Author: Guest Blogger

  • SPECIAL FEATURE: Singing River Trail Launch Tank 2025

    SPECIAL FEATURE: Singing River Trail Launch Tank 2025

    Experience Innovation in Action at the Singing River Trail Launch Tank

    We love to nourish entrepreneurship, and we’re especially thrilled when it’s in our own backyard. Today’s special feature comes from John Joseph and Toni Eberhart, Co-Chairs of the Singing River Trail Launch Tank 2025 and the Launch TN Valley Entrepreneurship Pillar. We hope you will join us in Scottsboro on April 23 for Launch Tank 2025!

    Looking for a front-row seat to North Alabama’s next big ideas? Mark your calendar for Wednesday, April 23, 2025, and make your way to the Scottsboro Civic Center for the Singing River Trail Launch Tank Pitch Competition—a high-energy event where innovation takes center stage and community-driven entrepreneurship shines. 

    What Is SRT Launch Tank 2025?

    Inspired by the fast-paced excitement of “Shark Tank,” the SRT Launch Tank is a live pitch competition that showcases some of North Alabama’s most promising entrepreneurs. Selected from a wide pool of applicants across the region, finalists will present their business ideas in front of a panel of expert judges—and a live audience—for the chance to win $20,000+ in funding and support.

    But SRT Launch Tank is more than just a pitch competition. It’s a celebration of regional innovation and a rallying point for anyone interested in building stronger, more connected, more entrepreneurial communities.

    Why You Should Attend

    Whether you’re a local leader, business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, educator, or just someone who loves seeing new ideas come to life—this event is for you. Here’s what you can expect:

    Connect with Visionaries

    SRT Launch Tank brings together entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, educators, and community members from across North Alabama. It’s a rare opportunity to expand your network, meet stakeholders, and discover how entrepreneurship is evolving in our region.

    Spark Ideas for Your Own Community

    In addition to the pitches, attendees will hear insights on what it takes to build a supportive, thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. You’ll walk away equipped with ideas you can bring back to your own community or organization.

    See the Future, Live

    Watch finalists pitch their ideas live, in real time at SRT Launch Tank 2025. You’ll get an up-close look at the challenges they’re tackling and the innovative solutions they’re developing. It’s one thing to read about startups online—it’s another to see them pitch their hearts out in front of a crowd.

    Event Details

    • Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025
    • Time: Doors open at 9:00 AM | Pitches begin at 10:00 AM
    • Location: Scottsboro Civic Center, 876 Ed Hembree Drive, Scottsboro, AL
    • Cost: Free and open to the public, but registration is required
    • Register here: Eventbrite

    A Proven Launchpad for Regional Innovation

    Now in its fourth year, SRT Launch Tank has already made waves across the Tennessee Valley. Past winners have gone on to launch businesses that are making real impacts—from electric bike rentals enhancing mobility to tech platforms that support disease detection.

    The competition is powered by Singing River Trail, a regional initiative focused on connecting North Alabama through greenways, culture, and innovation. SRT Launch Tank 2025 is a key part of that mission, supporting entrepreneurs as the backbone of strong, vibrant communities.

    Come Be Part of the Energy

    You don’t need to be pitching to be inspired. Come for the ideas, stay for the connections, and leave with a renewed sense of what’s possible right here in North Alabama. If you’re passionate about innovation, community development, or just want to support the next generation of local leaders—this is where you need to be.

    We’ll see you in Scottsboro!

    Toni Eberhart and John Joseph

    Co-Chairs, Launch Entrepreneurship Pillar

  • The Hidden Power of Place: Why Where You Live, Work, and Play Matters

    The Hidden Power of Place: Why Where You Live, Work, and Play Matters

    Join us in welcoming guest blogger Mackenzie Cottles! Mackenzie is on staff at the Shoals Economic Development Authority (Shoals EDA), and this week she’s sharing the story of Remote Shoals and why where you live matters. Now more than ever, we want to highlight opportunities for people to do meaningful, productive work that also allows them to lead full lives for their mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Thank you for sharing your insights, Mackenzie! 

