About Progress: Recent Episodes

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All the self-help extremes out there seem to be designed for perfect robots . . . But, you’re a real woman living a real life! About Progress is a podcast and community that is alllllll about progress made practical. Here, Monica will help you embrace the truest model to lasting growth, and teach you how to do something to grow in ways that stick.

This monthly series features an episode sharing my recent highs and lows, how my habits are going, a Do Something List update, plus what I'm loving lately and my commitments for the upcoming month. I hope this glimpse into my life, my family, my work, and my own self development encourages you in your own journey. Around here the goal is never perfection, just to keep trying, even if in very simple ways. I think you'll see that with all of the big changes going on for me, taking the smallest of steps has helped to keep me afloat and feeling like myself. As always, I encourage you to get messy, too! Host a Tricks and Treats gathering!

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After seven years of podcasting, I want to feel like I'm celebrating right alongside you. And I don't want it to be about me, I want it to be about YOU! I envision women from our community, all over the world, hosting a night where they and their friends gather together for a “Tricks and Treats Night.” This night is simple, but transformative. Friends will come together, each bringing a simple treat/snack to share, sit together, and each share one simple tip that has made a big difference to them in their lives. In this episode I explain more about my inspiration behind this idea and why I think it will be really special, then right here I'm equipping you with everything you need to host this fun get together with your friends!

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It may seem obvious that weekends are for unwinding, even having fun. But when was the last time you intentionally escaped the grind of your week, and leaned into a truly restorative weekend? Janssen Bradshaw is on the show today to discuss the importance of reclaiming weekends and making them more fulfilling. She believes that treating weekends like vacations, even within one's constraints, is essential for recharging and maintaining overall well-being. The conversation dives into practical tips for transforming weekends into more joyful and relaxing experiences. Janssen discuss the challenges of screens and chores, offering strategies for setting boundaries and outsourcing tasks to free up precious weekend time. She also explains the idea of creating "weekend bookends" by starting and ending Fridays and Sundays in enjoyable ways, which can set a positive tone for the entire weekend.Tune in to reflect on what you want your weekends to look and feel like and to identify one small change you can make to start enjoying your weekends more fully.

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Is there something that has made you think other people can do that, but not me? This episode is part of a monthly series to convince you otherwise. These episodes feature real women who are answering the question “How do you…?” about their various passions and pursuits. Today we dive into the art of documenting your life with Karli Cleaver. Karli shares her journey from traditional scrapbooking to modern digital documentation, offering practical tips and prompts for beginners. Discover how recording your life's stories can lead to gratitude, awareness, and a deeper connection with your own experiences. Tune in to learn how to capture the essence of your life, one story at a time.

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Listen to a live coaching call that delves deep into the challenges and triumphs of modern motherhood as Monica and Liz explore the emotional rollercoaster that is parenthood. They tackle the common struggle of emotional regulation and how to stay calm amidst the chaos of raising toddlers. Liz opens up about the fear of failing as a parent and the desire to instill values like personal responsibility and respect in her children. Throughout the conversation, you will gain valuable insights into the real, unfiltered experiences of motherhood and gain practical strategies for embracing the highs and lows with grace, humor, and unwavering love. Learn how to apply this in your real life with my challenge to create a small moment where your parenting reflects your values.

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Do you find yourself procrastinating mundane-but-necessary tasks? Or feeling overwhelmed by urgent to-do's? And what about that project you really want to do, but can't find the dedicated time? This short episode is all about implementing a POWER HOUR, including what it looks like for me currently. I'm breaking down a traditional power hour, the possibilities this can lead you to, and how to start with a baseline habit for this new practice.

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Happiness and joy are NOT the same. Dr. Tanmeet Sethi wants you to not only understand the differences, but to live them out by claiming JOY for yourself, no matter what your circumstances are, and no matter how unfair life has been for you—joy is your justice. Dr. Tanmeet Sethi, MD, is a board-certified Integrative Family Medicine physician who has spent the last 25 years on the frontlines locally and globally practicing primary care and trauma work with the most marginalized communities. Tune in to understand the brain-body connection behind joy, learn what it can mean for your personally, and identify touchstones in your own life. Referenced video of Dr. Sethi's son.

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What does it mean when you feel fulfilled? What if it was possible to feel that way most days, even when things aren't always going exactly to plan? Today's short episode will help you figure out what fulfillment means for you. I'm sharing things that I personally do, why it matters to me, and how you can make fulfillment a priority in your life, too.

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Ten years ago I was in the thick of young motherhood, my husband was working constantly, and I just wanted to go for an uninterrupted run. When my carefully laid plans for that run nearly fell apart, I stormed out of my house yelling "I never have time for myself!" Unfortunately, I don't think I'm alone in feeling that way. In this episode I'm sharing research backed reasons why women are feeling more stressed than ever, nearing burnout with their overwhelming list of responsibilities, and something they can realistically do about it. I want to encourage each of you to implement a "Me Day," something I've prioritized yearly for the past several years. In this episode I break down the specifics of how to plan a day for yourself (spoiler: it can also be just a couple hours!) and ways to combat your long list of excuses. American Psychology Association, Psychology Today, Burnout episode with Amelia Nagoski, Hobbies episode

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This monthly series features an episode sharing my recent highs and lows, how my habits are going, a Do Something List update, plus what I'm loving lately and my commitments for the upcoming month. I hope this glimpse into my life, my family, my work, and my own self development encourages you in your own journey. Around here the goal is never perfection, just to keep trying, even if in very simple ways. I think you'll see that with all of the big changes going on for me, taking the smallest of steps has helped to keep me afloat and feeling like myself. As always, I encourage you to get messy, too! Revisit your Do Something List, Stroller Fan, Small Vacuum

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Do you ever get that feeling when your head hits your pillow, that you've been running around all day but still didn't do enough? That is hustle culture. It's a lie that tells you that your worth is based on the amount that you get done, even if it's not what's right for you. What if we shifted our mindsets to a different form of productivity? It's called peaceful productivity, where you stay sane and feel accomplished. Jess Massey teaches you what peaceful productivity is, how it’s different than “get all the things done” productivity, and ways you can move towards shifting both your mind and to your to-do’s to reflect this kind or productivity. She shares her five tips to hustling sanely, and how they can be done every day and during any season, to let go of the hustle and usher in peaceful productivity.

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Today's episode is brought to you by K12, visit K12.com/PROGRESS to learn more and find a tuition-free K12-powered school near you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is there something that has made you think other people can do that, but not me? This episode is part of a monthly series to convince you otherwise. These episodes feature real women who are answering the question “How do you…?” about their various passions and pursuits. Cheryl Cardall is a mom of five with a passion for strengthening moms and families, specifically families struggling with mental illness. With an online community and a podcast, she finally decided to pursue something she had always wanted to do by planning a mental health conference for parents and teens. If you have ever wondered how to pursue your passions in this way, whether it's related to mental health or not, Cheryl helps break down this potentially overwhelming task for you. Learn how to stop letting fears hold you back from sharing your voice, and how to connect with a broader community that deserves to hear from you.

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Almost every time that I ask what habits the women in this community want help with, I get many of the same responses about developing a consistent exercise routine. In this episode you'll listen as I walk through the steps toward creating that habit with Laura, a community member, and mom of three young kids who works a demanding job with two very different schedules. My approach may seem different than what you're used to, and even Laura, who admitted to doing a lot of her own habit research, had some major a-ha moments. From the ideal image of her habit, and the feelings associated with it, to a baseline version that she can do on her worst-of-days, plus a mantra she can quickly incorporate, you'll witness the entire process. The difference is my emphasis on identity, an essential part of habit formation that you can learn about and implement in your own life and habits.

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A recent poll of the community showed that most of you want a better morning routine, so why am I starting with nighttime? Because successful mornings start the night before! Instead of a step-by-step prescription that I expect you to perfectly adopt (that wouldn't work anyway!) I'm sharing the big question you need to ask yourself. Plus, I'll give you some of my personal answers, and other ideas, that will help set you up for a solid night routine.

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Arielle Estoria is a guest on the podcast again, sharing some of her latest works from her book Unfolding, as well as personal insight into the journey that led her to those poems. She opens up about her awakening, where she describes shedding what doesn't serve us and become the fullest version of ourselves. In this episode we discuss the three types of fear that usually come up for women who are not used to prioritizing themselves, why it is vital that you start to acknowledge your inner knowings, and how change can be a very good thing. Plus, Arielle shares the thing you can do daily to get started right now on your own path to unfolding.

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You've heard me talk often about being an all-or-nothing person, because I've been on both extremes of the spectrum. What I didn't realize at the time, was that either choice came at a great cost to the most important things in my life. The idea that finally pulled me out of this cycle was this principle: DO SOMETHING. In this episode I'm sharing three big reasons why this works, and how you can finally move the needle on your personal growth.

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When a recent cycling class (a home set up I used to always use and love!) felt exceptionally difficult I was reminded of how we can unnecessarily judge ourselves when we are struggling to do something that we were able to do competently, or even easily, in our past. In this episode I'm sharing a lot about my own personal struggles with this, particularly with comparison and shame. Comparison doesn't always come from external sources, sometimes it can be us versus other versions of ourselves. I hope it's helpful for you to know that even with the growth I have done, I still always have room to grow some more. As this has come up for me, I've discovered certain thoughts that I can use to coach myself out of that trap, and away from feeling overwhelmed with discouragement. Tune in to hear my three thoughts, and understand how self compassion can help you move past comparison.

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This monthly series features an episode sharing my recent highs and lows, how my habits are going, a Do Something List update, plus what I'm loving lately and my commitments for the upcoming month. I hope this glimpse into my life, my family, my work, and my own self development encourages you in your own journey. Around here the goal is never perfection, just to keep trying, even if in very simple ways. I think you'll see that with all of the big changes going on for me, taking the smallest of steps has helped to keep me afloat and feeling like myself. As always, I encourage you to get messy, too!

Finding Me Academy

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Sticky Habit Method

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The word 'toxic' is used a lot in current zeitgeist, but what does it really mean? And what are the greater implications it can have on your relationships, and your sense of self? In today's episode I discuss all of that with Dr. Heidi Brocke, a Toxic Relationship Awareness & Healing Specialist. After spending 14 years in an extremely emotionally and narcissistically abusive relationship she was able to leave, and turned her past into her passion; she left her 24 year career in healthcare to use her life experience and education to be the person she needed when she herself was trapped in the darkness of an unhealthy relationship. This topic may be something you personally need, or could shed some light on someone you know. The goal of Dr. Brocke's message is to provide hope, healing, and freedom to those whose lives have been affected by toxic relationships, emotional abuse, and narcissistic behaviors. She shares her real experience, tips that work, and doable exercises for rebuilding your sense of self after a toxic relationship.

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This episode is brought to you in partnership with Redd Remedies. Use code PROGRESS for 20% off Peaceful Mama & Rhythm & Flo, as well as the rest of Redd Remedies products on their website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you ever find yourself stuck in the stress cycle, thinking "what's wrong with me?" You're not alone, and there's even an explanation for why you feel that way. For starters, women are more uniquely affected by high levels of stress than men. In this episode we dig into some of the science behind why this is true, so that you can better understand what's going on in your brain and body, and why you respond the way that you do. Plus, learn ways you can better manage your stress, instead of feeling that constant state of overwhelm. This episode is brought to you in partnership with Redd Remedies. Stacey Littlefield has degrees in biology and herbal medicine, and is the Master Herbalist behind the brand of natural products. You can use code PROGRESS for 20% off Peaceful Mama & Rhythm & Flo, as well as the rest of Redd Remedies products on their website.

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When Megan met with a psychologist she came away with a diagnosis of a perfectionist, with an achievement addiction. As she shares the ways she navigated her own all-or-nothing spectrum, much of her story will resonate with this community. As a mother of four (now five) she auditioned for a choir, which snowballed into a larger and more time-consuming job. Critical feedback from a family member then caused her to quit everything. In this conversation I help her identify the priorities she cares about most, and apply those as a filter to the opportunities she wants to pursue next. Listen as Megan identifies learning, having a challenge, and finances as the filters she wants to focus on. She then sifts through some of the options she has recently had, and you'll hear in real time what this process can look like. If you, like Megan, can't figure out where your heart is anymore, this episode will give you the clarity you need to excitedly embark on finding your passions again.

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Is there something that has made you think other people can do that, but not me? This episode is part of a monthly series to convince you otherwise. These episodes feature real women who are answering the question “How do you…?” about their various passions and pursuits. In this week's episode, I chat with Carly Adams. She should sound familiar, as she was a guest last Spring of 2022 to talk about how to simplify your spring cleaning process. Carly is a professional organizer (and new podcaster) with Tidy Revival, but she's on this special series not for organization--it's because she's become a "Plant Lady!" Carly might have had a botanist as a father, but her own interest in house plants didn't really take off until the pandemic coupled with the loss of her dog pushed her to find another thing she could nurture and care for. Carly will share more about her story, how plants cover her home, her new interest in propagating plants, as well as some basics you need to know if you'd like to get into nurturing house plants, too. (It's a lot simpler than you may think!) If you have more of a "black" than a "green thumb," rest assured--this episode will inspire you to give housing a plant a shot. Who knows, maybe you'll be the next "Plant Lady," yet?!

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Sarah Hart-Unger is a mother of three and physician, with a passion for hobbies. She is an avid runner, and hosts two podcasts - one of which discusses all things planners. (If you think the planner-decorating-community isn't a good time, think again!) She breaks down the importance of having a hobby, how to integrate it into your life even if you have small children, and what the time commitment of finding your hobby should be. In the end, your hobby should bring you joy, and feel fun, while fitting into the life you already lead. In this episode I also share my journey to finding hobbies, making time for them, and how I learned that they are actually important. You don't need to have tons of down time, you don't need to clear your schedule, and you usually don't even need to venture too far outside your comfort zone, to find a hobby. And for those of you that seriously have no idea where to start, I have a solution for you, too.

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When I shared about my 500th podcast episode I received a simple comment, "What are you doing to celebrate yourself?!" And that prompted me to do some thinking, and celebrating. It can be easier for us to barely acknowledge our growth or accomplishments, usually by making up excuses that they're not that important. One of the major tenets of About Progress is identity, and I realized that celebrating yourself is important for continued growth. Plus, it just feels good. Find something to celebrate today, even if it's the smallest of things.

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In my early years as a young teacher, spread really thin, I found myself engaging in certain numbing behaviors after my students left for the day. I would tell myself it was time to decompress, then start reading online blogs for sometimes multiple hours. This then led to late nights and early mornings preparing for my classes. It was a vicious cycle, and it caused a lot of shame and overwhelm. As you start to reflect on your own day-to-day life, what are some numbing behaviors you notice? In this episode I share what some of my coaching clients have dealt with - from phone scrolling to over-organizing. I will teach you my 3 N's of numbing behaviors, as well as what this has looked like in my life and the life of a client, to show you that it's possible to carry less fear and shame around these behaviors. But what if you want to continue a "numbing behavior?" When I teach you how to intentionally choose your choices, then I support that, too. These tools are meant to give you more ways to support yourself, in the ways that matter to you. Episode on the response gap.

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This podcast is one of the things I have been the most consistent with throughout my life, and over seven years that has led me to this 500th episode. I sat down to answer your questions about the history of the podcast, the specifics of my favorite guests and episodes, what the future holds, and what I've learned from all of this along the way. I think you'll find these answers to be unexpected, enlightening, and with a few surprises about what's to come! Most importantly, thank you for being a listener and valuable member of the About Progress community, I wouldn't be here without you.

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This monthly series features an episode sharing my recent highs and lows, how my habits are going, a Do Something List update, plus what I'm loving lately and my commitments for the upcoming month. I hope this glimpse into my life, my family, my work, and my own self development encourages you in your own journey. Around here the goal is never perfection, just to keep trying, even if in very simple ways. I think you'll see that with all of the big changes going on for me, taking the smallest of steps has helped to keep me afloat and feeling like myself. As always, I encourage you to get messy, too!

Finding Me Academy

My FREE DSL Training

My FREE habits class

Full Show Notes

Sticky Habit Method

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This monthly series features an episode sharing my recent highs and lows, how my habits are going, a Do Something List update, plus what I'm loving lately and my commitments for the upcoming month. I hope this glimpse into my life, my family, my work, and my own self development encourages you in your own journey.Around here the goal is never perfection, just to keep trying, even if in very simple ways. I think you'll see that with all of the big changes going on for me, taking the smallest of steps has helped to keep me afloat and feeling like myself. As always, I encourage you to get messy, too!To celebrate 6 years of the podcast I'm giving away packages of my favorite things! Write (or update) a rating and review for a chance to win!My FREE habits class is now available!!Full Show NotesSticky Habit MethodLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"I need to figure out how to reset some of those routines and some of those self-care habits so that I can feel more fulfilled and less defeated as I show up to my day-to-day life." That's how Taryn, who you'll hear from in this coaching call, described her current struggle. Can you relate? We all experience seasons in life, and not just the ones where the weather changes. We may have seasons of consistency with our routines and self care that have us feeling really fulfilled. We may then have busy seasons where things like sickness or schedules can really get in our way. In this episode I work with Taryn to break things down, and to help her stay connected to herself as she sets up a plan to get back into the routines that make her feel the best. Tune in and see how this framework can work to support you before, during, or after your busy season when you personalize it to your situation. The Instagram reel that I mentioned!

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"I need to figure out how to reset some of those routines and some of those self-care habits so that I can feel more fulfilled and less defeated as I show up to my day-to-day life." That's how Taryn, who you'll hear from in this coaching call, described her current struggle. Can you relate? We all experience seasons in life, and not just the ones where the weather changes. We may have seasons of consistency with our routines and self care that have us feeling really fulfilled. We may then have busy seasons where things like sickness or schedules can really get in our way. In this episode I work with Taryn to break things down, and to help her stay connected to herself as she sets up a plan to get back into the routines that make her feel the best. Tune in and see how this framework can work to support you before, during, or after your busy season when you personalize it to your situation. The Instagram reel that I mentioned!

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This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/progress and get on your way to being your best self. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re featuring an episode from a podcast you should check out. Habits You Love, hosted by Kayla Fassio, is a mental health podcast about self-love, self-healing, and spiritual evolution. Join Kayla on her journey of trauma healing and discovering the power inside you! Available wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

These episodes feature real women from this community who are answering the question "How do you...?" about their various passions and pursuits. Today's episode features 43 year old, mother of 3, Sarah. She is in the midst of a big goal: summitting 48 peaks above 4000 ft in New Hampshire, before she turns 48! Sarah explains her journey of having a larger goal, breaking it down into a reasonable goal, and even further breaking that down into something totally doable. She is a wonderful example of getting out of that all-or-nothing mindset and tackling the things on our lists bit by bit. You may not be curious about hiking, but there is likely a different version of these "peaks" in your life. This inspirational episode will give you the encouragement to be flexible, to zoom out, and to work towards those goals that are valuable to you. And if hiking is your dream, she has lots of practical tips, too!

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I am willing to bet that even the most confident person you can think of probably feels inadequate from time to time. Another way you might describe this feeling is by calling it self doubt, and that's a struggle that I often hear from women in this community. Today I'm talking with fellow podcaster, Sara Dean. And even as a woman that radiates confidence she knows what to do when you feel inadequate because she has learned some tough personal lessons on the subject. To start, we talk about why women specifically may deal with self doubt and inadequacy more often. Then, Sara has four ways to use the information that you already have about yourself to help you feel qualified, capable, and worthy of achieving the things you want for yourself. And if you listen to the end I issue a little "extra credit" challenge, based on her advice, that we can do together!

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I once wrote a rejection email and had it posted online by the recipient. Sounds dramatic, doesn't it? Sometimes the thought of rejecting someone or something, by saying no, sounds too dramatic. So we say yes. And then we start to feel resentment, we stop showing up, or we drop the ball on important responsibilities. Sometimes we have to learn to just say no. In this bite-sized episode I give you the whole rejection email story (it has a happy ending!) and my reasoning behind why a generous no is so much better than a guilted yes. I hope this tip helps you feel prepared heading into a typically very busy season! To celebrate 6 years of the podcast I'm giving away packages of my favorite things! Write (or update) a rating and review for a chance to win!

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First of all, thank you for being here with me to celebrate SIX YEARS of the About Progress podcast! This is a fun episode because we get to hear from you, the listeners, as well as me and my husband, Brad. I'm answering questions about general faves, favorite guests and interviews, and my biggest successes. Plus, I'm sharing some non-favorites and tough stuff that has gone on behind-the-scenes. Thank you to everyone who submitted a voice note, they are all a great example of the special community we have here at About Progress. I am looking forward to the years to come and hope you'll continue to grow with me! P.S. Remember the ongoing giveaway right now where you can be entered to win some of my favorite things when you leave or update a review on Apple podcasts.

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Today's bite-sized episode is inspired by a conversation I had with my membership group, the Strive Hive. And it falls under the umbrella of something we talk about often, which is how to avoid the all-or-nothing mentality. So the question is, can you take self-compassion too far? The short answer is yes, but I want you to understand the why, and how to refocus if you need to. If you've found yourself becoming apathetic, or self-enabling, I have some tips to help you zoom out and take action while still feeling aligned with your values, the things that matter most and help you feel like you.

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I have been surprised by something as an adult...I stink at friendship. When it comes to making new friends, or even staying connected with old friends, it has just become harder and harder. I also find myself become more and more introverted as I get older. And I think many of you can relate. Making and keeping friends as an adult has always seemed to be a hot topic, so if we're all feeling this pull then why is it still so tough? Psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Marisa G. Franco joins me today to offer the science backed reasons behind loneliness and relationships in a way that will have you nodding along in agreement. Honestly, you may even audibly gasp at some of her explanations - in a good way! The hard things you have been experiencing when it comes to friendship are real, and they have names, and there are ways to really support yourself through them.

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This monthly series features an episode sharing my recent highs and lows, how my habits are going, a Do Something List update, plus what I'm loving lately and my commitments for the upcoming month. I hope this glimpse into my life, my family, my work, and my own self development encourages you in your own journey. Around here the goal is never perfection, just to keep trying, even if in very simple ways. I think you'll see that with all of the big changes going on for me, taking the smallest of steps has helped to keep me afloat and feeling like myself. As always, I encourage you to get messy, too! To celebrate 6 years of the podcast I'm giving away packages of my favorite things! Write (or update) a rating and review for a chance to win!

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I used to let my inner critic be the loudest voice in the room. It was forcing me to be an over achieving perfectionist that was never satisfied with anything, and only ever increasing in demands. This cycle persisted for years, until I began a little experiment that led to where we (you and me!) are today. My whole life changed when my inner voice went from being one of criticism, to one of self-compassion. I used to think that if I was gentler on myself, it would work against me. The opposite turned out to be true. This episode is a retelling of my own progress-over-perfection journey with an emphasis on the few key things that have made all of the difference. Plus, a little more on that initial experiment that turned into the podcast and teaching platform I never knew I needed.

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Is there something that has made you think other people can do that, but not me? This is part of a monthly series to convince you otherwise. These episodes feature real women from this community who are answering the question "How do you...?" about their various passions and pursuits. Today's episode features my friend, Sarah, and whether rock climbing is something you are curious about or not, she will inspire you to pursue (or find) your own passion. Her unique story actually starts with heartbreak and, with some real bravery, turns into hope. It's about getting outside of your comfort zone, finding something that excites you, and even making new connections. Maybe that won't be rock climbing for you, but it's time to figure out what your version of rock climbing can be.

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I had a personal experience earlier this year that led me to realizing I was deeply exhausted, and seeing the affects of it in several areas of my life. In particular I noticed that my, like many of our, relationships had taken a beating. Whether that is with family, friends, co-workers, or even the relationship we have with ourselves. I invited my friend, author Carol Lynn Pearson, to return to the podcast to discuss all things relationships. She is a woman who has changed thousands of lives through her story, and storytelling. One of those lives is mine. In this conversation she teaches us how to deeply love and accept people, including yourself.

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I really hope I'm not alone in feeling this way sometimes...and the feeling I'm talking about is when you have something you realllly don't want to do, but you realllly need to do it. This could range from something small, like sorting papers for scrapbooking, to something big like a long term project or habit you want to adopt. So, I have ONE easy way to get things done when you don't feel like doing them to share with you today. In this short episode you will hear my simple tip and the ways that I apply it in my real life, and how that has helped me. It involves using something you love, something that brings you joy, and pairing it with something you're less excited about doing. It sounds simple enough, but hopefully my explanation will give you the motivation to get started and make some of the progress that you really want.

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Have you ever found yourself in a "What's next?" phase of your life? Lots of possibility, and the opportunity to even explore them, is a good thing! So, why can it be so hard to take action? Sometimes when we lack certainty, it feels uncomfortable to start something new. That's why today's coaching call is focused on answering this question, "How can I take action without knowing the end form the beginning?" In this episode I talk to Madeline, who finds herself with the ability to think of lots of good ideas, and the inability to act on any of them. Once we discover that her fear is a result of not knowing exactly how things will end up, we unpack how she can address that. If this resonates with you, you'll leave this episode with two questions you can ask yourself and a better understanding of why it's okay to move into your discomfort zone to finally feel some good growth.

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A trade-off is when you do something, instead of something else. Simple enough, right? But whether subconsciously or consciously, trade-offs can carry their own emotional weight, which can bring up a lot of uncomfortable feelings surrounding them. Unfortunately, trade-offs are inevitable and you could be making one right now. In this episode I'm sharing several stories about making trade-offs, like how when you think you aren't making any, you may be making some of the biggest ones. Going back to my previous episode about accepting our limits, I'm here to elaborate on how to WIN at your trade-offs. When you ask yourself one simple question (hint, WIN is an acronym!) you can more easily identify the heart of your choices, and feel confident in your trade-offs.

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Earlier this year I read a book that I knew could be life-changing for the women of this community. It contained research backed information on how to handle burnout that surprised me, and may surprise you, too. In this interview with co-author Amelia Nagoski, we dive into what burnout really is, what it's stemming from, and how to actually unlock the accompanying stress cycle that we sometimes can't seem to escape. Amelia and her twin sister Emily researched and wrote this book, and even they learned some things they weren't expecting. Amelia explains the primary characteristic of burnout for women, and where true healing can come from. She also breaks down the physiological response that our bodies have to stress, and why burnout even occurs. Lastly, we touch on practical ways to treat burn out (spoiler alert it is NOT through self-care!) and how you can find your own "bubble."

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This monthly series features an episode sharing my recent highs and lows, how my habits are going, a Do Something List update, plus what I'm loving lately and my commitments for the upcoming month. I hope this glimpse into my life, my family, my work, and my own self development encourages you in your own journey. Around here the goal is never perfection, just to keep trying, even if in very simple ways. I think you'll see that with all of the big changes going on for me, taking the smallest of steps has helped to keep me afloat and feeling like myself. As always, I encourage you to get messy, too!

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Earlier this year I shared how everything changed when I learned to accept my limits. I have been using this approach with myself and my one-on-one coaching clients and seeing a lot of success, so it's time to share more with everyone. This is a super practical episode, full of the real ways you can set limits to improve your productivity, time-management, and decision-making. I break down the biggest pointers under each one of those categories, and include how this has played out in my real life. You'll hear about everything from our recent car purchase, to my laundry methods, to how I manage work time and family time throughout my days. You don't need to do things the exact same way that I do them, but you will be prepared to take these methods and find ways to apply them in your real life right away. Feel like you just got fire-hosed, but in a good way? Get all of these pointers in an infographic by signing up for my free Go Getter Newsletter!

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In this month's edition of "Dear Progressor," you'll hear from members of this community who called in and answered my prompt to share small tips that make a big difference. This episode is based on the idea that small wins build over time, in all aspects of our lives. We get to hear from a school teacher staying organized, about the benefits of meal planning and calendar syncing, a laundry hack, how to meditate in a busy day, how to shift your habits and a genius way to store your garbage bags and wash your pillowcases. About Progress is a COMMUNITY, not a fan club! We want to feature YOUR voice on the show. Find out how here!

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Are you a self-defined worrier? Though you are likely all too familiar with this feeling, let's define what it means to worry. Worrying is ruminating about a negative outcome, often times completely out of your control. Kelley Wolf has worked to identify the methods for finding love over worry, and achieving a state of flow, or peace and joy. But she also recognizes that worrying will never totally disappear, and even gets vulnerable sharing her own recent worries. In doing so she walks us through her approach to working through those feelings, including the words she actually says out loud. Although Kelley does share where she thinks you can start, and a few of her simple tips, we both emphasize that this is a slow, but worthy process. If you have struggled with an all-or-nothing mindset that leaves you spiraling in your worry, or completely numbing yourself to it, then this is the episode you need to just get started in a better direction.

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This is part of a monthly series that features real women, doing really cool things. I get to ask them "How do you...?" about whatever their particular field or hobby is, and we all get to reap the benefits. Whether you feel inspired to pursue the same thing you hear in these interviews, or just motivated to get started on your own passions, it's all in alignment with doing something that lights you up. If knowing the what's and how's of sewing has held you back (even if you're guilty of already purchasing allll the fabric and the machine) then what Trina has to say is meant for you. Sewing is a skill that she initially did not like, but has grown to be enjoyable, even meditative, for her. This episode will light the spark you need to get started, sewing, quilting, or otherwise.

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Is the thought of creating a picture-perfect morning routine nagging you? Or really any routine that you feel like you should be implementing... In this coaching call, you'll hear Rhonda who is a busy mom of 4 explain her current season's struggle. Interestingly, the problem she thinks she has turns out to be something quite different at the root. As we zoom in, we actually take the focus off of the expectations of an ideal morning, and realize what she is really seeking is connection. From there, we rebuild her morning. We also cover what her routine will look like on the best of days, and more importantly on the worst of days, as she now sets out to intentionally grow her new habits. You can listen in and follow the same framework for whatever routine or habit you're trying to create.

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We are all familiar with our 'comfort zones,' right? What if by staying comfortable, we're really staying stuck? The familiar things that we know feel safe, even if they keep us stuck. If you are really ready to change, you have to be willing to move into the discomfort zone. It's going to stretch you, just like an elastic band, but it doesn't have to break you. In this episode I'm sharing two of my own personal experiences with this principle, and how learning to be uncomfortable propelled me into greater growth. When you listen, I urge you to try leaning into this kind of discomfort and see what changes for you.

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The Lazy Genius method, coined by Kendra Adachi, says that we should be geniuses about the things that matter, and lazy about the things that don't. And who's to say what matters? You are, don't forget it. Kendra took this concept and applied it to an extremely pragmatic part of our lives: the kitchen. I asked you, the listeners, to submit your biggest kitchen-related pain points so that we could tackle them during this interview. Kendra didn't hold much back as she reveals her simple steps to help YOU tackle the 5 biggest challenges you face in the kitchen. From tricky layouts, to meal planning, and every drool worthy Instagram kitchen in between, Kendra wants you to feel completely empowered to make your space a reflection of you and your values. An added bonus is that with these tools you may start with your kitchen, and end up transforming your life.

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I hope I'm not the only one feeling that post Labor Day desire to overhaul my whole life. So, if you're like me I'm going to encourage us to lean in! Sometimes when we get a big idea, we dive right in hoping that our own will can carry us through. Whether your big idea is a new habit, routine, or system, you can be more successful if you actually take a little time to make a plan first. In this episode I'm sharing the new things I'm hoping to implement in my own home, including the grand scheme and also the small ways in which I'm kicking things off. By guiding you through what my plan looks like from far away, and up close, I will model for you how to do the same. Say goodbye to dangling habits that leave us feeling unsuccessful, with some simple shifts you'll create habits that stick and feel good to you, too.

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The Comparison Monster hijacks relationships, taints how we view our blessings, and prevents us from showing up for ourselves and others. If this is happening to you, you are not alone. I fall into the comparison trap often, and in this episode I'm illustrating an ongoing struggle with it that I'm facing. I hope that you can visualize your own struggle right now and work through it alongside me in this episode. There are a few facts that we can't change about comparison, but there are shifts within ourselves that we can control. I have four tips, with accompanying simple phrases, that will serve any of us trying to defeat the comparison monster. Lastly, you'll hear invaluable insight from other women in this community who answered my online call for advice. Don't let this seem overwhelming, it really starts small to overcome all the negativity that the comparison monster brings. You can start by tuning in to this episode, then simply identifying the times in your life where you feel comparison sneaking in, then tackle more from there.

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Since taking a little break over the summer I've missed being able to show the behind-the-scenes of my real life messy progress. This episode shares my recent highs and lows, how my habits are going, a Do Something List update, plus what I'm loving lately and an exciting update on the podcast. Around here the goal is never perfection, just to keep trying, even if in very simple ways. I think you'll see that with all of the big changes going on for me, taking the smallest of steps has helped to keep me afloat and feeling like myself. As always, I encourage you to get messy, too!

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Ashley is in a busy season that many of you may relate to. She has 2 young children, and is pregnant with her third, having just moved to a new city and about to pursue a graduate degree. Her circumstances, without question, are leading to some exhaustion and even uncertainty about how to navigate her day-to-day life. In this coaching call you hear Ashley explain her challenges, then work with me to slowly break down the issues, leaving with a plan to rebuild in a way that feels more aligned with who she is. Whether your pain point relates to having young children or not, the tools we sort through will undoubtedly help whatever struggle you are having. From creating even a small Do Something List, to finding exciting hobbies, then identifying a mantra to cling to, you can also leave this episode equipped with what you need to face your hard things head on.

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Nishi Patel is a Progressor, just like you, who I've had the pleasure of getting to know through this community and my membership group. Nishi has shared her poetry over the years, but most recently has published a beautiful book of poems. Tune in to hear how she got her start with writing (admittedly not her best subject!), from recipes to journaling, and now poetry. Once she had the spark ignited, she added poetry to her own "Do Something" list and it became an emotional outlet. If this is something that makes you curious, she encourages you to just get started, and let go of the "shoulds." She also has some practical how-to's that can jumpstart your own writing journey!

