Build a Body of Work

By the time you reach this chapter, you have already worked through the core ideas of the Straight-A Guide.

You have considered what it means to define success, set goals, develop the right attitude, aspire to something better, take disciplined action, hold yourself accountable, strengthen awareness, live authentically, earn incremental achievements, and live with appreciation. Those principles can change the way a person thinks. They can change the way he uses time. They can change the way he prepares for the future.

But a lesson becomes much more useful when a person turns it into action.

In this final chapter of the workbook, we want to show best practices on how to start and develop your profile.

If the lessons in this workbook remain only in your thoughts, they may still help you. If they remain only in a notebook, they may still have value. But when a person builds a visible body of work, he creates something more useful. He creates a record. He creates evidence. He creates a tool that may help him advocate for himself at different stages of the journey ahead.

That is why I encourage people to build a profile through Prison Professors.

The profile is a place to document the ways that you are using time to prepare for success upon release. It allows you to show the work you are doing over time. Instead of saying that you want to change, you can show what you are doing to change. Instead of hoping that someone will believe in your future, you can create a record that allows others to see your effort, your discipline, your growth, and your preparation.

That record can become useful in many ways.

It may help a probation officer understand that you are taking preparation seriously. It may help a judge see that you are building a life with intention. It may help family members, mentors, or other supporters understand how to advocate for you more effectively. It may help Bureau of Prisons officials, halfway house staff, or a future probation officer see that you have spent time building a record rather than merely waiting for time to pass. It may help a prospective employer see that you are more than the worst decision of your life.

Most importantly, it can help you.

A profile helps you move from private intention to visible action. It gives you a place to develop a biography, publish journal entries, write book reports, and strengthen a release plan. It helps you create a body of work that shows how you are thinking, what you are learning, what you are building, and why you are worthy of consideration for higher levels of liberty and opportunity later.

That process aligns directly with the Straight-A Guide.

The Straight-A Guide is not a theory for sounding better. It is a framework for living better, as if you are the CEO of your life. Each principle pushes a person to become more deliberate, more disciplined, and more responsible. The profile gives a person a place to document what that framework looks like in practice.

• If you define success, the profile gives you a place to explain what success means to you.

• If you set goals, the profile gives you a place to show how you are pursuing those goals.

• If you develop the right attitude, the profile gives you a place to reveal that attitude through your writing and your consistency.

• If you take action, the profile gives you a place to document what you did.

• If you hold yourself accountable, the profile gives you a place to measure progress.

• If you build awareness, live authentically, earn achievements, and strengthen appreciation, the profile gives you a place to show how those principles are shaping the life you are building.

In that sense, the profile is not separate from the workbook. It is the place where your preparations for success become self-evident.

Many people talk about change. Fewer document the work of change. Many people say they are preparing for success. Fewer create a record that shows what they are doing to prepare. Many people hope that others will recognize their effort. Fewer build a body of work that allows others to verify the effort for themselves.

I want readers of this workbook to understand that documentation is part of preparation.

When I served my sentence, I learned that progress becomes more powerful when a person can point to evidence. I did not want the years to disappear into abstraction. I wanted to be able to show how I was using time, what I was learning, what I was writing, how I was preparing, and why I believed I would come home ready to contribute in meaningful ways. That record influenced the way other people saw me. More important, it influenced the way I saw myself. It reinforced discipline. It gave me structure. It helped me turn long stretches of confinement into a period of preparation.

That is one reason I believe so strongly in profile-building.

The profile becomes an asset. It becomes a place where your biography can show accountability, your journals can show consistency, your book reports can show self-directed learning, and your release plan can show that you are preparing for the next stage with intention. Over time, those entries become a living record of the person you are becoming.

No one can build that record for you. Not your lawyer. Not your family. And certainly not anyone in the Bureau of Prisons.

Other people may help you. Family members may support you. Friends may encourage you. Mentors may guide you. Staff members may recognize your effort. Our team at Prison Professors may provide the platform and the lessons. But you must do the work.

That truth reflects one of the central ideas in the Straight-A Guide: live as the CEO of your life.

A CEO does not wait for someone else to solve the company's problems. He identifies the mission, studies the obstacles, builds the plan, and executes it with discipline. He measures progress. He adjusts when necessary. He creates systems that support the results he wants. In the same way, a person in prison should not wait passively for someone else to engineer a better future. He should begin building that future now, with the tools available to him.

