During my time in federal prison, I learned the value of focus. It wasn’t easy to block out the noise and distractions around me, but I knew that if I didn’t, I’d waste time I couldn’t afford to lose. This blog shares 5 steps that helped me make progress.
A Plan That Worked
I didn’t have a detailed roadmap when I started, but I knew I needed structure. Over time, I built a routine that kept me disciplined:
Morning Writing and Reading: I began each day by writing and reading for several hours. It gave me a sense of direction and helped me prepare for the life I’d eventually return to.
Focused Workouts: My exercise was consistent but short. I wasn’t interested in passing time at the gym; I wanted to stay healthy and clear-headed.
Selective Socializing: I chose to keep interactions limited. This wasn’t about being unfriendly—it was about avoiding distractions that didn’t serve me.
This routine gave my days purpose and ensured I stayed focused. I truly felt as if the time was serving me.
5 Steps for Staying Focused
If you’re facing a similar situation, here’s what worked for me:
- Outline Your Day: Decide what you want to accomplish and stick to it. Idle time is your enemy.
- Set Boundaries: Be intentional about who you spend time with. If someone pulled me off track, I created distance.
- Choose a Core Activity: For me, it was writing. It gave my day structure. Whether it’s reading, studying, or practicing a skill, find something meaningful and commit to it.
- Stay Physically Active: Short workouts helped me reduce stress and stay sharp.
- Think Beyond Today: I used my time to research careers, map out my goals, and write down actionable steps I could take after release.
A Lesson That Stuck
One thing became clear to me: no one else would do the work for me. If I didn’t have a plan, distractions would have consumed me. The time I spent focusing on what I could control made all the difference not just in prison but after my release on May 20, 2009 (wow, a long time ago!!).
Come Join Us
Every Monday at 1 PM PST / 4 PM EST, I host a free webinar where we discuss practical strategies for preparing for life after prison. I invite you to join if you’re ready to take the next step.
What’s one small habit you can start today to help you stay focused? Let me know—I’d like to hear from you.
Justin Paperny