This POW’s Secret Note Saved His Life (And Could Save Your Career)

The note slipped under the cell wall read: “Read this, then eat it.”

On that tiny scrap of paper: “You have developed prison thinking. If you keep this up, you will die.”

Those words saved a POW’s life in the notorious Hanoi Hilton. Charles (not his real name, changed for this story) had been captured and been confined for several years, but the tiny note he received that day had been passed to him by a fellow prisoner.

Realizing Charles’ deep distress, his friend was able to avoid the guards’ censoring communication by slipping a small piece of paper under their adjoining cell wall.

Years later, I watched him share his story to one of my corporate client’s teams, pacing the exact dimensions of his cell while speaking – a powerful reminder that our mental prisons can be more confining than physical ones.

I witnessed this after a major corporate restructuring where employees were acting like victims despite having countless opportunities.

They had developed “prison thinking” – unable to see beyond their perceived limitations.

Without HOPE – a clear mental picture of what success looks like – it’s nearly impossible to maintain the energy to keep moving forward. The path of least resistance is giving up.

Ask yourself honestly: “Have I developed prison thinking? Has my team?”

If so, here’s your wake-up call.

In times of disruption, you have to avoid prison thinking at all costs.

Start imagining a better future today. Can’t see it yet? Ask others to help you brainstorm possibilities. Then make it tangible – draw it, post it, record it – whatever keeps that vision in front of you.

Why? Because the walls holding you back may exist only in your mind. But they will most certainly keep you from taking action, moving forward, and thriving.

What mental prison are you ready to break out of? Share in the comments.