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Relationships are complicated. Biggest, “duh” statement ever right? We all know that, but it never ceases to surprise me, my friends, and women all across this community how relationships hold both the purpose of life, and often its greatest challenge too.

In particular, I've heard from many of you about your relationship with your parents as you both age. In today's episode, podcaster and author Jody Moore joins me to dive into why this happens and what to do about it. In the second half of the episode we switch things up with an eye-opening "Dear Jody," segment, in which she answers listener submissions on this very topic.

Whether you're seeking more connection, unsure of how to set boundaries, or just need reassurance that this is indeed a tough thing to navigate, then this is the conversation for you.

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I know it's not technically the new year, but sometimes the fall can feel that way. With school starting up again, the end of the year coming in to sight, the change in weather, or whatever it might be for you, the fall signifies change to many of us. Often times that change means we HAVE to wake up earlier.

In today's episode I have 4 tips to help you start feeling successful under your new circumstances. I'm covering when to start, why you should consider the night before, how to use my sticky habit method, and where to focus your energy.

A not-so-spoiler alert is that I do not encourage you to make any drastic changes, so there are no instructions here on how to go to bed 3 hours earlier, or clean your whole house before your family wakes up. These tips are actually simple, and meant to serve you in your circumstances. Let me know what works and good luck with the "new year!"

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Have you ever felt like your habits are more like a ball and chain? Do they restrict you, or keep you confined, or keep you from growing in the ways you really need to? It's time to do habits differently. In this episode I walk through several examples, including common problematic habits I hear from this community like exercise routines and regular journaling.

By letting go of the "shoulds," you can feel free to create supportive habits that align with your values. Your habits can even fit into your life the way it is, and enhance it in ways you choose. By explaining the 3 small shifts that make a big difference, I want to empower you to take back control of your habits.

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If you've been here for a little while you know that my Do Something List is something that changed my life. I talk about how to create your list often, but today want to share how to revisit it and make any necessary changes. Because remember, your list serves your personal growth and is not meant to be a challenging list of unattainable goals.

In this episode I'm sharing how my lists have evolved over six years and if I've ever "finished" a list. Then I physically go through my list, so you can do this along with me, and I ask myself certain questions to make sure that the list still best aligns with me. Through this process you can ensure that your Do Something List still supports your best self, as you and your seasons change.

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Today's topic was inspired by an early June morning when I wasn't feeling well, I woke up late, the kids were home from school for summer, and I missed my usual workout, so the day just started off on the wrong foot. I knew in that moment the difference between how the old me would've reacted and how I actually choose to react now.

I say "choose" because I now own my limitations - in this case my motherhood season, my physical health, and the time of year. I accept the limits on my capabilities and release the resentment, anger, blame, and other negative emotions that used to incite a reaction from me.

In this episode I dive into certain other seasons of my life, and how I've navigated the change from one to another in 3 major ways. At the root, I try to stay connected to my priorities, then allow my actions to reflect those even if it's in the smallest of ways. It's time to stop waiting on the sidelines of your life, to think about how you can support yourself, and not waiting for the support to come.

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In this monthly series I'm sharing what real progress (including real, imperfect, messiness!) looks like for me. In my "Highs and Lows" segment I'm sharing the bittersweet low of my grandpa passing, as well as the life lessons I'll always treasure from him. For my DSL update I'm talking about the books I read and what I'm committing to this month.

Tune in to hear about our new morning routine, which we created after things got too chaotic for the first part of the summer. And lastly I'm excited to share a big change to the podcast, and explain why this is something I'm really looking forward to and hope you can support!

I want this episode to encourage you to pursue your life more messily, and to find purpose and fulfillment in the realness.

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Do you ever feel a bit like a hamster on a wheel? If you're exhausted from the juggling act that is "balance," it's time to try something different. You likely know what matters, but what matters the most? You might get your answer when you stop chasing balance, and learn to live a well rounded life.

Geomyra Pollard shares the very vulnerable reasons that she knew something had to give, which propelled her towards what she describes as living well rounded. Faced with losing her mother to cancer, entering new motherhood herself, plus her own health issues, Geomyra is no stranger to struggle. It's in how she's chosen to show up to her life that we can be inspired.

From mindset shifts, to permission to carve out space, and even a super practical tip you can do right away, you'll finish this episode ready to jump off the hamster wheel and into a life you love.

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In this episode of "Dear Progressor," listeners just like you called in and answered this prompt: "One way I’m supporting myself this summer is…” These women share what they've learned here over the past few months, and how it looks applied in their real lives.

These are always some of the best episodes, as we all get to feel inspired from within this community. Whether you've been able to listen to every episode of the summer or not, you will likely learn something new (and practical!) from these women that will help you in your own journey of growth and fulfillment.

P.S. Join me in my upcoming free habits class! Come learn the #1 reason why women must do habits differently.

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Have you ever had some time to yourself, and been completely unable to decide what to do with it? You're not alone in this dilemma and there are a few ways to support yourself here, just like Amy learned to do in this month's coaching call.

In this episode you'll meet Amy, a busy mom of 5, who is also in graduate school and beginning full time work in the fall. She has carved out an hour in her mornings before her children wake up, but struggles with how to use her time. We pretty quickly identify her priorities, and I challenge her to consider her fear of making trade-offs.

By introducing flexibility to her priorities, Amy is able to create her own baseline routine that she knows will build, but also be there to support her when she just needs the bare minimum. Tune in for the tools and permission to find alignment between your time and your priorities, too!

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Melanie is a Progressor, a community member just like you, who has a passion that I, admittedly, do not share. She is deeply knowledgeable about family history. With her competitive drive kicking in, and on somewhat of a challenge, she began to work on digitizing historical records. The connection, and the spark, that she felt from the names and information of these people is what keeps her going today.

You do not have to be a professional genealogist to do this, Melanie maintains that she is nothing but just interested in learning and sharing the stories of her ancestors. Her message is that family history can work for you, there are so many little things that you can do that matter when it comes to connecting to your history. If this isn't something you had considered before, or is something you are intimidated to begin, consider the fulfillment you may find from piecing together your past.

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Today I invited my old friend on the show, Sally Osborne. Sally will share a little about her own story of making significant changes as an adult, and a LOT on how you can navigate the most important relationships you have even after you’ve changed.

Even if your story doesn’t mirror Sally’s, the lessons she’s gleaned from her own is powerful for all of us, whether you’re the loved one who has changed, or the one trying to show up better for someone who has. I’ve always been proud of how open this community is to learning from other people’s stories, and I know both Sal’s story and her wisdom will help you and those you love.

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It's no secret that I love habits and routines, because I've seen how women can really start to thrive once they support themselves with those things. In the past I've talk about how mornings start the night before, and the importance of a solid nighttime routine. Today we're breaking it down even simpler with my top two tricks to get to bed earlier.

This bite-sized episode was inspired by my own struggles, because I was sticking to my nighttime routine...just later, and later. So, I buckled down to beat the bedtime procrastination and now I'm sharing these super practical things you can start doing tonight!

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I'm coming to you live from day two of summer break in this episode where I want to get real about navigating this time of year so you can have fun and feel like your best self. But first, this is not an episode about 100 awesome things to do with your kids over the next 2 months (although I have some help for that here!) These are my 4 keys to helping you feel supported throughout this season, so you can be awesome with your family and for yourself.

During the summer you are managing a lot more, you're managing more needs, you're managing more interruptions, and you are managing less routines. I will show you that by prioritizing your self in some ways, you will feel more successful in providing care to those around you. And I'm keeping this really simple with 4 straightforward tips that you can start working on right away to enjoy this summer instead of just surviving it.

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Wait! Before you think this episode is not for you, let me explain the simple "how" (and why) I meditate almost every single day. If you've been part of this community for even a short while, you've likely seen me share my daily walk or hike. In this episode I'm diving into that special part of my daily routine, so you can see how to simply start a meditative walk for yourself.

This practice has allowed me to process some really difficult things, and just give me clear time and space to think. With the chaos of external influence and business of our responsibilities, taking the time to yourself in some introspective way can be truly beneficial.

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If you had an hour totally to yourself, what would you do? Author Catherine Price explains in today's interview that when faced with that exact situation she found herself signing up for a guitar class. That choice spiraled into what she now knows as true fun.

When was the last time that you had fun? Maybe you're wondering what fun even is. Catherine compiled her research into her book "The Power of Fun," which she shares about in this episode along with some powerful personal anecdotes.

By taking care of ourselves in this way and giving ourselves the opportunity to let go and have fun, it makes us better at our responsibilities. If you are capable of having fun then you bring it to other people, and it’s a gift to give others that comfort, joy, and lightness. It's time to take having fun more seriously and see how rewarding that can be.

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In this monthly series I'm sharing what real progress (including real, imperfect, messiness!) looks like for me. May was a whirlwind, and I'm feeling extra grateful for the "highs" and less focused on any so-called "lows." Our attempt at a camping trip is particularly amusing, and a true glimpse at doing something instead of only all-or-nothing.

Tune in to hear what I have planned for this month, including the things I want to cross off my Do Something List and the important habit I have been able to establish to help my daughter. I am also throwing out a pretty big dream right now to travel abroad as a family. I hope these episodes encourage you to pursue your life more messily, and to find purpose and fulfillment in the realness.

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“I never thought I could make space for something that is fulfilling, but can also be stressful and uncomfortable.” That is just one of the a-ha moments Sarah uncovered in today's coaching call. Many of you will relate to some aspect of her life, whether it's her season of motherhood, balancing full time work, or her grapple with perfectionism and fulfillment.

Sarah's initial concern is how to reliably carry out her tasks when she feels stuck with overwhelm, but as we dig deeper we uncover all of the things at play in this struggle. As I guide Sarah to look at the practical, as well as deep, changes she can start to make, you can apply the same to your circumstances.

From this episode you can take away the permission to be human and do things imperfectly. Plus, create a practical habit that will help you refocus in those moments of overwhelm that we all experience.

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Listen to Nicole, a community member just like you, who is a mother and dietitian with lots of fun hobbies. She had no prior experience with gardening, but grew her passion from a desire to give it a try. From a few chickens and too many pepper plants, hear how Nicole and her family are essentially running a suburban homestead through "structure in the madness."

If gardening has been a specific item on your Do Something List, then this episode should give you a lot of ideas to just get started! And if gardening is still not for you, feel inspired by the story of someone who started small and found something they're successful with, despite ups and downs along the way.

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Have you ever found yourself in the position of feeling complete overwhelm, maybe even anxiety or depression, knowing you desperately need to take care of yourself but are simultaneously unable to? Whether it's the small things like eating, or showering, to the big things like enjoying a creative hobby, we sometimes forget to support ourselves in those ways when we need it the most.

Mia Hemstad is a mother of two and a self-care coach, who has dealt personally and professionally with severe depression and PTSD. She shares one of the scariest moments she realized how lacking her self-care had become, and it may be all too relatable to some listeners. Tune in for a very real examination of why you're prone to neglecting yourself and how to change that in ways that actually matter.

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If you're feeling ready to create some new habits, or even one new habit, but stuck on where to begin, then you are not alone! Today's short episode tackles this topic, and offers an exclusive sneak peak from my Sticky Habits course.

My goal is to help real women like me, who value progress over perfection, who are busy, but who are seeking growth. So even if you are busy, and your day is easily interrupted, don't count yourself out. My tip today, to start with the bookends, will anchor your day and your habits in a way that keeps you feeling supported and true to yourself.

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I can't imagine we are alone in feeling like after the last couple (very stressful) years, our family was in need of some healing. Even our young children were feeling the same increasing strain that we felt as individuals, and parents.

In this episode, my husband, Brad, details how schedules, bedtimes, and cleaning the house had taken precedence over enjoying one another's presence. And I share what came to me from the passenger's seat during our New Year's Day drive: this needed to be our year of FUN!

We want to encourage you to identify your family's values (with tips on how to do that!) so that you can change the culture in your home to be one that serves you, rather than scares you. From small steps, to the bigger picture we're getting personal in hopes of showing you what a similar overhaul may do for you, too.

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When I first started seeing a therapist for my eating disorder years ago, they asked something of me that I still think about often. It had to do with controlling my thoughts, and as a result I've had a lot of practice sorting through my thoughts, but also how emotions and feelings are connected - and how they are different.

Based on my own experience I have some tried and true tips for connecting to yourself by identifying your emotions and feelings, to better help you gain control over your thoughts. It's time to get curious about what your mind and body are telling you, to help you gain clarity in tangible and logical ways.

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It's time to tackle one of most highly requested topics for the podcast, and that is boundaries. Today I am joined by a therapist, Dr. Julie Hanks, who answers our most pressing questions on the issue. This includes my biggest one, "Do I have to tell other people that I have boundaries around them?" She answers that as well as some others that may surprise you.

In addition to our frank discussion on boundaries, her insight on introspection and our thoughts is worth your time spent listening. Tune in for the permission you need to move forward with identifying your boundaries, then sticking to them, and why it's crucial to your overall well-being.

More from Dr. Julie Hanks here.

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In this monthly series I'm sharing what real progress (including real, imperfect, messiness!) looks like for me. Most of the month was spent working on my new habits course, but we did travel for spring break and I attended a wonderful creative retreat.

Tuen in to hear what I have planned for this month, a delicious new spin on a chocolate chip cookie (our fav!) that I tried, a new habit I'm going to implement, and raw thoughts on my personal confidence. If that last one is of interest maybe I'll iron out my thoughts for a full episode, let me know!

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This week, my podcast listeners get an exclusive sneak peak into my new Sticky Habit Method course. In the introduction to the course you'll learn about what's to come for those that continue on, but also my deeply personal experience. I can clearly see the difference in myself between when I have felt supported by habits and when I have not been.

Having sound habits that actually align with your values allows you to show up as your best self for you and for others. This introduction explains the three course modules that teach you, and commit you, to forming at least one hugely supportive habit by the end of the course.

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If you've always thought you're not fast enough to be a runner, you're wrong! There's so much more to it than speed. Tune in to see how a community member just like you went from someone who was "never very good at running" to someone who has developed a true passion for it that enriches her life. * Full Show Notes * NEW!! Habits Course Presale * Podcast Sponsor * Finding Me Course

Maybe you haven't heard of "revenge bedtime procrastination" but you've likely felt it. It's that feeling at night when you're so exhausted, but you still find yourself staying up too late mind-numbingly scrolling your phone. In a nutshell, you're experiencing a lack of fulfillment. The good news is that there are several ways to support yourself out of this habit, and into something that feels better.

Julie is a Progressor just like you, who graciously opened up about her nighttime routine struggles that seemed to be fueling this procrastination at night. She shares the values she knows she holds, and I coach her through the ways to achieve new habits that align with how she wants to feel at the end of her day.

Whether or not this is your specific concern, the methods of identifying the emotions you're seeking, then breaking down your routine and attaching some new habits, can work for many self-sabotaging behaviors. Tune in and try out what you learn!

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Habits shouldn't be "shoulds," they should be supportive. And yes, I see the irony in that statement, but I think you'll agree! How many times have you set out to create a new habit based on a should, like one of these?

I should weigh this much...
I should be this type of mom...
I should wake up earlier...
I should be a reader...

How many times have those habits failed?

Your habits should support you as your most authentic self. In this short episode I'm sharing how times and seasons have changed my habits, and why that's been okay as I've allowed my habits to be supportive and not forced.

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Before you think this is just another flowery conversation on authenticity that seems too far out of reach for you, listen up. First you need to understand what it means to be authentic, and you're going to want this for yourself: being authentic means you get to stop hiding who you are from other people. With that gift, you can then cultivate meaningful relationships with those around you, and more importantly with yourself.

Amber is a mom of 4 working on her PhD in marriage and family, who loves to share about authenticity and intimacy. She breaks down the biggest barriers to finding your authentic self and the simple ways to work towards breaking them down. Tune in to explore how living up to impossible standards, comparison, and body objectification are hindering your growth, and what you can gain from being authentically you.

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Something that I'm constantly working on is leaving behind the all-or-nothing mindset that used to cause me to spiral into the vicious cycle of perfectionism. I now like to reflect where I'm at with my own progress in a mindful way, without assigning any negative, or even overly positive, emotion to it.

An audit is where you objectively take a look at the facts, and let that inform what to do next. In this episode I'm giving you some very simple steps to perform your own 'progress audit' and there is even an acronym so you can do this any time you need a personal check-in.

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You know I never shy away from sharing the imperfect parts of progress, so in today's episode I'm being totally transparent about my own recent habit fails. There are two new things I've been wanting to start doing, so I set a small goal and was determined to implement these habits. Then time went by and I never even got started...tell me I'm not alone??

I call these situations dangling habits, because they are not attached to anything that you're already doing. In this episode I explain more about how to anchor your habits in 3 steps. I'll even provide prompts so you can start to work on constructing a new habit while you listen. Together we'll practice consistency and find success with our newfound habits.

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Don't forget about the big, huge, bonsues you can't get right now with my latest course!!

Introducing a new monthly series on the podcast where I update you on my real life, the messy middle of a woman striving for growth and remembering that progress is better than perfection. In this short episode you'll get a look into my recent life: the ups and downs, a habit check-in, my Do Something List, and things I love.

Tune in, see what resonates, and let me know how you're doing, too! After so many years of being fearful of this place, I now embrace the messy middle of progress and hope to show you that it's okay if you're here as well.

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I remember growing up, spring cleaning was a major all-hands-on-deck production. Now as THE adult in charge, I get so overwhelmed by alllllll that spring cleaning should entail.

Is that just me?

I didn’t think so. That’s why I invited Carly Adams on the podcast, a professional organizer who believes in progress over perfection at Tidy Home Revival on Instagram.

Today, Carly will teach you how to narrow in on what YOUR needs are for spring cleaning and offer up simple solutions to help you create a plan that will help you get clean without becoming mean.

The Better Homes and Gardens article mentioned in the episode.

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Tune in to one of our most popular episodes, where Progressors (just like you!) call in to share what they'e learned or how they've personally grown over the past few months and weeks. P.S. If you're looking for the usual life update from me, that's coming next Thursday! But I do share in this episode one major thing that I have learned recently, and truthfully, continue to work on and learn.

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No matter what your career is, or season of life that you are in, you likely know what burnout feels like. In this coaching call, I navigate how to deal with burnout, including feeling all of the emotions involved and choosing a path that is fully in alignment with your unique values.

Sharon is a Progressor, just like you, and a special needs educator for over 25 years. She finds herself burned out in the classroom, feeling the mental and emotional stress from teaching through a pandemic and not feeling very fulfilled.

While you listen to this coaching call, you can consider what might be your own question, and then use the steps we take to breakdown your particular issue. Your takeaways will include physical, emotional, and mental tools to combat burnout.

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How does a busy mom go back to law school? In this interview with one of our progressors, Katy Bastow, you'll hear from a real mom who did just that! She shares how long she thought about doing this, what propelled her to finally move forward, and what it's really like to be juggling motherhood and law school student life.

Enjoy the first episode in this new monthly series, "How do you..." and let me know on Instagram what you think!

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Have you noticed a friend or loved one sharing more about a new ADHD diagnosis? Or maybe it's you, putting a new name to long standing struggles. Ceri Payne is a breath of fresh air with her approach to the mindset around ADHD and how women can actually thrive within their diagnosis.

Using her special education background, and current coaching certifications, as well as firsthand experience with family members with ADHD, Ceri is on a mission to empower you and the women you know. First, she is clear, you are the same person as you've always been, just with a new awareness and the capability to learn new tools to support yourself. Then, she expounds upon the importance of strengths and weaknesses, habits and routines, and the emotions surrounding all of it.

And if you don't have ADHD, or know someone who does, don't count yourself out of this one! The lessons she shares can benefit each of us in our own growth journeys towards living full lives.

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Before you give up on yourself yet again, I want to dispel a very popular lie. Growth, change, and achievement, are possible, but they will not come overnight. Even Muhammad Ali said, "It took me 19 years to become an overnight success." If that was true for him, then we are in good company.

Tune in to this super short episode for some hard truths, a little pep talk, and the simple phrase that can help you reframe. You can become who you want to become if you set yourself up for longterm success and celebrate small wins that build, and build.

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One of my happy places is a nice, warm shower. I enjoy it so much that I hate to ever step out, can you relate? But since I can't live my life from there...or the couch, or my cozy bed...I've had to master the art of creating momentum.

In this episode I give you a very simple physics lesson, not to confuse you but to help you realize that the reasons you're feeling stuck are literally science! Our goal is to create the tiniest bit of momentum that will truly carry us through our tasks and days in ways that fulfill us and don't deplete us.

But what if you already know this about momentum, and you likely do, but still find yourself stuck at certain points of your day and your life? I have five very straightforward tips to create just enough energy in the moments you need it most.

Rest assured you do not need to use every one, every time. Take only what you need from these tips, and see how they really apply to me from cleaning, to work emails, to exercise and, of course, showering, as well as a Progressor call-in that we can all relate to.

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I am no stranger to tough decisions, many I have shared here on the podcast and others I have kept private. In this episode I'm opening up about experiences in my life when I have felt so torn about making a decision. I learned something early on, however, that has really helped. And despite knowing this truth, that sometimes there is no right answer, I still grapple with decision-making often.

So if you're like me, what are we to do? There are two questions I want you to ask yourself, to help steer your decision-making in the best direction for you. In this very short episode I will guide you through those questions with my own experiences and helpful tips for you. Let's work together to find fulfillment in making tough choices and feel good about those choices by keeping your identity a top priority.

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Does your to-do list make you feel burned out? Part of the problem comes from our hustle culture that glorifies people who “have it all” by doing it all. But, in reality, we can’t have–or do–it all, all the time.

How can we avoid this burnout when we have so much to do?

Greg McKeown has studied and written extensively on this subject. The answer: essentialism. Essentialism is the practice of paring down your life to only the essential. (Ex: simplifying your priorities AND your to-do list.)

But, what happens when even the most essential tasks of life STILL overwhelm you?

This was also the case for Greg. He discovered that although essentialism is THE start to living a more balanced life, there’s another step that follows: making what’s essential effortless.

In this episode, Greg talks about how you (as a REAL woman) can implement his ideas. You’ll leave with two questions you can ask when you feel burned out: “Is this essential?” And, “How can I make what is essential effortless?”

Plus, you’ll hear practical steps you can take to actually apply this in your life.

If you want to avoid burnout AND have the ability to do what matters most without the hustle, you won’t want to miss this episode!

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Introducing a new monthly series on the podcast where I update you on my real life, the messy middle of a woman striving for growth and remembering that progress is better than perfection. In this short episode you'll get a look into my recent life: the ups and downs, a habit check-in, my Do Something List, and things I love.

Tune in, see what resonates, and let me know how you're doing, too! After so many years of being fearful of this place, I now embrace the messy middle of progress and hope to show you that it's okay if you're here as well.

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If you ever procrastinate, know you’re not alone. All humans on earth procrastinate on some level. It’s sooo easy to get lost in “procrastination loops.” (Enter: scrolling endlessly on social media.)

Procrastination doesn’t just prevent you from getting things done, like doing the dishes or cleaning the house.

Procrastinating also prevents you from being the person you want to be. We even procrastinate our dreams, goals, and habits!

How can we disrupt these procrastination loops and manage our procrastination tendencies?

Today I’m sharing an interview I did with Rachel Nielson on her podcast 3 in 30: Takeaways For Moms. You’ll learn WHAT procrastination is and WHY it’s super easy to fall into endless loops of procrastination and three ways you can better control your procrastination tendencies.

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I have learned an unexpected amount over the past year as a coach, from my training and my students. The most recent surprise was abut using a mantra, something that I thought wouldn't come easily to me with my fast-paced brain. But, in reflecting on my life's experiences I can identify a steady mantra. In the past my mantra came about organically, and I clung to it. Now, I see the benefit of setting an intentional mantra to help reset your mind when you're facing behaviors that don't align with your values. Tune in as I use questions to guide you toward setting your own mantra to navigate the feelings and obstacles in your way.

Let me know if this new tool helps you gain more control and feel more alignment in your life!

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Do you ever find yourself left with no time to work on yourself and habits because you’re managing your household? We’ve been told that “women can have it all,” but to have it all, we find ourselves doing it all . . .

Research shows that regardless of whether women do paid-work in or out of the home, they manage the majority of household responsibilities.

To top it all off, research shows that housework is hugely undervalued both by the world and by our family members. (That includes the ways we undervalue our own contributions, too.)

This combo of too-little-time and too-little-value leads to discord and resentment.

In this week’s episode, I invited Eve Rodsky to help us work through these issues so we can have more fairness in housework and improve relationships (+ more time!) Eve spent over a decade studying the imbalance in time/value spent on housework and created a life-changing solution she calls the Fair Play system that solves so many of these problems.

In this episode, Eve teaches you how to restore fairness to the housework and how doing so will benefit every member of the family.

(Teaser: fairness isn’t about dividing the household tasks and responsibilities 50/50.)

It’s time to have more time, to feel more valued, and to improve your relationships, too. Listen in and learn how!

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Earlier this week I released an episode about the different types of self care, and answered some call-ins from members of the community who wanted help in that area. One, in particular, mentioned an obstacle that so many of us are facing, and it warranted its own short Growth Spurt episode today.

What do you do when you have the time for taking care of yourself, but are turning to numbing behaviors instead of fulfilling ones? In the future I have an info-packed episode coming all about numbing behaviors, but today I want to just share what works for me, in the hopes you might be inspired for yourself. I hope you tune in for the steps I try to take when I find myself not using my precious time in ways that truly align with my values. Let me know if this is something that can work for you, too!

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Are you exhausted?

When I say “exhausted,” I don’t just mean being physically tired. Are you mentally, emotionally, and spiritually exhausted, too? This kind of exhaustion makes every part of living feel hard and heavy.

Everyone seems to be exhausted, especially us women. It doesn’t take much to understand why as we near the second anniversary of a worldwide pandemic. (We feel stressed, overwhelmed, and overworked, most of the time with little support.)

If you’re feeling exhausted, know you’re not alone! (I’ve been there with you, too!) But, there’s one thing that we can control that makes us feel less exhausted and more like ourselves:

Self-care.

We all know that there are major societal changes needed to better support women, especially those that act as care-givers. But, in the meantime we can’t wait. We have to start by better caring for ourselves.

Listen to learn about the three-types of self-care you need in your life, and how to overcome the most common self-care hurdles.

No matter your situation, you can stop feeling so “exhausted” and start feeling more like yourself!

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(Note: This is Part Two of How to Parent Your Perfectionistic Child. Start with episode 373 to hear Part One of our conversation!)

So, you officially know that you have a perfectionistic child. (Psst: yes, even the “under-achiever” types count!) Where can you start as their parent to help them overcome their perfectionistic tendencies?

According to Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife and Carolyn Bever, you have to start with yourself! This advice may seem counterintuitive, but these experts say that managing yourself is KEY to being able to best empower your perfectionist-child..

Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife and Carolyn Bever are back for Part Two of our conversation to talk about your role as you parent a perfectionistic child. (Hint: Your role isn’t to fix or micromanage them. Your role is to love them!)

This may seem difficult, but Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife and Carolyn Bever give practical tips to best move forward, including: thinking from your child’s point-of-view, getting an outsider’s perspective, and differentiating your role from your child’s.

As parents, we are anxious to do a good job raising our kids. Come listen to two experts discuss how you can parent your perfectionistic child with more love and more confidence, too..

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Do you have a child who struggles with perfectionism? Maybe, you’re not quite sure . . .

Parenting a perfectionistic child can be overwhelming and confusing, especially because perfectionism isn’t just for the stereotypical overachiever.

For years, I’ve heard from parents who want to know what to do with their kids who are terrified of failure. That’s why I invited two experts to share their advice this week.

Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife and Carolyn Bever share their personal and professional advice on HOW to parent and empower perfectionistic children.

We cover: how to recognize perfectionism in your child, the importance of you having your own sense of self, and practical tips on how to parent your unique perfectionist.

We had so much to share, that we needed to split the episode into two parts! So, be sure to come back for Part Two and its expansion on the most essential tip: starting with yourself.

You don’t have to feel overwhelmed and confused. Start with these tips to help empower and parent your perfectionistic child!

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Make sure you're subscribed to the Go-Getter Newsletter for exclusive insights and weekly Progress Pointers!

We all face dips in our mental health, in our belief in ourselves, and our capacity to just "deal" with life.

How can you face those dips with both acceptance but not despair?

And what do you do when those dips line up with a major transition you're taking on, and it's hard to see around the insecurity you feel?

Today's special bonus episode is an edited coaching call I did with a client named Wendy.

Wendy is facing a dip as she works to start a new career and feeling neck-deep in alllll the disqualifiers that are coming up for her.

"I'm too old."
"I don't know the technology."
"I should have started years ago."

You'll hear us talk about how to handle those dips, ways to remove yourself from the shield of perfectionism, and how to counteract the disqualifers with qualifiers.

Whether you're like Wendy and facing a dip in your mental health or are starting a new phase--a new job, a new relationship, a new season--this episode will help you learn how to NOT WAIT and raise your hand to qualify yourself.

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Have you ever felt like it was too late? Too late for your goals, traditions, or habits? Or, maybe you feel it’s too late to create better relationships?

Instead of being stuck in these feelings, I want to teach you how to start where you are, even when you think it’s too late!

In this episode, I share my own experiences of feeling like it was “too late” for me to start certain things. (Don’t worry, I definitely understand this feeling!)

I then outline three ways you may be disqualifying yourself from starting over and cover mindset shifts you can embrace to move from feeling “it’s too late” to starting what you want.

If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “It’s too late,” then this episode is for you. Join me to let go of regrets to create more for your life!

Strive Hive
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There’s so much advice out there on how to build the “perfect” routine, not to mention so many good routines to consider. Many women find themselves paralyzed, not even knowing where to start.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed when you try to create routines, too?

In this week’s episode, I invited my friend and routine expert, Ashley Brown, to discuss how you can get started with some simple, yet solid routines. We tap down on your overwhelm and provide 3 routines for you to consider—with options!

Even though they’re “simple,” each of these routines has the potential to make a big difference for most people!

We know the next “routine battle” awaits after you choose where to start. That’s why Ashley and I also discuss some of the main hurdles you’re likely to find in your way as you start these routines.

Instead of feeling overwhelmed to start your routines, follow this expert’s practical advice and get some momentum going—starting today!

Strive Hive
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Do you love the idea of creating your own Do Something List (DSL), but get stuck somewhere in the process of making your own?

You're not alone!

A recent survey I did on Instagram showed that the high majority of our community who want a DSL stop before they even start. (And the rest find themselves stuck on the brainstorm step.)

Today, you'll hear a coaching call I did with a Progressor named Holly. I walk her through creating her own DSL from start to finish. As you listen, you'll see what this process can be like for you.

Join in with Holly and create THE list that will help you find YOU this year!

PS: The doors are open to the Strive Hive, my online membership group for women who are ready to strive for daily progress in a community unlike any other online. Join us HERE.

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What’s the secret to having a better morning routine? Creating a solid, easy nighttime routine. That’s because mornings start the night before!

Not sure where to start?

In this episode, I walk you through my four-step process to creating your own personal nighttime routine. This routine will meet both your desires and needs, and match the season you are in.

You’ll leave the episode with practical ways to improve your nighttime routine and end your days feeling the way you want to feel—both at night AND in the morning.

HABITS CHALLENGE
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Episode references: 365. Do Something List, 357. Lower the Hurdles, 352. The Deep Breath, 350. Deprioritize, 348. How to Create Momentum, 274. Exhaustion with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith

Jess Frew is a podcaster, mom, stepmom, wife and ex-wife. Jess has learned to choose bold action. She’s experienced how life’s better on the other side of being bold, including your relationships too!

Join us to hear tips to live and love more boldly in your own life. You’ll also hear how Jess navigates both the complications and blessings boldness brings to relationships by setting boundaries.

You’ll leave this episode with a new definition of “boldness.” You’ll have a deeper resolve to live boldly as the truest version of yourself. And you’ll make room for others to live that way, as well. Because when you do this, BOTH your true self and others around you will thrive more in the long run!

HABITS CHALLENGE
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DON'T MISS OUT ON MY HABIT CHALLENGE

Today's episode is my personal, very short, very top of mind thoughts, on how to sort through some overwhelming messaging that I know we are all seeing right now. With the start of the new year we face a lot of external pressures, a lot of 'shoulds' trying to dictate how we need to live our lives.

In this Growth Spurt I want to give you the permission to find clarity for yourself, and make sure you know that you get to decide what works best for you this year. When it comes to habits, goals, ways to rest, whatever it is, you are in charge. I hope when you tune in to this bite sized episode you get the confirmation you need to live intuitively - and look forward to discussing that further in the future!

HABITS CHALLENGE
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New Year, New You, right?

But, what if in the middle of all the goals and resolutions, you have no idea where to start to find “YOU?”

Before I was ready to get back into list-making, 6 years ago I needed a path to explore who I was. The Do Something List (DSL) began as a way for me to discover and uncover “ME” outside of the all-or-nothing model.

I haven’t seen anything like it talked about anywhere else. It changed me, and it can change you.

Join me in this episode to hear my best tips AND listen to other Progressors who have benefitted from the DSL, too.

This year, you can create a new kind of list: a list that will help YOU progress by doing something to discover and uncover “you.”

(See my current list and past lists: 2021, 2020, 2019, 2016.)

HABITS CHALLENGE
Full Show Notes + Transcript
Podcast Sponsor - code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Finding Me Course

It feels extra special to bring you this final episode of 2021 filled with voices from this remarkable community of growth-minded women. Your voice always matter, in your home and communities, and here on this show.