    In today’s fast-paced world, many people prioritize career advancement above all else when making life decisions. While having a fulfilling career is undoubtedly important, where you live plays an equally—if not more—significant role in your overall happiness and well-being. The place you call home influences everything from your daily lifestyle to your financial security and mental health. Thanks to remote work opportunities and shifting cultural norms, individuals now have more flexibility to choose a living environment that best suits their needs.

    The Influence of Your Environment on Your Well-Being

    Where you live matters. Your surroundings have a profound effect on your mood, productivity, and overall happiness. Living in a place that aligns with your lifestyle preferences—whether that means access to outdoor activities, cultural experiences, or a lower cost of living—can greatly enhance your quality of life. For instance, someone who thrives in nature might feel stifled in a dense urban setting, while others may crave the energy and opportunities that big cities provide.

    Beyond personal preference, factors like community engagement, work-life balance, and social support play a crucial role in shaping life satisfaction. Research has shown that individuals who feel connected to their community tend to experience lower stress levels and higher overall happiness. Additionally, factors such as climate, access to healthcare, public transportation, and safety can have a direct impact on your physical and mental well-being.

    Career Success vs. Lifestyle Fulfillment

    A common misconception is that career success should dictate where you live. Historically, job opportunities have significantly influenced relocation decisions, often prompting professionals to relocate to major metropolitan areas. However, the rise of remote work has fundamentally changed the way people approach their careers and living situations. More than ever, individuals have the freedom to live where they truly want rather than being confined to high-cost urban centers for job opportunities.

    This shift has led many people to adopt a lifestyle-centric career planning approach, which emphasizes designing your life around what makes you happy rather than solely chasing professional titles. When choosing where to live, factors such as affordability, climate, recreational activities, and proximity to loved ones should be prioritized. After all, a high salary in an expensive city may not provide the same quality of life as a modest income in a more affordable, community-oriented town.

    How Remote Shoals Empowers Remote Workers

    The Remote Shoals program is an excellent example of how people can choose a location that aligns with their values and goals. This initiative offers up to $10,000 in incentives for remote workers willing to relocate to The Shoals, a vibrant region in northwest Alabama known for its rich musical heritage, thriving arts scene, and affordable cost of living. This program presents an incredible opportunity for professionals seeking a balance between a fulfilling career and a high quality of life.

    To qualify for Remote Shoals, applicants must meet the following criteria:

    • Earn at least $52,000 annually from a remote position
    • Self-employed or employed full-time by a company located outside The Shoals that will allow the applicant to reside in The Shoals for the Program Term (proof of employment will be required)
    • Commit to relocating within six months if accepted

    Any additional criteria can be found at remoteshoals.com/program-terms-and-conditions/

    By providing financial incentives and a supportive community, Remote Shoals enables individuals to build a fulfilling life in a place that offers both affordability and cultural richness. The program is particularly attractive for remote workers who are looking to escape the high costs of major cities and establish roots in a location that fosters a strong sense of community. Where you live matters! Applications are currently open, but the current round will close on March 31, 2025!

    The Benefits of Choosing the Right Place to Live

    Beyond financial incentives, relocating to a place that aligns with your values and lifestyle can lead to greater overall happiness. Some of the key benefits include:

    1. Lower Cost of Living – Many smaller towns and mid-sized cities offer more affordable housing, lower taxes, and reduced living expenses compared to major metropolitan areas. 
    2. Improved Work-Life Balance – Living in a place with access to nature, recreational activities, and less traffic can create a healthier balance between work and personal life.
    3. Stronger Sense of Community – Smaller towns often offer more opportunities to build genuine relationships and engage with the local community, resulting in increased well-being and social satisfaction.
    4. Less Stress and Better Mental Health – Avoiding the hustle and bustle of big-city life can lead to lower stress levels and improved mental health, ultimately resulting in a better overall quality of life.
    5. Opportunity for Financial Freedom – With lower living costs, individuals can allocate more resources toward savings, travel, or passion projects that enrich their lives beyond work.

