Earning Freedom

I started reading Earning Freedom on January 30, 2025 just one day after I self-surrendered. It took me three nights to finish all 525 pages, which is a big deal for me because this is the first book I have read cover to cover in 25 years. I always found excuses not to read blaming it on being too tired after work, falling asleep after a few pages, or just not knowing what kind of book would actually interest me.

I picked this book because I wanted to understand how someone could endure such a long sentence. My 33-month sentence feels like forever, but compared to the 45 years the author served, it’s a reminder that perspective matters.

Here are the biggest lessons I took away from this book:

1. Understanding the Prison System & Staying Out of Trouble

The book breaks down the different levels of prison from detention centers and high-security facilities to low-security prisons and camps. More importantly, it helped me see the importance of avoiding the daily politics inside and focusing on my own growth. The key is to stay out of trouble and have a strategy to navigate this time wisely.

2. The Power of Discipline

One of the most impressive things about Michael Santos is his discipline. He built a daily routine and a long term plan for success, sticking to it for 26 years while inside. When he got out, he was not just another ex-con he was a knowledgeable, skilled, and prepared person with a strong support network. That level of self-discipline is something I know I need to develop, and I can already see how my own tendencies (like my OCD) can actually work in my favor if I channel them into something productive.

3. Creating a Clear Plan for Success

Success doesn’t happen by accident it takes planning. This book reinforced the importance of defining what success looks like, identifying potential challenges, and setting up a roadmap to get there. Breaking things down into short, medium, and long term goals makes the journey more manageable and keeps me motivated.

Final Takeaway

If there is one thing this book made clear, it’s that I need to aspire to something meaningful. And to do that, I have to start with the end in mind. This sentence is not just time to serve, it is time to prepare. The work starts now.