Defining Your Federal Prison Goals
A white collar defendant who pled guilty to securities fraud, called me today. He came across my new Facebook page, then scheduled a call with me.

Clearly Define Your Federal Prison Goals
On our call I learned he would be surrendering to the federal prison camp in Yankton, South Dakota. My friend Shad Huston had a productive experience through Yankton.
This former securities trader was very excited for his prison term. I can understand the excitement. After all, fighting our case and dealing with all of the unknowns can make the time before federal prison even harder than the prison term… crazy but true.
“What are your federal prison goals,” I asked him.
“First off your book is awesome! To my goals, you know, lose weight, pump some iron, maybe write a book and blog. I’m going to do lots of things,” I really admired his enthusiasm.
“Can you please be more specific?”
“In time I’ll get there. For now, I’m just figuring it out,” he said.
In many ways, this defendant is on the right track. He is positive, upbeat. There’s no doubt he has a list of federal prison goals he would like to achieve. Further, he is optimistic and in very good spirits. Additionally, he speaks very lovingly of his family, and recognizes this experience is difficult on them.
“May I offer some advice?, I asked him.
“Of course, that’s why I scheduled a call with you!”, he said.
“You’re on track, but it’s time to identify exactly what you wish to accomplish. Who exactly do you want to become? How do you want to emerge from confinement? Who do you admire and how can you bring those people you admire into your network to help you hit your federal prison goals? Lastly, are you sure you currently have the skill set to hit all of these goals? If not, do you have interest in acquiring the skills?”
“Wow. I haven’t thought of it that way. I want to do things but haven’t really thought them through,” he said.
“That’s totally okay. That’s why I’m here. It’s time to stop being vague. If you wish to do great things on the inside, then it’s time to identify exactly what you must do each day. Don’t you say you want to run: identify exactly how much you will run. Don’t just say you want to pump weight: identify how frequently you will lift. Just don’t say you’re going to blog: identify how frequently and what topics you intend to cover to educate your audience. You have to do more than establish some federal prison goals: you have to clearly define them” I told him.
“Dude, I am all in! Let’s do this!”
I’m very excited to be working with this former securities broker. He’s enthusiasm and dedication to prepare inspires me.
We will kick off our work tomorrow with a 90 minute Zoom call. I’m so fortunate to help great people. I’m so fortunate they trust me to guide them. I take the responsibility seriously.
Justin