Course

Daily Journal, Volume 1

Every day presents an opportunity to sow seeds for success. In Daily Journal, Volume 1, I share 31 actionable lessons inspired by my personal journey through 26 years in federal prison. Each entry combines real-life experience with practical guidance, structured reflections, and self-directed questions to empower readers who face adversity. This journal demonstrates how daily accountability, disciplined decision-making, and intentional goal-setting lead to lasting transformation. Start each day with purpose, and build your pathway to freedom, meaning, and success.

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People in our community should know that I make three promises:

  • I will always be truthful.
  • I will never ask anyone to do anything that I don't do.
  • I will never ask anyone to pay me a penny for the work I do with Prison Professors.

Each day, I write a daily journal. The daily journals are available for anyone to download from our website. With each daily journal entry, I offer questions. The purpose of the question is to prompt members of our community to think about the ways that they're using every day to build a body of work that will advance their prospects for success upon release.

At the end of each month, our team compiles the daily journals into a workbook.

I created these monthly journal workbooks because I know firsthand the importance of staying engaged, productive, and focused on the future, even during challenging circumstances. Throughout my 26 years in prison, writing daily journals helped me stay disciplined and accountable. They helped me build a strong support network, and that support network helped me advocate for the highest level of liberty, at the soonest possible time.

My goal with these workbooks is to provide people in prison with structured daily lessons designed to guide reflection, goal-setting, and purposeful action. Each day's entry offers prompts and exercises that encourage individuals to document their progress and actively prepare for success upon release.

I firmly believe in leading by example—I never ask others to do anything that I haven't done myself. For this reason, I encourage members of our community to build a profile on Prison Professors Talent. By using the daily prompts to memorialize their journey, individuals create tangible evidence of their commitment to personal growth and rehabilitation. This documented pathway not only reinforces personal accountability but also significantly strengthens one's ability to advocate for themselves, opening doors to opportunities and resources critical for success after incarceration.

Through these journal workbooks, members of our community can sow seeds for success. They can show that, regardless of what the system is doing, they are working to take control of their future, transforming their time inside into a foundation for a fulfilling and productive life outside.

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Supporting videos & Podcast EPISODES

Silicon Valley Ted
Corporate Events
Pioneer Industries
Fund Raisers
California Wellness
Keynotes
Prison Presentations
Prison Presentations
US Berkley 2013
Universities

Principles we teach

The origins of our self-directed courses began with readings of Socrates, Frederick Douglass, Nelson Mandela, and modern leaders who teach us how to live as if we're the CEO of our life. To overcome any crisis, or build solutions, follow the principles of our Straight-A Guide.

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Attitude
Attitude
By adopting a values-based, goal-oriented mindset, I could more easily navigate the complexities of confinement. Instead of seeing all that was bad around me, I could find ways to conquer adversity and work toward a brighter future. It opened a better attitude, empowering me along the way. Attitude influences success.
Aspiration
Aspiration
During my sentencing hearing, I remember Judge Tanner telling me that I'd be an old man before I got out of prison. He sentenced me to 45-years. Life could have seemed bleak. Yet I returned to my solitary cell with a new vision. Leaders had taught me to focus on what I could control. Through reflection and aspiration, I found a path to purpose.
Action
Action
We should expect obstacles, but we can't allow them to define our path or limit our pursuit of success. The Straight-A Guide became my framework for persevering through challenges and obstacles, helping me focus on the action steps I could take each day, regardless of what adversity I had to endure. Take bold action steps to build success.
Accountability
Accountability
To transform our lives, we need tools that allow us to measure progress. Those tools, which we call our accountability metrics, empower transformation. While serving 26 years, accountability tools helped me take full ownership of my actions. They kept me moving toward the milestones I had to work toward each day.
Awareness
Awareness
To climb through adversity, we've got to keep our head in the game, staying aware of every opportunity around us. The more we think about what we're striving to build, the more aware we become of action steps we can take. Others become aware of our commitment, too, which creates a virtuous cycle of growth. Awareness opens opportunities to succeed.
Authenticity
Authenticity
To empower ourselves while climbing from adversity to success, we've got to be authentic. We don't grow confidence by talking. We have to take meaningful steps, adhering to a plan we established on our pathway to success. If we prioritize our actions, then develop our tools, tactics, and resources, our commitment becomes self-evident.
Achievement
Achievement
Incremental achievements can help anyone climb out of adversity and into a life of meaning, relevance, and dignity. We start by defining success, then lay out the plan with incremental steps. As we reach milestones, we grow our self-confidence. This strategy helped me grow stronger while serving 26 years in prison. Celebrate little achievements.
Appreciation
Appreciation
Adversity is part of life, and there will always be more. The 26 years I had to serve helped me learn how to appreciate the blessings of my life. Living in gratitude is a powerful tool for transformation. Even when living amidst challenges, we can open doors to hope and opportunity. Gratitude creates space for growth, resilience, and success.

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Who we serve

We offer resources that people who are going through a crisis or challenge can use to recalibrate. It's never too early or too late to begin building pathways to a better outcome. Each individual can build a body of work that opens opportunities for the next phase, empowering them to live meaningful, contributing lives.

Incarcerated Learners

Get access to our lessons, books, or self-directed courses. Regardless of what staff do, you grow.

Correctional Facilities

Improve the culture of your facility, inspiring people to learn. Be the change you want to see.

Defense Attorneys and legal profession

Offering resources to help people develop assets for self-advocacy, building mitigation stories.

Family, loved ones, & Friends

Download daily lessons to inspire people in custody. Help them build self-confidence and prepare.

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