For many reasons this was a difficult year for me and my family, it almost seemed to blend with 2020. I'm sharing a little more about that, and of course what I learned from some of those tough lessons. (Spoiler: I almost quit this whole podcast gig!)

My hope is that in listening to my story, as well as those of the women who so graciously called in, you will be able to learn something, too. So, tune in to hear from several women answering this prompt, "What I learned in 2021..."

Thank you so, so much for being here and see you next year!

Be On The Show
Finding Me - my foundational course on identity

Do you ever feel like you’re NOT acting like yourself? This may happen on days where you’re tired, depleted, or unfulfilled. In those moments, you can’t truly give or be your true self because you don’t have a true self to give from!

This episode dives into my personal journey of finding my identity. What happened changed my life. You’ll also hear three women from our community each share what changed after they found their identity again.

You don’t have to feel lost or unfulfilled anymore. Put your SELF under the tree this year! Tune in to feel empowered and equipped to take steps to be your true SELF again! This will truly be the best gift you can give all year long.

Full Show Notes + Transcript
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Finding Me Course

Founder of Monk Manual, Steve Lawson believes the best way to start the new year is to throw away the prescriptions and to focus more on getting intentional.

How can you do that? Well, there’s actual practical ways to get clear about what YOU want and what YOU need. And Steve delivers just that.

Steve's advice will leave you with what you can do TODAY to create the best year possible in 2022. You’ll go from feeling overwhelmed by another 365 days, to being empowered to take on a new year in ways that are in alignment.

Listen in to hear how to use Steve’s tips for a great new year—a year that’s all about you!

Full Show Notes + Transcript
Podcast Sponsor - 'PROGRESS' for 10% off
Finding Me Course

Right now, a Progressor named Kate feels STUCK because she needs to make a difficult decision that will affect her career, her family, and herself. This episode is a recorded coaching call as I guide Kate to get clarity on how she wants to move forward.

Decisions are never easy to make!

Listen to learn how YOU can get more clarity on some choices you have in front of you, and to hear my biggest truth about decision-making. (Hint: it’s not about the actual decision . . . )

Full Show Notes + Transcript
Podcast Sponsor - 'PROGRESS' for 10% off
Finding Me Course

In this episode, I sit down with my husband, Brad, to answer your most pressing questions. It was fun to turn the tables and have Brad asking the questions on topics all about the podcast and our recent move. You'll hear each of our takes on what the past five years has looked like as we celebrate this monumental anniversary.

We are so appreciative of this community, so thank you for showing up each week and keeping this podcast possible. To celebrate YOU I am giving away $500, so make sure you don't miss out on that and hope you love the episode.

Recently, I was told I was setting a standard that “normal” women couldn’t achieve.

As a “normal” woman, YOU are allowed to want more. (Period!) No matter what season of life you’re in right now, you’re allowed to have dreams, goals, and ambitions.

Listen in to learn more on why this matters and how you (yes, you!) can reach for more in ways that matter to you.

Full Show Notes + Transcript
Podcast Sponsor - 'PROGRESS' for 10% off
Finding Me Course

Repressing emotion creates physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences in your life. I’m sure you are dealing with those, just like me!

This week, I talked with Jill Freestone about tools you can use to feel your emotions. She explained that there are so many tools to work on personal growth, but you can only move forward when you learn to process your emotions.

Full Show Notes + Transcript
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Finding Me Course

When you feel resistance arise, don’t fall into the trap of blaming or shaming yourself. I want to help you focus on what you can do to make hard things easier.

Here is the main tip I want you to memorize: Lower the hurdles!

Join me in learning how + how this tool can apply to real-life scenarios of how you can lower the hurdles in your life, including: gift giving, exercising, attending events, achieving goals, and more!

Full Show Notes + Transcript
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Finding Me Course

We live in a world that rewards “busy.” It feels good to be productive. But, how can you know if it’s time to take a step back? How can you fill your time instead?

Patrice Washington—a recovering over-achiever—learned how to do this from a deliberate choice she made this year: she decided to slow down.

Do you want less of the “busy” and more of the “right stuff” in your life? Tune in to learn how you can change your busy calendar into a life filled with more purpose!

Full Show Notes + Transcript
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Finding Me Course

This week, I am sharing a coaching session I had with a Progressor named Kelly. As a busy mom with ADHD and children across a wide spectrum of ages (and needs!), Kelly found that her desire to connect more with her children was competing with her needs to support them through systems, to-do’s, and routines.

From this call with Kelly, you’ll learn how to weed out the shoulds, get centered in on your wants, and create next steps to deprioritize what doesn’t matter so that you can better cultivate the relationships you want.

Full Show Notes + Transcript
Podcast Sponsor - 'ABOUTPROGRESS' for 15% off
Finding Me Course

With a recent move to our new home, my morning routine has been completely out-of-sync. For me, it’s been a whirlwind of backpacks, school lunches, and KIDS all while trying (read: forgetting) to take care of my own needs.

In this episode, I want to give you my recipe to makeover (or create!) your morning routine.

Note: this isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” kind of recipe. My four tips will help you to create a unique routine that will support BOTH your time constraints and your needs.

Full Show Notes + Transcript
Podcast Sponsor - 'ABOUTPROGRESS' for 15% off
Finding Me Course

Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife and Dr. Julie Hanks (two of our top-favorite guests!) are joining forces to share what a partnership model looks like, why it’s essential to having deeply successful marriages and families, and HOW couples can move past the obstacles getting in the way of being equally valued.

This won’t be a light-hearted episode for you to listen to.

But it will be a life-changing one.

It’s time for MORE in your marriage! If you’re ready for that, listen in to learn how.

Full Show Notes + Transcript
Podcast Sponsor - 'ABOUTPROGRESS' for 15% off
Finding Me Course

Would you like to stop overreacting? Would you like to stop living your life on autopilot? Do you ever react without thinking? Do you feel like your schedule is spinning out of control?

When we are so reactive, we feel out of control and out of character. Instead of reacting, I want you to learn my two ways to lengthen the gap. You can take control of your own needs, and use my practical tool, “The Deep Breath.”

Full Show Notes + Transcript
Podcast Sponsor - 'ABOUTPROGRESS' for 15% off
Finding Me Course

Note: this episode has been updated.

On this week’s episode, Rachel Nielson shares how she felt spread so thin in motherhood that she became lost. Thanks to her romanticized view of motherhood, Rachel was chasing alllll of the shoulds instead of making room for HERSELF as a mom.

If you need a place to start, listen in to hear Rachels’ tips, including her amazing “scripts” of what to say when you remove a to-do from your life.

Want to be a more fulfilled mom? You can! Join us in simplifying away the shoulds and make more room for YOU in motherhood.

Full Show Notes + Transcript
Podcast U FINAL SALE - code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Podcast Sponsor - code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Finding Me Course

How do you feel when you think of your daily schedule? Are you overwhelmed by all you need to accomplish? This doesn’t have to be you! You can learn to better prioritize AND increase your productivity, too, with my #1 tip:

DEPRIORITIZE!

Deprioritizing will help you make the trade-offs of what matters less, for what matters most.

Full Blog Post + Transcript
Upcoming Challenge
Podcast Sponsor - code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Finding Me Course

Have you ever been held hostage by your own standards of what it means to be a good _____ (fill in the blank)?

Sara Carruth shares her experiences of dealing with major self-doubt, and how her ability to gradually remove the “should” boxes keeping her trapped started with a simple mantra:

“Keep growing!”

Full Blog Post + Transcript
Upcoming Challenge
Podcast Sponsor - code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Finding Me Course

September feels like a new beginning with changes in weather and schedules. It’s a time to set new goals, but sometimes life doesn’t go according to plan. In this episode, I breakdown why motivation is unreliable and how we can beat the “motivation blues.”

Full Blog Post + Transcript
Upcoming Challenge
Podcast Sponsor - code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Finding Me Course

Have you ever had a martyr moment? Thoughts, like "Nobody ever seems to care about me." And "Nothing ever seems to work out for me."

We've all had martyr moments, me included. Today, I'm going to talk about how we fall into martyrdom and what we can do to make those moments stay as moments instead of them becoming full on mindsets.

Full Blog Post + Transcript
Upcoming Challenge
Podcast Sponsor - code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Finding Me Course

Why is it so hard to change in the ways we want? How is it so easy to get stuck making progress?

Well, it’s because you’re trying to grow through self-help extremes that are designed for perfect robots. But, you’re a real woman living a real life!

TRUTH: You don’t have to be special to transform your life.

About Progress is a podcast and community alllllll about progress made practical.

Here, host Monica Packer will help you embrace the “Progress Model” by building small wins over time; the kind of wins that create dramatic, lasting change.

The fulfillment and growth you’re looking for is possible for you!

Listen in to learn how to do something and grow in ways that stick.

Find more show notes and archives here: https://aboutprogress.com/latest-episodes/

Follow Monica on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aboutprogress/

Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, please subscribe and follow!

Sometimes, you take months to create a well-thought-out plan, but that plan gets thrown out in a matter of days. That's what has happened to me. Here's why I am saying "Goodbye" to the podcast, but just for a time.

-

If you want to be in-the-know about what I'm up to and to preview the changes that are coming, sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter and make sure you follow me on Instagram HERE!

SHOW NOTES
Leave a rating and review for the podcast!
Foundational course, “Finding Me.”
Free and easy Belonging Guide
Get on the waitlist for the Strive Hive, my monthly membership group
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Whether you asked for it or not, at some point or another you will find yourself in a season of change. Women in this community who have been through that have expressed feeling overwhelmed and unsure of navigating their new paths. Sometimes this applies even when you have chosen your season of change. Here we are focused on personal fulfillment, feeling whole, and like yourself amidst the ebbs and flows of your life. Tune in for this interview with a fellow progressor who is well versed in this scenario and shares powerful ways to create fulfillment in seasons of change.

Aubrey Baldwin is a mother and Air Force wife living abroad in England, so she is no stranger to frequent moves that take her far from family and familiarity. She shares her personal story of how she realized that a simple routine, gratitude, and connection could create fulfillment even in seasons of change. Life is never static, and while the transitions can be out of our control, we can find peace and alignment when we learn how to prioritize and control the controllables.

About a few other things...

Reclaim your creative power and rediscover who you actually are! If you’re ready to come back home to yourself, to be able to say that you know who you are and what matters to you, take my foundation course, “Finding Me.” It’s OK that you’ve lost parts of yourself along the way; but as you learn to anchor back into who you are and align your life to what matters to you, you’ll find that you have more strength, more fulfilment, and more creativity to bring to your important roles and responsibilities.

I have a goal to get to 1000 reviews, and I need your help! If you would leave a rating and simple review on Apple Podcast it would really help the show grow, and reach even more women who need this community. I appreciate each one, as well as your shares, it helps me keep the show going and know better how to serve you!

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Aubrey's Instagram, Website, "I Belong, Too"
Leave a rating and review for the podcast!
Miss Kelsey Preschool and Kindergarten Boxes - 20% off with code ABOUTPROGRESS
Foundational course, “Finding Me.”
Free and easy Belonging Guide
Get on the waitlist for the Strive Hive, my monthly membership group
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

The great sculptor Michelangelo shared that he could see a block of marble and envision the angel inside it before he even started carving his masterpiece.

Do you want to create a better _______? (Fill in the blank: habit, life, routine, goal!)

Then take a leaf out of the artists' book and start with casting a VISION.

This is something I teach in my Progress Program, and today I'll give you a nutshell version of how to cast a vision before you create for yourself, specifically with a habit, a life (it's broad for a reason:), and with a goal.

That last one is totally supported with a little outtake from my recent episode with Rhonda Farr. She walks me through a short exercise where she helps me cast a vision for a future goal and how I want to FEEL within that goal.

Totally different? Yes. Totally cool and effective? Yes.

Listen in to this growth spurt then go DO SOMETHING and cast a vision for an area in your life that you want to improve, too.

Show Notes:

Sign up for "Finding Me" HERE

Listen to episode referenced with Rhonda HERE

When you think of your goals, how do you feel? Is it stressful, overwhelming, fearful? Do you rush to the "how?" Would you rather feel joy and peace and gratitude? You're not alone, tune in to today's episode to learn how to create emotions to support your goals. Just know that we’re not going to skip the hard emotions, we're going to acknowledge them but not indulge them, as we rewire how our brain fires.

Rhonda Farr is a former counselor for at-risk youth, who now focuses on emotional skills while coaching others towards their goals. She emphasizes the acknowledgement that many of the tough emotions we face are a result of conditioning, and not our fault. Through practicing connecting to positive and grounding emotions, which she walks listeners through, you can rewire the connections that your brain makes to be positive and supportive.

About a few other things...

It’s time to belong to yourself again, so you can belong to your life. Get my free and easy Belonging Guide, where I walk you through how to figure out what’s missing in your life and what you can do about it.

I have a goal to get to 1000 reviews, and I need your help! If you would leave a rating and simple review on Apple Podcast it would really help the show grow, and reach even more women who need this community. I appreciate each one, as well as your shares, it helps me keep the show going and know better how to serve you!

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Rhonda's Instagram, Website
Leave a rating and review for the podcast!
Miss Kelsey Preschool and Kindergarten Boxes - 20% off with code ABOUTPROGRESS
Try Better Help online therapy 10% off your first month
Free and easy Belonging Guide
Get on the waitlist for the Strive Hive, my monthly membership group
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

If you're still clinging to the idea that you are not creative, here's another fantastic interview to help you change the way you see yourself, and the reasons why that might be so important for you. Within your creative ability (it's in there, promise!) is the power, purpose, and fulfillment to shape your life and the lives of those around you that matter most. Writer Meg Conley shares her story and inspires you to reclaim your agency and create a life of meaning and fulfillment.

Meg tackles gender roles, home culture, and how to take creative action in this episode. She shares a few steps that she personally takes to begin creative endeavors, and it includes a lot of blank notebooks. You don't have to overhaul your whole world, you don't have to identify as traditionally creative, you just have to want more for yourself and take the first step forward in harnessing your creative power.

About a few other things...

Reclaim your creative power and rediscover who you actually are! If you’re ready to come back home to yourself, to be able to say that you know who you are and what matters to you, take my foundation course, “Finding Me.” It’s OK that you’ve lost parts of yourself along the way; but as you learn to anchor back into who you are and align your life to what matters to you, you’ll find that you have more strength, more fulfilment, and more creativity to bring to your important roles and responsibilities.

I have a goal to get to 1000 reviews, and I need your help! If you would leave a rating and simple review on Apple Podcast it would really help the show grow, and reach even more women who need this community. I appreciate each one, as well as your shares, it helps me keep the show going and know better how to serve you!

SHOW NOTES

Meg's Instagram, Website, Medium
Leave a rating and review for the podcast!
Miss Kelsey Preschool and Kindergarten Boxes - 20% off with code ABOUTPROGRESS
Try Better Help online therapy 10% off your first month
New audio course on identity - "Finding Me"
Get on the waitlist for the Strive Hive, my monthly membership group
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Michelle Franzoni Thorley is the artist behind Flora Familiar, where she uses various art forms to address family history, antiracism education, and her culture. When you see her beautiful work you'll want to assume a lot about her talents. But, what she wants you to know is that artistic creativity is something she has worked to uncover within herself. Through her simple tips to uncover your creative side, and the guidance of this conversation, you'll begin to see where your creativity lies, because it's not always artistic.

Michelle's upbringing as a Mexican American and daughter of a single mother is what she attributes to being creative in many regards, because although her artwork did start young it did not flourish until she pursued it in her 30's. Now, since pushing aside perfectionism and leaning into the messiness of creativity, Michelle beautifully explores culture, family history, and educates others on antiracism through her art. Her perspective will inspire you to be brave, as she says "bravery is not about the lack of fear, bravery is about fear and doing it anyway."

About a few other things...

If you’re ready to come back home to yourself, to be able to say that you know who you are and what matters to you, take my foundation course, “Finding Me.” It’s OK that you’ve lost parts of yourself along the way; but as you learn to anchor back into who you are and align your life to what matters to you, you’ll find that you have more strength, more fulfilment, and more creativity to bring to your important roles and responsibilities

I have a goal to get to 1000 reviews, and I need your help! If you would leave a rating and simple review on Apple Podcast it would really help the show grow, and reach even more women who need this community. I appreciate each one, as well as your shares, it helps me keep the show going and know better how to serve you!

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Michelle's Instagram, Website, Patreon
Leave a rating and review for the podcast!
Miss Kelsey Preschool and Kindergarten Boxes - 20% off with code ABOUTPROGRESS
Try Better Help online therapy 10% off your first month
New audio course on identity - "Finding Me"
Get on the waitlist for the Strive Hive, my monthly membership group
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

As a community, we are anchoring into our deeper identity, one that exists OUTSIDE of our bodies and how they appear.

This special episode is devoted to hearing from women of the About Progress community who share how they are fighting the constant push from the world to believe (and live!) otherwise.

No! Here, we instead believe in the words of the Kite sisters from Beauty Redefined: we are more than our bodies.

Full episode notes HERE.

I believe we really are all born to create, and this is something we've talked about often on the podcast. If that idea feels foreign to you, then I have a few suggestions of how you can dig in and find that spark again. Likely you're hung up on the definition of creativity, which I challenge you to reconsider. It's time to move away from that all or nothing thinking and remember that you don't have to earn the right to be a creative, you just have to create. Tune in for my 3 tips on how to begin to cultivate creativity in your life again, and how those things have helped me personally.

About a few other things...

If you’re ready to come back home to yourself, to be able to say that you know who you are and what matters to you, take my foundation course, “Finding Me.” It’s OK that you’ve lost parts of yourself along the way; but as you learn to anchor back into who you are and align your life to what matters to you, you’ll find that you have more strength, more fulfilment, and more creativity to bring to your important roles and responsibilities

I have a goal to get to 1000 reviews, and I need your help! If you would leave a rating and simple review on Apple Podcast it would really help the show grow, and reach even more women who need this community. I appreciate each one, as well as your shares, it helps me keep the show going and know better how to serve you!

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Leave a rating and review for the podcast!
Miss Kelsey Preschool and Kindergarten Boxes - 20% off with code ABOUTPROGRESS
Join the free Organization Challenge
New audio course on identity - "Finding Me"
Get on the waitlist for the Strive Hive, my monthly membership group
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Today's episode is from an exclusive masterclass that was presented to the Strive Hive by registered dietitian Taylor Chan. This won't happen often, or maybe ever again, but her message on navigating diet culture is too important. When you tune in you'll hear her teachings on the 3 important new ways to look at nutrition and some reframing around specific food examples. There is also a question and answer session that took place in real time, and you will likely identify with the voices you hear. Taylor doesn't shy away from answering the big questions, too, like how to deal with family and emotional eating. This holistic approach to looking at food and nutrition is another important factor as we continue to learn how to honor our body this month.

About a few other things...

I have a goal to get to 1000 reviews, and I need your help! If you would leave a rating and simple review on Apple Podcast it would really help the show grow, and reach even more women who need this community. I appreciate each one, as well as your shares, it helps me keep the show going and know better how to serve you!

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Taylor's Instagram, Website
Leave a rating and review for the podcast!
Bravery Magazine - 10% off with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Try Better Help for 10% off with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Join the free Organization Challenge
New audio course on identity - "Finding Me"
Get on the waitlist for the Strive Hive, my monthly membership group
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

In my coaching experience and working with the women in this community I have often heard, "What about my health problems?" Not being able to show up for your life the way you want to, because your health struggles affect your identity, is happening in big and small ways for many of you. If you feel "outside" of some of the topics we've been discussing here I want you to take the space you need within certain teachings to honor your body best. In this episode I want to remind you how to refocus on your identity, remove shame, honor your choices, and insert meaning and purpose into your struggles.

About a few other things...

Whether you've already jumped head first into Spring cleaning, or you're dreading even the thought of it, the free "You Can Get Organized Challenge" is for you. Join our group challenge and hear daily live lessons from me on why you're struggling and how to work through it. Get support + have fun + share your "Small Organization Wins!"

I have a goal to get to 1000 reviews, and I need your help! If you would leave a rating and simple review on Apple Podcast it would really help the show grow, and reach even more women who need this community. I appreciate each one, as well as your shares, it helps me keep the show going and know better how to serve you!

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Leave a rating and review for the podcast!
Bravery Magazine - 10% off with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Try Better Help for 10% off with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Join the free Organization Challenge
New audio course on identity - "Finding Me"
Get on the waitlist for the Strive Hive, my monthly membership group
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

How much of your time, your precious energy, are you spending worrying about your body, your food, and what others think about you? In a society that celebrates women in smaller bodies and oppresses women in larger bodies, you are not alone. Former macro coach, Ashton Barrett, describes her "diet rock bottom" and how she has learned to thrive on the other side. She teaches when it's time to ditch diets for good, and how to heal yourself by honoring your body through this shift.

In this conversation between Monica and Ashton you'll hear from two women who suffered from disordered eating, diagnosed and not, but work continuously towards healing. Through simple tips (unfollow diet culture accounts!) and more introspective guidance, such as honoring your fears, this is a gentle way to break the dieting cycle that you're stuck in.

About a few other things...

Whether you've already jumped head first into Spring cleaning, or you're dreading even the thought of it, the free "You Can Get Organized Challenge" is for you. Join our group challenge and hear daily live lessons from me on why you're struggling and how to work through it. Get support + have fun + share your "Small Organization Wins!"

I have a goal to get to 1000 reviews, and I need your help! If you would leave a rating and simple review on Apple Podcast it would really help the show grow, and reach even more women who need this community. I appreciate each one, as well as your shares, it helps me keep the show going and know better how to serve you!

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Ashton's Instagram
Leave a rating and review for the podcast!
Bravery Magazine - 10% off with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Try Better Help for 10% off with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Join the free Organization Challenge
New audio course on identity - "Finding Me"
Get on the waitlist for the Strive Hive, my monthly membership group
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

What if you could go from a place of negativity, or numbness, towards your body, to a place of neutrality? What if you could go from there to liking it, even loving it. Your body is a part of you, but it is not all of you. If this feels foreign to you, it's time to heal your relationship with your body by stating there - with the relationship.

As we dive deeper into this month's theme of "Honor Your Body" we are lucky to learn from Anna Packard, a clinical psychologist and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, who shares her own story with disordered eating and how she was fueled by that into helping others. Her simple approach will resonate immediately and be something you can apply today. This is a lesson unlike what the louder voices of the world want us to hear. This is all about us changing our orientation and feeling toward our bodies. It is no longer about our bodies needing to change.

About a few other things...

Whether you've already jumped head first into Spring cleaning, or you're dreading even the thought of it, the free "You Can Get Organized Challenge" is for you. Join our group challenge and hear daily live lessons from me on why you're struggling and how to work through it. Get support + have fun + share your "Small Organization Wins!"

If you feel stuck, or lost, it's time to uncover who you are and belong to yourself again with my newest course focused on identity. It's never too late to find yourself! Get the 6 week audio course and workbook at Finding Me.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Anna's Website
Bravery Magazine - 10% off with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Try Better Help for 10% off with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Join the free Organization Challenge
New audio course on identity - "Finding Me"
Get on the waitlist for the Strive Hive, my monthly membership group
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

How much time are you spending thinking about your body and appearance, instead of your dreams and goals and other pursuits? For me, personally, it has been too much time. I recount a few very specific memories from my youth that shaped my own ideas of a perfect body, which, if you're familiar with my story, led to very difficult years of disordered eating. My guess is that you can relate and may have also struggled to really honor your body.

One thing I want you to remember, though, is that you are not your body. We must support and honor our physical bodies, but they do not define us and are not our identity. In this episode I'm sharing 4 things that have worked for me as I learn to honor my body. These are not strict rules, rather ways to help you find a new perspective as you develop a loving relationship with your body.

RESOURCES MENTIONED: Rational Faiths "Art, Nudity, and Modesty", Stephanie Nielson's "My New Life," About Progress Episode 97 "Stepping Into Your Power by Building a Resilient Body Image" with Lindsay Kite, phD, Episode 263 "Why You Don’t Need to be Afraid of Intuitive Eating" with Beth Summers, Episode 318 "How to Overcome Body Obsession" with Lexie Kite, phD, Episode 329 "A Misplacement of Identity"

About a few other things...

It's time to belong to yourself again, so you can belong to your life. Get my free and easy Belonging Guide, where I walk you through how to figure out what's missing in your life and what you can do about it.

If you feel stuck, or lost, it's time to uncover who you are and belong to yourself again with my newest course focused on identity. It's never too late to find yourself! Get the 6 week audio course and workbook at Finding Me.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Bravery Magazine - 10% off with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Get started on belonging to yourself with this free resource
Join the free Organization Challenge
New audio course on identity - "Finding Me"
Get on the waitlist for the Strive Hive, my monthly membership group
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

When you think of your goals, are they the really big, New Year's Resolutions type? While a desire to totally revamp your morning routine, for example, is noble, it can be too large to be doable. To achieve change through sustainable growth you have to understand the keys to creating big routines by starting with small habits.

Not sure where to start? Sandra Chuma, Habits Coach and Podcaster, has some great ideas for how to break it down. She opens up about her own story from being born and raised in Zimbabwe, to building a company with her husband, and then attending university in her 40's, and more. Through mindset (fear of habits, anyone??), compounding actions, and a "failure plan," she teaches how you can have tangible and long-lasting success.

About a few other things...

If you're pumped about learning more about habits, but don't know where to start, get my free handout, "Sticky Habits for Progressors" HERE.

If you feel stuck, or lost, it's time to uncover who you are and belong to yourself again with my newest course focused on identity. It's never too late to find yourself! Get the 6 week audio course and workbook at Finding Me.

Quality matters with supplements. From protein powder, to energy-giving or calming drinks. Choose organic plant-based products with Organifi and get 20% off with the code ABOUTPROGRESS.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Sandra's Instagram, Podcast, and Website
Get 20% off Organifi with the code "ABOUTPROGRESS"
Get my audio course on identity - "Finding Me"
Try Better Help, today!
Get on the waitlist for the Strive Hive, my monthly membership group
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

When you think about procrastination does it bring up some feelings of shame, maybe self-judgment? These complex feelings are common, so find out what your procrastination really means and how can you stop weaponizing it against yourself. By sorting out where your procrastination is coming from then you can see what your needs truly are and begin to develop healthy and supportive habits.

Shirin shares her own story of perfectionism as an Iranian immigrant who relied on constantly outperforming others and even herself, but teaches now that that behavior is not sustainable. Instead, learn to live at the "intersection of getting it done and allowing yourself to have free time," which she calls good enough work. Tune in to be, as Shirin says, encouraged to return to your values, your beliefs and what lights you up with purpose.

About a few other things...

If you're pumped about learning more about habits, but don't know where to start, get my free handout, "Sticky Habits for Progressors" HERE.

Quality matters with supplements. From protein powder, to energy-giving or calming drinks. Choose organic plant-based products with Organifi and get 20% off with the code ABOUTPROGRESS.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Shirin's Instagram, Podcast, and Website
Get 20% off Organifi with the code "ABOUTPROGRESS"
Get my audio course on identity - "Finding Me"
Try Better Help, today!
My 2021 Do Something Plan
Get on the waitlist for the Strive Hive, my monthly membership group
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

The truth is that you DON'T have to "do it all" to be a happy, whole, well-rounded person. In fact, consider how being selectively lazy will actually maximize your growth where it counts the most.

Kendra Adachi--podcaster and writer--wants you to be a GENIUS about the things that matter, and LAZY about the things that don't.

This is the path to deep and lasting progress. As living, complicated, breathing humans, we have to honor and lean into our limitations in order to amplify our biggest priorities--including what helps us feel alive!

Kendra will teach you how to be "selectively lazy," to learn how to recognize what matters to you, how to let people in and fully belong to both others and yourself, and how this can all lead to exponential growth--not less of it.

About a few more things:

If you're pumped about learning more about habits, but don't know where to start, get my free handout, "Sticky Habits for Progressors" HERE.

Quality matters with supplements. From protein powder, to energy-giving or calming drinks. Choose organic plant-based products with Organifi and get 20% off with the code ABOUTPROGRESS.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES
Kendra's Instagram, Podcast, and Website
Full transcript HERE
Get 20% off Organifi with the code "ABOUTPROGRESS"
Get Better Help, today!
My 2021 Do Something Plan
Get on the waitlist for the Strive Hive, my monthly membership group
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

When you think of "maximizing" habits, do you picture extreme, over-the-top action? 110% commitment? Superhuman willpower at work?

Well, here's good news for us mortals: none of that works long-term.

While we are going to discuss how to maximize your habits all month long, today's introductory episode is all about the basics.

In order to maximize habits, you need to have some to begin with.

And to get those, you need to focus on "The Process" to help you build habits that won't drift away before you had the chance to make them even better.

In this episode, Monica will teach you "The Process," how to simplify the habit formation process, and the way YOU can start small, and start now, in building your own.

Get your FREE "When-Then Pairings for Progressors" handout, HERE, so you can get started on the real process of habit formation.<<

Show Notes:

Get Organifi products for 20% with the code "ABOUTPROGRESS" HERE
Get your free resource making small habits HERE
My 2021 Do Something Plan
Join the waitlist for the Strive Hive, my monthly membership group
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Can you answer these two questions:

"Who am I?"

"What matters to me?"

If not, you're likely experiencing what Monica calls "a misplacement of identity."

This is what happens when we place our worth, our value, and our "sense of self" on the things we do, the way we look, our achievements, our roles, instead of who we deeply, truly are.

A strong identity is the foundation to all the work we do at About Progress. It's the filter through which we know how to direct our choices, ways we can work on our growth, and how to be strong enough to face both the circumstances and the choices we face on a daily basis.

Listen to this special episode where Monica shares her own story of "a misplacement of identity," how it started with good intentions but over the years led to her feeling lost and stuck in her own life, and what she did to uncover her identity again.

And how this changed everything.

This episode is the introductory lesson to Monica's new, foundational course, "Finding Me." Enroll HERE as a Founding Student with the 30% off code before Midnight PST, Thursday April 8th!

This course will never be discounted to the public again.

SHOW NOTES

Join Finding Me HERE

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.
Join the monthly membership group waitlist
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: OCEANS by Pleasant Pictures; and DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas

As we "celebrate" the year anniversary of the beginning of a tumultuous year, we are looking back more on how we as a community have grown, changed, and become more of who we want to be.

Listen in to hear notes from your fellow Progressors, women just like you who are working towards big changes in sustainable ways.

IMPORTANT NEWS!

Become a Founding Student of Monica's new, foundational course, "Finding Me." In this 6-week course, you will learn to belong to yourself again by uncovering who you are and what matters to you, so that you find increased authenticity, confidence, and alignment.

Use the code "FOUNDER" to get 30% off, if you sign up by Midnight PT, April 8th! This will be the ONLY time the course is discounted to the public.

Enroll HERE.

Show Notes:

Join Podcast University and learn how to start or grow your podcast!
Join the monthly membership group, the Strive Hive
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Did you know that research shows we each make 35,000 decisions each day? It's exhausting just thinking about it! If you find yourself feeling stuck and indecisive, or overwhelmed by all the choosing, then I have a short and sweet message for you on how to counteract decision fatigue. By creating habits and routines at the bookends of your day that eliminate the need for tiring decision-making you will have clarity, and gain the ability to confidently work through bigger decisions.

About a few other things...

I'm teaching a FREE CLASS this month on a very highly requested topic: decision-making! Join me live, online, to uncover the 2 secrets to beating confusion and making clear decisions that are right for you. If you can't attend live a replay will be sent out after, so don't miss out and sign up now!

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Sols handmade shoes - 'PROGRESS10' for 10% off
Take my FREE CLASS on Decision-Making
My 2021 Do Something Plan
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Today's guest Jessica Hottle explains, "We are a spirit, we have a soul, and we live in a body." In this interview she dives into the ways to become more in tune with your whole self, to find connection between body and soul as you work towards your purpose. Jessica's own history as a self-proclaimed "emotional rollercoaster" explains how she began doing this work for herself and what she has since learned. Since we all operate best as a whole person, it's so important to address what might be going on with the "soul story" we are telling ourselves. Use her 5 steps to better process emotions and heal your soul's story right away.

About a few other things...

I'm teaching a FREE CLASS this month on a very highly requested topic: decision-making! Join me live, online, to uncover the 2 secrets to beating confusion and making clear decisions that are right for you. If you can't attend live a replay will be sent out after, so don't miss out and sign up now!

Quality over quantity really matters to me during this season of my life, and you know I've applied that to my wardrobe. Sols offers beautiful handmade Mexican inspired sandals out of genuine leather made by artisans from Mexico. Use code 'PROGRESS10' for 10% off on Sols Shoes and let me know which pair you snag!

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Jessica's Instagram, Website, Podcast
Sols handmade shoes - 'PROGRESS10' for 10% off
Take my FREE CLASS on Decision-Making
My 2021 Do Something Plan
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

We sometimes confuse our passions and our purpose, so what is the difference and why does it matter? Podcaster, coach, and passions enthusiast Nikki Innocent breaks it down for all of us in this interview. If you're struggling with this, feeling like you lack the time to pursue passions, let alone purpose, then this is especially for you. By digging deep and finding what lights you up, then growing those seeds, you can live in full alignment with your values - this is how to nourish your passions into your purpose.

Nikki shares six steps you can take to break free of some common traps, such as people pleasing and hustle culture, or other obstacles keeping you from finding your passion. Tune in to this episode for the permission to get to know yourself and the tools to take back your power. As Nikki says, "This isn't about perfectionism. This is literally about allowing yourself to live and breathe and be yourself and hopefully live a life that is uniquely you, that you can really feel excited about when you go to bed every night.”

