Category: Personal Development

We all need a little personal development mixed in with our professional and career development. Read blogs in this category for stories and best practices for personal wellness and wellbeing, skills improvement, and  more.

  • 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

  • 3 Strategies to Strengthen Professional Relationships in 2025

    3 Strategies to Strengthen Professional Relationships in 2025

    Building and maintaining professional relationships is essential for success in today’s dynamic work environment. Whether you’re leading a team, collaborating with colleagues, or expanding your network, strong professional relationships are the key to achieving your goals and innovating the workplace (which you know we love!).

    Here are three powerful strategies to strengthen your professional relationships this year:


    1. Prioritize open and authentic communication

    Every great relationship starts with clear, consistent communication. But in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, connecting authentically can be a challenge. It’s not just about talking; it’s about actively listening, encouraging dialogue, and building trust.

    Schedule regular check-ins—whether face-to-face or virtual—and create space for open conversations. Acknowledge challenges, celebrate wins, and actively listen to others’ perspectives. This builds the foundation for strong professional relationships that can withstand the test of time.

    man wearing white top in front of woman wearing blue long sleeved top

    ? Pro Tip: Ask questions like, “What’s a recent success you’re proud of?” or “How can I support your work better?”

    ? Related Reading: Open the Door to Communication, Encouragement, and Relationships


    2. Engage in intentional “relationshipping”

    delighted female friends with laptop and smartphone

    What’s relationshipping? It’s a deliberate approach to building meaningful connections. Unlike traditional networking, relationshipping focuses on fostering long-term trust and collaboration rather than short-term gains.

    In 2025, strengthen your professional relationships by being proactive. Share resources that align with someone’s interests, recognize their efforts, or invite them to collaborate on meaningful projects. Small, thoughtful actions make a big difference in creating lasting connections.

    ? Pro Tip: Use tools like a CRM or your calendar to track key dates (birthdays, work anniversaries) and check in regularly with your top connections.

    ? Related Reading: What’s Relationshipping and How Do I Do It?


    3. Invest in people with time and resources

    One of the best ways to strengthen professional relationships is by showing you value others. This doesn’t always mean financial investment—it could mean mentoring, offering support, or advocating for their development.

    In 2025, strengthen your professional relationships by being proactive. Share resources that align with someone’s interests, recognize their efforts, or invite them to collaborate on meaningful projects. Small, thoughtful actions make a big difference in creating lasting connections.

    men women party event

    ? Pro Tip: Organize “knowledge-sharing” sessions where team members can learn from each other. This fosters collaboration and strengthens relationships across the board.

    ? Related Reading: Investing in People Makes Cents


    Wrapping it up

    Strong professional relationships don’t just happen—they require effort and intentionality. By prioritizing communication, engaging in purposeful relationship-building, and investing in others, you can create a network of trust and collaboration.

    What steps will you take this year to strengthen your professional relationships?

  • Beyond the Office: 7 Powerful Ways to Cultivate Your Identity Outside Your Career

    Beyond the Office: 7 Powerful Ways to Cultivate Your Identity Outside Your Career

    This week, we are thrilled to feature Guest Blogger, Mark Danaher. Mark is an Executive & Career Coach at Careers by Design and a good friend of Horizon Point. Originally published on LinkedIn, here is “Beyond the Office: 7 Powerful Ways to Cultivate Your Identity Outside Your Career”.


    “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” – Alice Walker.

    In a world where 55% of Americans define themselves primarily by their job, according to a 2014 Gallup poll, it’s crucial to pause and reflect: Are you more than your office role? This startling statistic reveals a dangerous trend in our society – the merging of personal identity with professional roles. While dedication to one’s career is admirable, allowing it to become the sole definition of who you are can lead to a precarious balancing act, leaving you vulnerable to burnout, stress, and a loss of self when faced with career changes or setbacks.

    As a career strategist and resume development expert, I’ve witnessed firsthand the pitfalls of over-identifying with one’s career. I’ve lived through it myself. For over 14 years, I served as a career counselor and coordinator at Manchester, pouring my heart and soul into helping others find their path. My role wasn’t just a job; it was who I was. Then, without warning, a new principal closed the career center, pulling the rug out from under me.

    Suddenly, I found myself adrift, grappling with a profound sense of loss. Who was I if not the career counselor? How could I introduce myself without my title? The burnout and stress that followed were overwhelming, and it took working with a coach to rediscover my purpose and reconnect with the world beyond my former role.

    This experience taught me a valuable lesson: while our careers can be a significant part of our lives, they shouldn’t define us entirely. In this article, we’ll explore seven powerful strategies to grow your identity beyond your career, ensuring that you’re not just surviving in your professional life, but thriving as a whole person.

    1. Quantify Your Life, Not Just Your Work

    In the professional world, we’re often taught to quantify our achievements. “Increased sales by 30%,” “Managed a team of 15,” “Reduced costs by $100,000.” These metrics are valuable on a resume, but what about quantifying the other aspects of your life?