    Conclusion: Where You Live Matters

    Choosing where to live should be about more than just chasing a job title. Your environment plays a significant role in shaping your lifestyle, financial stability, and mental well-being. Programs like Remote Shoals demonstrate how location flexibility can empower individuals to prioritize happiness, community, and a healthy work-life balance. By considering factors beyond just career opportunities, you can make a choice that leads to long-term fulfillment and success in both your professional and personal life.

    As companies reevaluate their remote work policies, many employees are being asked to return to the office—whether full-time or in a hybrid capacity. This shift can be particularly challenging for those who have relocated or grown accustomed to the flexibility of working from home. To navigate this transition, it’s essential to stay informed about company policies, maintain open communication with your employer, and proactively plan for your future. Programs like Remote Shoals offer an opportunity to build a supportive community that extends beyond the workplace, providing valuable networking connections and an enhanced quality of life. By establishing strong local ties and prioritizing personal fulfillment, remote workers can better adapt to career shifts while maintaining a sense of stability and well-being.

    Ultimately, your career should serve as a tool to enhance your life rather than dictate where you live. With the rise of remote work and relocation programs, you now have the power to craft a life that reflects your values, aspirations, and overall happiness. So, if you’ve been feeling confined by your current location, consider making a change—your ideal lifestyle may be just one move away.

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    About Mackenzie

    Mackenzie Cottles is the Marketing & Communications Specialist at the Shoals Economic Development Authority, where she manages and coordinates the Remote Shoals program. After working with Remote Shoals participants to ensure their time in the Shoals and in the program is everything they hope for, Mackenzie knows that relationships are an essential part of achieving their goal of bringing life-long citizens to the Shoals community. Mackenzie holds a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications with a focus in Public Relations and a minor in Marketing from the University of North Alabama.

    About Shoals EDA

    The Shoals Economic Development Authority (Shoals EDA) is a professional organization dedicated to economic development in Northwest Alabama, including Lauderdale and Colbert Counties. The Shoals EDA aids companies that are planning new or expanded facilities. The Authority serves as a point of contact to the network of private sector and local, state, and federal government entities that support a company relocation or expansion decision. It is organized as a public/private organization funded by local governments and area businesses.

  • Nourishing Nyad: Growing a Startup, a Team, and a Mission

    Nourishing Nyad: Growing a Startup, a Team, and a Mission

    This is our third straight week featuring guest bloggers, and we are especially excited this week to nourish entrepreneurship and highlight the story of Nyad, recent winners of Alabama Launchpad. Mary Ila is a Launchpad Advisor, and watching the people behind these startups grow and nourish their new businesses is a thrill for our whole team. So, without further ado, Nourishing Nyad! 

    Nyad Launchpad Winners
    Launchpad Winners: Nyad

    Building a startup is a test of resilience, vision, and leadership. At Nyad, we’re learning that the key to success isn’t just having a great idea, it’s about how you nurture it, how you develop the people around you, and how you foster a culture that sustains both innovation and impact.

    As co-founders, Chris and I started Nyad to tackle one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges: polluted water. But beyond the technology we’re developing, our focus has been on nourishing the leadership, talent, and culture that will allow our company to thrive.

    This year, as Horizon Point focuses on the theme of Nourish, we’re reflecting on what it means to nourish an idea, nourish ourselves as leaders, and nourish the communities we aim to serve.

    Nourishing an idea from concept to reality

    Many founders believe that success is about coming up with a breakthrough idea. But in reality ideas are everywhere, and the best ideas often fail, not because they aren’t good, but because they aren’t properly nurtured.