The profile is one of those tools. It helps a person transform time into evidence.

That phrase deserves emphasis because too many people in prison allow time to pass without creating a record of how they used it. Then, when the day comes to advocate for more liberty, they have very little to show beyond words. They may say they have changed. They may say they are ready. They may say they have learned from the experience. But if no record exists, others have little basis for evaluating those claims.

A strong profile changes that equation. It gives the person a place to show that he has been building for months, years, or even decades. It allows him to demonstrate that his effort has not been random. He has been reading with intention. Writing with purpose. Reflecting with honesty. Planning with realism. Preparing with discipline.

That is the kind of record that can influence how others see a person.

It can also influence the larger mission of Prison Professors.

Every profile contributes to something bigger than one individual. When thousands of people build visible records of self-directed learning, preparation, and accountability, they create evidence that people in the system are willing to work toward better outcomes when they have structure, tools, and incentives. That evidence strengthens our argument for expanding opportunities tied to earning freedom through merit. It strengthens our effort to show that preparation should count. It strengthens our mission of opening more pathways to liberty and freedom through merit.

For that reason, when you build a profile, you do more than help yourself. You become part of a broader movement. You show that people in prison will:

• work,

• learn,

• write,

• prepare,

• develop skills,

• and build records that reflect discipline and growth.

That kind of evidence strengthens the case for reform, allowing us to work harder to build bridges that lead to employment, or support that can help people transition into society successfully.

I want to be clear about something important. I do not work for the government. I do not control your case. I do not decide where you will serve your sentence. I do not determine whether you will receive additional liberty. And I do not promise that building a profile will lead to any specific result. The only promises I make are these:

1. I will never lie to you.

2. I will never ask you to do anything that I did not do.

3. No one will ever pay a penny for the lessons that Prison Professors provides.

I built this system because the Bible and other books taught me how to think differently. I learned firsthand how much power there is in self-directed preparation. I learned that people can build stronger lives when they create a record of values, discipline, and effort. I learned that change becomes more persuasive when it is visible. And I learned that a person who lives as the CEO of his life can create opportunities, even in difficult circumstances, by building a body of work that others can see.

That is what I hope this workbook encourages you to do.

Do not allow the lessons to remain abstract. Use them. Write. Reflect. Build. Document. Strengthen your record. Bring your values into alignment with your daily conduct. Show what you are learning. Show how you are growing. Show why you are preparing seriously for the next stage of your life.

Become the CEO of your life.

And when you are ready, begin building the profile that will allow others to see the work you are doing.

The appendices that follow will show you exactly how to get started.

Appendix A: How to Build Your Prison Professors Profile

This workbook teaches principles. Your profile gives you a place to put those principles into action.

A person may read every chapter in this workbook and still have nothing visible to show for the work if he does not begin documenting what he is learning and how he is preparing. That is why we built the Prison Professors profile system. The profile gives you a place to turn your ideas, reflections, plans, and progress into a visible body of work.

That body of work may become useful in self-advocacy at many stages, including with:

• a probation officer who writes a presentence investigation report,

• a judge who may sentence you,

• supporters who may advocate for you,

• officials in the Bureau of Prisons,

• staff in a halfway house,

• a probation officer who supervises release,

• or an employer who wants to know who you are becoming.

The profile helps you move from saying that you want to prepare for success to showing the work you are doing to prepare.

Why the Profile Matters

The profile creates a record that others can review.

Instead of leaving growth invisible, the profile allows you to build a biography, write journal entries, publish book reports, develop a release plan, earn points, rise on leaderboards, and become part of a broader movement that advocates for more pathways to liberty through merit.

That record becomes stronger when it grows over time. A person who writes consistently shows discipline. A person who writes honestly shows authenticity. A person who writes with purpose shows that he is living intentionally rather than letting time pass without direction.

The profile is not a shortcut. It is not a promise of any specific result. It is a place to build evidence.

Appendix B: The Four Core Sections of the Profile

Your profile has four main written sections:

1. Biography

2. Journals

3. Book Reports

4. Release Plan

Each section serves a different purpose.

Biography

Your biography tells the story of who you are, how you got here, what you have learned, and what kind of future you are trying to build.

A strong biography should:

• tell the truth about the past,

• show responsibility,

• explain what changed in your thinking,

• and show what kind of life you are preparing to build.