About a few other things...

I'm teaching a FREE CLASS this month on a very highly requested topic: decision-making! Join me live, online, to uncover the 2 secrets to beating confusion and making clear decisions that are right for you. If you can't attend live a replay will be sent out after, so don't miss out and sign up now!

Quality over quantity really matters to me during this season of my life, and you know I've applied that to my wardrobe. Sols offers beautiful handmade Mexican inspired sandals out of genuine leather made by artisans from Mexico. Use code 'PROGRESS10' for 10% off on Sols Shoes and let me know which pair you snag!

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Nikki's Instagram, Website, Podcast
Sols handmade shoes - 'PROGRESS10' for 10% off
Take my FREE CLASS on Decision-Making
My 2021 Do Something Plan
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

While working with a therapist treating my eating disorder he taught me that thoughts affect your feelings, and your actions. With that in mind, I have sort of an unpopular opinion, a belief that has been true for me, that life's circumstances are not completely neutral. So while our thoughts are vital, a year like 2020 taught us that circumstances matter, especially when things become so out of our control.

I do believe we still have a choice to make about how we show up in the midst of our circumstances and encourage you to take control of your own story. Tune in for a few examples of how this has played out for me and the way I use my thoughts and agency to stay true to myself despite my circumstances.

About a few other things...

I'm teaching a FREE CLASS this month on a very highly requested topic: decision-making! Join me live, online, to uncover the 2 secrets to beating confusion and making clear decisions that are right for you. If you can't attend live a replay will be sent out after, so don't miss out and sign up now!

Quality over quantity really matters to me during this season of my life, and you know I've applied that to my wardrobe. Sols offers beautiful handmade Mexican inspired sandals out of genuine leather made by artisans from Mexico. Use code 'PROGRESS10' for 10% off on Sols Shoes and let me know which pair you snag!

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Sols handmade shoes - 'PROGRESS10' for 10% off
Try online counseling with Better Help
Take my FREE CLASS on Decision-Making
My 2021 Do Something Plan
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Three years ago Lisa Funk was a guest here and something she said has stuck with me ever since, "We are born to create." We talk often about the importance of creativity in this community, and how it can (and should!) look different for each of us. Today we're tying in our identity with doable tips to create purpose with what you already love.

Lisa is a gifted artist and teacher of mindful lettering, as she describes it. She shares her own journey to live with, and create, purpose in a way that will encourage you to do the same. For example, taking opportunities to find purpose in your natural gifts and everyday life. With her doable tips you can find fulfillment through what you love and then attaching the meaning to it.

About a few other things...

I'm teaching a FREE CLASS this month on a very highly requested topic: decision-making! Join me live, online, to uncover the 2 secrets to beating confusion and making clear decisions that are right for you. If you can't attend live a replay will be sent out after, so don't miss out and sign up now!

Quality over quantity really matters to me during this season of my life, and you know I've applied that to my wardrobe. Sols offers beautiful handmade Mexican inspired sandals out of genuine leather made by artisans from Mexico. Use code 'PROGRESS10' for 10% off on Sols Shoes and let me know which pair you snag!

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Lisa's Instagram, Website, Podcast
Sols handmade shoes - 'PROGRESS10' for 10% off
Try online counseling with Better Help
Take my FREE CLASS on Decision-Making
My 2021 Do Something Plan
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

How often, when asked to introduce yourself, do you describe what you do and not who you are? Instead of placing emphasis on your roles and responsibilities, it's time to uncover your identity and purpose. I've experienced my own dramatic identity shifts several times over my life because I was too focused on my roles. I want to urge you to continue to seek purpose, with respect to the season you're currently in.

I have two big reasons why this common pitfall, placing too much emphasis on roles and responsibilities, is dangerous. Seasons shift and circumstances change, (often without our permission!) so by focusing instead on your identity and purpose you will be able to anchor in and navigate those roads more surely. Tune in as I address a few specific situations, and offer tips you can apply right away to digging into your purpose.

About a few other things...

Quality over quantity really matters to me during this season of my life, and you know I've applied that to my wardrobe. Sols offers beautiful handmade Mexican inspired sandals out of genuine leather made by artisans from Mexico. Use code 'PROGRESS10' for 10% off on Sols Shoes and let me know which pair you snag!

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Sols handmade shoes - 'PROGRESS10' for 10% off
Get your free resource on finding your belonging
My 2021 Do Something Plan
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

As a young child you could hardly find me without a book, as reading was something I truly loved and carried a passion for into adulthood. As I became a mother, it continued, but slowed to a halt after my third child was born. When I created my first Do Something Plan I nervously wrote down "read 20 books" thinking I might never reach that goal. But slowly, I got back into my book worm ways and this year hope to read 80 books. See my top book recommendations here!

Tune in to hear the 3 ways you can make reading a part of your life again, or for the first time. These tips will work for anyone because I'm addressing your approach to reading. With these tricks you can create this habit, even if it starts small, and develop a really fulfilling relationship with reading.

About a few other things...

Can you help me out really quickly? Take this 3-5 minute survey that let's me know how to better serve you, the women of this community. I'll select 5 participants to receive a thank you gift!

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Get my sleep makeover or social media challenge here
Take this quick survey to help me improve the podcast!
Get started on belonging to yourself with this free resource
Visit &Collar and get free shipping with code 'PROGRESS'
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

When I created my first ever Do Something Plan 5 years ago it was simply to try to dig my way out from under a quarter-life identity crisis. I say simply not because it was a small task, but because I had no idea what it would become, just that I needed to do something. If you also find yourself feeling stuck, or unfulfilled, (even if you have the things you want!) then this episode on easy ways to find yourself, no matter how late, is just for you.

Mikayla Johnson is a Progressor, a member of this community, just like you. In this episode she details the many hats she has worn, from hobbies to businesses, as well as her own quarter-life crisis. Through pursuing even the smallest of interests, without the pressure of perfection, Mikayla is more secure in her identity than ever. Tune in and see if you can catch her "I am" proclamation about her current pursuit, it is truly inspiring!

About a few other things...

Can you help me out really quickly? Take this 3-5 minute survey that let's me know how to better serve you, the women of this community. I'll select 5 participants to receive a thank you gift!

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Mikayla's Instagram, Website
Take this quick survey to help me improve the podcast!
Get started on belonging to yourself with this free resource
Better Help – online therapy
Visit &Collar and get free shipping with code 'PROGRESS'
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

If you've been a part of this community for a little while, you already know I'm not opposed to treating yourself, but I am opposed to the idea that it is the same as true self care. Instead of just sticking a bandaid over what can be a real wound, it's time to learn the ways to practice deep self care, beyond the treat yourself variety.

Podcaster and coach, Taylor Elyse Morrison, is on the show today to share her expertise on self care. She teaches us hard-hitting definitions, as well as the five dimensions you actually need to focus on. Plus, an example of where to start right now when it comes to those areas: physical, energetic, mental, emotional and bliss. You are unique, no one can tell you what your self care looks like, so it's time to develop your own self expertise to be your strongest self in any situation.

About a few other things...

Can you help me out really quickly? Take this 3-5 minute survey that let's me know how to better serve you, the women of this community. I'll select 5 participants to receive a thank you gift!

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Taylor's Instagram, Website, Podcast
Take this quick survey to help me improve the podcast!
Get started on belonging to yourself with this free resource
Visit &Collar and get free shipping with code 'PROGRESS'
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

When the opportunity arose to have one of our previous guest's twin sister on the show, I rearranged a lot because this interview is exactly what so many of us need to hear. In episode 97, Lindsay Kite taught us how to build a resilient body image. Today, Lexie Kite brings us up to speed with their recent accomplishments and delivers another powerful episode on how to over come body obsession, and as she says, come home to your self.

Since they both received their PhD's in media and body image, Lindsay and Lexie Kite are the sisters behind Beauty Redefined and "More Than a Body," their most recent book. Having faced the same pressures and unrealistic ideals of female body image, Lexie knows where each of us is and meets us there with simple steps to overcome an ingrained obsession. It's time to stop holding yourself back, the world needs you. Tune in for the mantra you need to remember, how to deal with shame, and one super practical tip for social media usage that you can implement right away.

About a few other things...

Can you help me out really quickly? Take this 3-5 minute survey that let's me know how to better serve you, the women of this community. I'll select 5 participants to receive a thank you gift!

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Lexie's Instagram, Website, Book
Get started on belonging to yourself with this free resource
Visit &Collar and get free shipping with code 'PROGRESS'
Better Help – online therapy
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Years ago I shattered a bottle of balsamic vinegar, and in the nightmarish process of cleaning it up I lost it. It made me rage, scaring myself and my young children. I knew something had to change. My life was everything I wanted, but I was still stuck. If you've been there, or are there now, I want to share my approach to feeling different even when things looks the same.

By belonging to yourself, learning to be wholehearted in your approach, you will feel more fulfilled and have more energy and love to give to others. Much of what I've learned has stemmed from my original, and subsequent, Do Something lists, and you can see this year's here. Listen to the episode and the interviews this month for hopeful ways to begin, with experiences from my personal past and those I've worked with.

About a few other things...

This year I want to bring on members of this community as sponsors for the podcast! If you are interested in partnering please send me an email at hello{at}aboutprogress.com with the subject line "Sponsor."

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Get started on belonging to yourself with this free resource
Visit &Collar and get free shipping with code 'PROGRESS'
Join the FREE January Joiner Challenge
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

You don't need to ignore your past, or shove it deep down. There is a fine balance between acknowledging it and moving beyond it - whether that's lifelong struggles or even just this past year. Tune in to this inspiring story about how to effectively shake off your past for a better future.

Against all odds, Michael Arterberry has pushed through immense struggle since childhood, to be the motivational speaker and author that he is today. He is also the creator of an intensive program for youth, which he describes as only being possible due to his own healing. His heart wrenching story is one of resilience, with a practical application so that you can also move forward in a way that is in alignment with your goals and doesn't dismiss your past.

About a few other things...

One or two times a year I open enrollment to my small group coaching Progress Program, where we focus on transforming your body, mind, and spirit by combining mindset and action. If you're searching for your identity, feeling like you don't have purpose, then this group with will provide the guidance and accountability that you need. You can read all of the details here, as well as hear testimonials from former participants in their own words.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Michael's Facebook, Website, books
Enrollment is now open for my small group coaching Progress Program
Get your Monk Manual for 20% with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' through January 31st
Join the FREE January Joiner Challenge
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Olympic athletes...they're just like us! Or at least that's what this interview with medalist Noelle Pikus-Pace will have you thinking. Her major secrets you need to now to accomplish your biggest goals are based on mindset, purpose, values, and relationships.

She offers three simple tips, and ultimately reminds everyone to start super, super simple. Listeners from this community will especially resonate with her approach to habits, and her unique bucket list (spoiler: it's a lot like a Do Something plan!) Plus, the stories from her Olympic and World Cup victories, intertwined with family and travel, offer a fascinating perspective.

About a few other things...

One or two times a year I open enrollment to my small group coaching Progress Program, where we focus on transforming your body, mind, and spirit by combining mindset and action. If you're searching for your identity, feeling like you don't have purpose, then this group with will provide the guidance and accountability that you need. You can read all of the details here, as well as hear testimonials from former participants in their own words.

Sign up for your spot in my FREE class, How to Make Habits that Stick, where I guide you towards narrowing in on your goals through habits. You can have more control and live with intention, and it starts here. Choose from 3 dates and times. See you there!

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Noelle's Instagram, Website, e-Course
Enrollment is now open for my small group coaching Progress Program
Get your Monk Manual for 20% with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' through January 31st
Join the FREE January Joiner Challenge
Sign up for the FREE Habits That Stick Class
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

It was only three years ago that I got back into goal-making (the right way) and that year it took me three months to even decide on them all. I've been on both sides of the all-or-nothing pendulum of attitudes towards goals, so I understand wherever you are. In this episode I'm teaching you how to make goals that won't kill you, with four reasons you're likely struggling and what to do about it.

Through my experience, and through working with others, I've seen the mistakes we all tend to make when goal-setting. Whether or not you've made your yearly list, you can tune in to learn something that may surprise you. Set yourself up for success this year with my formula, it's easier than you are probably making it for yourself right now.

About a few other things...

The Strive Hive helps Progressors who are eager to take action and strive for daily progress access LEARNING, CHANGE, AND COMMUNITY, so that they can find more and lasting personal growth and fulfillment. Join us for weekly chats, monthly masterclasses, self development book club, accountability and more!

One or two times a year I open enrollment to my small group coaching Progress Program, where we focus on transforming your body, mind, and spirit by combining mindset and action. If you're searching for your identity, feeling like you don't have purpose, then this group with will provide the guidance and accountability that you need. You can read all of the details here, as well as hear testimonials from former participants in their own words.

Sign up for your spot in my FREE class, How to Make Habits that Stick, where I guide you towards narrowing in on your goals through habits. You can have more control and live with intention, and it starts here. Choose from 3 dates and times. See you there!

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Enrollment is now open for my small group coaching Progress Program
Get your Monk Manual for 20% with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' through January 31st
Join the FREE January Joiner Challenge
Sign up for the FREE Habits That Stick Class
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Licensed marriage and sex therapist, Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife is well known to this community. Today she is joined by her sister, Carolyn Bever who is an acclaimed violinist. Through their respective careers they have both seen how a lot of people become overwhelmed at the prospect of getting from where they are, to where they can go, because of perfectionism. Together they teach the importance of knowing your strengths, your own capacity, and how strive for excellence in a way that works for you.

Tune in to hear how Carolyn went from musician to marathoner, by taking it literally one block at a time. As well as, a "bad Jennifer story" where she shares an insecurity that may resonate with many listeners. Ultimately remember that the struggle with perfectionism is a very human struggle and how to move the needle anyway.

About a few other things...

The Strive Hive helps Progressors who are eager to take action and strive for daily progress access LEARNING, CHANGE, AND COMMUNITY, so that they can find more and lasting personal growth and fulfillment. Join us for weekly chats, monthly masterclasses, self development book club, accountability and more!

Sign up for your spot in my FREE class, How to Make Habits that Stick, where I guide you towards narrowing in on your goals through habits. You can have more control and live with intention, and it starts here. Choose from 3 dates and times. See you there!

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Jennifer's Instagram and Website, Carolyn's Instagram and Website
Get your Monk Manual for 20% with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' through January 31st
Join the FREE January Joiner Challenge
Sign up for the FREE Habits That Stick Class
Better Help – online therapy
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

If you've been around here for a little while you may know the story of how this blog, and now podcast and community, got started. Years ago, I was a shell of myself, an underachieving perfectionist, but I had an idea. I made a bucket list of sorts, 30 things to do before I turned 30. This list is now what I have coined a "Do Something List" and I make a point to recreate it every year, you can even read my list for 2021! You deserve more and you are ready for more, let me help. I encourage you to start with last week's episode, Do Something to Unlock the Best Version of You.

In this episode I want to do away with the negative stereotype of being a January Joiner, so that whatever you start right now will set you up for success. There is even a free handbook you can get that will really guide you towards getting started. In this episode I detail 3 pitfalls that I think you may be facing, and specifically how to avoid those. This isn't magic, friends, but to me it is magical when I see the women of this community understand that the transformation lies in the process, and then get to work.

About a few other things...

The Strive Hive helps Progressors who are eager to take action and strive for daily progress access LEARNING, CHANGE, AND COMMUNITY, so that they can find more and lasting personal growth and fulfillment. Join us for weekly chats, monthly masterclasses, self development book club, accountability and more!

Sign up for your spot in my FREE class, How to Make Habits that Stick, where I guide you towards narrowing in on your goals through habits. You can have more control and live with intention, and it starts here. Choose from 3 dates and times. See you there!

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Get your Monk Manual for 20% with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' through January 31st
Join the FREE January Joiner Challenge
Sign up for the FREE Habits That Stick Class
Episode 280 "You'll Never Make It"
Episode 311 "Do Something To Unlock the Best Version of Yourself"
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Goals are GREAT.

But, what if you are simply too tuckered out from 2021 to overhaul alllll of the things right now? What if you are empty inside from a year of giving so much, FROM so very little? What if you'd of course like to work on your habits, but you first need to figure out who you are SO that you can decide what those habits should even be?

5 years ago, I accidentally changed my life.

And it wasn't because I made goals. In fact, it was because I made the opposite of goals.

In today's bonus episode, I wanted to provide you with the same path that changed me: Do Something.

You'll hear a special recording I made as I taught a Masterclass to my Strive Hive membership group this past week.

They kindly let me share it with you, so that our whole community could be trained the way there were and create their own Do Something Plans for 2021.

I want to re-emphasize here: goals are great. I want you to make them and pursue them.

But the Do Something Plan is a terrific way to marry fulfillment with progress; and you have my full permission to first focus only on what I did five years ago: DO SOMETHING, and unlock the best version of you in the process.

Full transcript HERE!

SHOW NOTES
Join the monthly membership group the Strive Hive before doors close January 8th!
Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.
Join Podcast University and learn how to start or grow your podcast!
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

As always, I'm sharing a little bit about what my family and myself have been up to, and why I'm actually recording from out of town. Plus, a little update about our future home and current homeschooling. I'm also excited to share my latest "good hard," meaning something that was really hard but has made me really proud.

For this episode I called on you, the listeners, to share what this unexpected year taught you. 2020 taught me the importance of home, hobbies, and habits. I explain more in the episode about what that has meant to me. Tune in to listen to members from the About Progress community who graciously submitted soundbites sharing what this year has taught them!

About a few other things...

The Strive Hive helps Progressors who are eager to take action and strive for daily progress access LEARNING, CHANGE, AND COMMUNITY, so that they can find more and lasting personal growth and fulfillment. Join us for weekly chats, monthly masterclasses, self development book club, accountability and more!

Take the #iamonthelist challenge! Listen to this epsisode and learn how to prioritize yourself. For fun you can complete this graphic either to remind yourself, or share on social media to stay accountable.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Better Help - online therapy
Join Podcast University and learn how to start or grow your podcast!
COVID School Resource Guide
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

During this time of year, and going into a new year, it's so important to know who you are. I am re-airing my favorite episode from 2020 to help you get started!

Arielle Estoria is a creator, writer, and speaker spreading light and positivity. She was also a self described “professional wallflower” for many years. Her description of not wanting to take up too much space may resonate with many of you, as it totally did for me. She details how she broke free of that mentality, giving herself permission and gaining the confidence she feels is her gift to share with others.

It’s time to recognize the power and gifts you already have, and step into the power they hold. If this feels too vulnerable, that’s normal. Arielle has just two steps you can take to “dream it out” and start living the life you’ve been given.

About a few other things...

The Strive Hive helps Progressors who are eager to take action and strive for daily progress access LEARNING, CHANGE, AND COMMUNITY, so that they can find more and lasting personal growth and fulfillment. Join us for weekly chats, monthly masterclasses, self development book club, accountability and more!

For the final episode of 2020 I want to hear from YOU! Email me a voice memo or call in to answer this prompt: 2020 taught me... Let's make this "Dear Progressor," episode the best yet.

Take the #iamonthelist challenge! Listen to this epsisode and learn how to prioritize yourself. For fun you can complete this graphic either to remind yourself, or share on social media to stay accountable.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES
Arielle’s Website and Instagram
Better Help - online therapy
Join Podcast University and learn how to start or grow your podcast!
COVID School Resource Guide
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Amidst the lengthy lists we make this time of year, including gifts to buy and service to render, are you on the list? While it's extra relevant throughout this holiday season, it matters all year long, too. In this episode I'm sharing why it's such a big deal to prioritize yourself, and the ways in which you start doing it right away.

About a few other things...

The Strive Hive helps Progressors who are eager to take action and strive for daily progress access LEARNING, CHANGE, AND COMMUNITY, so that they can find more and lasting personal growth and fulfillment. Join us for weekly chats, monthly masterclasses, self development book club, accountability and more!

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Join Podcast University and learn how to start or grow your podcast!
COVID School Resource Guide
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Are you a little bit tired of the "rah-rah" messages of positivity despite all circumstance messages out there? What if you could lean into growth, while acknowledging the vast array of disappointment that all of us are experiencing to some degree. In fact, the reasons we become discouraged are often appropriate and logical, so would it help you to learn why discouragement is a gift?

Suzy Boyce Chriswell is a fellow progressor, just like you, and she's currently pursuing a master's in marriage and family therapy. She shares her experience of seeing the depths of discouragement in those around her, while coming to understand its necessity. She teaches us how to be resilient, lean in to relationships, and shift our perspective. And before you think this won't work for you, she shares her same struggles with perfectionism. Ultimately she realized it was only a buffer against accepting her weakness and working through it.

About a few other things...

The Strive Hive helps Progressors who are eager to take action and strive for daily progress access LEARNING, CHANGE, AND COMMUNITY, so that they can find more and lasting personal growth and fulfillment. Join us for weekly chats, monthly masterclasses, self development book club, accountability and more!

For the final episode of 2020 I want to hear from YOU! Email me a voice memo or call in to answer this prompt: 2020 taught me... Let's make this "Dear Progressor," episode the best yet.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Suzy's Instagram
Better Help - online therapy
Join Podcast University and learn how to start or grow your podcast!
COVID School Resource Guide
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

If you've been around for any amount of time you know this, but our premise here is that life is about progress, not perfection. As a recovering perfectionist I know the highs are so high, but the lows can destroy your sense of self. There is no overnight cure for breaking out of that cycle. Sometimes we are taught the opposite is true, but really once you see how perfectionism is getting your way, you are free to live a more fulfilling life.

You will know Kolbie Blume as an artist, author, and teacher...now. But she has not always been the successful creative that she is today. In this interview she really opens up about the exact moment she decided the worst thing she could do by trying something, was fail, but that her world wouldn't end there. Kolbie's message is about how creativity (something EVERYONE has within them) is the antidote for the poison of perfectionism and this epode will leave you with a lot to think about and act upon.

About a few other things...

The Strive Hive helps Progressors who are eager to take action and strive for daily progress access LEARNING, CHANGE, AND COMMUNITY, so that they can find more and lasting personal growth and fulfillment. Join us for weekly chats, monthly masterclasses, self development book club, accountability and more!

For the final episode of 2020 I want to hear from YOU! Email me a voice memo or call in to answer this prompt: 2020 taught me... Let's make this "Dear Progressor," episode the best yet.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Kolbie's Instagram, Book, Website
Join Podcast University and learn how to start or grow your podcast!
COVID School Resource Guide
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

I really don't like the word "should." Whether you've found others "shoulding" on you, or you "should" on yourself, it usually doesn't feel very good. Instead, say "I could do this..." or whatever else you could do. As we've been discussing that it's never too late I want to also impress upon you that there are times and seasons for all things.

In this episode I'm sharing two very personal times from my life, during which at both times I felt pulled in different ways and like something needed to change. I approached these different seasons with different solutions, but both were right for me and my family. In hopes to help you find peace with your particular time and season, I also share the moment my very wise husband told me "Now now, but not never."

About a few other things...

The Strive Hive helps Progressors who are eager to take action and strive for daily progress access LEARNING, CHANGE, AND COMMUNITY, so that they can find more and lasting personal growth and fulfillment. Join us for weekly chats, monthly masterclasses, self development book club, accountability and more!

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Join Podcast University and learn how to start or grow your podcast!
COVID School Resource Guide
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Was there something you really loved as a child and gave up on? Or, even a passion you found more recently, but you convinced yourself was too late to pursue. What if you instead looked at those things as seeds. Even if realizing your dreams as you once dreamed them seems impossible, it is possible to learn to evolve alongside your gifts and grow from those seeds.

Carol Lynn is a personal friend that I meant at church during a particularly low point in my own spirituality. She opens up in the episode about some of the more defining points in her life, and she has had her fair share of loss. Through theater, books, and poetry she stays connected to her lifelong interests. Those gifts have helped her weather storms, but also pursue her own thoughts especially as it concerns elements of her faith. Tune in to hear Carol Lynn reading some of her works in her own majestic voice and leave inspired by this women who continues to marvel into her late age.

About a few other things...

The Strive Hive helps Progressors who are eager to take action and strive for daily progress access LEARNING, CHANGE, AND COMMUNITY, so that they can find more and lasting personal growth and fulfillment. Join us for weekly chats, monthly masterclasses, self development book club, accountability and more!

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Carol Lynn's book of poetry "Finding Mother God", and Website
Take a minute to fill out my survey!
Better Help – 10% off first month with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Join Podcast University and learn how to start or grow your podcast!
COVID School Resource Guide
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Finding Mother God: Poems to Heal the World

All month long we've discussed our theme "Never Too Late" with several guests here on the podcast and on Instagram. So, today's Growth Spurt may seem confusing, I get it! But, I wanted to share my bite-sized thoughts on this idea.

It may be realistically too late to pursue a very specific career choice, for example, and that's okay. Don't give up on the seeds to that dream, whatever it may be. Lean into your passions that fueled that dream and pursue them in reasonable ways.

I'm sharing my own personal ambitions of my youth and how I gave up on them for a while. Once I reconnected with myself, and sowed those seeds a little, I found unique ways to pursue my interests, and encourage you to seek the same.

About a few other things...

The Strive Hive helps Progressors who are eager to take action and strive for daily progress access LEARNING, CHANGE, AND COMMUNITY, so that they can find more and lasting personal growth and fulfillment. Join us for weekly chats, monthly masterclasses, self development book club, accountability and more!

Join me and Ceri Payne for a FREE CLASS to help you set the foundation for the new year. In Setting Up for Future You you’ll have the space and time you need to get clear about what you want to take with you (and leave behind) from 2020 and what your truest priorities are going to be in 2021.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Take a minute to fill out my survey!
FREE CLASS – Setting Up for Future You
Join Podcast University and learn how to start or grow your podcast!
COVID School Resource Guide
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Do you, like so many women, struggle with even starting something because you're unsure if it’s “worth it?” I want to suggest that what you're really struggling with is if YOU are worth it. This episode is allllll about trying things just for the sake of the potential joy, fulfillment, and growth that can come from them. Take it from us, or find it within yourself, this is your permission to try.

Michelle Gifford is a mom of 5 and entrepreneur helping women build their own online businesses. And while she is an expert in her field, this interview is not focused on that. This episode helps you own who you are, and that trying for the sake of trying is worth all the time, energy, and money it may require for you to invest so that you can grow and find massive personal fulfillment.

About a few other things...

The Strive Hive helps Progressors who are eager to take action and strive for daily progress access LEARNING, CHANGE, AND COMMUNITY, so that they can find more and lasting personal growth and fulfillment. Join us for weekly chats, monthly masterclasses, self development book club, accountability and more!

Join me and Ceri Payne for a FREE CLASS to help you set the foundation for the new year. In Setting Up for Future You you'll have the space and time you need to get clear about what you want to take with you (and leave behind) from 2020 and what your truest priorities are going to be in 2021.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Michelle’s Podcast, Website, and Instagram
Take a minute to fill out my survey!
FREE CLASS - Setting Up for Future You
Join Podcast University and learn how to start or grow your podcast!
COVID School Resource Guide
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

My aspirational views of motherhood began when I was a young child, and translated to impossible ideals once I actually had my own children. I was a shell of myself trying to chase what I thought it meant to be an "angel mother." Today's episode is sort of part two after our last conversation in April, where we discuss how to value your motherhood.

Dr. Julie Hanks shares her desire for her own children to see her as a thriving happy, and interesting mother, and what she has done for herself to accomplish that. She addresses the role of caregiving, traditionally undervalued, and how to increase it's value but also what to focus on instead. Learn how to lean into your role, in a way that only you can for those in your care, to see the real value in your motherhood.

About a few other things...

The Strive Hive helps Progressors who are eager to take action and strive for daily progress access LEARNING, CHANGE, AND COMMUNITY, so that they can find more and lasting personal growth and fulfillment. Join us for weekly chats, monthly masterclasses, self development book club, accountability and more!

However you have chosen to educate your children during these unique and uncertain times, I want you to know you're doing the right thing! As a former educator, turned newly homeschooling mama I want us to know we're all in this together, so check out the COVID School Resource Guide.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Julie’s Website and Instagram
Take a minute to fill out my survey!
Better Help – 10% off first month with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Join Podcast University and learn how to start or grow your podcast!
COVID School Resource Guide
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Most of you have heard me tell the story before, of how this podcast got its start. From a bucket list of sorts, that led to a multi-subject blog, to an Instagram, then a podcast, and now a beautiful community. Monica of four years ago had no idea what this would become, but kept going with it anyway. So, now with 300 episodes in the books, I'm sharing everything I learned and answering the questions you asked me.

Thank you for showing up each Wednesday (and Friday, and sometimes other days!) to learn and grow right alongside me. Your insights and growth have brought this community to life. Here's to many more years of progress, not perfection!

About a few other things...

If you would like to be a part of a smaller group of women who are really dedicated to making progress, while having accountability and more guidance, I'd love to have you in our private membership group The Strive Hive. We have monthly masterclasses, a book club, daily inspiration and accountability, weekly chats, and so much more to keep you striving for the growth you want.

For the past month and a half I've hosted a "300 giveaway" where you can win daily gifts, check that page to see if you won. Each of your shares, ratings, and reviews means the world to me and allows me to continue to serve you best. Thank you to everyone who participated!

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Join Podcast University and learn how to start or grow your podcast!
COVID School Resource Guide
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Amongst perfectionists the idea of failure is really scary, it's something to be avoided at all costs. I know that because I've been there, stuck and afraid of moving forward due to fear of failure. Through years of self development I now actually know why you must fail your way forward. Every "failure" is a learning opportunity, and it's never too late for that.

Courtney Rich was one of my very first guests on the podcast 4 years ago; she was a good friend of mine and had recently gone viral for cake decorating. In this episode we dive deeper, it's not just about the cake anymore. Years into her business some of the first failures she had continue to motivate her, while new failures continue to teach her. Courtney shares how she avoided comparison, and was led by the "good and peaceful feeling" she felt as she pursued her creative outlet, and eventually business.

About a few other things...

As we near the 4th anniversary and 300th episode of About Progress I'm doing a "300 giveaway" where you can win daily gifts. There will also be a drawing for 3 grand prize winners. To enter, just share the show, leave a rating and review, and make sure to let me know about it. Your support in this way means the world to me and allows me to continue to serve you best.

However you have chosen to educate your children during these unique and uncertain times, I want you to know you're doing the right thing! I have compiled all my favorite resources to share with you in hopes they support you in any way. As a former educator, turned newly homeschooling mama I want us to know we're all in this together, so check out the COVID School Resource Guide.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Courtney's Instagram, Website, Podcast
Join Podcast University and learn how to start or grow your podcast!
COVID School Resource Guide
Barber Mom - $10 off with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Whether you're goal averse or goal obsessed, it is essential to have a vision to know who you want to be. That's because we have to have purpose. I have felt hopeless and anxiety ridden when I don't see the point to what I'm doing, when I lack purpose. If you've ever asked yourself, "Do I really need goals?" The answer is, in alignment with my anti-perfectionism teachings, yes you do.

Goals are a foundation to who we are as humans and our ability to grow. In this episode I share how I was burned out by my outcome oriented goals, them I swung too far the other way and was afraid of goals. I have 3 reasons why you do need to have a vision, and tips for how to keep it achievable. Tune in for how to make your goals a stretch, not a snap, and learn how to bend, not break.

About a few other things...

As we near the 4th anniversary and 300th episode of About Progress I'm doing a "300 giveaway" where you can win daily gifts. There will also be a drawing for 3 grand prize winners. To enter, just share the show, leave a rating and review, and make sure to let me know about it. Your support in this way means the world to me and allows me to continue to serve you best.

However you have chosen to educate your children during these unique and uncertain times, I want you to know you're doing the right thing! I have compiled all my favorite resources to share with you in hopes they support you in any way. As a former educator, turned newly homeschooling mama I want us to know we're all in this together, so check out the COVID School Resource Guide.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Join Podcast University and learn how to start or grow your podcast!
COVID School Resource Guide
Better Help - 10% off your first month
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

New goals in November?! Yep! You can make new goals whenever you want to. You are not too old, too far down your path, and you are never too late. I'm sharing an update of my own Do Something Plan, and you'll see how I constantly shift and alter, and still grow. Starting, even without seeing the end in sight, is better than nothing.

I'm sharing some stories of personally inspiring people who achieved their success well beyond the "30 under 30" bar that society sometimes sets. For the next two months you will hear stories and lessons on this podcast that are meant to cheer you on towards your purpose, not just your wildest dreams but who you truly are meant to be. I'm giving you a few ways to get started in this episode, too, so stop waiting and tune in!

About a few other things...

As we near the 4th anniversary and 300th episode of About Progress I'm doing a "300 giveaway" where you can win daily gifts. There will also be a drawing for 3 grand prize winners. To enter, just share the show, leave a rating and review, and make sure to let me know about it. Your support in this way means the world to me and allows me to continue to serve you best.

However you have chosen to educate your children during these unique and uncertain times, I want you to know you're doing the right thing! I have compiled all my favorite resources to share with you in hopes they support you in any way. As a former educator, turned newly homeschooling mama I want us to know we're all in this together, so check out the COVID School Resource Guide.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Referenes: Late Bloomers, Success After 30, Women Switching Careers, William James
Join Podcast University and learn how to start or grow your podcast!
COVID School Resource Guide
Better Help - 10% off your first month
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Did September and October kick your trash? Same here. That's why I am SO happy to share some notes from our fellow Progressors. Listen in to get the boost you need, straight from the people who "get" you, me included.

About a few other things...

As we near the 4th anniversary and 300th episode of About Progress I'm doing a "300 giveaway" where you can win daily gifts. There will also be a drawing for 3 grand prize winners. To enter, just share the show, leave a rating and review, and make sure to let me know about it. Your support in this way means the world to me and allows me to continue to serve you best.

