When I walked out of federal prison in 2010, I carried only two things—a grey sweat suit and a question that would come to define my life: “Why not?”
At that moment, life was focused entirely on survival. How do you rebuild when you’re starting from nothing? Finding a job with a felony record, securing housing, and recreating my identity became the daily battles I had to face.
Survival was the starting point, but thriving? That felt like an entirely different world. Over time, I realized that moving beyond survival wasn’t just necessary; it was possible. This blog is for anyone who’s felt stuck in survival mode and is ready to take their next step towards thriving.
Recognizing the Shift
Thriving doesn't happen overnight. For me, the shift came when I realized I was no longer just making it through each day but starting to imagine bigger possibilities.
Self-Awareness Builds Growth
The turning point came when I was promoted from janitor to CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) at a nursing home. On paper, it was a new title. But for me, it was a reminder that opportunities existed beyond what I thought possible.
Self-awareness is key to personal growth. My days stopped being about survival alone. I started seeing life as something more—a canvas for building confidence, skills, and dreams. When you start recognizing this shift for yourself, it's a powerful moment.
Celebrate Small Wins
Every promotion, every skill mastered, felt monumental. Each small win wasn’t just a step—it was a leap towards a future I never thought would be mine. Celebrating these milestones keeps the momentum going.
Ask yourself, “What have I achieved this month, no matter how small?” Those wins are proof you’re moving toward thriving, even when it doesn’t feel fast enough.
A Mindset Shift is Critical
The question, “Why not?” became the motivation I needed every single day. Why not apply for that position? Why not aim higher? That simple mantra redefined what I believed I was capable of.
If you’re stuck thinking only of obstacles, turn the question back on itself. "Why not succeed?" That slight mindset change shifts you from focusing on limits to imagining possibilities.
Leveraging the Thriving Phase
Once the shift happens and you recognize you’re thriving, the next step is figuring out how to maintain and expand this progress.
Set Ambitious Goals
After becoming a CNA, my wife and I decided to set a bold, new goal together. “Why not try something completely different?” we asked. We enrolled in trucking school and started a new chapter as over-the-road team truck drivers.
Success doesn’t mean settling. Instead, it’s an invitation to push further, to set new challenges for yourself. Ambitious, stretch goals help you avoid complacency and ensure personal growth continues.
Commit to Lifelong Learning
Prison didn’t stop my education—it became the beginning of it. From trucking to learning the fundamentals of business, lifelong learning became my foundation for growth.
No matter your circumstances, make education part of your thriving strategy. Whether it’s taking a class, reading a book, or absorbing lessons from podcasts, knowledge will always be a path forward.
Give Back and Build Community
Thriving is about more than personal achievement; it’s about lifting others, too. Fifteen years post-release, I now dedicate my time between driving and advocacy, motivational speaking, and working on developing collaborations for re-entry support programs.
When you invest in your community, you reinforce your own growth while inspiring others to begin theirs. Your thriving phase becomes a force multiplier for change.
Practical Steps to Thrive
Here are actionable steps to help you move from surviving to thriving today.
1. Build a Support System
Thriving doesn’t occur in isolation. My wife was my biggest supporter, seeing my potential even when I couldn’t. Surround yourself with people who encourage growth and uplift you.
Find mentors, peer groups, or individuals who push you toward your potential. These connections will strengthen you in hard times and celebrate with you in good ones.
2. Practice a Growth Mindset
Daily affirmations, journaling, and mindfulness helped me sustain the “Why not?” attitude over the years. Growth doesn’t happen by accident—it requires consistent, intentional work.
Start small. Write down one affirmation every morning or reflect on one thing you’re grateful for each evening. These practices keep you grounded and focused on progress.
3. Leverage Your Story
Your past—whether riddled with challenges or triumphs—is your greatest strength. When I began sharing my story, I realized the impact it had not just on others but also on myself.
By owning your narrative, you inspire others and, in turn, create space for further personal transformation. Don’t be afraid to share your voice. It matters.
Thriving Is a Choice—Make It Yours
The transition from survival to thriving isn’t about erasing your past but repurposing it as a foundation for your future. My story—from prison to truck driving, from janitor to motivational speaker—is proof that thriving is possible when you take that first step.
Celebrate where you are today. Set bold goals to guide you tomorrow. Build a community to inspire the world and yourself.
The challenges you faced? They’re now stepping stones for something greater, something extraordinary. “Why not?” becomes the all-important question.
Start thriving. Start asking “Why not?”
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