The biography helps other people understand the person behind the charge or conviction. It should not read like an excuse. It should not read like a sales pitch. It should read like the work of someone who is thinking honestly about his life and building a better future with intention.

Update your biography regularly. As you grow, your biography should grow with you.

Journals

Journals show what you are doing now. A good journal entry may describe:

• what you are learning,

• what progress you are making,

• what challenges you are facing,

• how you are responding to adversity,

• and how your daily conduct aligns with the future you want.

Journal writing helps you build a time-stamped record of your thinking and your effort. One journal entry may not seem important by itself. Over time, however, many entries can show discipline, consistency, reflection, and growth.

Book Reports

Book reports show your commitment to self-directed learning. A strong book report should explain:

• why you chose the book,

• what you learned from it,

• and how the book influences the decisions you are making.

Do not write book reports only to prove that you finished a book. Write them to show how reading is shaping your judgment, your values, and your plans. A strong book report shows that you are not reading to pass time. You are reading to strengthen your mind and prepare for a better future.

Release Plan

Your release plan explains how you are preparing for the next stage of life. A strong release plan should show:

• the life you want to build,

• the obstacles you expect,

• the strengths and resources you already have,

• the weaknesses you must address,

• and the strategy you will use to overcome collateral consequences.

A release plan becomes stronger when you update it regularly. As you learn more, develop more skills, strengthen relationships, or identify new risks, your plan should reflect those changes.

Appendix C: Why Consistent Writing Builds a Stronger Record

Consistency is one of the most important parts of the profile system.

A person does not build a strong record by making one good entry and then disappearing. He builds a strong record by showing up repeatedly. When entries appear over time, they show:

• discipline,

• intrinsic motivation,

• accountability,

• growth,

• and seriousness.

That is why we encourage regular writing.

A profile becomes more useful when other people can see that the work did not happen in one afternoon. They can see that the person kept building over time. They can see that he stayed engaged. They can see that his preparation is part of a pattern rather than a single burst of activity.

Try to write regularly. It is better to make steady progress than to wait for the perfect moment.

Appendix D: How the Point System Works

We created the point system to encourage meaningful participation.

The point system is designed to reward entries that show real effort. We made changes because very short entries do not advance the goal. A three-word entry or a five-word entry does not build communication skill, personal development, or a useful advocacy record. We want people to write enough to develop thought, discipline, and evidence.

The system awards points as follows:

• 1 point for entries of 100 to 299 words

• 2 points for entries of 300 words or more

That means a person can earn points by writing:

• biography entries,

• journal entries,

• book reports,

• release-plan updates,

• and other qualifying profile work.

The point system gives us a way to measure participation. Instead of vague statements such as "I am trying," the profile can show:

• how often a person writes,

• how much he writes,

• what categories he is developing,

• and whether he is building momentum over time.

Points do not tell the whole story, but they do help quantify effort.

Best Practices for Earning Points

A person can strengthen his point total by:

• writing consistently,

• making entries of at least 100 words,

• aiming for 300 to 500 words when he has enough substance to say something meaningful,

• developing all four sections of the profile,

• and avoiding long gaps in participation.

As a practical guideline, entries between 300 and 500 words often work well. That length usually gives enough room to explain an idea clearly while also helping you build points steadily over time. It is fine to write entries in multiple parts or to publish longer manuscripts.

Appendix E: Leaderboards and What They Show

We use leaderboards to show who is participating consistently and seriously.

The leaderboard helps us identify people who are building a body of work through disciplined effort. It also helps us show that participants in Prison Professors are willing to work toward better outcomes when they have structure, incentives, and a clear path.

The system tracks several types of participation, including:

• Individual points

• Tribe points

• 30-day leaderboard activity

These measurements help show:

• who is writing regularly,

• who is building all sections of the profile,

• who is helping others participate,

• and who is maintaining momentum over time.

Leaderboards can motivate people to continue building. They also help supporters, staff, and the larger community see who is doing the work most consistently.

Most important, the data helps Prison Professors advocate for broader reforms. When thousands of people build profiles, accumulate points, and document their preparations for success, that evidence helps us argue for policies that create more pathways to liberty through merit.

Appendix F: Build a Tribe

No one builds a strong future alone.

That is why the profile system includes tribe-building. A tribe grows when you encourage other people to participate. If someone joins and identifies you as the person who encouraged him, that person becomes part of your tribe.