However you have chosen to educate your children during these unique and uncertain times, I want you to know you're doing the right thing! I have compiled all my favorite resources to share with you in hopes they support you in any way. As a former educator, turned newly homeschooling mama I want us to know we're all in this together, so check out the COVID School Resource Guide.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES
Join Podcast University and learn how to start or grow your podcast!
COVID School Resource Guide
Barber Mom - $10 off with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Are you guilty of looking around, comparing yourself to others, feeling less than, then choosing your path based on those (likely terrible) feelings? The goal of this interview is to help you understand that when you really thin, about it, almost everyone is doing something different from what you think of as the norm. You can forge your own path based on your unique values and by taking small risks that strengthen you.

Preethi Harbuck is a wife and mother of 5 who travels the world (and right now the country by RV) with her family. With an emphasis on getting outside their comfort zones, welcoming differences, and connecting with one another this has been the exact right path for her family. World travel might not be in alignment with your family or individual culture, but her story can teach you something. Learn how to expand your view, live more abundantly in welcoming differences, and let go of the idea that there is one right way to do anything.

About a few other things... As we near the 4th anniversary and 300th episode of About Progress I'm doing a "300 giveaway" where you can win daily gifts. There will also be a drawing for 3 grand prize winners. To enter, just share the show, leave a rating and review, and make sure to let me know about it. Your support in this way means the world to me and allows me to continue to serve you best.

However you have chosen to educate your children during these unique and uncertain times, I want you to know you're doing the right thing! I have compiled all my favorite resources to share with you in hopes they support you in any way. As a former educator, turned newly homeschooling mama I want us to know we're all in this together, so check out the COVID School Resource Guide.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Preethi's Instagram, Website
Join Podcast University and learn how to start or grow your podcast!
COVID School Resource Guide
Barber Mom - $10 off with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Only once before have I woken up in the night writing an episode in my mind, and that was my big faith crisis episode. The subject of this episode is the second time that has happened. I grew up seeing things in a very binary way and over the years have experienced a huge shift that has allowed me to embrace nuance. This has affected all aspects of my life: my body, my morals, politics, and a whole lot more. This episode is my experience of how and why I have made this shift!

I see so much value in allowing perspective, compromise, and nuance in lots of areas of our lives. You've heard me teach before about abandoning all-or-nothing thinking, and it so applies here. I hope that together we work towards seeing and embracing each other, our humanity, and our full human experience. Where I was once scared of nuance, and stuck to my safe space, I know see the huge opportunity for growth by leaning in more fully.

About a few other things... As we near the 4th anniversary and 300th episode of About Progress I'm doing a "300 giveaway" where you can win daily gifts. There will also be a drawing for 3 grand prize winners. To enter, just share the show, leave a rating and review, and make sure to let me know about it. Your support in this way means the world to me and allows me to continue to serve you best.

However you have chosen to educate your children during these unique and uncertain times, I want you to know you're doing the right thing! I have compiled all my favorite resources to share with you in hopes they support you in any way. As a former educator, turned newly homeschooling mama I want us to know we're all in this together, so check out the COVID School Resource Guide.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Join Podcast University and learn how to start or grow your podcast!
COVID School Resource Guide
Barber Mom - $10 off with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

It's all too easy to look at our selves and pick apart the areas in which we lack, the areas where we feel most scarce. It is so much more important to see ourselves in abundance, by identifying our strengths. Whether you can rattle off a long list, or need help even finding one, this episode is for you. Learn how to shine a light on yourself, operate at your highest capacity, and how to maximize what you do.

Heather Glenn is a coach who primarily helps people find their strengths and set long term goals. She shares her own story of feeling lost as a young mother, and how the shift to become the CEO of her family and herself ultimately changed everything. She will give you real ways to identify your strengths, and offers the gentle reminder that sometimes the most growth can come from within your own comfort zone. That means, when you focus on what you're good at, and grow those strengths, you increase your capacity for growth and success in all areas of your life. Tune in to hear how to do it and why it's so, so important.

About a few other things... As we near the 4th anniversary and 300th episode of About Progress I'm doing a "300 giveaway" where you can win daily gifts. There will also be a drawing for 3 grand prize winners. To enter, just share the show, leave a rating and review, and make sure to let me know about it. Your support in this way means the world to me and allows me to continue to serve you best.

However you have chosen to educate your children during these unique and uncertain times, I want you to know you're doing the right thing! I have compiled all my favorite resources to share with you in hopes they support you in any way. As a former educator, turned newly homeschooling mama I want us to know we're all in this together, so check out the COVID School Resource Guide.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Heather's Instagram, Website
Join Podcast University and learn how to start or grow your podcast!
COVID School Resource Guide
Better Help virtual therapy - 10% with code ABOUTPROGRESS
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Though we're spending the whole month discussing living abundantly, this is the only interview specifically about money. Yep, money. That thing you're not supposed to talk about. If you're already uncomfortable, like me, you're probably living in a scarcity mindset. But, this conversation is not the place to look for permission or encouragement to spend frivolously. It is, however, about how to shift your view of money so that it truly aligns with your values.

Janae Chandler teaches family finance at Brigham Young University and, admittedly, loves talking about money! To anyone, in any circumstance, at any time. She shares her own journey to reaching that point as well as her continuous efforts to budget and allow money to flow within her life and values. Her perspective on exchange and productivity will help you ease into a more abundant mindset. And for the listeners looking to get a jumpstart, check out her free class on budgeting. Sometimes we are so focused on money, that we forget all the other value in our life, and it's time to change that.

About a few other things... As we near the 4th anniversary and 300th episode of About Progress I'm doing a "300 giveaway" where you can win daily gifts. There will also be a drawing for 3 grand prize winners. To enter, just share the show, leave a rating and review, and make sure to let me know about it. Your support in this way means the world to me and allows me to continue to serve you best.

However you have chosen to educate your children during these unique and uncertain times, I want you to know you're doing the right thing! I have compiled all my favorite resources to share with you in hopes they support you in any way. As a former educator, turned newly homeschooling mama I want us to know we're all in this together, so check out the COVID School Resource Guide.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Janae's Instagram, Free Budgeting Class
Join Podcast University and learn how to start or grow your podcast!
Barber Mom - $10 off with code ABOUTPROGRESS
Better Help virtual therapy - 10% with code ABOUTPROGRESS
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

I once went down a long line of memories from my life due to a coaching prompt, in which I discovered my own feeling towards abundance. I explain further in the episode, but you may be able to do the same in an effort to understand if you are living abundantly, or in scarcity. You know me, so this is not some overnight dream-it-achieve-it speech. Instead I have 3 tips for shifting away from fear, and into feeling enough.

Abundance does not mean excess, it does not only apply to material things, it is simply the idea of having enough. By valuing what you have, and what you are, as enough, you will feel the gratitude that comes with abundance.

Though we will have an interview about money, the others this month will not be directly focused there. As you approach this theme in your life I hope to help you confidently say "come what may" and feel whole with that mindset.

About a few other things... To celebrate the 300th episode and 4th year of the podcast I'm doing a "300 Giveaway" where I give away 3 big, big prizes and 30 smaller gifts all month long. To be entered, leave a rating/review, share the show, and subscribe. Retroactive entries count! Screenshot any of these things and email them to hello@aboutprogress.com to let me know. Thank you so much for the support!

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

My COVID School Resource Guide
How to enter the 300 Giveaway
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

It has been almost two years since I first publicly shared about my faith crisis. It was something that I had battled with in my mind for many years, but took a long time to share with close friends and family. And then I shared it on this podcast. The response was overwhelming and wonderful, and to this day I have talked with many of you about it. Today I bring the follow up, letting you know where I am now, and how to persevere when spiritual doors seem closed.

Whether you have also questioned, or struggled with your faith, or if you haven't, I think my insight is worth listening to. For those who have felt like me, I have narrowed it down to 5 things that fuel my faith perseverance. They are not your typical answers, I hope they help guide you, too. For those that don't understand this type of struggle, I hope you listen and it will help you when you cross paths with someone like me.

I believe that unity is not all having the same thoughts, but is having the same purpose. We are all lost lambs seeking each other. I am different AND I am enough, and so are you.

More information on: temple garments, race and the priesthood, Mother in Heaven, plural marriage.
Resources: Crucible of Doubt, Navigating Mormon Faith Crisis, Other Resources, Hi-5 Live

About a few other things... Have you ever wondered how to podcast as a busy mom? Or maybe you know someone who would make a fantastic podcaster and needs that nudge to get started! Me and my business partner, Rachel Nielson of 3 In 30 Podcast, have opened enrollment to Podcast University, where we teach you how to start or grow your podcast.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

My COVID School Resource Guide
Enrollment for Podcast University is open!
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: Paul Cardall, @paulcardall
"Letting Go", "Sweet Escape", "Redeemer", "I Feel My Savior's Love"
DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

The Crucible of Doubt: Reflections On the Quest for Faith

Navigating Mormon Faith Crisis: A Simple Developmental Map

The best perk of this podcasting gig is getting to connect with the listeners here. Seriously, I cannot wait until there is a time when we can all meet in person again! Every email, comment, review, DM, that I get means so much. Over the years I've heard your successes and your struggles, and one in particular pained me to not know how to personally address. And that is, ways to reconnect after porn use in marriage.

When Darcy Spafford, a regular member of this community, reached out to discuss this topic I was thrilled. She is a homeschooling mom of 8 kids who has been married for almost 20 years. After navigating pornography in their marriage for the majority of that time, her and her husband now share openly to help couples reconnect after porn use in their marriages.

Honestly, her tips for rebuilding could serve every relationship - porn use or not. Her message of hope is that once she handed responsibility back to her husband, she felt powerful again. Through working on herself, finding her own happiness again, she says "It's so much easier to love someone else when you love yourself." Tune in for her other tips and to learn how their marriage is right now.

About a few other things... Join myself and Rachel, of 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms Podcast, as we teach busy, every day moms how to start or grow their podcasts. At Podcast U we aim to help you bring your voice and vision to life through an impactful podcast. Save yourself hours of research, and gain the support of mentors and peers who want to see you succeed.

As we near the 4th anniversary and 300th episode of About Progress I'm doing a "300 giveaway" where you can win daily gifts. There will also be a drawing for 3 grand prize winners. To enter, just share the show, leave a rating and review, and make sure to let me know about it. Your support in this way means the world to me and allows me to continue to serve you best.

However you have chosen to educate your children during these unique and uncertain times, I want you to know you're doing the right thing! I have compiled all my favorite resources to share with you in hopes they support you in any way. As a former educator, turned newly homeschooling mama I want us to know we're all in this together, so check out the COVID School Resource Guide.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Darcy's free workbook
Join Podcast University and learn how to start or grow your podcast!
Better Help virtual therapy - 10% with code ABOUTPROGRESS
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

After seven appearances now on the podcast, your fan favorite is here to discuss a previously less talked about, but integral, part of her work: sex. It was at her "Art of Desire" workshop that I first met Jennifer, and through continued work and conversation with her personally and on the podcast I know that her work is transformative. So let's get into it, what to do when you hate sex.

Dr. Finlayson-Fife is a coach and psychotherapist who works predominantly with members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this episode she lends her expertise on intimacy between married couples, with the foundational belief that it matters to more to belong to our sense of self, than to have sex.

This episode is for you if you have developed emotional disinterest, disgust, even the physical inability to have sex. There is hope to rebuild. Learn how to let go of any "transactional" ways of thinking about sex and lean into your own sensual nature. It's not quick or easy, but it is possible to change this for yourself and your relationship!

About a few other things... Have you ever wondered how to podcast as a busy mom? Or maybe you know someone who would make a fantastic podcaster and needs that nudge to get started! Me and my business partner, Rachel Nielson of 3 In 30 Podcast, are offering FREE CLASSES designed to help you start or grow your podcast. Sign up and attend live to get all your questions answered!

However you have chosen to educate your children during these unique and uncertain times, I want you to know you're doing the right thing! I have compiled all my favorite resources to share with you in hopes they support you in any way. As a former educator, turned newly homeschooling mama I want us to know we're all in this together, so check out the COVID School Resource Guide.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Jennifer’s Website, Instagram, and Facebook
Take a FREE CLASS on how to start or grow your own podcast!
Better Help virtual therapy - 10% with code ABOUTPROGRESS
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

In the world of self-development you may have convinced yourself to never give up, or some other undying mantra. But I say, it's okay to stop! Because it's different than quitting. When it comes to stopping vs. quitting I want to help you put words to why, when, and how.

Quitting is giving up out of frustration by lack of results. It's giving up too soon, driven by fear, shame and self doubt. Stopping is ending what you're doing because it's not right for the here and now. It is intentional.

In this episode I share how I quit dancing, but how I recently stopped the Progress Program. I have different feelings towards each experience, and that includes how I have and will approach resuming them. When you stop, you'll know it was a hard call, but still the right call. If you're struggling with the decision, tune in for 3 questions to ask yourself for first.

About a few other things... Have you ever wondered how to podcast as a busy mom? Or maybe you know someone who would make a fantastic podcaster and needs that nudge to get started! Me and my business partner, Rachel Nielson of 3 In 30 Podcast, are offering FREE CLASSES designed to help you start or grow your podcast. Sign up and attend live to get all your questions answered!

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

My COVID School Resource Guide
Take a FREE CLASS on how to start or grow your own podcast!
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas
Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

It doesn't matter if the circumstances are really true or not, if you don't feel like you belong, the weight and hurt of it feels the same. In this interview we uncover what feeling like you don't fit in, and finding belonging really means. If you find yourself asking what to do when you don't fit in, then these simple steps might help. At least, take solace knowing you are certainly not alone in feeling that way.

Jasmine Bradshaw is behind the podcast First Name Basis, where she encourages and empowers us to have hard conversations. She delves more into this in the interview, but it was her struggle to find belonging that actually inspired her to create the First Name Basis community. She talks about growing up biracial, and what she learned from her parents, college, and a special experience on an internship in New York.

So much of what you can do when you feel like you don't fit in, is to first make sure you have belonging within yourself. Jasmine has 3 steps to being brave and seeking connection. She advocates making room where room isn't made for you, and always voicing your values. Tune in to her story here, and follow more on her podcast, to see how she fully embodies these principles.

About a few other things... Have you ever wondered how to podcast as a busy mom? Or maybe you know someone who would make a fantastic podcaster and needs that nudge to get started! Me and my business partner, Rachel Nielson of 3 In 30 Podcast, are offering FREE CLASSES designed to help you start or grow your podcast. Sign up and attend live to get all your questions answered!

However you have chosen to educate your children during these unique and uncertain times, I want you to know you're doing the right thing! I have compiled all my favorite resources to share with you in hopes they support you in any way. As a former educator, turned newly homeschooling mama I want us to know we're all in this together, so check out the COVID School Resource Guide.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Jasmine's Instagram, Podcast, Patreon
Take a FREE CLASS on how to start or grow your own podcast!
Better Help virtual therapy - 10% with code ABOUTPROGRESS
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Don't run away thinking I'm another influencer trying to give you advice you don't need. More than anything I want you to always feel supported here at About Progress. I want you to know that whatever you have chosen in schooling your family this year is the right choice. And if it changes, it's still the right choice! There are many reasons, which I share in the episode, as to why we chose homeschooling this year. In summary, because I wanted to.

I recently gathered all my thoughts, ideas, and resources into one spot for you and I'm calling it my COVID School Resource Guide. It's completely free and hopefully easy for you to navigate. Whatever schooling looks like for your family I think there are things in there that will further support your family goals. And ultimately, as I share in this episode, I only have two goals when it comes to homeschooling.

When you tune in I hope you feel more at ease and confident in whatever decision you have made and that my experience provides insight into one of the ways to handle this issue right now.

About a few other things...

Have you ever wondered how to podcast as a busy mom? Or maybe you know someone who would make a fantastic podcaster and needs that nudge to get started! Me and my business partner, Rachel Nielson of 3 In 30 Podcast, are offering FREE CLASSES designed to help you start or grow your podcast. Sign up and attend live to get all your questions answered!

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

My COVID School Resource Guide
Miss Kelsey Preschool and Kindergarten Subscription box we use
Take a FREE CLASS on how to start or grow your own podcast!
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

I want you to think about something you've always wanted to change. And I ask this at the beginning of this episode, then rattle off lots of ideas, but I bet something comes to mind for you. It's hard though, isn't it? I am right there with you. Enduring years of slow transformation myself, I want to give you the tools to get going, too. Know that you CAN change, and in this episode learn some very simple places to start.

Brooke Snow is a podcaster, fellow Optimize coach (I'm currently certifying!), author and proponent of sustainable change. Really, she is a champion of all things we strive for at About Progress and I know you will resonate with her teachings and experiences. Brooke even opens up about a traumatic experience years ago, that led her to meditation and ultimately a transformation that she still works on every day.

We're covering the basics of what's keeping you from change, to how to move past that, and some encouragement if it's a slow process. Brooke will help you understand that it's the tiniest of habits that, with consistency, make the biggest difference. Tune in to learn how to grow bigger than your mountain, establish your floor and ceiling, plus the life-changing mantra that you can also adopt.

About a few other things... Have you ever wondered how to podcast as a busy mom? Or maybe you know someone who would make a fantastic podcaster and needs that nudge to get started! Me and my business partner, Rachel Nielson of 3 In 30 Podcast, are offering FREE CLASSES designed to help you start or grow your podcast. Sign up and attend live to get all your questions answered!

However you have chosen to educate your children during these unique and uncertain times, I want you to know you're doing the right thing! I have compiled all my favorite resources to share with you in hopes they support you in any way. As a former educator, turned newly homeschooling mama I want us to know we're all in this together, so check out the COVID School Resource Guide.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Brooke's Free Meditation Mini Course, Podcast, Instagram
Take a FREE CLASS on how to start or grow your own podcast!
Better Help virtual therapy - 10% with code ABOUTPROGRESS
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Did you know I actually plan my monthly themes several months in advance? Interestingly, this month's theme of perseverance could not be more timely. I hope I'm not the only one that feels that way and is ready to dive in to a month of encouraging interviews.

To set us up in this episode, I'm talking about a cartoon hero that can teach us some valuable lessons. I'm also sharing a little bit more about my journey with my daughter's special needs. And teaching you a simple acronym to remind yourself of when things get especially tough.

I am also giving you an update on my Do Something List, see the picture below, and as a reminder I always love to hear how yours are going! We focus a lot on accountability and supporting one another's lists in the Strive Hive. Lastly, I give a sneak peek to the incredible line up of interviews this month focusing on how to persevere within ourselves, our friends, and our marriages.

About a few other things... Have you ever wondered how to podcast as a busy mom? Or maybe you know someone who would make a fantastic podcaster and needs that nudge to get started! Me and my business partner, Rachel Nielson of 3 In 30 Podcast, are offering FREE CLASSES designed to help you start or grow your podcast. Sign up and attend live to get all your questions answered!

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Take a FREE CLASS on how to start or grow your own podcast!
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Just to recap from the summer, we listened to encore episodes in July and then talked about being consistent throughout August. The "Dear Progressor," episode will now air every other month, so still make sure to leave me your messages with what you learned and how you're growing! The submissions this month are definitely special, some even made this non-cryer get a little misty eyed.

I hope these messages (and songs!) help you realize that as you strive for progress and growth, you are not alone. None of the women who share their hearts in this episode have everything figured out. They are opening up about the steps they take to keep moving forward, and that's something we can all learn form.

About a few other things... Enrollment in the About Progress membership group is now open!! Join The Strive Hive which helps Progressors who are eager to take action and strive for daily progress access LEARNING, CHANGE, AND COMMUNITY, so that they can find more and lasting personal growth and fulfillment.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES
Original song by Amy Geis, Music Video, Spotify, iTunes
Original song by Megan Anderson
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Last month I announced a change for the podcast - each month we would alternate between the "Dear Progressor" episodes and an interview with a "regular" listener. This month I chatted with a member of this community, who is just like you, because it's so important for you to see that progress and growth is achievable even if you're not an expert.

Kendra Brimhall opens up about her progress story, and how she built a constructive mindset around habits. As a self described chronic-monster-list-maker, she would become overwhelmed and felt unsuccessful in her habits. Now, Kendra shares 3 small changes you can make to achieve the habits you want: smart small, change your definition of success, and have a backup plan. You will totally relate to this glimpse into a real life Progressor navigating growth, and especially during these uncertain times.

If you've ever found yourself in the valley of disappointment, feeling like a failure as you try hard to grow, then this episode with simple tips and relatable scenarios is for you!

About a few other things... As we spend this month talking about consistency, it's so important to address our habits! I disagree with the idea that it takes a certain amount of time before you master a habit. I instead have seen that it's how often you practice your new habit that helps it stick. If you're unsure of where to start You can still catch the replay of my FREE class "How to Make Habits that STICK" until August 31st!

A common complaint I hear when it comes to beginning counseling, is the overwhelm associated with getting started. It’s hard to know where to look, and who you’ll possible end up seeing. Better Help takes care of all of this by allowing you to receive counseling in an online environment, and handling everything if you need to switch therapists.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

FREE CLASS - How to Make Habits that STICK
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

For a long, long time I valued my worth based on my outcomes. If I didn't look a certain way, or achieve a certain thing, I thought that meant I wasn't good enough as a person. I now know, and want you to also understand, that I was wrong. The truth is, for myself included, you'll never make it.

You've probably heard in more than one of my interviews a discussion about arrival - and whether or not we ever fully arrive into who we think we need to become. We truly don't, I don't think we're designed that way. As I've shifted my thinking to understand this I am more grateful than ever for the endless opportunities I have, as a result, to keep growing.

Tune in for the reassurance that you'll never make it! As a result you'll never settle, you'll explore endless possibility, and experience the forward moving ability to see how far you've come and have the strength to keep growing.

About a few other things... As we spend this month talking about consistency, it's so important to address our habits! I disagree with the idea that it takes a certain amount of time before you master a habit. I instead have seen that it's how often you practice your new habit that helps it stick. If you're unsure of where to start I'd love to see you in this FREE class "How to Make Habits that STICK" with 3 live sessions and replays.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

FREE CLASS - How to Make Habits that STICK
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

This is a power-packed episode that I know I will listen to over and over again. The tips are simple and doable, and there are lots of them. Every week I send out Progress Pointers, basically all the good stuff in a nice graphic, so that you can listen and learn without taking notes. In this interview we uncover why we get sooo distracted, and how to become indistractable, through understanding our individual values and time.

Nir Eyal, author and behavioral designer, has spent years researching habit formation - specifically teaching tech and product companies how to get users hooked. He has a refreshing take, though, and discourages the all-or-nothing abandonment of your smart device for a 1990's flip phone and typewriter (from personal experience, seriously). Instead, Nir teaches 4 techniques that are really mindset shifts to address the 3 biggest reasons you're getting distracted.

If you've been here for any amount of time you'll recognize many of the things we discuss: values, discomfort, taking action, even time management. Tune in and you'll feel encouraged to take action on the attributes of the person you want to become and be equipped to become indistractable.

About a few other things... As we spend this month talking about consistency, it's so important to address our habits! I disagree with the idea that it takes a certain amount of time before you master a habit. I instead have seen that it's how often you practice your new habit that helps it stick. If you're unsure of where to start I'd love to see you in this FREE class "How to Make Habits that STICK" with 3 live sessions and replays.

Are you sick of your phone controlling your life? Distracting you from what really matters? Or drawing you into the comparison trap? Get my FREE Social Media Challenge straight to your inbox with 5 mini lessons delivered over 5 days.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Nir's Instagram, Website, Book, Schedule Tool, Summary Article, Distraction Guide
FREE CLASS - How to Make Habits that STICK
Get the FREE Social Media Challenge
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

My husband, Brad, and I are sitting down to give you a super informal update on our lives! A while back we talked about a lot of the unknowns we faced when we sold our home by owner in the middle of a pandemic without knowing where we'd land. Today we're sharing the exciting news that we bought a house, along with answering the questions you asked.

And, with the upcoming school year, we've decided to homeschool our children. This is something I have always wanted to do and given the current pandemic it felt like the right time. I'm sharing my approach, a little bit about curriculum and our schedule, plus my number one homeschooling priority. Stay tuned for a future blog post with the tools that help us in this endeavor!

If all of our adventures with this new home are interesting to you, follow along for updates on Instagram. I still have so much else in store for the podcast, Podcast U, the membership group, and even upcoming free classes. As for this episode, tune in for what Brad really loves about the exact location of our future home and thanks for all the kind-hearted congratulations on this adventure.

About a few other things... As we spend this month talking about consistency, it's so important to address our habits! I disagree with the idea that it takes a certain amount of time before you master a habit. I instead have seen that it's how often you practice your new habit that helps it stick. If you're unsure of where to start I'd love to see you in this FREE class "How to Make Habits that STICK" with 3 live sessions and replays.

A common complaint I hear when it comes to beginning counseling, is the overwhelm associated with getting started. It's hard to know where to look, and who you'll possible end up seeing. Better Help takes care of all of this by allowing you to receive counseling in an online environment, and handling everything if you need to switch therapists.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

FREE CLASS - How to Make Habits that STICK
Better Help counseling – 10% off with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Certain things are frequent topics on this podcast, and habits and routines has been one of them. If you're still overwhelmed and unsure of how to make those changes in your life, that's OKAY. Today's episode aims to use routines to free up your life and mind when you learn how to maximize consistency with your routines.

Ashley Brown, of Routines and Things, is a self proclaimed "Type A" personality who struggled with a major life transition, which led her to understanding that routines could make her stronger. She shares her morning routine, her exercise routine, and her young daughters' routine, all without expecting you to copy any of that. She teaches that we each need to structure our own unique routines in an intentional way that suits us.

If you feel like your routines are controlling you, know it should be the exact opposite. Ashley provides a few simple questions you can ask yourself to start the process of focusing on routine structure, rather than specificity. For example, who do you want to become and what in your past has dictated your routine outcomes. Tune in for the motivation to implement new systems, that with consistency, will last.

About a few other things... As we spend this month talking about consistency, it's so important to address our habits! I disagree with the idea that it takes a certain amount of time before you master a habit. I instead have seen that it's how often you practice your new habit that helps it stick. If you're unsure of where to start I'd love to see you in this FREE class "How to Make Habits that STICK" with 3 live sessions and replays.

A common complaint I hear when it comes to beginning counseling, is the overwhelm associated with getting started. It's hard to know where to look, and who you'll possible end up seeing. Better Help takes care of all of this by allowing you to receive counseling in an online environment, and handling everything if you need to switch therapists.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Ashley’s Instagram, Podcast, Rock Your Routine Training
FREE CLASS - How to Make Habits that STICK
Better Help counseling – 10% off with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

I want to talk to you about a pervasive lie that flys around the self development world. I believe that the idea of being an overnight success is a lie! If you're looking to achieve long-term change with quick fix type answers, then this is not the place for you. Instead, what I do wholeheartedly believe, is the power of being consistent.

That's right, doing your best, most of the time, over time, is the way to work towards real and lasting growth. This has been evident many times in my own life, most notably in the success of this very podcast. And you don't have to want any type of public platform to need this message. For instance, you know I've been applying the methods of consistency to my forever goal of getting to bed earlier.

What you lack in time, talent, and opportunity can be made up for in consistency. Tune in for the 3 ways to break through the obstacles that I now are holding you back.

About a few other things... In my efforts to embrace my inner hippie, I took a good hard look at the skin and makeup products I was using every day. It's important to me that they are clean, and in that search I found and love using Beauty Counter. They are high quality, effective, and free of lots of nasty ingredients that other products contain. This post shares allll my favorites or you can look around yourself here.

Did you know I have two free email courses? They’re super bite-sized tips sent straight to your inbox, and I always encourage you to respond and let me know how they’re working for you! Both are totally free, join my Social Media Challenge or try the 5 Day Sleep Makeover.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Sign up for my next FREE CLASS "How to Create Habits that Stick"
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

I knew Cori Connors growing up as the “Mom” of the neighborhood–the one always ready to laugh with instead of scold you, eager to cheer you on, and willing to sit with you when you’re down.

She is an angel to many, and she also has an angel voice backed by her record-selling songwriting abilities.

Cori talks about how creativity cannot flourish while in the restraints of perfectionism; that in order to really get to the meat of who we are and the gifts we have, we need to get comfortable with being messy.

Cori shares how we can better discover our talents and offer our own weirdness to the world with a bold confidence, one centered in love, curiosity, and imperfection. That’s what Cori does, and she can tell you the truth–life is better messy.

About a few other things... In my efforts to embrace my inner hippie, I took a good hard look at the skin and makeup products I was using every day. It's important to me that they are clean, and in that search I found and love using Beauty Counter. They are high quality, effective, and free of lots of nasty ingredients that other products contain. This post shares allll my favorites or you can look around yourself here.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Cori’s website, blog, Instagram, and Facebook
Cori’s Songs Played on the podcast: “Pontiac Rocket,” “Memoria,” “Broken”
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Seven types of rest?! Yep. But don’t worry, you’re likely not lacking in each of those areas. And actually, if you can see where your bucket needs filling and focus on that area then you will feel real restoration. Our guest actually has a rest quiz you can take to determine those areas! Today’s episode looks at why you are so exhausted and how to change that.

Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is a wife, mother, physician, speaker, and author. As an internal medicine doctor she began to notice that her patients were complaining of exhaustion despite sleeping 8 hours a night. She thoroughly explains this phenomenon in the interview, but essentially there are different areas of rest you need and different ways to restore a lacking area.

You will totally relate to Dr. Dalton-Smith’s own story of lying on the floor in her foyer, flanked by her young children, feeling at a loss. She offers perspective on the way her life looked, versus how it felt to her. Making the changes to recover your life (her book’s tagline) and restore yourself will be hard but is doable.

About a few other things... In my efforts to embrace my inner hippie, I took a good hard look at the skin and makeup products I was using every day. It's important to me that they are clean, and in that search I found and love using Beauty Counter. They are high quality, effective, and free of lots of nasty ingredients that other products contain. This post shares allll my favorites or you can look around yourself here.

Did you know I have two free email courses? They’re super bite-sized tips sent straight to your inbox, and I always encourage you to respond and let me know how they’re working for you! Both are totally free, join my Social Media Challenge or try the 5 Day Sleep Makeover.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Saundra’s Instagram, Facebook, Website, Rest Quiz
FREE 5-Day Sleep Makeover
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

One of the biggest takeaways from interviews about happiness, has been about how to fulfill this need internally, rather than relying on external factors. If you are still struggling, consider reframing how to choose more happiness as owning your choices. That’s right! You can choose happiness.

“I DON’T LOVE MY LIFE, BUT I CAN’T CHOOSE OTHERWISE.” Has that thought ever crossed your mind? Maybe it’s your family, your career, your personal development, or something else entirely that you blame for your unhappiness. If so, you can learn to feel empowered by your choices (even the ones you’ve already made!). Sacrifice after sacrifice will not lead to happiness, but proper growth and prioritizing will.

Psychotherapist, Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife joins us for her sixth (!!) interview to share how you can learn to choose more happiness and why it is so important. If you’re new to her, make sure to check out the past interviews here! This episode covers almost everything, from the very extreme to the very specific – she even lets us in on one of her client’s recent revelations during a counseling session. Ultimately we all have the agency to make choices, as well as the ability to find happiness within them.

This episode comes full circle with much of what you have already learned about happiness, priorities, putting yourself first, and finding joy. Tune in for one more push in the direction of finding, and choosing, what really makes you happy.

About a few other things...

In my efforts to embrace my inner hippie, I took a good hard look at the skin and makeup products I was using every day. It's important to me that they are clean, and in that search I found and love using Beauty Counter. They are high quality, effective, and free of lots of nasty ingredients that other products contain. This post shares allll my favorites or you can look around yourself here.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Jennifer’s Website, Instagram, and Facebook
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Raise your hand if you have fallen victim to circumstances, or excuses, and your list of “What if’s?” seems like the only thing in your life that is growing. Just like the old adage that a diamond is a chunk of coal that did well under pressure, we too can learn how to shine if we push past resistance. The choice is yours, learn how to keep growing or allow self doubt to stop you in your tracks.

In this episode, America’s Money Maven Patrice Washington weighs in on personal growth with what works for her and some ideas for you. As a podcaster, author, and speaker Patrice appears to easily have it all. But, she reveals 2 of her lowest business lows, and what she does now every day to keep going.

In line with a theme we know well here, Progress is Messy, this interview looks at specific ways to push through the resistance that you can meet when trying to grow. There’s something for everybody in this episode and the hope is that you feel inspired to turn those “What if’s?” into “What is.” – whatever that looks like for you.

About a few other things... In my efforts to embrace my inner hippie, I took a good hard look at the skin and makeup products I was using every day. It's important to me that they are clean, and in that search I found and love using Beauty Counter. They are high quality, effective, and free of lots of nasty ingredients that other products contain. This post shares allll my favorites or you can look around yourself here.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Patrice’s Website, Instagram, and Facebook
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

How is progressing going for you? Is it all over the place, back and forth, kind of a mess? GOOD. Progress is messy. All month long we are talking about what that looks like and how to deal with it. So what if you feel stuck, and need to know how to get out of a funk? The answer is simple – it’s you! And this episode contains the tools you need to show up for yourself.

Natalie Norton, retired photographer turned podcaster and life coach, holds little back as she reveals the depths of her grief and struggles. From a health crisis, to the death of her son and brother, then a failed adoption, she knows life gets messy. And as a result, she shares her personal insight into how to get out of a funk.

Her tips range from personal hygiene to self-awareness, and include steps to achieving both. Yes, sometimes even getting in the shower takes motivation – and that’s OK. Natalie also touches on how to know when you’re in more than a funk, and where to go from there. But, the center of her message is the same and it really only takes you showing up for yourself.