    Challenge yourself to apply this same principle to your personal growth and hobbies. For example:

    – “Read 52 books in a year”

    – “Volunteered 100 hours at the local animal shelter”

    – “Learned to play 10 new songs on the guitar”

    By quantifying your personal achievements, you’re not only setting goals for yourself outside of work but also recognizing the value of your non-professional pursuits. This practice helps shift your focus from solely career-based accomplishments to a more holistic view of your capabilities and interests.

    2. Problem-Solving Beyond the Office

    Your ability to overcome challenges shouldn’t be limited to your professional life. Could you identify problems in your community or personal life and apply your problem-solving skills there? This helps others and reinforces that your value extends beyond your job title.

    For instance, if you notice a lack of green spaces in your neighborhood, you could:

    – Research urban gardening initiatives

    – Propose a community garden project to local authorities-. Organize volunteers and resources

    – Implement the project and measure its impact on the community

    By tackling issues outside of work, you’re demonstrating to yourself and others that your skills and initiative have a broader application. This can be especially powerful when facing career transitions or setbacks, as it reminds you of your inherent problem-solving abilities.

    3. Take Initiative in Personal Growth

    As you might go above and beyond in your career, apply that same initiative to your personal development. Set ambitious goals for yourself that have nothing to do with your job. This could involve:

    – Learning a new language

    – Training for a marathon

    – Starting a blog about a passion project

    – Taking up a challenging hobby like rock climbing or chess

    A study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that individuals who engaged in leisure activities reported higher levels of life satisfaction and lower levels of stress. By taking initiative in areas outside of work, you’re not only expanding your skillset but also building resilience and a more robust sense of self.

    4. Optimize Your Personal Time

    Efficiency shouldn’t be confined to the workplace. You can look for ways to streamline your personal life to make more time for the things that truly matter to you. This might include:

    – Meal prepping to save time during busy weekdays

    – Creating a capsule wardrobe to simplify your morning routine

    – Using productivity apps to manage household tasks and errands

    By optimizing your time, you’re freeing up space for activities that contribute to your identity outside of work. This could mean more time for family, hobbies, or self-care – all crucial elements of a well-rounded identity.

    5. Lead in Your Community

    Leadership is about more than managing teams at work. Look for opportunities to lead in your community or groups aligned with your interests. This could involve:

    – Coaching a youth sports team

    – Organizing a neighborhood watch program

    – Leading a book club or hobby group

    – Serving on the board of a local non-profit

    A 2018 Corporation for National and Community Service study found that volunteers have a 27% better chance of finding employment. However, the benefits extend far beyond career prospects. Community leadership allows you to develop new skills, build a diverse network, and make a tangible impact outside of your professional sphere.

    6. Apply Your Skills to Passion Projects

    Your professional skills have value beyond the workplace. Could you identify ways to apply these skills to projects or causes you’re passionate about? For example:

    – If you’re a marketing professional, offer your expertise to a local charity

    – If you’re an IT specialist, volunteer to teach coding to underprivileged youth

    – If you’re a financial advisor, start a blog offering budgeting tips for young adults

    By applying your skills in diverse contexts, you’re reinforcing that your abilities are part of who you are, not just what you do for a living. This can be particularly empowering during career transitions or when facing professional challenges.

    7. Cultivate Diverse Relationships

    Your network shouldn’t be limited to professional contacts. Actively seek out and nurture relationships with people from various walks of life. This might include:

    – Joining clubs or groups based on your hobbies

    – Attending community events or workshops

    – Volunteering for causes you care about

    – Participating in online forums or social media groups aligned with your interests

    A study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that having a diverse social network contributes to greater life satisfaction and resilience. By building relationships outside of your professional circle, you’re creating a support system that isn’t tied to your career status.

    The Journey to a Holistic Identity

    Remember, growing your identity beyond your career is a journey, not a destination. It requires conscious effort and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone. As you implement these strategies, you likely find that your sense of self becomes more robust and resilient.

    Psychologist Dr. Susan David, author of “Emotional Agility,” offers this powerful insight: “The most resilient individuals and organizations aren’t the ones that don’t fail, they’re the ones that fail, learn, and thrive because of it.” By diversifying your identity, you’re building this resilience, preparing yourself to thrive regardless of professional ups and downs.

    My journey from career counselor to rediscovering my purpose taught me that our true value lies not in our job titles but in the unique combination of skills, passions, and experiences that make us who we are. By consciously cultivating your identity beyond your career, you’re not diminishing your professional self but rather enriching your whole self.

    As you progress, challenge yourself to assess the balance between your professional and personal identities regularly. Are you giving enough time and energy to your life outside of work? Are you recognizing and celebrating your non-professional achievements with the same enthusiasm as your career milestones?

    Remember, you are not your job title. You are a complex, multifaceted individual with the power to define yourself on your terms. By embracing this truth and actively working to grow your identity beyond your career, you’re not just safeguarding against professional setbacks – you’re opening yourself up to a richer, more fulfilling life.

    In the words of Roman philosopher Seneca, “As is a tale, so is life: not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters.” Make your tale about more than just your career. Make it a story of growth, resilience, and the continuous discovery of who you truly are.

    Reach to me if you are struggling with your identity. Talk to Mark


    For similar content on what we call “wholepersonness” and work-life integration, check out these posts on The Point Blog: