strategy that aligns with his values and dreams.  

Addressing Stigma  

Michael spoke about the stigma he felt at being a felon. He felt as if people looked at him differently. I shared my experience, explaining how I’ve learned to use my past as a source of strength. People will perceive what you exude, I told him, and owning your narrative can be a powerful tool in reshaping those perceptions.  

I encouraged him to openly share his story as a way of building trust and connection.  

Building a Personal Brand  

Michael could start building a personal brand that reflects his story, expertise, and aspirations. I recommended that he leverage resources on Prison Professors, including my book Earning Freedom and the accountability log designed to track efforts and progress.  

"Be the CEO of your own life," I told him. "Create a body of work that showcases your transformation and the value you bring to others." With his background in finance and his passion for AI, there’s tremendous potential for him to rebuild a life not just of stability but also of significance.  

Lessons and Takeaways  

Anyone navigating challenges, whether they’ve faced incarceration or not, might get some insight from our video.  

1. Build a Foundation First: Just as you can’t assist others until your financial house is in order, you can’t expect lasting success without a stable and intentional base.  

2. Define Success: Success looks different for everyone. Take the time to define what it means for you, involving your family and aligning it with your values and long-term goals.  

3. Own Your Story: The road to redemption begins with honesty, reflection, and perspective. Your story can be your greatest asset if you use it with integrity and purpose.  

4. Leverage Resources: No one achieves success alone. Tap into available tools, communities, and networks to accelerate your growth and create meaningful connections.  

5. Focus on the Future: While the past provides lessons, it doesn’t dictate the future. Your present actions define what’s next.  

I started Prison Professors to offer resources for people who must conquer adversity. Michael has the right mindset, resources, and support, and I am confident he’ll rebuild his life. There are always more opportunities in the future than in the past.

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