If you’re afraid of getting your hands dirty, you’re not alone, so here’s permission to get messy. Stretch yourself, seek growth, get out of your funk and makes mistakes along the way. Give yourself compassion (Natalie talks about that, too!) as you move forward in whatever way that looks like for you.

About a few other things...

In my efforts to embrace my inner hippie, I took a good hard look at the skin and makeup products I was using every day. It's important to me that they are clean, and in that search I found and love using Beauty Counter. They are high quality, effective, and free of lots of nasty ingredients that other products contain. This post shares allll my favorites or you can look around yourself here.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Natalie’s Podcast, Instagram, and Facebook
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

We've spent longer than I originally planned on discussing the most recent theme, "Be Healthy", with an emphasis on being, not getting, to our healthiest selves. The guests that shared their expertise this month were all full of valuable information, and in this episode I'm sharing how I got schooled, meaning what stuck out to me the most. Tune in for what I have to say, but also voices from the podcast community.

This is the episode where I also let you in on what's been going on in the Packer home. As you know, we moved out of our home in California, moved in with my parents in Utah, and have just been trying to adjust to our new routines. I've also made an exciting decision about schooling for the upcoming year, and I'm curious if you've wanted to do the same!

I'm signing off from new episodes for the next month as a lot of behind-the-scenes work goes on. But, especially if you're a new listener, you'll be able to listen to some freshly edited encore episodes. I hope that you are also able to continuing growing this summer, whatever that looks like for you, and look forward to reconnecting here on the podcast in a few weeks!

About a few other things... It's my birthday month, and I actually want to give gifts to some of you! Would you take less than 5 minutes to leave a rating and review for the podcast? Your feedback is what really helps us grow, both as I learn what resonates with you and in ability to reach more people. Each week I'll select one review to send a few goodies to as a thank you for the support that means so much to me.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

In this episode I'm combining self development with science, and it really does work. For example, as part of my seemingly never-ending quest to develop healthy sleep habits I frequently say, "I prioritize sleep." I do not say, "I'm incapable of a good night's rest" or "It takes me forever to fall asleep" and other non-aspirational, self-identifying, statements. In order to really change, I've learned how confirmation bias can shift your health habits.

Whether you already know what "confirmation bias" is, or not, the insight I'm sharing in this episode will help you. But if you're not familiar, it's the idea that we seek evidence around us to support our self-appointed identities. And at the core of our habit formation, is our identity. So, with a simple reframe you can work towards your habits with much more success.

I'm sharing examples from my own life of how I examined my goals and worked on my own habits by using a simple phrase, "That's like me!" And this is not expected to be unrealistic, like lying to yourself. I want to show you how to talk to yourself in aspirational ways, while still grounded in truth. Tune in and learn how to start with the who, instead of the how.

About a few other things... It's my birthday month, and I actually want to give gifts to some of you! Would you take less than 5 minutes to leave a rating and review for the podcast? Your feedback is what really helps us grow, both as I learn what resonates with you and in ability to reach more people. Each week I'll select one review to send a few goodies to as a thank you for the support that means so much to me.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

We're all born as intuitive eaters, if you think about it. Tiny babies know when they're hungry, and even cry a certain way to let us know! They also sometimes eat for comfort, know to stop when they're full, and feel no shame for these innate behaviors. If eating (and maybe in your head you think dieting) is bringing up a lot of fear for you, it's time to get back to your instincts and learn the power of eating without fear.

Taylor Chan is a registered dietitian and personal trainer on a mission to help you "navigate diet culture one doodle at a time" as she says on her Instagram. And when you go there you'll know exactly what she means by doodles, except they're more like true pieces of art! In this episode she talks about her own food story, including an experience in college that is probably all too familiar for many of us.

About a few other things...

A lot of what diet culture thrives on is this misplaced morality behind eating. But as I have mentioned already this month, your habits are neutral and your worth is inherent. So, how can you challenge learned food rules, or why should you? Tune in for a few steps and reasons, like how important it is to take back your time and mental space. And be compassionate with yourself as you navigate what may be a very new and uncomfortable, but ultimately worthwhile, space.

The Strive Tribe is now in full swing! Join a small and private group with like-minded members from this community for support and accountability. You'll have access to coaching, book clubs, challenges and more as we grow and develop together. Join now for lifetime founding-member pricing.

It's my birthday month, and I actually want to give gifts to some of you! Would you take less than 5 minutes to leave a rating and review for the podcast? Your feedback is what really helps us grow, both as I learn what resonates with you and in ability to reach more people. Each week I'll select one review to send a few goodies to as a thank you for the support that means so much to me.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Taylor's Website and Instagram
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Christopher Clark didn't ask for a diagnosis of ALS at the peak of his life, family, and career. Over the five years he faced with continuously limited capacity to move and control his body, he still controlled how he was going to show up each day with his humor, smile, and generosity.

Early on in my podcasting career, Chris accepted an invite from this no-name podcaster who wanted to take a microphone to his diminishing voice and record his story. That single episode changed my life forever.

Like so many out there, I have been devastated to learn that Chris succumbed to the disease that ravaged his body. I know he had hard days; but the greatest gift Chris gave to all of us is that he didn't let ALS ravage his spirit.

That spirit radiates through this interview, and shortly following he lost his ability to speak. It is my most-treasured recording, and I'm honored to share it all with you.

Christopher Clark passed away June 7th, 2020. He was previously a guest on About Progress in August 2017. All of the About Progress community passes on its greatest condolences to the Clark family and allllll of his many, many friends.

SHOW NOTES
Chris's Instagram
Chris's wife--Lisa's--Instagram
Donate to ALS Association here

Maybe you are like me and you thought systemic racism was mostly over after the Civil Rights Movement. Or maybe you still knew racism existed, but it was only happening far away and instigated by people who were nothing like yourself. But very likely, you are also like me, and have learned--both over time and especially the last few weeks--that racism is still very much part of our society today.

I hope you tune in to this special episode, especially if this topic makes you uncomfortable. In it, I share an admittedly non-exhaustive, but still helpful, list of 3 things you can do when you don't know what to do about racism. And more importantly: please read, listen, and learn from the BIPOC women and their posts I've shared below.

Black Female Guests of About Progress:
Jeanteil Livingston - Instagram and Interview
Patrice Washington - Instagram and Interview
Shunta Grant - Instagram and Interview
Janelle Alexandra - Instagram and Interview
Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith - Instagram and Interview
Monica Sutton - Instagram and Interview
Arielle Estoria - Instagram and Interview
Christy Joy - Instagram and Interview

SHOW NOTES

Where to learn on Instagram: @ivirlei, @roohiamber - small businesses, @roohiamber - influencers, @meghanjoytoday, @candidlydeena, @seekwisdompcw, @firstname.basis
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram

If the word exercise makes you squirm, it's time to let go of what it does, or doesn't, mean for you. And probably also, your excuses. Set aside the known health benefits, the aesthetics-only goals, and dig into how to put joy back into exercise. Because movement can actually help you manage your mindset.

Christy Joy is passionate about exercise, but not in a drill sergeant type of way. She often works out alongside her four children, and recognizes that sometimes even if a minute of movement is all you get, it still matters. We even dig in to my own exercise story. I have navigated an obsession and then, due to injury, prohibition.

She shares her methods for climbing out of the traps you've set for yourself around exercise. You know the ones...not enough time, can't find the right type, etc. And she motivates you with her idea that when you show up for yourself, and you do something difficult every day, you are more likely and more prepared to show up strong in the rest of your life.

About a few other things... The Strive Tribe is now in full swing! Join a small and private group with like-minded members from this community for support and accountability. You'll have access to coaching, book clubs, challenges and more as we grow and develop together. Join now for lifetime founding-member pricing.

As I packed up our whole house into a storage container, I made sure to leave my very favorite all-purpose Force of Nature cleaner out. Yep, we packed it in our van with the few other necessities not being stored! Use SUMMER25 for 25% off + free shipping on Starter Kits or use STAYSAFE15 for $15 off the already discounted price + free shipping on all Value Bundles.

Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Christy's Website and Instagram
Force of Nature Clean - use SUMMER25 for 25% off + free shipping on Starter Kits or use STAYSAFE15 for $15 off the already discounted price + free shipping on all Value Bundles
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Do you find yourself giving up on your habits practically on the day you decide to start them? Do you blame your willpower, or lack thereof, for getting in the way of positive habit formation? What if I told you it's not just about self-control and it is possible for you to make the changes you want.

In this episode I'm touching on two reasons why you struggle, and four ways you can boost your self-control. It is doable, and healthy, to create the habits you want for your whole self. I'm sharing what I've personally learned from many resources - like did you know you actually have a limited amount of self-control, or about willpower depletion (it's real!).

The habits that I'm constantly working on myself won't be anything new if you've been around a while. Spoiler: maintaining my habits and goals related to sleep and phone use will always take conscious consistency. If you feel a tug towards new habits I'm teaching you exactly where to start and how to move forward, once you let go of blaming yourself.

About a few other things... The Strive Tribe (formally our unnamed membership group) is now in full swing! Join a small and private group with like-minded members from this community for support and accountability. You'll have access to coaching, book clubs, challenges and more as we grow and develop together. Join now for lifetime founding-member pricing.

I have been using these organizers to keep allll the things usually lost in the black hole of my purse easily accessible, and even transferable to other bags. They are high quality, with a sleek and straightforward design. I recommend getting the bundle, like I did, and using code 'MONICA10' for 10% off until June 1st.

Make sure you're signed up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get each episode's Progress Pointers straight to your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Blueprints Project bag organizers - 'MONICA10' for 10% off
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

As I've spent the last decade and a half recovering from my own eating disorder, I have had the most success with intuitive eating. You don't need to be afraid of it; of letting go of diets and restrictions. It is possible to live life in accordance to your values, on the other side of harmful dieting or disordered eating.

Beth Summers, author, coach, and foodie, teaches how to shift your relationship with your body and food. She says, "Eating intuitively is using your intuition, which I consider to be a combination of your body, mind, and spirit." If you're struggling with the how, she address tackling your fears, leaning in to the discomfort and allowing the process.

Tune in for the permission to unlearn diet culture and relearn those instincts you were born with. For me, breaking the chains of disordered eating allowed me to bring power back into my life. When you think about it, diets are really allowing someone else to control you, and you really naturally try to defy that. Intuitive eating will always be a process, and that's ultimately what allows for progress.

The Strive Tribe (formally our unnamed membership group) is now in full swing! Join a small and private group with like-minded members from this community for support and accountability. You'll have access to coaching, book clubs, challenges and more as we grow and develop together. Join now for lifetime founding-member pricing.

I have been using these organizers to keep allll the things usually lost in the black hole of my purse easily accessible, and even transferable to other bags. They are high quality, with a sleek and straightforward design. I recommend getting the bundle, like I did, and using code 'MONICA10' for 10% off until June 1st.

Make sure you're signed up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get each episode's Progress Pointers straight to your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Beth's Website and Instagram
Blueprints Project bag organizers - 'MONICA10' for 10% off
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

You may have guessed from my months of semi-eluding, and probably saw this post, but we are officially moving! We sold our home, by owner, during a pandemic, and don't know exactly where we're going to land. Sound crazy? I get it, I do, but I'm actually feeling an exciting sense of curiosity and adventure.

My husband, Brad, agreed to join me for this episode to answer your questions and share each of our feelings on this big leap. We do know where we are temporarily going, but hope to take our time choosing our potential forever home. You'll get a real glimpse into how my mind works as I share the two contradictory visions I have, plus hear our truest priorities as we move forward.

I hope this episode answers some questions, but also shows you that making big decisions is never easy, even if it's right. We share what we're most excited for, and also the tough parts about leaving our home of 12 years together. You'll also get a glimpse into our family life, the values we try to hold to, and that even though things definitely aren't perfect, we can move forward with peace.

About a few other things... The Strive Tribe (formally our unnamed membership group) is now in full swing! Join a small and private group with like-minded members from this community for support and accountability. You'll have access to coaching, book clubs, challenges and more as we grow and develop together. Join now for lifetime founding-member pricing.

I have been using these organizers to keep allll the things usually lost in the black hole of my purse easily accessible, and even transferable to other bags. They are high quality, with a sleek and straightforward design. I recommend getting the bundle, like I did, and using code 'MONICA10' for 10% off until June 1st.

Make sure you're signed up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get each episode's Progress Pointers straight to your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Blueprints Project bag organizers - 'MONICA10' for 10% off
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Notice the title of this episode isn't how to gain confidence, it's how to strengthen yours. That means you already have it, and if you're doubting that then you just need to uncover it. If you're basing your confidence just on the surface, then you're not really living up to your fullest potential. Wherever you fall, the episode will teach you how to progress.

Arielle Estoria is a creator, writer, and speaker spreading light and positivity. She was also a self described "professional wallflower" for many years. Her description of not wanting to take up too much space may resonate with many of you, as it totally did for me. She details how she broke free of that mentality, giving herself permission and gaining the confidence she feels is her gift to share with others.

It's time to recognize the power and gifts you already have, and step into the power they hold. If this feels too vulnerable, that's normal. Arielle has just two steps you can take to "dream it out" and start living the life you've been given.

About a few other things... As an introverted mother myself, I took Erica Layne's 7 Day "Talked Out, Touched Out" Challenge. Her goal is to provide simples tips toward helping those like me find ease and enjoyment in motherhood. Get it now for $10 off!

The Strive Tribe (formally our unnamed membership group) is now in full swing! Join a small and private group with like-minded members from this community for support and accountability. You'll have access to coaching, book clubs, challenges and more as we grow and develop together. Join now for lifetime founding-member pricing.

I have been using these organizers to keep allll the things usually lost in the black hole of my purse easily accessible, and even transferable to other bags. They are high quality, with a sleek and straightforward design. I recommend getting the bundle, like I did, and using code 'MONICA10' for 10% off until June 1st.

Make sure you're signed up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get each episode's Progress Pointers straight to your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Arielle's Website and Instagram
7 Lessons to Help You THRIVE as an Introverted Mom - $10 off until 5/22
Blueprints Project bag organizers - 'MONICA10' for 10% off
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

I mentioned in this month's introduction episode, that your habits are neutral. It's worth a short solo episode explaining what that really means and how it can help you grow. You should feel some relief, you don't need to dramatically, or painfully, change your habits. You can, however, shift your views, to align with your values, and therefore shape your habits.

Remove that familiar all-or-nothing way of viewing your habits, because when we moralize our habits we moralize ourselves. You are not inherently good or bad because of a helpful or unhelpful habit that you have. I want to encourage a more positive, and productive, way of viewing your habits.

Of course I'm sharing exactly what this looks like in my life with things like eating habits and social media usage. As you listen you may identify your own views on habits you have, so I'm telling you the exact rephrasing I use to separate my worth from my actions. There are a few other simple tips I have, but ultimately hope that by listening you can achieve more self-compassion.

About a few other things... As an introverted mother myself, I took Erica Layne's 7 Day "Talked Out, Touched Out" Challenge. Her goal is to provide simples tips toward helping those like me find ease and enjoyment in motherhood. Get it now for $10 off!

The Strive Tribe (formally our unnamed membership group) is now in full swing! Join a small and private group with like-minded members from this community for support and accountability. You'll have access to coaching, book clubs, challenges and more as we grow and develop together. Join now for lifetime founding-member pricing.

I am joining several other speakers as part of the Purpose Project summit to help you get clear on your purpose. Join the FREE 3 day summit that will inspire you, teach you and give you the tools to make living your purpose a reality.

Make sure you're signed up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get each episode's Progress Pointers straight to your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

7 Lessons to Help You THRIVE as an Introverted Mom - $10 off until 5/22
Join the Purpose Project Summit
Better Help counseling – 10% off with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Do you want to know the most pivotal piece of advice a therapist ever shared with me? As I was finally seeking treatment after struggling for years with my eating disorder I was told this: you will deal with this forever. And I was actually relieved! I explain further in the episode, along with our mental-health-therapist guest, on the ways to better cope with your mental health struggles.

Kimberley Quinlan is a mother, business owner, therapist, and podcaster. She also, somewhat uniquely, self discloses the mental health struggles she has learned to live with. With a specialty in obsessive compulsive disorder and other anxiety disorders, Kimberley has a strong and soothing approach. Her motto is "It's a beautiful day to do hard things."

There are 3 main things we want listeners to learn from this episode, but in addition to those concrete steps you will feel empowered and able. As we focus this month on being healthy, not getting healthy, you'll understand the strength and resilience you possess because of mental health struggles. Tune in for new and encouraging ways to help yourself, or to better support someone you love.

About a few other things... As an introverted mother myself, I took Erica Layne's 7 Day "Talked Out, Touched Out" Challenge. Her goal is to provide simples tips toward helping those like me find ease and enjoyment in motherhood. Get it now for $10 off!

The Strive Tribe (formally our unnamed membership group) is now in full swing! Join a small and private group with like-minded members from this community for support and accountability. You'll have access to coaching, book clubs, challenges and more as we grow and develop together. Join now for lifetime founding-member pricing.

I am joining several other speakers as part of the Purpose Project summit to help you get clear on your purpose. Join the FREE 3 day summit that will inspire you, teach you and give you the tools to make living your purpose a reality.

Make sure you're signed up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get each episode's Progress Pointers straight to your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Kimberley's Website and Instagram
7 Lessons to Help You THRIVE as an Introverted Mom - $10 off until 5/22
Join the Purpose Project Summit
Better Help counseling – 10% off with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Today I'm introducing the theme for May (really the next 6 weeks) with a disclaimer that, no, this is not turning into a diet and fitness podcast and blog. But, I do feel passionately about the importance of being healthy in allll aspects of your life. Tune in all month for interviews on achieving healthy habits that align with your values.

Spoiler alert: this is not a quick fix, one-size-fits-all approach I'm offering. Using 4 tips, that I thoroughly explain, I teach that your mindset is the HOW. Your habits, and therefore your health, should support the values you already identify with. The emphasis is on being healthy, NOT getting healthy.

With a goal to live with happiness and wholeness as a healthy being I want you to understand self compassion, purpose, and identity. Your habits are actually neutral, not inherently bad nor good. Once you remove the shame, you can get to work on all aspects of your healthiest self. Listen to how this has personally worked for me and will work for you, too.

About a few other things... I am joining several other speakers as part of the Purpose Project summit to help you get clear on your purpose. Join the FREE 3 day summit that will inspire you, teach you and give you the tools to make living your purpose a reality.

If you want extra support, coaching, and accountability then join our private membership group. I will work through this month's Progress Plan (only available through the group!) with you, so you can make the most of your growth. Can't wait to see you there for daily inspiration and connection.

Make sure you're signed up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get each episode's Progress Pointers straight to your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Join the Purpose Project Summit
Better Help counseling - 10% off with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Force of Nature Clean - use code NOVIRUS15 for $15 off & free shipping on bundles, use code SAFEKIT20 for 20% off on kits
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

We spent this past month learning about what I might even call my favorite theme yet, live with purpose. I hope you come away from the fantastic interviews this month knowing you don't need to find your purpose, you already have it. At first I wasn't sure if the theme was relevant given the current pandemic, but this community showed up and showed me the real importance of infecting purpose into our every day lives.

As always, in addition to the "Dear Progressor," listener submissions I share what's going on in the Packer home and how I got schooled this month. We have (obviously) been spending tons of time at home and as a family, but a few things we do almost daily have really meant the most to me. I'm even considering permanently keeping a new change!

There was so much to be learned from this month's interviews, but I'm boiling down what stood out most to me. Sara Dean and Tallia Deljou mentioned perusing a book store as a way to better know your interests - so hopefully we can all get out and do that soon, right?! I also share the episode I thought would be met with more controversy, but was instead widely embraced. Of course our listener submission adds even more to what I share. Tune in and let me know, what do you think of this episode format? Trying to decide what the future holds for it!

About a few other things... With all this time we have been spending at home, some of my organization struggles have been on the forefront of my mind. In January I released an organization audio course to help you learn how to cut the clutter and find clarity. That is still available to you before prices go up May 1st. Purchase before then for some BIG additional bonuses - 3 months of office hours style coaching and private membership group access. Use code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' for a discount, too!

Make sure you're signed up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get each episode's Progress Pointers straight to your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Revolution Math - code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' for $1 first month including starter kit
Force of Nature Clean - code 'CLEANSAFE40' for $40 off starter kit
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

This is a power-packed episode meant to teach you how to play off your strengths, to add purpose to your present life. If that sentence, or just the title, has you bringing up your guards, wait just a second! All the questions you need to ask yourself are here for you to use right away, to learn how your strengths can guide your path.

Tallia Deljou is a coach and podcaster with a background in positive psychology. Her bright perspective on helping women find joy in their purpose and strengths is evident. This interview also does not shy away from the depths this type of journey can take, but is equipped with the tools to help you.

For many women the simple question of "What are your strengths?" isn't so simple at all. Everyone has their own personal story for why that is, but we can all learn how to find an answer. It starts with understanding fear, then considering skills versus strengths and ultimately challenging ourselves to continue in purpose. As you tune in, keep a mental or physical list to narrow in on your strengths and let them serve you on your path.

About a few other things... My daughter used to struggle so much with math, it was often a battle to get her to finish her work. But for several months we've been using Revolution Math (paid for with my own money!) to provide her small group tutoring that she now actually looks forward to doing. Use code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' to get the starter kit and first month for only $1.

With all this time we have been spending at home, some of my organization struggles have been on the forefront of my mind. In January I released an organization audio course to help you learn how to cut the clutter and find clarity. That is still available to you before prices go up May 1st. Purchase before then for some BIG additional bonuses - 3 months of office hours style coaching and private membership group access. Use code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' for a discount, too!

Make sure you're signed up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get each episode's Progress Pointers straight to your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Tallia's Website and Instagram
Revolution Math - code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' for $1 first month including starter kit
Force of Nature Clean - code 'CLEANSAFE40' for $40 off starter kit
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

What does organization bring to mind for you? Do you jump to "the kitchen", "loose papers", "kids' clothing", or other large-project things? Perfectionism would have you think that's the only choice, and that kind of thinking is exactly what hijacks your growth. If you can shift your identity, you will shift your organization habits and outcomes.

Organization is sooo much more than the overwhelming spaces of your home. I teach organization first in your mind, then as well in your space and time. When it comes to your mind, your identity, I want you to admit the story you're telling yourself.

Is it:
I'm lazy.
I'm a procrastinator.
All-or-nothing.
I'm scatterbrained and inconsistent.
I'm a non-starter.
I'm a non-finisher.

In this episode I'll tell you what I used to believe about myself and how it hindered so much progress in my whole life. I'll also teach you what I tell myself now. You can shift your beliefs from limiting to empowering.

About a few other things... With all this time we have been spending at home, some of my organization struggles have been on the forefront of my mind. In January I released an organization audio course to help you learn how to cut the clutter and find clarity. That is still available to you before prices go up May 1st. Purchase before then for some BIG additional bonuses - 3 months of office hours style coaching and private membership group access. Use code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' for a discount, too!

SHOW NOTES

Revolution Math - code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' for $1 first month including starter kit
Force of Nature Clean - code 'CLEANSAFE40' for $40 off starter kit
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

In all honesty, I almost titled this episode, "How to Not Lose Your Shiz When Life Happens." I want you to tune in and know you're not alone in the feelings of panic, fear, anger, sadness or whatever else overwhelms you in this moment. And then, I want you to learn what you can do and how to stay calm in times of stress like these.

Our returning guest, Jen Riday, is a mother of 6, podcaster and women's coach. She talks about her love of statistics, even spreadsheets, and routines that usually work for her. But given her personal experience with COVID-19, and a journey through all the stages of grief, Jen had to shift her routines. She is sharing the specific techniques that have allowed her to stay calm in these times of epic stress.

If embracing the new normal, and even feeling like your self, has become a battle, tune in to this episode for some practical tips. Jen encourages us to identify our feelings, and feel them. Using B.O.L.D. meditation (a genius acronym!) in addition to her solid morning routine, she teaches how it's possible to find your calm and feel like yourself even in times of uncertainty and stress.

About a few other things... My daughter used to struggle so much with math, it was often a battle to get her to finish her work. But for several months we've been using Revolution Math (paid for with my own money!) to provide her small group tutoring that she now actually looks forward to doing. Use code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' to get the starter kit and first month for only $1.

With all this time we have been spending at home, some of my organization struggles have been on the forefront of my mind. In January I released an organization audio course to help you learn how to cut the clutter and find clarity. That is still available to you before prices go up May 1st. Purchase before then for some BIG additional bonuses - 3 months of office hours style coaching and private membership group access. Use code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' for a discount, too!

Make sure you're signed up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get each episode's Progress Pointers straight to your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Jen's Website and Instagram
Revolution Math - code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' for $1 first month including starter kit
Force of Nature Clean - code 'CLEANSAFE40' for $40 off starter kit
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Today's episode might make you uncomfortable, but remember, you can have the discomfort of not growing or the discomfort of growing. Let's get started by asking yourself, whose life are you living? Is it really yours and are you really doing it with purpose? Because if not, and you're living for your children, your partner, your parents, etc. then this episode serves to teach you that you don't have to be the sacrificial lamb of your family.

Dr. Julie Hanks is lending her expertise as a wife, mother, author, and therapist. She is passionate about self growth even within motherhood and shedding light on finding your sense of self. Here are some spoilers: make your needs just as important as your family's, you are doing a disservice to your children if you each them the word revolves around them, and you can't be selfless without a self.

If you feel a little bit lost, uncertain of where to start, or even what's missing, I have been there. In fact, I'm sharing an experience I had years ago that made me feel like pursuing anything outside of my children was selfish. Now I know that to be more selfless, to be able to give of myself to my family, I have to be my whole self first. Tune in to this episode for the practical push you need find your passions again.

About a few other things... With all this time we have been spending at home, some of my organization struggles have been on the forefront of my mind. In January I released an organization audio course to help you learn how to cut the clutter and find clarity. That is still available to you before prices go up May 1st. There was also a free organization challenge that I've decided to reopen April 20th, so get signed up and join our Facebook group for all the encouragement and practical tips to get organized in your mind, space, and time.

Make sure you're signed up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get each episode's Progress Pointers straight to your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Julie's Website and Instagram
Better Help - 10% off first month with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

As the days sort of blur together during the current pandemic I want to remind you of something important. I believe in, and teach, anchoring in to yourself often, but during these hardest of times it feels that much more important. Tune in to this solo episode, a growth spurt, on why your personal habits matter, especially during the hard times.

It really is the little things we've developed over time that keep us whole, even sane. Lean in to those personal habits to feel strong, so you can keep going. I recognize that our ability to keep up with routines may change with the seasons we're in. But, with patience and persistence you can stay committed.

I'm sharing more specifics in the episode, but things like the daily exercise my body is used to, or maintaining the sleep habits I've worked so hard on, make all the difference. Think back to the routines and personal habits you maybe used to keep but have let slip, and pick just a few to get back into and help you anchor into yourself again.

About a few other things... With all this time we have been spending at home, some of my organization struggles have been on the forefront of my mind. In January I released an organization audio course to help you learn how to cut the clutter and find clarity. That is still available to you before prices go up May 1st. There was also a free organization challenge that I've decided to reopen April 20th, so get signed up and join our Facebook group for all the encouragement and practical tips to get organized in your mind, space, and time.

Make sure you're signed up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get each episode's Progress Pointers straight to your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Join the FREE Organization Challenge
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

With the COVID-19 pandemic we are all kind of losing track of what day it is. But, the topic of this interview is not specific to this time. In motherhood, and just life itself, we can sometimes feel like we're living a Groundhog Day. And even if that's how you're feeling, you can still find purpose.

Sara Dean is a mother, coach, and podcaster at Shameless Mom Academy who believes in living bigger, bolder, and better. In this episode she's opening up about the parts of her story that helped her realize her purpose as she encourages listeners to do the same.

This may sound a little harsh, but we're not afraid of a kick-in-the-pants around here, right? If you're putting off the challenge behind this month (living with purpose) is it because you are just sitting in the comfort of your excuses? Sara describes it as "picking your pain" when you choose between staying stagnant or growing forward. Both choices are actually uncomfortable, but really only one lends itself towards how to find purpose in your life and motherhood. Tune in for the hug I also always want you to feel, as Sara reminds us to "Shamelessly do the things that lights you up."

About a few other things... With all this time we have been spending at home, some of my organization struggles have been on the forefront of my mind. In January I released an organization audio course to help you learn how to cut the clutter and find clarity. That is still available to you before prices go up May 1st. There was also a free organization challenge that I've decided to reopen April 20th, so get signed up and join our Facebook group for all the encouragement and practical tips to get organized in your mind, space, and time.

Make sure you're signed up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get each episode's Progress Pointers straight to your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Sara's Website, 15 Minute Manifest, and Instagram
Better Help - 10% off first month with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

When I am asked, "How do I find my purpose?" I have kind of an unconventional response: nobody has one, lifelong purpose, to be found. Because it's not about what you do, but who you are. I want to encourage you to live a life of meaning and substance and purpose no matter what you do. Instead of trying to find your purpose, it's time to live with purpose.

To help keep this manageable for you I'm breaking it down into 3 ways you can start right away to live with purpose.

Stop seeking for the what and live the how.
Believe you matter and live like you matter.
You get to decide, think deeper.

I really hope you take the time to tune in to this episode, to do something just for you, because it will truly benefit everything around you. I'm sharing a guided exercise that I've previously only shared in my workshops to help you dig deep and feel your worth. You will be empowered to live with purpose immediately, it is so important and you are so important.

About a few other things... With all this time we have been spending at home, some of my organization struggles have been on the forefront of my mind. In January I released an organization audio course to help you learn how to cut the clutter and find clarity. That is still available to you before prices go up May 1st. There was also a free organization challenge that I've decided to reopen April 20th, so get signed up and join our Facebook group for all the encouragement and practical tips to get organized in your mind, space, and time.

Make sure you're signed up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get each episode's Progress Pointers straight to your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Each month I ask for you, the listeners, to send in a soundbite sharing how you've grown or what you've learned this month. Given the way our world has been turned upside down this month I'm not surprised there was only one submission. As you listen, though, I know her perspective on comparison will resonate with you. I also give my (hopefully encouraging) thoughts on life and growth during these uncertain times.

I share more in the episode about how this year I'm focusing on the specific purpose of this podcast and community. I want to serve you, in ways that really count, because this has never been a fan club for me. Earlier this year I launched our private membership group, and it has quickly become the best example of this community. In that group the women share openly, support one another, find accountability, and more all with my attention. There are coaching calls, a book club, challenges and other ways for you to find connection as you grow.

I share more in the episode about how this year I'm focusing on the specific purpose of this podcast and community. I want to serve you, in ways that really count, because this has never been a fan club for me. Earlier this year I launched our private membership group, and it has quickly become the best example of this community. In that group the women share openly, support one another, find accountability, and more all with my attention. There are coaching calls, a book club, challenges and other ways for you to find connection as you grow.

SHOW NOTES

Math Revolution - first month free with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Prenda - Keep your child learning at home!
Enroll in Podcast U
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

At the time we are publishing this episode our country, and world, is facing the pandemic of COVID-19. With respect to the gravity of this situation we do touch on its applicability as part of this topic. We also hope that the tips shared here can support you through this time, but also beyond. And before you totally write-off productivity, tune in for just a few minutes. You'll see that there are ways to boost your productivity as a busy mom regardless of your season in motherhood.

Brittney Hanks, of Homegrown Traditions, is a mother of 4 who focuses on teaching other moms simplify and focus on what is essential in their lives. She believes in quality time with family, and promotes even the easiest of ways to accomplish that. In today's episode she shares how her season of motherhood have changed, and how that affects productivity.

Regardless of your season, she teaches that feeling productive each day actually refuels us. Her tips include doing one thing each day that can't be undone, how to capitalize on your energy, and a fun trick that always motivates her. Don't resign yourself to living a "Groundhog Day" existence, instead implement just a few of these tools to ignite the satisfaction that even a small accomplishment can bring.

About a few other things... Enrollment for Podcast U is now open! Save yourself the struggle of getting your podcast off the ground. Learn how to start and grow it in with the 3 month course that's right for you. You'll receive video instruction, a workbook, office hours and support.

If you want to sample the teaching style of Podcast U, check out these completely free classes: How to START Your Podcast and How to GROW Your Podcast. Stop procrastinating your potential and do something about this goal!

Make sure you're signed up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get each episode's Progress Pointers straight to your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Brittney's Instagram, Website
Math Revolution - first month free with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Prenda - Keep your child learning at home!
Enroll in Podcast U
Take a free podcasting class
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Just like all of you, these last couple weeks have been weird as we navigate a new, and changing, normal. I'm right there with you with all of my family at home in our small home, all the time, still needing to fulfill many of our obligations. Instead of crumbling under the pressure I am focusing on how to stay strong. This episode is simply my thoughts on finding strength and stability during this uncertain time.

I want you to know that you are a leader, amongst your family and community. You can lead with clarity and confidence. Tune in for ideas on how to seek meaning, employ radical self care, and lean into intentionality. It's time to anchor into yourself, for your own sake, but also for any that depend on you.

About a few other things... Enrollment for Podcast U is now open! Save yourself the struggle of getting your podcast off the ground. Learn how to start and grow it in with the 3 month course that's right for you. You'll receive video instruction, a workbook, office hours and support.

If you want to sample the teaching style of Podcast U, check out these completely free classes: How to START Your Podcast and How to GROW Your Podcast. Stop procrastinating your potential and do something about this goal!

Make sure you're signed up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get each episode's Progress Pointers straight to your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Enroll in Podcast U
Take a free podcasting class
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

You may have noticed somewhat of a trend this month as we discuss meaningful productivity - it's priorities! In this episode you'll hear the questions to ask yourself to identify just a few of your top priorities. You will be able to better plan your days, and attain actual balance in your day-to-day life. With a clear idea of these values, you'll understand how to know when you've done enough each day.