    For us, the journey started with a simple observation: wastewater treatment is outdated, inefficient, and heavily reliant on manual processes. We saw an opportunity to bring today’s technology into this space, using artificial intelligence to optimise microbial management. But our ‘why’ runs deeper than that. Chris and I are keen swimmers and scuba divers, we’ve spent years in and around the water, and we’ve seen firsthand how pollution threatens the places we love. We couldn’t shake the feeling that if we had the skills to help fix this, we had a responsibility to try. But having an idea wasn’t enough. We had to test it, refine it, and prove that it could work in real-world industrial settings.

    This meant listening, really listening, to the people who manage wastewater every day and experience the problem we’re trying to solve. It meant adapting our approach based on customer feedback, learning from industry veterans, and being willing to change direction when necessary. The process of nourishing an idea requires patience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to continuous learning.

    Nourishing leadership and talent development in a startup

    A startup is only as strong as its people, and it takes a village.

    One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is that leadership isn’t a title, it’s a practice. As founders, we’re constantly stepping into new roles: pitching customers and investors, negotiating with industry partners, and navigating the technical and regulatory challenges of wastewater treatment. We’ve had to develop skills we never anticipated needing and handling setbacks with resilience.

    We’ve learned that leadership isn’t always about having all the answers, it’s about creating an environment where you can find the answers together. We commit to our vision, hold ourselves accountable, and make sure we stay balanced and motivated through the ups and downs of early-stage entrepreneurship.

    We’ve found that nourishing leadership in ourselves means:

    — Prioritizing learning by seeking mentorship, reading, and surrounding ourselves with people who challenge our thinking.

    — Building discipline by establishing routines that keep us focused, from structured work blocks to regular reflection on progress.

    — Staying grounded in purpose by remembering why we started Nyad and making sure our decisions align with our long-term vision.

    Nourishing communities beyond the office

    Leadership doesn’t stop at the workplace. One of the most rewarding aspects of building Nyad has been the opportunity to engage with the broader community, engaging with other entrepreneurs, collaborating with industry leaders, and contributing to initiatives that drive sustainable innovation.

    Our journey has been deeply shaped by the support of the Birmingham Alabama startup ecosystem, organizations like the Innovation Depot, the EDPA’s Alabama Launchpad, and the mentors who have helped us grow. Now, we see it as our responsibility to pay that forward. Whether it’s through hiring locally, sharing our knowledge, or supporting initiatives in clean technology, we believe that nourishing a company also means nourishing the community around it.

    Final thoughts: leadership as a practice of nourishment

    The theme of “Nourish” resonates deeply with us, not just in the environmental sense, but in the way we lead, build, and grow. Whether it’s an idea, a team, a culture, or a community, true leadership is about fostering growth in ways that are sustainable and meaningful.

    As Nyad continues to evolve, we remain committed to this principle. Our mission is to transform wastewater treatment, but our success will ultimately be measured by the people we empower, the culture we cultivate, and the impact we create.

    Nyad Founders

    Virginia & Chris are WaterTech entrepreneurs from London, UK who previously founded a successful Covid diagnostics startup together.

    NYAD logo

    Virginia Szepietowski, Co-Founder & CEO, has experience in corporate and startup growth & strategy, and is a qualified attorney.

    Virginia Szepietowski Headshot

    Chris Braithwaite, Co-Founder & COO, is a mechanical engineer with a background in corporate finance.

    Christopher Braithwaite Headshot
  • March 2025 Leadership Development Carnival

    March 2025 Leadership Development Carnival

    Welcome to the March 2025 Leadership Development Carnival! Horizon Point is excited to host the carnival this month, featuring  posts from leadership experts from around the globe on the topics of communication, development, engagement, motivation, productivity, team building, and more. 

    The Framework for Organizational Excellence by John Spence

    Excellence isn’t accidental—it’s built with purpose. My new Organizational Excellence Framework brings together the key elements of success: purpose, culture, strategy, innovation, and simplicity. Read to see how it all comes together.

