A StandOut trainees formula for success
By John, StandOut Trainee
John completed the StandOut programme in May 2021 where he set some ambitious goals. His determination and proactive approach to self-development since leaving prison has inspired the whole StandOut team. We asked John to write something for StandOut’s next trainee bulletin about staying motivated, but we felt everyone could learn something from Trainee John’s approach to making lasting change.
To be honest I have always been ambitious - a bit of a go-getter since I was young - but I used to channel it in the wrong direction. I was in and out of trouble through my teens, my 20s…and I wasted a lot of time in prison. My parents moved to this country to make a better life for me and my family so I felt I had let them down in a way.
As I approached another release date, this time I made a vow and promise to myself and mum that I would channel my ambition in the right direction: to make a transformation and become a better person and role model to my siblings, family and friends. Since getting out of prison in October 2021, I’ve just been trying to do anything and everything that I can to better myself. In the past, my crimes had always been for financial gain so my main focus has been to gain as many qualifications and skills as possible so that I can build a career for myself and avoid going back to my old ways.
I read a book* once that said you need to break down your main goal into smaller mini goals so I worked out where I wanted to be at 3, 6, 9, 12 months and so on and I’ve just stuck to that, really.
Ultimately I want to run my own property business - buying, renovating and selling or renting out properties. But in the shorter term, my goal is to learn everything I need to make a success of it so I’m currently working towards setting up a small handyman business. Since getting out of prison, I took every course and opportunity that was offered to me - StandOut helped me by putting me in contact with PLIAS resettlement, which is a community based nonprofit organisation, who helped me to obtain my CSCS card. Then, I got qualifications in bricklaying, carpentry, electrical installation. I have also been allocated a mentor to help develop my business plan after completing the Prince’s Trust Explore Enterprise course.
To avoid going back down the wrong paths, it was important that I started to earn an income. At first I looked for tradesman jobs such as painting & decorating, bricklaying, tiling and plumbing but I struggled to find someone that was prepared to give me a chance. Instead of sitting around waiting, I decided to get a labouring job in the meantime. I’m also working weekend and night shifts on the railway occasionally. It’s consistent work and I’ve been there for the last couple of months. It is hard work, especially as I’m also working weekend shifts on the railways, but I know I just have to stay focused on my long-term goal and where I want to be in a few years’ time.
“I have this saying: hard work + dedication + consistency = success. ”
It takes a lot to make a transformation. If you are about to leave prison and want to make a change, I’d advise you to think about where you ultimately want to be and then break that down into mini step-by-step goals. Make a plan for each day and stick to it. Try to have people around you who are positive and will help you get to where you want to be. Sometimes that means changing your social circles. Say yes to the opportunities that will help you move closer to your goal.
My journey isn’t over yet but I’m going in the right direction now and excited to be supporting my family and making them proud.
*The Mind Medic by Dr Sarah Vohra