Ceri Payne is a private life coach helping mompreneurs and creatives discover their priorities in life so that they can plan and organize their day and time with purpose and intention. In this interview she gives you tools to narrow down on your priorities, so you can focus on just you. You can stop comparing yourself to others, or even to other versions of you, to live each day intentionally and feel fulfilled.

Don't let your expectations set you up for failure. Ceri shares exactly what this looked like in her life; including what she actually had to give up to better herself. You can consider your "not priority" list, maybe, to help you gain clarity on where you actually want to focus your precious time.

About a few other things... Enrollment for Podcast U is now open! Save yourself the struggle of getting your podcast off the ground. Learn how to start and grow it in with the 3 month course that's right for you. You'll receive video instruction, a workbook, office hours and support.

If you want to sample the teaching style of Podcast U, check out these completely free classes: How to START Your Podcast and How to GROW Your Podcast. Stop procrastinating your potential and do something about this goal!

Make sure you're signed up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get each episode's Progress Pointers straight to your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Ceri's Instagram, Website
Monk Manual - 10% off with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Enroll in Podcast U
Take a free podcasting class
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas
Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

We can't only do the fun things all the time. You sometimes need to say yes and do things you don't want to do, in order to move our progress needle forward. Think about the rule of law, driving the speed limit for instance. Think about an olympic athlete putting in insane hours of practice that they might not want to, but need to because they do want the outcome.

For you, what are some of the things you don't like to do but are willing to lean in to? As you develop yourself and step into your true values, you'll see the ultimate benefit of this practice. In this episode I'm sharing ways this has worked in my life, even with things like getting my laundry done.

I've determined three ways you can move things from the dreaded "should" list, to the "I want to" list. Remember, this month is focused on meaningful productivity so these tips are meant to be simple and doable. I also talk a lot about your values in this episode, so if you haven't taken this quiz yet to narrow those down, start there.

About a few other things... Enrollment for Podcast U is now open! Save yourself the struggle of getting your podcast off the ground. Learn how to start and grow it in with the 3 month course that's right for you. You'll receive video instruction, a workbook, office hours and support.

If you want to sample the teaching style of Podcast U, check out these completely free classes: How to START Your Podcast and How to GROW Your Podcast. Stop procrastinating your potential and do something about this goal!

Make sure you're signed up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get each episode's Progress Pointers straight to your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Referenced in the episode: Adam Moore Motivational Styles and Gretchen Rubin Tendencies Quiz
Enroll in Podcast U
Take a free podcasting class
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

When you finally lay down in bed at night, where is the first place your mind goes? Are you frantically reviewing your half finished to-do list, feeling shame and guilt over it? You're not alone! So many of us do this, then the next day we either over manage our time and become obsessed, or under manage out of fear. It's an exhausting cycle and I, for one, am over it! In today's interview learn how to dramatically shift your time management starting with just 5 minutes a day.

  Steven Lawson won't be a total stranger if you've been a listener for a little while now. He is the founder of Monk Manual, the planner that radically improved my time management and productivity. But don't worry, this is not an episode devoted to using a planner. Steven is giving us his insight and tips that will help *anyone* looking to put some soul back into their productivity.

     To start, we discuss what you're doing wrong with your time management and learn how to shift your outcome based mindset. Tune in to feel empowered to cut your to-do list in half, respect the season you're in, find your top 5 priorities, time block, and more. With a little bit of planning, in whatever form works best for you, your time can truly be well spent.      **About a few other things...**    Enrollment for Podcast U is now open! Save yourself the struggle of getting your podcast off the ground. Learn how to start and grow it in with the 3 month course that's right for you. You'll receive video instruction, a workbook, office hours and support.     If you want to sample the teaching style of Podcast U, check out these completely free classes: How to START Your Podcast and How to GROW Your Podcast. Stop procrastinating your potential and do something about this goal!      Make sure you're signed up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get each episode's Progress Pointers straight to your inbox every Thursday.  **SHOW NOTES** * Steven's Instagram, Monk Manual (10% off with code ABOUTPROGRESS)

Enroll in Podcast U
Take a free podcasting class
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Do you ever catch yourself staring down a long list of check boxes? Either you're overly eager to zip through them all, or paralyzed by the thought of even starting? Wherever you fall, productivity is one of those things we can all benefit by checking in on. This month I want you to be productive in less time and in ways that really count. We're calling it meaningful productivity.

Productivity is a strength of mine, but I want to tell you the truth about the weakness I have found in that strength. Full days, with lots of different things to do are exciting to me and always have been. But, what I learned recently is that I sometimes hinge my value off of my outcomes. So then, if I don't fit in and check off absolutely everything, I'm disappointed and unhappy. It isn't a sustainable cycle.

Facing my day using my 3 step system has really helped me narrow in on the to-do's that matter most, without feeling guilt from the things I don't get to. Tune in for the simple steps you can also follow, along with my personal experiences working on each one to turn my hamster wheel of productivity into something meaningful.

About a few other things... Enrollment for Podcast U is now open! Save yourself the struggle of getting your podcast off the ground. Learn how to start and grow it in with the 3 month course that's right for you. You'll receive video instruction, a workbook, office hours and support.

If you want to sample the teaching style of Podcast U, check out these completely free classes: How to START Your Podcast and How to GROW Your Podcast. Stop procrastinating your potential and do something about this goal!

Make sure you're signed up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get each episode's Progress Pointers straight to your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Enroll in Podcast U
Take a free podcasting class
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Have you ever thought to yourself, "I'm living the life I've always wanted...so why am I still so ______________ (insert negative emotion)." I have lived through that and for me it was feeling unhappy, unfulfilled, lost, stuck, even empty. Through a lot of personal development I dug myself out of that hole, and continue to grow in a way that lets me love this life I've always wanted - even when it's sweeping crumbs off the floor.

I want this change for you, too. Tomorrow is the very last day for enrollment in my small group growth coaching Progress Program. Don't let the opportunity to do something for yourself (and ultimately even for others via trickle-down-effect) pass you by.

As always, I'm giving my monthly "what's happening" life update in this episode - including a Harry Potter review, the coaching certification program I finally decided on, and a moving update. Then, how I got schooled this month. Including takeaways from each episode and what you all really taught me about self respect.

Tune in to hear what real women from the About Progress community learned this month. They share what inspired them, how they changed, and ways they will continue to grow. Being able to truly laugh, cry, and come together is the best part of each month, so thank you for your submissions!

About a few other things... Make sure you're signed up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get each episode's Progress Pointers straight to your inbox every Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Apply for the Progress Program
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group beta
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

In this episode we uncover that the anecdote to shame, weakness, and negative self-talk is really compassion. Does showing yourself compassion feel unfamiliar? Maybe it's something you've only considered as an action towards others. If so, then it's time to be your own dear friend, as Cheryl puts it. As you work on your own self respect, you can drive your growth with more compassion.

Cheryl Cardall is a wife and mother of 5 on a mission to strengthen families, by strengthening mothers. She is an advocate for giving yourself grace and has worked on her own self to be able to focus on the positive. She opens up about her own mental health, and the relief a diagnosis brought her. She also shares tips you can use daily to find compassion for yourself, including an experience with affirmations that changed a lot for her.

To improve yourself, to grow, to even begin to respect yourself you don't need to do a 180 degree change. In this episode learn how weaknesses, even negativity, can coexist with strength and positivity. You can become your own friend, to find the connection and empathy that lends itself towards real self compassion.

For those times you need a reminder of everything you've learned, get this episode's Progress Pointers by subscribing to the Go Getter Newsletter and get them straight to your inbox each Thursday.

About a few other things... If this episode struck a chord with you and you know it's time to respect what you really want out of your life, see if the Progress Program is right for you. Through small group coaching I want to help you get unstuck in ways that stick. Doors close 2/28 (or before that if the group reaches capacity - I keep it really small!).

SHOW NOTES

Cheryl's Instagram
Apply for the Progress Program
Get this episode's Progress Pointers
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group beta
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

One time I almost considered becoming engaged to someone (not my husband!) because I was so scared to say no. My struggle with saying yes and saying no has been a long journey, friends, and it's one I'm still working on. In this episode I want to talk about how to guard your yes's and give you my personal experience with, and guidelines, on how to do that.

Last year I lived a year of yes (anyone else read Shonda Rimes' book?) and learned a lot about myself, and others, who behave this way. Not only does saying yes, and even saying no, affect you, it affects everyone around you. Maybe that's not surprising. If this is something you struggle with, examine the feelings that come up when you give a mis-intended yes.

Now let's not go crazy here, I don't like laundry but I still say yes to it, because of my life's priorities. That's the bonus fourth point I share in this episode, along with 3 other rules I follow to guard my yes's.

If this topic is something you know you need to work on even more, check out Becky Higgins episode "Why You Need to Say No to Good Things".

About a few other things... If this episode struck a chord with you and you know it's time to respect what you really want out of your life, see if the Progress Program is right for you. Through small group coaching I want to help you get unstuck in ways that stick. Doors close 2/28 (or before that if the group reaches capacity - I keep it really small!).

Not sure if I'm the right coach for you? Find out by attending my bite-sized class (1.5 hours!) on beating the procrastination blues.

SHOW NOTES

Apply for the Progress Program
Take the online procrastination class
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

In college, a therapist recommended I read "The Secret" to help with visualizing and understanding the influence of thoughts. Have you read it? Heard of it?? It's a little woo-woo for some, but the concepts have stuck with me over the years. So, instead of using manifestation to focus on the materialistic things, in this interview we discuss how to use it to get the life you want.

Shirin Eskandani, of wholehearted coaching, believes in and teaches manifestation...but almost without calling it that (she explains that!). In this interview she shares how several years ago she was in a really rough patch and took a giant leap of faith on self development for herself. Since then her ideas of manifestation are more focused on dreaming, self work, and overcoming obstacles.

We break down the beliefs women often have about themselves, as well as manifesting in non-materialistic ways, and how you can get started with this. I also share how manifestation has worked in reverse - meaning how the negative beliefs I had about myself were in fact coming true. Tune in for a lesson on how to get the life you want, while living the life you're in.

For those times you need a reminder of everything you've learned, get this episode's Progress Pointers by subscribing to the Go Getter Newsletter and get them straight to your inbox each Thursday.

About a few other things... If this episode struck a chord with you and you know it's time to respect what you really want out of your life, see if the Progress Program is right for you. Through small group coaching I want to help you get unstuck in ways that stick. Doors close 2/28 (or before that if the group reaches capacity - I keep it really small!).

Not sure if I'm the right coach for you? Find out by attending my bite-sized class (1.5 hours!) on beating the procrastination blues. It's going to be offered on 3 dates and we will tackle some of the biggest obstacles that procrastination puts in our way.

SHOW NOTES

Shirin's Instagram, Website
Apply for the Progress Program
Take the online procrastination class
Get this episode's Progress Pointers
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group beta
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Kim White taught us how to fight, feel, and love. She urged us to be grateful for our working lungs and legs, our difficulties with kids, the ups and downs of our marriages.

In her fight against cancer, she taught us how to live.

Like you, I have been profoundly influenced by Kim and was so saddened to hear of her passing this early morning. This episode is a tribute to her--to her goodness, her sass, her strength, her realness, and her spirit.

We love you Kim. We love your husband, child, and family. Thank you for giving us so many gifts and letting us be part of your magnificent life. You will treasured, always.

Show Notes:

Kim's Instagram

Kim's husband--Treagan's--Instagram

This is something we often talk about around here, but yet, always worth repeating. Do you ever feel like you're not fulfilled, even though you're living the life you've always wanted? You can replace 'fulfilled' with lots of words, like happy, confident, even yourself. Growing through those feelings, towards finding yourself again is really at the heart of About Progress. Today's interview provides another meaningful look at the situation many of us (myself included) find ourselves in; tune in and know you can grow into who you were meant to become.

Amy Tangerine is the creative behind her lifestyle brand, which includes a book, podcast, and workshops. But, of course, it isn't all just bright colors and confetti. Her story of running a million-dollar-business around the time of the 2008 economy crash, and how she found her way back to her creative self, shows the real grit to her growth.

Amy believes in infusing creativity into the everyday, while really nourishing yourself and giving pause where needed. In this episode she even gives you a "permission slip" that you mentally sign, so that you can get started towards who you were always meant to become. And if getting started is really where you're stuck, we spend a lot of time on that, too. If you have to ask yourself "Who's life am I even living?" then this episode is realllly for you.

For those times you need a reminder of everything you've learned, get this episode's Progress Pointers by subscribing to the Go Getter Newsletter and get them straight to your inbox each Thursday.

About a few other things... If this episode struck a chord with you and you know it's time to respect what you really want out of your life, see if the Progress Program is right for you. Through small group coaching I want to help you get unstuck in ways that stick. Doors close 2/28 (or before that if the group reaches capacity - I keep it really small!).

Not sure if I'm the right coach for you? Find out by attending my bite-sized class (1.5 hours!) on beating the procrastination blues. It's going to be offered on 3 dates and we will tackle some of the biggest obstacles that procrastination puts in our way.

SHOW NOTES

Amy's Instagram, Website
Apply for the Progress Program
Take the online procrastination class
Get this episode's Progress Pointers
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group beta
New Podcast: Inner Monkey
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

It's the month of love, so we're going to sort of play off of that feeling with February's theme. No, not self love, not a frivolous treat yourself mindset, but real self respect. They are different, and there may be a time and place for self love, but as we work towards deep down growth and change you need to work towards self respect.

Why does it matter to respect yourself? Life has so many ups and downs, so much of it is out of our control. But you can control yourself, you can be your own anchor amongst the storm. Respect is something that we can anchor into, more so than we can with just self love.

Do you feel like you're living a reactive life? I'm opening up about the shift I had to make years ago, going from being reactive to active living. I had to find myself, learn to respect myself, and do something. What you're witnessing today was born during that time! In this episode I'm sharing a few simple questions you can ask yourself to just get started towards better self respect.

If you want more specific guidance on this topic, join our membership group. You'll have access to the monthly progress plan, live coaching, support and accountability.

Lastly, make sure you're subscribed to the Go Getter Newsletter to get each episodes Progress Pointers straight to your inbox each Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Apply for the Progress Program
Take the online procrastination class
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course - use code 'PROGRESS'
Join the monthly membership group beta
New Podcast: Inner Monkey
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Last week's free organization challenge is over (catch the replays for a few more days). Let me just say, WOW! So many of you, more than I even imagined, showed up ready to learn and experienced true organizational breakthroughs.

Do you want to experience even more confidence and clarity in your life? YOU CAN, through organizing your mind, space, and time. Check out the Organization Overhaul audio course. With 12 teachers and 24 lessons, you'll be equipped with the tools you need to transform your life. The value of this course is $297, but only until February 1st it's $77. Podcast listeners get lifetime access for the lower yearly price with code 'PROGRESS' at checkout.

After this month of "getting started" I'm opening up about what that has looked like for my family - both big goals and exciting short term plans. I also share how I got schooled by our guests, meaning what surprised me and what I won't ever forget from our conversations. If you missed the Do Something growth spurt episode here's a friendly reminder it is never too late and I guide you through how to start there.

As always, I continue to be blown away by this community and the vulnerability in which listeners show up each month in these "Dear Progressor" submissions. In this episode you'll hear from women who each learned something different this month - how to overcome all-or-nothing thinking, the importance of creativity, and of course, getting started. One submission identifies herself as an About Progress "lurker" (that's okay!!) and then proceeds to open up about the life-saving lessons she learned and healing she has felt from this podcast, among other things.

Lastly, make sure you're subscribed to the Go Getter Newsletter to get each episodes Progress Pointers straight to your inbox each Thursday.

SHOW NOTES

Get this episode's Progress Pointers
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course - use code 'PROGRESS'
Join the monthly membership group beta
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

If you find yourself discouraged in your wandering, you don't have to be! The growth is really in the journey, not the arrival. If you don't believe that, we get into it in this episode with artist Caitlin Connolly. She shares her unconventional path, how it really took decades to believe in herself, and why you, too, should pursue your blessed wandering path.

You've probably seen Caitlin Connolly's work; her art is strikingly beautiful and many women identify strongly with her figure painting. I for one, knew I needed her to share her unique story with this community when Miranda Anderson shared a bit of it on her podcast.

There is something so familiar in her own story of struggling to find her calling. Her advice? Start with what you love. Anything, no matter how small or trivial in your mind, will do. Then build, seek support, find clarity, and gain confidence. We also discuss how to deal with "arrival disappointment", and the beauty in taking a break.

If you find yourself well-versed in fear, scared of trusting your gut, this episode should give you the "get started" boost you need. And if you want this episode's Progress Pointers make sure you're subscribed to the Go Getter Newsletter and get them straight to your inbox each Thursday.

About a few other things... Ready for an Organization Overhaul? Learn from myself and 11 experts on a wide variety of topics meant to teach you how to take charge of your organization and change your life. Listen to 24 lessons over 12 weeks, receive weekly emails, and tons of support to get your mind, space, and time organized. Podcast listeners get lifetime access for the lower yearly price with code 'PROGRESS' at checkout. Prices go up February 1st, don't miss out!

SHOW NOTES

Caitlin's Instagram, Website
Get this episode's Progress Pointers
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course - use code 'PROGRESS'
Join the monthly membership group beta
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas
Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Hopefully you've been making progress with this month's theme, get started. And maybe your "Do Something Plan" is part of that. You may have felt some discomfort, described in this episode by Becky Higgins, as refining moments. Through her personal experiences you'll see why you need to say no to good things, to choose the better thing.

Why You Need to Say No to Good Things Becky Higgins, podcasting friend and master of memory keeping, is candid about things she's had to stop, to get started. From a bold move as a career woman and young mother, to the daily struggle she still faces, Becky is no stranger to making tradeoffs. In fact, after being blindsided by an anxiety attack she describes letting go in major ways that actually allowed for a much needed shift in her life.

As you work through your own refining moments, remember you are inherently worthy of living a story that you want to tell. And if you want this episode's Progress Pointers make sure you're subscribed to the Go Getter Newsletter and get them straight to your inbox each Thursday.

About a few other things... Join the FREE 5-Day You Can Get Organized Challenge starting January 20th. Learn from me and 5 guest teachers as we address your most urgent organizational needs. Gain clarity and confidence to get organized, with the accountability to keep it up.

Ready for an Organization Overhaul? Learn from myself and 11 experts on a wide variety of topics meant to teach you how to take charge of your organization and change your life. Listen to 24 lessons over 12 weeks, receive weekly emails, and tons of support to get your mind, space, and time organized. Podcast listeners get lifetime access for the lower yearly price with code 'PROGRESS' at checkout. Prices go up February 1st, don't miss out!

SHOW NOTES

Becky's Instagram, Website
Get this episode's Progress Pointers
Join the FREE 5-Day Organization Challenge
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course - use code 'PROGRESS'
Get your Monk Manual for 20% with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Join the monthly membership group beta
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

In 2016 I was a shell of myself, and missing out on my own life. So, I set out to create a bucket list of sorts with the prompt of "do something that scares you". That original list had everything from blogging, to dates with my husband, to making 30 new recipes. The spark inside of me was ignited, and it was very healing. Almost every year since (2017, 2019) I've continued creating these lists, and encouraged hundreds of you to create your do something plan through the Rediscover You workshop.

Here's the most freeing thing I can tell you as you get started on your own Do Something Plan: you don't need to know the end from the beginning. Learn how to create the feelings you're looking for, rather than the specific outcomes you think you need. Tune in for the other 3 lessons I'm sharing to help you get started on your plan.

You know I often give you some graphics or printables, but not today! Because there is no right way to make your Do Something Plan. Instead of an exact formula, I'm going to offer you a framework. In this episode I explain how to brainstorm, prompts to start with, what to take off your list and even share my list's theme (not necessary - just trying it this year!).

It's hugely motivating to write things down, and sometimes that act of just sharing our heart with ourselves can be a big challenge. I'm also going to challenge you to share these plans with others. Someone you know personally, in our free and private Facebook group, or on social media! It isn't even about the accountability, because you won't finish everything on your list (at least I never have). Circling back to how this all started, it's just about doing something that scares you and seeing where the adventure of it takes you. See my 2020 plan here!

About a few other things... Join the FREE 5-Day You Can Get Organized Challenge starting January 20th. Learn from me and 5 guest teachers as we address your most urgent organizational needs. Gain clarity and confidence to get organized, with the accountability to keep it up.

Ready for an Organization Overhaul? Learn from myself and 11 experts on a wide variety of topics meant to teach you how to take charge of your organization and change your life. Listen to 24 lessons over 12 weeks, receive weekly emails, and tons of support to get your mind, space, and time organized. Podcast listeners get lifetime access for the lower yearly price with code 'PROGRESS' at checkout. Prices go up February 1st, don't miss out!

After an overwhelming response this summer, Monk Manual has come back to sponsor the podcast. You can get one of these intentional planners (the only kind I've ever stuck with!) for 20% off with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' and it stacks with their bundle, too!

SHOW NOTES

Join the FREE 5-Day Organization Challenge
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course - use code 'PROGRESS'
Get your Monk Manual for 20% with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Monthly membership group beta waitlist
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Before you roll your eyes at another "new year, new you" post just know this is NOT that. Yes, we're talking organization, and yes that is a super popular topic this time of year. But, we're doing away with the big feelings of overwhelm and negativity that can come with it. Keeping with this month's theme, get started, here are 10 basics you need to know to organize your home - simply and with intention.

In my just announced Organization Overhaul Audio Course we are covering three aspects of organization - mind, space, and time. Taking charge of organization in all aspects is possible and will help you change your life. To kick things off in the right direction, Mika (also a guest teacher in the course!) is talking about space. And even though we focus on the home, you'll hear how simply organizing her batteries freed up her time and allowed her to feel more control of her mind.

Mika is a professional organizer, now using online platforms to help clients, as well as a wife, mother, and podcaster. She dispels organization myths - such as Pinterest-perfect spaces, and feeling limited by routine. Tune in for the mistakes you're making (Mika keeps it beautifully positive!) and the basics you need to know to get started. You can take back control of your time and mind, through your space.

If you want this episode's Progress Pointers make sure you're subscribed to the Go Getter Newsletter and get them straight to your inbox each Thursday.

About a few other things...

Join the FREE 5-Day You Can Get Organized Challenge starting January 20th. Learn from me and 5 guest teachers as we address your most urgent organizational needs. Gain clarity and confidence to get organized, with the accountability to keep it up.

Ready for an Organization Overhaul? Learn from myself and 11 experts on a wide variety of topics meant to teach you how to take charge of your organization and change your life. Listen to 24 lessons over 12 weeks, receive weekly emails, and tons of support to get your mind, space, and time organized. Podcast listeners get lifetime access for the lower yearly price with code 'PROGRESS' at checkout. Prices go up February 1st, don't miss out!

SHOW NOTES

Mika's Instagram, Website
Get this episode's Progress Pointers
Join the FREE 5-Day Organization Challenge
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course - use code 'PROGRESS'
Get your Monk Manual for 20% with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Monthly membership group beta waitlist
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

I've gone ahead and done all the work for you on this one. What work is that? The thing where you look ahead to a new year, come up with new goals, and then use up all your energy throwing a million excuses at them. There are 3 big ones I'm talking about in this episode, and I'm sure well all have many more. But what I want you to hear is, get started ANYWAY.

Have you ever considered that every day you get to decide to start again? It's such a refreshing thought, to remember that failure is never final. So yes, we're all excited to get started with the new year, but I want to motivate you to not let small things derail your new found progress. I share with you, in the episode, how I let myself (literally) sit in the wings many years ago and how that attitude persisted in my life.

Now, after taking steps both big and small, I allow myself to move towards center stage in ways that previously would've paralyzed me. You, too, can start without knowing the exact finish line. If you've been here a while, remember when this was a baking/lifestyle/interior design blog?? I didn't know what About Progress would be 5 year in, but I just knew I needed to get it started.

Tune in, at the end of the episode I'm guiding you through how to get started and take action on your own list, and ultimately your own progress.

About a few other things... If you're looking for a way to realllly kick off your new year in the right direction, sign up for the now online Rediscover You Workshop. Join me and other women live, right from your couch, to learn how to reconnect with yourself. This will only be offered once in 2020, so don't miss out!

After an overwhelming response this summer, Monk Manual has come back to sponsor the podcast. You can get one of these intentional planners (the only kind I've ever stuck with!) for 20% off with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' and it stacks with their bundle, too!

SHOW NOTES

Get this episode's Progress Pointers
Check out the newly online Rediscover You Workshop
Get your Monk Manual for 20% with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Monthly membership group beta waitlist
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

As the year (and decade!) come to a close, I have to say I'm so incredibly grateful for this community of "progressors". If not for you sharing your experiences, and growing together, this would just be a fan club and I never wanted any part of something like that. Tune in to hear some year-end thoughts in this "Dear Progressor," December Edition and read below for more ways to grow, with the help of this community, in the new year.

After hosting the Rediscover You Workshop in California and Utah I'm so excited it's finally online! Now all of you can participate from the comfort of your own home, but interact live with me and other attendees. This will only be offered ONCE this year and it's at the very beginning of January. Get more details here and make your personal growth a priority.

Also, the (still unnamed) membership group will be launching as a beta group very soon. You can get on the list to be notified of its launch here. This membership group will include coaching, accountability, insightful dialogue, and the Progress Plan you all know and love.

SHOW NOTES

Sign up for The Rediscover You Workshop, now online!
Monthly group beta launch WAITLIST
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Free Podcasting E-Courses
Social Media Challenge and 5 Day Sleep Makeover
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook, Instagram, and by newsletter
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Hey, I see you! I see how hard you've worked this holiday season to show up for your family, friends, coworkers, church and community responsibilities, and whatever else has needed you this month. It's time to take a deep breath, and give back to yourself. One way you can do this is by joining me and other women live, and online, for the Rediscover You Workshop at the beginning of January. If you do this, I think it will end up on your "best things I spent money on" list, too!

If you're anything like me, it's kind of fun to hear about other people's favorite things. There are whole parties this time of year surrounding them, right?? So, I thought I'd share my tried and true favorite things from 2019. From Disney+ to the natural cleaner you've seen me use on Instagram, I'm covering all the things that our entire family has been enjoying the very most.

And it's not all about the material things. I also share what intangible things have been my favorite buys this year. This includes help with my home and kids, help with my business, as well as super memorable dates with my husband. And if you'd like to share any of your "Best of 2019" submit a soundbite for the 'Dear Progressor' episode that will air next week!

ABOUT A FEW OTHER THINGS… So many of you asked for this and I'm finally able to deliver! Sign up for the now online Rediscover You Workshop. Join me and other women live, right from your couch, to learn how to reconnect with yourself. This will only be offered once in 2020, so don’t miss out!

After an overwhelming response this summer, Monk Manual has come back to sponsor the podcast. You can get one of these intentional planners (the only kind I’ve ever stuck with!) for 20% off with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ and it stacks with their bundle, too!

SHOW NOTES

Monthly group beta launch WAITLIST
Check out the newly online Rediscover You Workshop
Get your Monk Manual for 20% with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook, Instagram, and by newsletter
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Hey, I see you! I see how hard you've worked this holiday season to show up for your family, friends, coworkers, church and community responsibilities, and whatever else has needed you this month. It's time to take a deep breath, and give back to yourself. One way you can do this is by joining me and other women live, and online, for the Rediscover You Workshop at the beginning of January. If you do this, I think it will end up on your "best things I spent money on" list, too!

If you're anything like me, it's kind of fun to hear about other people's favorite things. There are whole parties this time of year surrounding them, right?? So, I thought I'd share my tried and true favorite things from 2019. From Disney+ to the natural cleaner you've seen me use on Instagram, I'm covering all the things that our entire family has been enjoying the very most.

And it's not all about the material things. I also share what intangible things have been my favorite buys this year. This includes help with my home and kids, help with my business, as well as super memorable dates with my husband. And if you'd like to share any of your "Best of 2019" submit a soundbite for the 'Dear Progressor' episode that will air next week!

ABOUT A FEW OTHER THINGS… So many of you asked for this and I'm finally able to deliver! Sign up for the now online Rediscover You Workshop. Join me and other women live, right from your couch, to learn how to reconnect with yourself. This will only be offered once in 2020, so don’t miss out!

After an overwhelming response this summer, Monk Manual has come back to sponsor the podcast. You can get one of these intentional planners (the only kind I’ve ever stuck with!) for 20% off with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ and it stacks with their bundle, too!

SHOW NOTES

Monthly group beta launch WAITLIST
Check out the newly online Rediscover You Workshop
Get your Monk Manual for 20% with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook, Instagram, and by newsletter
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Merry Christmas friends! If you find yourself reflecting on this past year, especially as you look forward to the new year, I want to encourage you to remove the negative "failure filter". There are good lessons to be learned from what we often consider failure. Today I'm sharing the best failures I had and lessons learned in 2019.

I like to learn, I want to learn, so I've had to come to terms with failing. For example, I'm being very transparent in this episode about my goals for the podcast and what happened that helped me realize them. There were also failures in my relationships, and not the all-is-lost kind, but the kind that helped me realize where I need to improve.

My hope in sharing those as well as some business and spiritual related failures (you might be surprised by what I say!) is that you, too, can learn to reframe failures into growth. And I'm really not just saying that, because I've lived it. I'm going to keep putting in the work, even if it keeps taking me years to grow. Through my own personal development I've learned my worth is independent of my success, so failures do not define me. Tune in, maybe let me know if this shifts your perspective going into the new year.

ABOUT A FEW OTHER THINGS… So many of you asked for this and I'm finally able to deliver! Sign up for the now online Rediscover You Workshop. Join me and other women live, right from your couch, to learn how to reconnect with yourself. This will only be offered once in 2020, so don’t miss out!

After an overwhelming response this summer, Monk Manual has come back to sponsor the podcast. You can get one of these intentional planners (the only kind I’ve ever stuck with!) for 20% off with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ and it stacks with their bundle, too!

SHOW NOTES

Monthly group beta launch WAITLIST
Check out the newly online Rediscover You Workshop
Get your Monk Manual for 20% with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook, Instagram, and by newsletter
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

As we head in to 2020, are you ready to put yourself first? By paying attention to your own growth and development you will be able to more fully give to all of the various roles you fill. The most immediate way you can do that is by joining me live and online for the Rediscover You Workshop (only offered once in 2020!). You can also join the new membership group that will be launching, get on the waitlist for the beta group. Now on to the best food I ate and shows I watched in 2019...

If you've been around here for a little while, you actually know food has been the source of a lot of struggle for me. In recovery from my disordered eating I've worked hard on my relationship with food, so I'm excited to say that this year I have a list of food I loved and thought would be fun to share with you. Some you can grab if you have a Trader Joe's nearby, others you'll have to travel to Texas for, but each one has me salivating just talking about them.

And in the spirit of these more lighthearted favorites, I'm telling you all my must watch shows...and it turns out they're all on Netlifx! The list of British shows shouldn't come as a surprise, but maybe some of the documentaries I watched will. I'll just tell you, go watch One Strange Rock right now - it's my absolute favorite!

I hope some of these recommendations can make it on to your lists in the new year, and if you have any suggestions for me please let me know! Nothing is too big, or too small, when it comes to exploring your interests, trying new things, and discovering what makes you you!

ABOUT A FEW OTHER THINGS… If you’re looking for a way to realllly kick off your new year in the right direction, sign up for the now online Rediscover You Workshop. Join me and other women live, right from your couch, to learn how to reconnect with yourself. This will only be offered once in 2020, so don’t miss out!

After an overwhelming response this summer, Monk Manual has come back to sponsor the podcast. You can get one of these intentional planners (the only kind I’ve ever stuck with!) for 20% off with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ and it stacks with their bundle, too!

SHOW NOTES

Monthly group beta launch WAITLIST
Check out the newly online Rediscover You Workshop
Get your Monk Manual for 20% with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook, Instagram, and by newsletter
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

We are used to being taught that everything starts with your thoughts, but have you ever struggled to make actual change that way? There is another way and it is far more doable. Tony Overbay, therapist (and fellow podcaster!) is giving us actionable ways to change the story we tell ourselves. You can learn how to stop hating yourself.

Tony Overbay, father of 4 and married to his high school sweetheart, is a podcaster and marriage and family therapist. Funnily enough, this is his second career and you'll hear him share about his complete industry switch - as well as the opinions others had about it.

Using a different model of therapy, Tony shares tactics to take action about the way you're thinking about yourself. Maybe hate is a strong word for you, but you probably have some stories you're telling yourself that do hinder your personal growth. This episode has stuck with me allll year, and especially as you head into this new year I wanted you to hear it again. So, as we say in the episode, learn how to say to yourself "Tell me more" and go after the growth.

ABOUT A FEW OTHER THINGS… If you’re looking for a way to realllly kick off your new year in the right direction, sign up for the now online Rediscover You Workshop. Join me and other women live, right from your couch, to learn how to reconnect with yourself. This will only be offered once in 2020, so don’t miss out!

After an overwhelming response this summer, Monk Manual has come back to sponsor the podcast. You can get one of these intentional planners (the only kind I’ve ever stuck with!) for 20% off with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ and it stacks with their bundle, too!

SHOW NOTES

Tony’s website, podcast, and Instagram+ Value Model
Monthly group beta launch WAITLIST
Check out the newly online Rediscover You Workshop
Get your Monk Manual for 20% with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook, Instagram, and by newsletter
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

In the first Rediscover You workshop I was inspired by Rachel Nielson to determine what I wanted more of in motherhood. (Interestingly, you'll know this question is part of the exercise from the monthly theme!) My answer was more reading. I used to always have my nose in a book, and I wanted to get back to that as much as possible. Now I can officially share the best books I read and podcasts I found in 2019.