    How To Build a Better Relationship with Your Difficult (Icy) Boss by Karin Hurt 

    You know the type: the difficult boss barely acknowledges you, keeps conversations strictly transactional, and never lets you see their human side. Frustrating right? Here’s what to do next.

    Setting Clear Expectations for You Team by Bernd Geropp 

    When was the last time you sat down and explicitly communicated your priorities to your team? If you are thinking “They should know”, think twice. Setting clear expectations is often underestimated.

    No is a complete sentence. by Lisa Kohn 

    Lisa Kohn of Thoughtful Leaders™ Blog presents “No is a complete sentence” where she shares that although we learned to say “no” at a very young age, we need to learn to say it again. Not always, not every time, not to everyone – but to use it in a way that builds our leadership, our Thoughtfulness, and our success.

    How to Communicate a Merger and Acquisition to Employees in 9 Steps by David Grossman 

    2025 is shaping up to be the year of strategic, purpose-driven transactions according to a report from PwC. Effective communication during M&As is essential to keep your employees engaged, informed, and focused despite the changes underway. Use this roadmap to help you strategically develop your plan.

    Setting Limits: Moving Away From Dancing Around Solutions by Brenda Yoho 

    The reality is, habits—good or bad—are reinforced by what we allow rather than what we say. If we want a workplace where respect, responsibility, and accountability thrive, we must move away from avoiding difficult conversations and start addressing issues head-on.

    Why Didn’t You Tell Me? by Frank Sonnenberg 

    If you keep your thoughts to yourself, they’re worthless. Here are 23 ways to recognize excellence, express your thanks, and demonstrate that you care.

    Coaching vs Mentoring: Do you need both? by Dana Theus 

    There are many ways to get stuck in your career. When you hit a wall, it’s time to ask for help. But where should you turn? Should you consider coaching vs mentoring? What kinds of coaches and mentors would be a good fit? What other kinds of support might you find to help you out? While coaches and mentors will both offer the most direct advice and support, depending on how and why you’re stuck, you’ll find support and good ideas from a variety of other people. Use them all!

    Are You Leading or Just Managing? Let’s Find Out by Mary Ila Ward 

    The terms manager and leader often get used interchangeably, but should they? “Leading versus managing” is a common search phrase. At HPC, we don’t really think it’s a “versus” situation. You can be a good manager without being a great leader, but you can’t be a great leader without strong management skills.

    Love ‘Em, Grow ‘Em, Keep ‘Em by Bev Kaye 

    AI isn’t just on the horizon—it’s already in our workflows, reshaping industries, and sparking new conversations (and concerns) about the future of work. Here’s the truth: AI isn’t just a technology challenge—it’s a people challenge. And if you want to keep your best people as AI transforms work, you need to double down on what makes leadership human.

    Overwhelmed by Employee Development? Try ‘Microdosing’ by Julie Winkle Giulioni  

    Feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility of developing your employees? The good news is, career growth doesn’t have to come in big, time-consuming doses. Just like in medicine, ‘microdosing’ small, intentional career conversations into daily interactions can lead to meaningful growth—without adding to your workload.

    The need for moral leadership by S. Chris Edmonds  

    Moral leadership is grounded in four pillars: Let Purpose Lead, Inspire and Elevate Others, Be Animated by Values and Virtues and Build Moral Muscle. Moral leaders foster higher standards of conduct by inspiring meaningful work grounded in shared values.

    Navigating Uncertainty by Ann Van Eron  

    The winds of change are blowing fiercely in every corner of our world. Everywhere I go, people are talking about the rapid transformations and the looming uncertainty. We, as a community, are experiencing this together. How do we be resilient and navigate the uncertainty?

    How to Better Handle Embarrassing Moments by Marcia Reynolds  

    Trying to never have embarrassing moments at work can stunt your growth. Learn how to rise above, even use embarrassment, to build confidence and enjoy life more.

    The Impact of Change by Priscilla Archangel  

    Leaders must ask all stakeholders to engage with them on a journey where they balance the need to operate differently, while building new and stable networks and processes. Leaders must generate trust along the way.

