Horizon Point Consulting

Category: Beyond Work

Beyond Work is our line of resources for people and community leaders looking for something new and innovative outside, be it a new job, career change, or personal development outside of work.

  • 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.

  • Conflict, Conflict Everywhere: How to Resolve Conflict at Work

    Conflict, Conflict Everywhere: How to Resolve Conflict at Work

    “You would have thought he would have at least stopped and asked him what was going on. He has never once behaved like that at work. Don’t you think his boss should have asked if he was okay or something?”

    My friend said this to me while explaining that her brother was suspended from work without pay for lashing out at a colleague. The altercation was verbal not physical and occurred because the colleague had undermined her brother’s authority. Neither of them were able to resolve conflict at work in this heated moment.

    “I know he shouldn’t have done it, but doesn’t context matter?” she implored.

    Turns out the context (background) was not only the undermining of authority but also the fact that my friend and her brother had just lost their mother AND his little girl was in the hospital.  Truth be told, he probably shouldn’t have been at work to begin with, given the stress he was under. But my friend says their work culture is one in which they all pretend work and “life” exist in two completely different compartments, and YOU better be dead or in the hospital to not make it to work.

    As we launch our series on how to resolve conflict at work, I can’t help but think about this story my friend shared with me. If you are a leader in an organization, you can take your first cue from this story and realize that if you don’t know the stress that others may be under (inside or outside of work) and actively work to help them manage it, you may not be the best leader.

    To resolve conflict at work, we suggest using the SBAR Model to lead your way through it. Originally developed by the US Marines, we find this approach is best explained by our friend and Reality Based Leadership expert, Cy Wakeman. 

    Here is her overview of SBAR from her LinkedIn Article:

    S = Situation. I need the person to identify, in one true, drama-free sentence, what the issue is.

    B = Background. This is 2-3 sentences of only the facts and history that applies to what we’re trying to (re)solve. 

    A = Analysis or Assessment. This is the “Why does the issue matter?” section. It should also include fact-checking so you know what’s real and what’s a story.

    R = Recommendations (yes, that’s plural). If you come to me with just what needs to be done, that’s your opinion, your request, your demand. Come to me with ideas of all the things you could do and I’ll know you’re being mentally flexible and thinking your way through the problem. It shows you’ve got resilience.

    If you noticed, Cy’s approach is to get the person you are dealing with to walk through these questions, not you as the leader.  This is an empowerment based approach.

    What might have happened if the supervisor of my friend’s brother did this with him after the conflict took place?  Would the brother have been psychologically safe enough (from a glimpse into the work culture sister described, probably not…) to tell him the B- background of his current situation?  Would he have R-recommended suspension for himself? Without pay?

    I of course don’t know the answers to this, and I of course don’t know if sister got the whole truth and nothing but the truth from brother, but when it is all said and done, when conflict takes place at work an empowerment based model like SBAR can help keep the conflict from escalating and can help us build stronger teams.

    What is your approach to dealing with conflict at work? 

    Take a look at Cy Wakeman’s Ego Bypass Toolkit here or click the teaser image below. 

    reality based leadership SBAR
  • 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.

  • Nourish Your Growth in 2025: Why Learning Belongs on Your Agenda

    Nourish Your Growth in 2025: Why Learning Belongs on Your Agenda

    “If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.”—Zig Ziglar

    At Horizon Point, we love learning and helping others nourish their growth—both personally and professionally. Each year, our team selects professional development opportunities that align with our individual and organizational goals.

    Here are some of our favorite ways to keep learning and growing:

    Nourish Your Growth with Books

    If you’ve been around here long, you know we love a good book! In our coaching and training, we frequently incorporate book recommendations.

    ? Check out our 2024 Book of the Year and explore HPC’s Bookshelf for more inspiring reads.

    Expand Your Knowledge with Online Courses

    There are so many ways to nourish your growth with online learning! We recommend courses from credentialing agencies like SHRM and NCDA, along with our very own on-demand and customized courses.

    ? Explore our HPC Courses here.

    Nourish Your Career at Conferences & Workshops

    We love both facilitating and attending conferences and workshops—because learning is always better when shared!

    ? Want to connect with us in person? Check out What’s Up? to see where we’ll be next!

    Earn Credentials to Nourish Your Growth

    Credentials can be a game-changer for career advancement and professional growth. If you’re unsure which credential is best for you, we’re happy to help!

    One of our standout offerings is the Facilitating Career Development (FCD) course, which we’ve provided for over a decade. Now, we’re thrilled to introduce School Career Development Advisor (SCDA) training, ideal for professionals supporting K-12 students.

