Christian Women in Leadership

Advice from Young Inmates we could probably all use

Brazelton interviewed inmates at a maximum security adolescent prison for a project, "Roadblocks to God's Plan in a Young Person's Life." She asked each inmate what would be their three biggest stumbling blocks to success if he were instantly released from prison. Her next question was, "What three suggestions do you have for getting past those stumbling blocks?" the following list was her summary of what they told her.

Principles for Living a Better Life: Advice From Young Inmates

1. Take one day at a time. Don't get ahead of yourself.

2. Identify distractions early, so you can eliminate them.

3. Think positively. Avoid negative people and influences. Better yet, find role models and mentors to help you along when things get tough.

4. Relax. Lighten up. Don't take yourself too seriously. Laugh more at yourself and with others. Have more good, clean fun.

5. Give to people much more than your receive from them.

6. Pray to God over each of your decisions, so you will learn to focus on the bigger picture of why you were born, rather than on your desires all the time. When you do find your thing, get involved in it immediately. It will help you stay out of trouble.

7. Manage your time and money wisely. Get help on this as needed.

8. Reward yourself for small jobs well done. Congratulate yourself if you even come close to contributing something to your family or society. Be kind to yourself in words and actions when you succeed or fail.

9. Be aware of your fear of success and your fear of failure. Face all your fears and worries; don't panic. If you can't get over your fear, move forward just to spite it.

10. Tell people specifically what you need, want, and expect. People can't read your mind, but often they do want to help you.

posted by the princess @ 7/20/2005 03:36:00 PM