    Fear of the Unknown by Bill Treasurer 

    Drawing wisdom from Plato’s Republic, this post explores how humans naturally fear what they do not know. By intentionally increasing our exposure to unfamiliar situations or people, we can transform fear into familiarity and move confidently into the unknown.

    “Can we all just get along?” Rodney King – Tips for Combatting the Political Divide in the Workplace by Diana Peterson-More  

    The data are in: 91% of employees have witnessed or experienced political clashes at work; 51% actively avoid colleagues with different political views, while 93% believe leadership’s political bias influences workplace policies and promotions. WOW. It’s time for leaders to turn this around. This post offers proven tips on how to lower the heat, how to facilitate their teams to the win-win, and to ensure productivity does not fall victim to fear and divisiveness.

    The futures after capitalism by Marcella Bremer  

    We can’t create the future we want if we can’t imagine what that would look like. Andy Hines’s book Imagining After Capitalism provides great scenarios – food for thought for organizations, too. Let’s re-kindle our imagination and agency to shape the futures that we want! Recommended reading for all organizations

    3 Priorities of Servant Leaders by Randy Conley  

    Servant leadership is often misunderstood as simply being nice or avoiding micromanagement, but it’s much more than that. In this article, Randy Conley shares 3 priorities that distinguish servant leaders from the crowd.

    Kaizen and Continuous Improvement: A CFO’s Perspective on Lean Efficiency by Jon Verbeck  

    I’m always looking for ways to boost efficiency and streamline processes. Mark DeLuzio frequently talks about Kaizen, the practice of continuous improvement, and how essential it is to examine and refine our processes regularly. Given my deep family ties to Japan, I felt compelled to explore the true meaning and origins of Kaizen.

    Two Unexpected Ways to END Your Next Meeting That Engage and Grow Your Team by Sean Glaze  

    Team meetings can (and SHOULD) be culture-building experiences that inspire action, creativity, and growth. Your team gatherings are a prime opportunity to foster collaboration and engagement, especially if you rethink how they end.

    Playbook for AI-Literate Leaders: How CEOs, CIOs & CPOs Can Stay Ahead! by Naomi Caietti  

    In today’s AI-driven world, CEOs, CIOs, CPOs, and other senior leaders must do more than just embrace AI—they must lead the charge in AI literacy. AI isn’t just an IT initiative; it’s a business transformation tool that impacts everything from talent strategy to competitive advantage.

    Reinventing Leadership for the 21st Century: Why and How Leaders Must Evolve to Thrive in Chaos by Julia Felton  

    In today’s fast-changing, unpredictable world, the leaders who thrive are not those who rely on past successes, rigid structures, or outdated management playbooks. Instead, the 21st century demands adaptive, forward-thinking, and continuously evolving leadership—a model built on reinvention.

    Thank you to the Lead Change team at Weaving Influence for continuing the LDC tradition!

  • How 5 Minutes of Journaling Daily Changed My Life (And Can Change Yours Too)

    How 5 Minutes of Journaling Daily Changed My Life (And Can Change Yours Too)

    This week, one of our favorite guest bloggers is back! Mark Danaher with Careers by Design recently wrote about journaling on his blog, and we are thrilled to feature it here on The Point Blog. Enjoy!

    “In the journal I do not just express myself more openly than I could to any person; I create myself.” – Susan Sontag

    Research published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that people who journal for 15-20 minutes daily showed a 23% reduction in stress and made better decisions within 8 weeks.

    Why Journaling Works

    As a career and executive coach, I’ve seen many people transform their lives through different methods. But nothing has impacted me more than my daily journaling practice. I remember a time when I was feeling overwhelmed with work and personal life, and journaling helped me gain clarity and manage my emotions. What began as writing down what I’m grateful for has become my go-to system for growth, managing emotions, and planning my future.