    Here’s what Joulia, a recent participant, had to say about her experience:

    “What truly stood out was how well-organized the entire course was. The materials provided were top-notch, including detailed PowerPoint slide decks, an E-manual with interactive module exercises, and invaluable resources for the certification test… Everything was comprehensive and easy to follow, making the learning process smooth and efficient.” – Joulia R.

    ? Learn more about SCDA Courses here.

    More Ways to Nourish Your Growth

    Looking for more insights on learning and development? Check out these blog posts:

    Let’s Nourish Your Growth Together!

    How can we help you or your organization grow? Contact us today to learn more about our offerings and customization options!

  • You’re Killin’ Me Smalls! 4 Powerful Leadership Lessons from The Sandlot

    You’re Killin’ Me Smalls! 4 Powerful Leadership Lessons from The Sandlot

    My boys love baseball. I tolerate it.

    Our little one started t-ball last year and has become obsessed, so naturally The Sandlot is now his favorite movie.  He watches it on repeat now.  Again, I tolerate it being on pretty much 24/7 at our house. 

    But the other day it was playing in the background, and I sat down for a second to watch.  “This Benny kid”, I thought, “this kid is a real leader”.  Then I proceeded to watch the entire rest of the movie tuned in to this realization: there are powerful leadership lessons from The Sandlot. 

    As I watched, Benny does four things and in a natural progression to help Scotty, aka “Smalls” be a part of the team and get better at baseball.  Here are the steps I learned:

    1. Include First.  Benny notices Smalls as the new kid in town and invites him to play.  He needs one more person to round out the team (inclusion doesn’t have to be all altruistic) and invites him to play. He gives him a better hat and better glove to help him acclimate easier into the team and advocates for him so the other (skeptical) kids will include him.  But if Benny is including him, the others will follow. People have to feel safe and included before you can help them grow in confidence and skills. 
    1. Nourish Confidence.  Poor Smalls hardly knows a baseball from the sun, much less how to throw and catch. Benny puts him in the outfit and realizes this rather quickly.  Instead of thinking the kid is a lost cause, he knows he needs to give him a win so he will stick it out and the other kids will accept him.   

    In my favorite scene, he jogs out of the outfield after Smalls has made a fool of himself and tells him to just hold his glove up in the air and he will do the rest. He jogs back to home plate with bat and ball in hand and shouts, “Smalls, throw it to second!”  Benny spits on the ball and launches it into the outfit towards Smalls as Smalls chants “Please catch it, please catch it!” eyes closed and glove up.  And Benny’s hit strikes square in the center of Smalls’ glove.   

    The other kids say, alright, this kid is okay and they go on playing. Smalls moves forward a little more confident because of Benny’s hitting and leadership skills, so that now he can build his own skills. 

    1. Build Skills.  Just like my boys, Benny LOVES baseball. It is his life. So, naturally they all play a lot, a whole lot, all summer long.  This practice helps them all grow in their skills, and as they all improve individually they improve together, Smalls included.  You’ve got to build people’s confidence enough for people to be willing to put in the work/practice to be able to build skills. 
    1. Mobilize and have your people’s back when things get tough. Like any good movie, a major problem erupts about three quarters of the way in. The kids need a baseball, so Smalls goes and takes a ball out of his stepdad’s office. Little does he realize that it is signed by the best baseball player of all time because he doesn’t know who Babe Ruth is.  Smalls crushes his first home run with that ball, over the fence and into the yard of “The Beast” the monster and legend of a dog all the boys are terrified of. Naturally, Smalls panics, and when the other kids realize who signed that ball, they all panic together. How are they going to get it back? They have to. 

    Benny gets them all together, tells them to calm down, or shows them to calm down because he is calm, and gives out direct instructions on how they are going to handle this offering the next right thing.  He doesn’t jump off the deep end with panic and what ifs, he just works the team to do what is needed next.  

    Benny has Smalls’ back to fix the biggest “pickle” he’s ever been in. He mobilizes the team to help fix the mess. 

    These leadership lessons from The Sandlot feel eerily similar to leadership lessons at work. Undoubtedly, leading people is going to erupt in some major problems, whether three quarters in or not.  When it does, good leaders have already taken the time to include and build confidence and skills, so when the going gets tough, they can get the team going to fix the issue with as little infighting and panic as possible.  Which continues to build inclusion, confidence and skills. 

    How do you build inclusion, confidence and skills in your people? Can you take these leadership lessons from The Sandlot and apply them at work?

    At HPC, we are launching coaching moment videos in 2025! Check out the first moment on Nourishing Confidence here!