Goals for my stay at Federal Prison Camp
Now that it has been a few weeks after my sentencing, and after some of the shock of the last few weeks has become reality it’s time to formulate some goals for prison.
During my stay in federal prison I want to make some progress with my life. I want to make this a season of improvement. I fully intend on leaving prison a better man than I am now. To do that will take hard work. Hard work has been my friend for most of my life and I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead. I want to obtain greater balance in my life. To do that I want to focus my attention on four specific areas: (1) Health & Fitness (2) Spirituality (3) Education and (4) Service.
Health and fitness. I am an insulin dependent diabetic. I have been a diabetic for 30 years. I also have had heart issues related to high blood pressure. To improve my health I need to have a fitness and diet plan. I intend on losing 55 pounds in prison. I currently weigh 215 pounds. When I leave prison I will weigh 160 pounds. To accomplish this I will exercise six days per week while I am incarcerated. I intend on doing two hours of cardiovascular work, one half hour of strength training and one half hour of flexibility training. As far as my eating is concerned I will use an exercise known as Push a ways, I will push away from sugar and carbohydrates. I will also avoid drinking carbonated drinks.
I fully intend on being able to run a half marathon when I complete prison and I also intend on being faster than any of my grandchildren. I can’t wait until that race.
Spirituality. During my period of incarceration I want to draw closer to my Heavenly Father and to his son Jesus Christ. To do that I will have prayer whenever I feel the need but at least twice daily. I will also study the Scriptures every day with the goal of reading the standard works at least three times per year. I will also continue my training in transcendental meditation. I will meditate twice each day for 20 minutes. I will also keep a gratitude journal – making at least one entry per day. I will read and study the words of modern-day prophets and make commitments to follow their counsel and direction. Each and every day I will ponder the relationship that I have with my Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ. I will remember their love for me.
Education. I will be an avid learner while I am incarcerated. I will not waste my time doing trivial things. I will pursue learning by reading good books and taking educational courses that are offered. I will also prepare to teach courses in prison that take advantage of my education and that will help others to learn.
Service. While I am incarcerated I will be kind and considerate of others. I will treat others in the same manner that I want to be treated. I will look for ways that I can be of service. I will perform each and every job that I’m given to the best of my ability. I will be willing to act as a teacher for subjects where I am capable. I’ll be tolerant of others and treat everyone with respect.
I know that I have great challenges ahead of me. I Will face them like a man and do everything in my power to improve my life and the lives of others. I would like to personally thank Greg Merten and Justin Paperny for being my friend and mentoring me through this difficult time.
I love these specific measurable goals. This is what it takes to thrive through this experience. Well done!!