Most people in federal prison want to get out as fast as possible. Almost every call starts with, “I’ve got 37 months. How soon can I get out?” or “I’ve got four years. What can I do to shorten it?” The focus is always on the release date. And I can relate to those feelings–I felt the same way when I was sentenced to 18-months in 2008.

But if you spend all your time counting down to that date, you risk walking out unprepared. And that’s when a short sentence turns into a life sentence. Too many people leave prison without a plan, and the consequences follow them for years.

It’s easy to waste time inside—watching TV, playing cards, or hanging around. But those years slip by fast, and when you leave, you don’t want to be starting from scratch.

I’ve seen people get close to their release and panic because they spent years thinking about what they lost or hoping things would magically work out. They took no real steps to rebuild in the present. That inaction leads to dread and hopelessness.

So, what can you do in federal prison?

Start by writing, as I did in prison. Use it to document your journey. It forces you to reflect and gives you something to show. Judges, case managers, and probation officers must see progress.
Think about your release plan. What do you want your life to look like? Write it down and break it into steps.

Read Lessons From Prison and visit Prison Professors Talent. Start building a record. Every word counts.

Don’t waste time complaining or on negativity. Surround yourself with people who are working on themselves. Exchange ideas. Support each other.

When you take action, you build a foundation. That foundation matters when you’re released. You’ll have something to show—not just to others, but to yourself.

Join our weekly webinar on Mondays at 1 PM PST / 4 PM EST.

Best,

Justin Paperny

.