    What Science Tells Us

    Recent research shows why journaling is more than just writing in a notebook:

    • A 2018 study in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience found that writing increases activity in the brain’s prefrontal cortex – where we regulate emotions and make decisions.
    • The University of Rochester Medical Center’s research shows journaling helps manage anxiety and stress by giving us a healthy way to process emotions.
    • Studies in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine reveal that people who write about meaningful events feel and function better than those who write about casual topics.

    My Daily Practice

    Here’s how I use journaling throughout my day:

    Evening Check-in

    Every night, I:

    • Write down three wins from today
    • Plan three potential wins for tomorrow
    • List five things I’m grateful for, including future events
    • Write what I want (not what I need)

    This approach helps me see my progress while setting myself up for tomorrow. I’m training my brain to expect good things by expressing gratitude for future events.

    The Worry Session

    I spend 5-10 minutes daily writing down my worries. This practice has changed how I handle stress. By giving my concerns their time slot, I can:

    • Focus better throughout the day
    • Keep my energy up
    • Stop dwelling on problems
    • Work through challenges more clearly

    Self-Reflection

    Regular journaling has helped me understand the following:

    • What matters most to me
    • How I handle situations
    • Where I want to go
    • What I need to work on

    What Research Shows About Journaling

    Studies consistently show that journaling:

    1. Builds Emotional Intelligence. People who journal regularly understand and manage their emotions better.

    2. Supports Mental Health. Writing helps clear your mind and improve memory.

    3. Boosts Physical Health. Writing about experiences can strengthen your immune system.

    4. Helps Reach Goals. People who write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them.

    How to Start Journaling

    Step 1: Pick Your Method

    • Paper notebook
    • Phone app
    • Voice notes
    • Bullet points
    • Pictures and drawings

    Step 2: Make Time

    • Start with 5 minutes
    • Pick the same time daily
    • Connect it to something you already do
    • Use reminders if needed

    Step 3: Try These Prompts

    Morning:

    • What’s good about today?
    • What’s most important today?
    • How do I want to feel later?

    Evening:

    • What went well?
    • What am I thankful for?
    • What did I learn?

    Step 4: Try Different Styles

    1. Gratitude

    • List what you’re thankful for
    • Include future hopes
    • Be specific

    2. Wins

    • Note your daily successes
    • Track your progress
    • Celebrate small wins

    3. Reflection

    • Process your feelings
    • Work through problems
    • Look for patterns

    4. Future Planning

    • Write about what you want
    • Picture future success
    • Focus on possibilities

    5. Worries

    • Set aside worry time
    • Write freely
    • Look for solutions

    Making Journaling Stick

    1. Start Small

    • Five minutes is enough
    • Focus on showing up daily
    • Grow gradually

    2. Keep It Simple

    • Have your journal handy
    • Use what works for you
    • Use tech if it helps

    3. Be Flexible

    • Change what isn’t working
    • Try new approaches
    • Find your style

    4. Look Back

    • Review monthly
    • Notice patterns
    • Adjust as needed

    Common Problems Solved

    1. “No Time”

    • Start with 5 minutes
    • Write during breaks
    • Combine with other habits

    2. “Don’t Know What to Write”

    • Use writing prompts
    • Start with today’s events
    • Write about one moment

    3. “Can’t Keep Going”

    • Set a reminder
    • Tell a friend
    • Track your progress

    How It Helps at Work

    My clients who journal regularly:

    1. Make more apparent career choices
    2. Handle stress better
    3. Lead more effectively
    4. Know themselves better
    5. Reach their goals more often

    Moving Forward

    Journaling isn’t a complex task – it’s just you and your thoughts. Through regular writing, you learn about yourself and plan better for the future. As you start or continue journaling, remember that doing it imperfectly is better than not doing it at all.

    Start now. Grab something to write with. Take five minutes. Write one good thing. Note one success. The benefits start with your first word.

    You will appreciate having these thoughts, insights, and victories written down.