When members of your tribe earn individual points, those points can also strengthen your tribe score.

This matters because tribe-building shows leadership. It shows that you are not only working on yourself. You are helping create a stronger community. You are becoming an ambassador of the message.

An ambassador:

• participates seriously,

• understands the system,

• explains it to others,

• encourages family and friends to support the mission,

• and helps more people understand that preparation can lead to stronger outcomes.

When you help others build profiles, you strengthen more than your own record. You help demonstrate what becomes possible when people prepare with intention and document their effort over time.

Appendix G: How Family Members and Friends Can Help

Family members and friends can become an important part of the process.

They can help by:

• setting up and managing a profile,

• entering updates you send through letters, email, or calls,

• reading what you write,

• encouraging you to stay consistent,

• helping you build your support system,

• and learning enough about the profile so they can advocate more effectively.

When family members understand the profile, they can point to more than hope. They can point to your biography, journals, book reports, release plan, point totals, and participation record. That documentation changes the quality of the conversation.

Instead of saying only, "He has changed," they can show the work you have done.

Appendix H: How to Submit Entries

Because many people in prison do not have internet access, we built multiple ways to participate.

Option 1: Through a Family Member or Friend

The easiest way to build a profile is to have a family member or friend visit PrisonProfessors.org. That person can enter your name and number and enroll you in the program. Once enrolled, the outside supporter can receive login information and begin managing and updating your profile.

This option works well for people who have a spouse, parent, sibling, child, or friend willing to help.

Option 2: Through Email

If you do not have outside support but do have access to the prison email system, you may send your entries to:

• Playbook@PrisonProfessors.org

When you send an entry, make it easy for our team to process by clearly identifying the category in the subject line.

Use one of these labels in the subject line:

• Biography

• Journal

• Book Report

• Release Plan

By labeling the entry clearly in the subject line, you help our team place the writing into the right category.

Option 3: Through Postal Mail

If you do not have access to email, you may send your entries by mail to:

Prison Professors

Profiles

P.O. Box 50996

Irvine, CA 92619

When mailing an entry, clearly identify the category at the top of the page:

• Biography

• Journal

• Book Report

• Release Plan

This step will help our team place your writing in the correct section of your profile.

Appendix I: How to Build a Profile

Do not wait until you think your writing is perfect. Begin where you are. A practical way to start is:

1. Write your first biography entry.

2. Write a journal entry about what you learned from this workbook.

3. Write a book report on something you are reading now.

4. Draft the first section of your release plan.

5. Keep building from there.

The profile becomes stronger through repetition. The more often you write with honesty and purpose, the more useful the record becomes.

A Simple Starting Pattern

A person who wants a simple starting pattern could aim for:

• one biography update,

• two journal entries each month,

• one book report each month,

• and one release-plan update each month.

That pattern would help a person build all four profile areas steadily.

Appendix J: Your Participation Supports a Larger Mission

Your participation helps more than your own future.

Every profile, every journal entry, every book report, every release-plan update, every point earned, and every tribe connection helps Prison Professors build stronger arguments for reform. The data from profiles, word counts, and participation records helps us show that people in the system are willing to work when given tools, structure, and incentives.

That evidence strengthens our argument for:

• more recognition of self-directed preparation,

• more incentives tied to merit,

• more opportunities to earn liberty,

• and broader policy changes that encourage excellence.

When you build your profile, you are not only preparing for your own future. You are helping demonstrate what becomes possible when people choose discipline over drift, preparation over passivity, and excellence over excuses.

Appendix K: Final Encouragement

I want to close this appendix with the same message that runs through all of my work.

I do not work for the government. I do not control your case. I do not decide where you will serve your sentence. I do not promise that building a profile will produce any specific result.

What I do promise is this:

1. I will never lie to you.

2. I will never ask you to do anything that I did not do.

3. No one will ever pay a penny for the free lessons and profile-building opportunities that Prison Professors provides.

I believe in self-directed preparation because I lived it. I know the value of building a record. I know the value of reading, writing, planning, documenting, and preparing. I know that a person who decides to live as the CEO of his life can create opportunities, even in difficult circumstances, by building a body of work that others can see.

Begin building that record now.

Write honestly.

Write consistently.

Build all four parts of the profile.

Strengthen your support system.

Help others when you can.

And keep preparing for success.

When you are ready, submit your first entry. And remember, no one should work harder than you in preparing for your success.