If you are also wanting to make reading more of a priority for you - or if you are already good about that - I put together the best of the best from my year, because there's nothing like a good book recommendation, right?! In this episode I'm sharing from lots of categories: non-fiction, fiction, light hearted, self development, you get the idea! (They are all linked here if it's easier than writing them down.)

I also discovered some new-to-me podcasts that I wanted to share. They include: Brooke Snow Podcast, Pod Save the Queen, Live Free Creative, Second Life, and Don't Keep Your Day Job. If you tune in I'm sharing some of the best episodes that I think you must listen to!

I hope this helped you get to know me a little better (big fan of the Brits!) and gave you some encouragement to work on discovering your own bests in the coming year.

ABOUT A FEW OTHER THINGS… If you’re looking for a way to realllly kick off your new year in the right direction, sign up for the now online Rediscover You Workshop. Join me and other women live, right from your couch, to learn how to reconnect with yourself. This will only be offered once in 2020, so don’t miss out!

After an overwhelming response this summer, Monk Manual has come back to sponsor the podcast. You can get one of these intentional planners (the only kind I’ve ever stuck with!) for 20% off with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ and it stacks with their bundle, too!

SHOW NOTES

Monthly group beta launch WAITLIST
Check out the newly online Rediscover You Workshop
Get your Monk Manual for 20% with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook, Instagram, and by newsletter
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Do you want to change your life? Including your relationships? Work? Parenting? Fitness? Spirituality? And more? You need to start by knowing who you are. That's right, find and grow within yourself and you'll see everything else thrive, too.

Many women have lost touch with their inner selves–what makes them light up, including their natural interests, passions, hobbies, and gifts. They somehow have received the message that working on their own growth is selfish and will take away from what matters most in their lives. But, the opposite is true!

Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife is a leading expert on marriage, relationships, and sexuality. The foundation to everything she does involves guiding women back to the root of who they truly are. She teaches that a woman who brings her full, developed self to the table will advance everything else–and everyone–that matters in her life.

Listen in to our most downloaded episode of 2019 to hear why knowing who you are is vital for growth and happiness, and how to start working on finding yourself again. If you're interested in part two, check it out here.

ABOUT A FEW OTHER THINGS… If you’re looking for a way to realllly kick off your new year in the right direction, sign up for the now online Rediscover You Workshop. Join me and other women live, right from your couch, to learn how to reconnect with yourself. This will only be offered once in 2020, so don’t miss out!

After an overwhelming response this summer, Monk Manual has come back to sponsor the podcast. You can get one of these intentional planners (the only kind I’ve ever stuck with!) for 20% off with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ and it stacks with their bundle, too!

SHOW NOTES

Jennifer’s Website, Instagram, and Facebook
Monthly group beta launch WAITLIST
Check out the newly online Rediscover You Workshop
Get your Monk Manual for 20% with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook, Instagram, and by newsletter
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Hopefully you've already listened to this month's theme so you'll understand why I'm sharing these very personal and specific moments with you today. In short, by reflecting on the good I was able to gain clarity about what I wanted more of in the new year. So, tune in for my best moments of 2019, as well as some ways I want to help you recognize your good times, too.

Interestingly, a lot of my best moments were due in part to me doing things that the old me would never have done. Things like performing with a dance troupe, taking flute lessons, attending a huge blogging conference (and teaching at it!), and slowing down more with my four children.

Because of the personal growth that I'm always striving for, I've been able to have these amazing memories - and of course life is never without it's trials, but today we're focusing on the best! If you are struggling to think of the highlights of your year, even your life, I want to gently suggest you take some action. Work through the free progress plan, join the beta monthly membership group, or realllly put yourself first by singing up for the Rediscover You Workshop.

ABOUT A FEW OTHER THINGS… If you’re looking for a way to realllly kick off your new year in the right direction, sign up for the now online Rediscover You Workshop. Join me and other women live, right from your couch, to learn how to reconnect with yourself. This will only be offered once in 2020, so don’t miss out!

After an overwhelming response this summer, Monk Manual has come back to sponsor the podcast. You can get one of these intentional planners (the only kind I’ve ever stuck with!) for 20% off with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ and it stacks with their bundle, too!

SHOW NOTES

Monthly group beta launch WAITLIST
Check out the newly online Rediscover You Workshop
Get your Monk Manual for 20% with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook, Instagram, and by newsletter
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Thanks to 2019 I now know what I want more of in 2020 - the beginning of a new year and a new decade! In reflecting on this past year, and considering the very best moments, it's clear what I want more of in my future. In this episode I guide you through recognizing your "Best of 2019" and of course encourage you to work through this month's Progress Plan (p.s. it's the last time that will be free...details to come!).

As far as podcast episodes this month you're going to hear some of the BEST episodes I've aired - including a re-edit of one in particular. I will likely also pop on with Growth Spurt episodes meant to guide you in closing out this year, and decade, so you can really grow into the new year. To do that I'm asking two big questions in this episode: what do you want more of and what do you want less of?

I'm sharing my real answers to these questions, opening up about plans for my family, my business, and my continuing personal development. My hope is that you may resonate with a few, or feel sparked by your own ideas, and leave equipped with your plan.

About a few other things... If you're looking for a way to realllly kick off your new year in the right direction, sign up for the now online Rediscover You Workshop. Join me and other women live, right from your couch, to learn how to reconnect with yourself. This will only be offered once in 2020, so don't miss out!

After an overwhelming response this summer, Monk Manual has come back to sponsor the podcast. You can get one of these intentional planners (the only kind I've ever stuck with!) for 20% off with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' and it stacks with their bundle, too!

SHOW NOTES

Check out the newly online Rediscover You Workshop
Get your Monk Manual for 20% with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Monthly membership group beta waitlist
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

I hope you enjoyed spending two whole months on relationships, with guest interviews ranging from raising children to dealing with in-laws, and of course friendship. These episodes taught me so much and hearing how they served you, both from this "Dear Progressor" episode and elsewhere, tells me you likely felt the same.

In addition to what you (and I) have learned from the podcast, I'm sharing what I've been up to these past two months. There have been some highs, and some lows, but isn't that usually true for all of us?? One of the highs was definitely the Rediscover You Workshop that was held in Salt Lake City, Utah. Fortunately, for allll of us, this workshop has now moved online!! That means anyone and everyone can participate from the comfort of their couch.

From now through November 30th you can get $30 off with my first ever Black Friday sale, using code "BLACKFRIDAY". This workshop is for anyone looking to find clarity in their purpose, to gain confidence in their identity and to choose progress over perfection. Remember it's live, so choose from two dates to show up for yourself and learn from me and the other amazing women, like you, who do the same.

Lastly, thank you to everyone who has left a rating and review on the podcast, I'm announcing two more winners in this episode and will have two more next week.

SHOW NOTES

Sign up for The Rediscover You Workshop, now online!
Monthly group beta launch WAITLIST
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Free Podcasting E-Courses
Social Media Challenge and 5 Day Sleep Makeover
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook, Instagram, and by newsletter
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

I can't believe this little experiment is 3 years old! Yes, this podcast was kind of an experiment when it first started. I had a message I needed to get out and every day I'm grateful for where that leap of faith has taken me. So much of that is owed to you - the listeners, readers, and sharers of the About Progress community. In full transparency, here is the 2019 State of the Podcast Address.

Along with the ups and downs of this past year I have to start by sharing the big lessons I've learned: outcomes don't define us! We all have failures, and successes, but our worth is constant. With that in mind, and in the spirit of record keeping, I'm sharing a brief numbers update, and even let you in on the big number goals I have for next year.

I also recap the big launches we had, and the best and hardest parts of growing this year. Some of the 2019 podcast changes (monthly theme, new segments, Dear Progressor episodes, etc.) have been super well received and will be sticking around in to next year.

And of course, I'm opening up about changes on the horizon. I'm making changes to achieve my goals for serving you through this podcast, as well as changes for the ways in which you can really participate in your growth. Tune in to hear about the exclusive beta launch of a new membership group, and get your name on the wait list to be the first to know when it's ready. I believe in keeping the inspiration that many of you have found here, but upping the application so that you are totally equipped to make the changes towards growth that I know are possible for you.

SHOW NOTES

Monthly group beta launch WAITLIST
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Free Podcasting E-Courses
Social Media Challenge and 5 Day Sleep Makeover
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook, Instagram, and by newsletter
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Confession...I haven't actually seen "Mean Girls" all the way through, but I feel like I lived it and that was enough! Making adult friendships just isn't like it was in preschool, but having those connections is more important than ever. Today we're discussing why that is and what to do about it, including loneliness, expectations, and boundaries.

Chantel Allen is a mother and life coach ready to equip you with tools you can use right away to make friends and mend yourself. It's true, friendship with others starts with YOU. She dives right in with advice on gaining leverage over your thoughts and why you need to flip the script on friendship.

It's simpler than you think; be your own best friend and let go of the expectations you're placing on others. Does it sting a little to see pictures of other women at a girl's night, or on a fun trip? Chantel offers two examples of actual clients that worked through that, successfully. Tune in to learn what it means to "drop the manual" and cultivate connections.

About a few other things Revolution Math has ended the long struggle we faced in our house when it came to math and our young daughter - she just hated it! The format is super small group tutoring with updates provided to parents. You can test it out with your family for 4 weeks FREE when you sign up here and use code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'.

Did you know I have two free email courses? They're super bite-sized tips sent straight to your inbox, and I always encourage you to respond and let me know how they're working for you! Both are totally free, join my Social Media Challenge or try the 5 Day Sleep Makeover.

P.S. This month I'm doing weekly giveaways when you leave a rating and review for the podcast!

SHOW NOTES

Chantel's Instagram, Website
Get 4 weeks FREE with Revolution Math use code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Free Podcasting E-Courses
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

If you find yourself constantly wanting to change something about your partner, you're not alone...they probably want to change you, too! Maybe that's not the case for everyone, but it does reframe your feelings of "Help! I want to change my spouse!" a little bit, doesn't it? Tune in to this interview to understand why you feel this way and a better way to approach it.

Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife is a fan favorite around here, in fact this is our seventh interview, so if you love her insight as much as many of us do check out the others here. In short, she is a LDS relationship and sexuality coach and licensed therapist. She often pulls from specific examples in her practice to shine light on issues that many of us may be having, but aren't otherwise hearing about.

In this episode she starts right away by addressing one of our (please say we all feel this way, ha!) biggest vulnerabilities: we are all a little bit needy. She explains how that is getting in the way of the successful marriages we all want. And, of course, the things you can do to still make the changes you both need! Can I give away the analogy I took from all of it? Sometimes the most growth comes after the biggest earthquake.

About a few other things

After using Revolution Math for a few months my daughter is finally learning and loving math. The format is super small group tutoring with updates provided to parents. You can also test it out with your family for 4 weeks FREE when you sign up here and use code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'.

P.S. This month I'm doing weekly giveaways when you leave a rating and review for the podcast!

SHOW NOTES

Jennifer's Instagram, Website
Get 4 weeks FREE with Revolution Math use code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Free Podcasting E-Courses
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

There are still a few tickets left for my last live workshop of the year and the big party I'm throwing to celebrate 3 years of About Progress!! I would love to meet you in person there! P.S. If you purchase 2+ tickets to the party you'll get 25% off each.

I shared in my newsletter a few weeks ago that I recently took the Enneagram test and although interesting to see it all explained, I wasn't that surprised by my results. It's kind of what got me thinking about today's topic, because I know I can be people pleaser. But, is that bad? Is that good? And how many more of us can relate?

Spoiler alert for this short little episode: I don't think it's all bad! I talk about something I call the "shield of perfectionism" and if your people pleasing nature is to maintain that cover, then you have some work to do. However, it is good to care what others think in the right ways.

So, no, I don't want you to give up on what other people think about you. I do want you to stop hinging your worth on the approval of others, though. It is possible to anchor into yourself, have internal strength, and still be real with people. I have recently gone through this process with myself (after who knows how many times) and am happy to share exactly what that has looked like for me.

About a few other things Amazon made me do it! If you've been around for a little while you've heard me talk about this special clock for little ones that helps them understand when it's time to get out of bed in the morning. In short, no more super early wake up calls! I have my 8-18 month old kids all using this, it's a game-changer for starting off our days.

SHOW NOTES

Amazon find: Ok to Wake! Clock
3 Year Anniversary Workshop + Party!
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook, Instagram, and by newsletter
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Mirari OK to Wake! Alarm Clock & Night-Light

celavi Essence Facial Face Mask Paper Sheet Korea Skin Care Moisturizing 12 Pack (Mix - 2 of Each)

There are still a few tickets left for my last live workshop of the year and the big party I'm throwing to celebrate 3 years of About Progress!! I would love to meet you in person there! P.S. If you purchase 2+ tickets to the party you'll get 25% off each.

Has anyone else noticed how so many of the conversations we've had surrounding relationships actually stem from the same place? That place is YOU. Do you believe you matter? Because without that, everything is else is going to be a whole lot more difficult. In short, YES, you do matter, but tune in for the why (it's basically science!) and how.

Cathy Heller is a mother, podcaster, author, and coach with a lifetime of experiences including living in Jerusalem for 3 years and being signed by a music label in LA! With all of the things she has done and tried she really aims to hit home on this: life is to live with purpose. In fact, her podcast quickly became one of my personal favorites because of the way it has inspired my growth and gratitude.

In this episode you'll first learn how to identify your purpose - what do you love, what makes you YOU? Cathy calls it "coming home to yourself" and it's not as daunting as you think. Then, we discuss joy and purpose and belief in ourselves. You do matter! The world needs you. Once you accept that about yourself you will be equipped to do so much good for yourself and others.

About a few other things My young daughter was literally afraid of math and it was becoming a real problem at our house. Together, we trialled Math Revolution and are now paying customers because it has changed everything for her! You can also test it out with your family for 4 weeks FREE when you sign up here and use code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'.

P.S. This month I'm doing weekly giveaways when you leave a rating and review for the podcast!

SHOW NOTES

Cathy's Instagram, Website, Book
Get 4 weeks FREE with Math Revolution use code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
3 Year Anniversary Workshop + Party!
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Don't Keep Your Day Job: How to Turn Your Passion into Your Career

There are still a few tickets left for my last live workshop of the year and the big party I'm throwing to celebrate 3 years of About Progress!! I would love to meet you in person there! P.S. If you purchase 2+ tickets to the party you'll get 25% off each.

Surely this question has crossed many (all??) parents' minds: whyyy is my kid so poorly behaved?! You, and your little ones, are not alone. The relationship between parent or caregiver and child is complex for many reasons. So what do you do when you can't, and likely don't want to, throw in the towel? This episode is FULL of easy-to-recall tips on how to help in this exact situation.

Monica Sutton is an early childhood education expert on behavior with 18 years of experience and a knack for boiling it down for even the most fried parent brains. Right away she gives us 3 reasons children misbehave to help you see they are not trying to be bad, they are really just developing and expressing needs.

I even told her I wanted to title this episode "Why do my kids hate me??" and with a laugh she gets into the reasons we shouldn't take parenting personally. Perhaps the most simple takeaway of them all? She says, be calm and then respond. Though an interview meant to focus on how to handle children, much of it centers around YOU. Ya know, put your oxygen mask on first kind of thing. Tune in to feel empowered to handle your parenting with consistency and connection!

About a few other things BIG NEWS: Podcast University is open for enrollment!! Podcasting 201: How to Grow Your Podcast has launched and doors close on November 1st. You can sign up for just the new course, or bundle with Podcasting 101: How to Start Your Podcast. If you want to sample our teaching style check out these free courses.

If journaling seems like a paralyzing task, get a Promptly Journal that will make the process so much less overwhelming. You might even realize you love to journal! Use code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' for 20% off this month. If you'd rather use the app, sign up here and get 30% off using code REMEMBER30 (sign up there, then download the app!).

SHOW NOTES

Monica's Instagram, Website
BIG NEWS: Podcast University is open for enrollment!!
Sign up for a FREE podcast e-course!
Get 20% off Promptly Journals with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
3 Year Anniversary Workshop + Party!
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

I couldn't shake the thought in my head that stemmed from a comment made in one of my free online classes a few weeks ago. An attendee brought up some issues and we concluded the root of her problems was fear of failure. And if that doesn't sound familiar, let's talk more about it. I bet this fear has played its part in your life, too.

When you are daring greatly you will fail in someway or another. Of course we're all aiming for success, we're all aiming to grow in the direction we think we need to, so naturally failures will occur sometimes. It's in the way we view failure that we can really find success. And in this episode I share what that has looked like for me.

Very early on in the podcast I interviewed Jaimee Davis who was training for an Ironman. She shared that in her preparation she failed every day. Every day! And now she is an Ironman. See, failure doesn't mean we have to stop it just means we have to shift. I hope when you listen you get that encouragement to grow, fail, and keep trying anyway.

About a few other things Amazon made me do it! If you've been around for a little while you know I love sharing my favorite skincare and makeup finds. These Korean facial sheet masks have been the best I've found! I love them when I want to treat myself, but especially to throw in anygift for a friend.

SHOW NOTES

Amazon find: Korean Facial Sheet Mask
Podcast University is open for enrollment!
Get 20% off Promptly Journals with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Get 30% off the Promptly Journals app with code 'REMEMBER30', sign up here then download the app!
3 Year Anniversary Workshop + Party!
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook, Instagram, and by newsletter
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

celavi Essence Facial Face Mask Paper Sheet Korea Skin Care Moisturizing 12 Pack (Mix - 2 of Each)

Odds are that almost every couple has asked this question: how do we handle different parenting styles? So many factors contribute to the differences we already have as individuals, that combining on the super important matter of raising little individuals can be a challenge. And what’s even harder? Maintaining a healthy partner relationship while parenting together. But it can be done and this episode tells you exactly how.

In this episode we’re tackling even the tough questions (it’s true, opposites attract!) with one of our most requested guests, Ralphie Jacobs, and her husband Brian. Having taught many classes on the subject, they share what you can do if you and your partner in parenting have different approaches.

Remember, even two good people come from different paths - and that is reflected in our parenting! Ralphie and Brian each have valuable insight into what has worked for them as parents, but also as a couple. Tune in to hear actionable tips (did you know doing nothing counts for something??) and watch out for when they turn the tables on me. The message of this episode, much like they believe parenting should be too, is one of hope and grace for allll of us.

About a few other things BIG NEWS: Podcast University is open for enrollment!! Podcasting 201: How to Grow Your Podcast has launched and doors close on November 1st. You can sign up for just the new course, or bundle with Podcasting 101: How to Start Your Podcast. If you want to sample our teaching style check out these free courses.

This episode is about parenting...but it's also about couple relationships. So, what does your love story look like? Have you ever written it down? Use Promptly Journals love story journal for this exact purpose and create a family treasure. Use code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' for 20% off this month. If you'd rather use the app, sign up here and get 30% off using code REMEMBER30 (sign up there, then download the app!).

SHOW NOTES

Ralphie's Instagram, Website
BIG NEWS: Podcast University is open for enrollment!!
Sign up for a FREE podcast e-course!
Get 20% off Promptly Journals with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
3 Year Anniversary Workshop + Party! Use code ‘PROGRESS’ for discount
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

You may have noticed I've been a little quieter these past few weeks, especially on Instagram, and I'm ready to address why. I'm no stranger to critics, but a recent cruel review left on my podcast really shook me. I've decided to share it with you, my personal feelings, as well as how to deal with the naysayers in your life.

There are different categories of naysayers, not all with bad intentions either. It's important to distinguish the critics you may be facing in order to appropriately deal with them. In this episode I'm giving specific examples that I've encountered and that may resonate with you.

After sharing the words that really brought me down (and crying on air for maybe the first time ever) I wrap things up with a list of ways to help you grow past the critics. At the very end of this episode you'll hear one of Brooke White's newest songs with the most poignant message, thanks so much to her for letting me share!

About a few other things If this podcast has ever left you more encouraged to keep trying, to keep growing, to develop your full potential, can I ask you a favor? Will you let others know by leaving a podcast review? When someone stumbles upon these episodes we want them to feel welcome and that the possibility to progress in their own lives is here for them.

SHOW NOTES

Podcast University is open for enrollment!
Get 20% off Promptly Journals with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Get 30% off the Promptly Journals app with code 'REMEMBER30', sign up here then download the app!
3 Year Anniversary Workshop + Party!
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook, Instagram, and by newsletter
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

There are still a few tickets left for my last live workshop of the year and the big party I'm throwing to celebrate 3 years of About Progress!! I would love to meet you in person there!

In-law relationships are a challenge, even the good ones! Because there is always going to be expectations, shifts, comparisons, and allll the things that come with the merging of different backgrounds. But there are so many benefits to more support, more understanding, and more love that can come from these relationships. So let's dive into why it's difficult to relate to your in-laws and how to try.

Natalie Clay, podcaster and couples coach, helps you understand why your current relationship with your in-laws is what it is and shares her expertise tricks and tips for cultivating the relationship you want. Here's a huge spoiler, you may learn more about your relationship with yourself than anything else in this episode - and for good reason! Her advice really centers around reframing the story you tell yourself, about others and about you.

After you listen you'll be well equipped to move forward and take action, if you need to. Natalie explains that the work we do towards growth creates friction, but we often times enjoy the successes we achieve as a result more than we might have without the work. So, be encouraged to take the necessary steps to improve your relationships and if nothing else, come to know you have to be your biggest fan - important to remember as we cover all types of relationships this month and next.

About a few other things BIG NEWS: Podcast University is open for enrollment!! Podcasting 201: How to Grow Your Podcast has launched and doors close on November 1st. You can sign up for just the new course, or bundle with Podcasting 101: How to Start Your Podcast. If you want to sample our teaching style check out these free courses.

Promptly Journal has made documenting my children's history so much easier, and now I'm excited to play a little bit of catch up so we can all look back on those fun memories some day. Use code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' for 20% off this month. If you'd rather use the app, sign up here and get 30% off using code REMEMBER30 (sign up there, then download the app!).

SHOW NOTES

Natalie's Instagram, Website, Podcast, 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Divorcing
BIG NEWS: Podcast University is open for enrollment!!
Sign up for a FREE podcast e-course!
Get 20% off Promptly Journals with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
3 Year Anniversary Workshop + Party! Use code ‘PROGRESS’ for discount
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Today I'm opening up about this important topic, how you can choose courage over comfort and why doing so will benefit you. If you're looking to act on this challenge I have to put in a plug for my last workshop of the year that's coming up next month. Entitled "Rediscover You", I will help you work through discomfort and be courageous. Plus, I'm throwing a big fun party that night and would love to see you there!

Choose courage over comfort. A happenstance run-in with Brooke White at the airport last week gave me the push to get my thoughts on this matter into a short and hearty episode for you. It's so easy to stay in our comfort zones, even when we know it can be holding us back. I want to encourage you to keep your eyes on moving forward, and I share a long-time favorite quote of mine that can give you one perspective on that.

About a few other things This lash and brow serum has been an Amazon favorite of mine for years, and I always go back to it even if I try something new. It's simple, it's cheap, and it gives me the full and fun lashes that I just love!

SHOW NOTES

Amazon made me do it: Lash & Brow Serum
Sign up for a FREE podcast e-course!
Get 20% off Promptly Journals with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Get 30% off the Promptly Journals app with code 'REMEMBER30', sign up here then download the app!
3 Year Anniversary Workshop + Party! Use code ‘PROGRESS’ for discount
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Organic Castor Oil - USDA Certified Organic 100% Pure, Cold-Pressed, Extra-Virgin, Hexane-Free. Best Carrier Oil For Eyelashes, Hair, Eyebrows & Skin (1 oz)

Here's an a-ha moment for you: early adulthood is like your third toddlerhood. In this episode you'll understand what that means, why that is, and how it's deeply affecting your relationships. To get started, one of the most requested topics to address this month has been: how to get along better with your parents.

How to get along better with your parents. Georgia Anderson, of Know How Mom, has been a guest before and something we touched on then has stuck with me, so we dive more into that topic today. She does workshops, getaways, coaching and online classes about parenting. Today we take on the sometimes under-discussed topic of parent and child relationships when the child is also an adult.

There are 3 things to keep in mind as you navigate the evolution of this particular relationship: empathy, communication, and flexibility. Georgia addresses how those play into what can make things feel more difficult, or more comfortable. So if you're struggling to connect with the people who you were once so dependent on, it's probably more common than you think! The unique perspective voiced in this interview will give you something to think about and act on.

About a few other things I'm so over the all-or-nothing mindset I used to have when it came to documenting my life. I went years never writing a single thing down because of that approach - can anyone relate? Using my Promptly Journal has made a huge difference because of the little prompts it offers, and I also love the subject specific ones. Use code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' for 20% off this month. If you'd rather use the app, sign up here and get 30% off using code REMEMBER30 (sign up there, then download the app!).

SHOW NOTES

Georgia's Instagram, Website
Sign up for a FREE podcast e-course!
Get 20% off Promptly Journals with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Get 30% off the Promptly Journals app with code 'REMEMBER30', sign up here then download the app!
3 Year Anniversary Workshop + Party! Use code ‘PROGRESS’ for discount
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

This topic is big, so we're doing something a little different and spending the next 2 months covering all of the complex relationships in your life. And don't count yourself out, there will be something for everyone in this "relationships bootcamp" as we start with learning how we treat ourselves.

Over the next 2 months you can look forward to expert interviews on relationships with parents, in-laws, friends, spouses, and children. Plus, I'm releasing the second part of my faith crisis in an effort to discuss spiritual relationships.

But! We cannot go any further in our learning about relationships until we've addressed the relationship we have with ourself. I hope you listen and apply the 3 principles I discuss in this episode using the progress plan.

About a few other things... This month's sponsor is Promptly Journals, which has gotten me to enjoy personal journaling again. I felt like this was the perfect fit as we talk about relationships, because using these prompted journals will give you the guided start you need to getting to know yourself again. Use code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' for 20% off all month long.

November is the 3 year anniversary of the podcast!! We are going to celebrate all month long, and in lots of ways. I'm excited to announce that on Saturday November 16th I'm hosting my final workshop of the year AND having a big party. Get all the details here and I really hope to see you there! Remember you can use code 'PROGRESS' for a big discount through October 15th.

SHOW NOTES

Get 20% off Promptly Journals with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
3 Year Anniversary Workshop + Party! Use code 'PROGRESS' for discount
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

I hope this month you've been able to narrow in on and make the changes that you deemed necessary to be able to keep growing and progressing in your life. In today's episode we get to hear from community members just like you, who bravely share what they've learned. If you want to be a part of next month's episode here's how.

I like to check in each month and let you know what I've been up to, as well as what I've learned from this month's episodes. A lot has happened this month, Work In Progress Academy has been moving right along and going so well. My husband and I were able to travel to Texas, where I was able to rest in ways we talked about here.

I also spoke at a local conference and a retreat in Utah. I share who I ran into on my flight home from that retreat and what I learned from the beautiful conversation we had. We are also looking forward to some big decisions, and I received a comment on Instagram that helped with my perspective. Lastly, I'm telling you what I really thought about each of this month's episodes and how they directly applied to me.

Thank you to this months sponsor, Saranoni Blankets, I hope all of you that wanted one snagged a new cozy blanket for yourself or someone else. You can still use code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ to take 10% off your order, excluding some of their sales. P.S. I announced the podcast review winner for the month!

SHOW NOTES

Sign up for a FREE podcast e-course!
Get 20% off Saranoni Luxury Blankets with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ through September
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

No flowery intro today, friends, because this episode speaks for itself. When I interviewed Emily she had just returned home from 7 months of world travels with her young family and was planning to enjoy the summer. No more than 2 weeks after we initially spoke, Emily was diagnosed with cancer. You'll hear our conversation in two parts, before and after that diagnosis.

Emily, her husband, and three children call themselves the Lost Bells. It's a name they felt described their desire to get lost! Meaning, travel the world together and get out of their comfort zones. The places they've been able to come home vary far and wide, from Hawaii to Costa Rica to Taiwan, and more. No matter the location it was most important to them to push their (and their kids') comfort zones, to grow together.

The things that these travels taught Emily, namely her spot on depiction of choosing faith over fear, became chillingly relevant since her cancer diagnosis. Her attitude and perspective on loving her body, while maintaining gratitude and hope is not something to miss out on.

About a few other things As this month comes to a close so does your chance to get a Saranoni Blankets at the best discount ever. The last, and maybe most impressive, thing I want to share is about their company and the way they make sure to give back. You can use code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' to take 20% off your order all month.

SHOW NOTES

Emily's Instagram, Website
Sign up for free, weekly podcasting tips!
Get 20% off Saranoni Luxury Blankets with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Did you know I used to be afraid of water? And in fact, kind of still am. Did you know I swim laps a few times a week? I use the word laps loosely, because if I go 2 minutes then have to hang on the side that's still okay, because I'm doing something. Through my own self-development I've realized that my old mindset, all or nothing thinking, is the worst!

Going all in on anything usually comes at a cost. If you can't see that cost right away it is probably your own sanity. Because what if you're going all in and something goes wrong? Does that derail you? And consider the opposite, does the fear of starting have you trapped into doing nothing?

I still find myself slipping into this habit of all or nothing thinking from time to time. My solution is to tell myself to have a something mindset. I challenge you to attempt the same. In this episode I give you a few prompts that you can ask yourself in order to just keep doing. I also remind you that your worth is not dependent on any outcome, it's the process that transforms you.

About a few other things... During these episodes I share my latest and greatest Amazon find. My kids (and me!) have been loving loom bracelet weaving. As a plus, it's been awesome for their fine motor skills. Check out the loom and the mega refill kit here.

SHOW NOTES

Amazon made me do it! This weeks find.
Get 20% off Saranoni Luxury Blankets with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Seven types of rest?! Yep. But don't worry, you're likely not lacking in each of those areas. And actually, if you can see where your bucket needs filling and focus on that area then you will feel real restoration. Our guest actually has a rest quiz you can take to determine those areas! Today's episode looks at why you are so exhausted and how to change that.

Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is a wife, mother, physician, speaker, and author. As an internal medicine doctor she began to notice that her patients were complaining of exhaustion despite sleeping 8 hours a night. She thoroughly explains this phenomenon in the interview, but essentially there are different areas of rest you need and different ways to restore a lacking area.

You will totally relate to Dr. Dalton-Smith's own story of lying on the floor in her foyer, flanked by her young children, feeling at a loss. She offers perspective on the way her life looked, versus how it felt to her. Making the changes to recover your life (her book's tagline) and restore yourself will be hard but is doable.

About a few other things Do you like to use a weighted blanket? Personally the traditional type feel too heavy for me, but a little weight does feel good. I think the Saranoni Blankets are juuuust right (this one is my favorite!). They make their own fabric to control the weight and softness, and you feel that difference! You can use code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' to take 20% off your order all month.

SHOW NOTES

Saundra's Instagram, Facebook, Website, Rest Quiz
FREE 5-Day Sleep Makeover
Get 20% off Saranoni Luxury Blankets with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Before you dismiss the topic of outsourcing, I promise it does apply to you! Consider all of the things you think you need to, are supposed to, HAVE TO do in a day...then consider how that makes you feel. If it's not a good feeling you can and should outsource your normal life.

This is something I did not used to understand, because I wasn't raised in a family that outsourced anything! It's only been recently that I've been able to see the huge benefit in asking for help - paid for and not. When I asked the women in our private Facebook group about this it brought up a lot of hesitation, so this episode is to encourage moving past that with practical solutions.

Get creative with your outsourcing: my small children can help with chores, my husband can cook dinner, we can all clean together! If money is your concern, trade favors with friends and ask your family to help. I also share the one way I outsourced that I've stopped, well actually changed and I'll keep you posted on how it works out!

About a few other things... During these episodes I share my latest and greatest Amazon find. Remember how in this month's intro episode I admit that 'beauty' is one of my top values? Well I love when my nails are done, but don't love everything about going to a salon to have them done. I have found a gel nails system that's been a game changer! It's easy to use, works super well, and allows me to do something more often that brings me joy.

LAST CALL! The Progress Program has been officially relaunched and is now more accessible and affordable than before. It is a 12 week program housed under the new Work In Progress Academy and you can read alllll about it at those links.

SHOW NOTES

Sign up for my NEWLY overhauled Progress Program (enrollment ends Sept. 15th!)
Amazon made me do it! This weeks find.
Get 20% off Saranoni Luxury Blankets with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

It's time to face your fears. Not the heights and spiders kind, but the kind that you are creating for yourself. Are you afraid of breaking routine, trying something new, or letting others down? Chances are, the control freak in you has created those fears to do just that...control you. Let's talk about breaking free and finding yourself.

Becky Proudfit is a fellow podcaster, mother, and cancer survivor. She is also a self proclaimed perpetual goal-chaser and control freak. Or should I say, she WAS those things. A cancer diagnosis changed her life drastically, and in surprising ways.

Once finding herself in the validation of others, Becky was forced to pull back. She talks about the ways she used to micromanage her children, but after she simply could no longer do that they flourished. She details a spur of the moment trip to Iceland and embracing a new way of thinking that embodies more adventure and so much less fear.

About a few other things The Progress Program has relaunched and is now more affordable and accessible than ever before! You will receive weekly lessons and a workbook to get you unstuck in ways that stick. This is small group coaching, so enrollment will be capped and ends on the 15th.

I am working with Saranoni Blankets this month to bring you the most luxurious blankets for everyone in your family. You can use code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' to take 20% off your order all month!

SHOW NOTES

Becky's Instagram, Facebook, Podcast
Sign up for my NEWLY overhauled Progress Program (enrollment ends Sept. 15th!)
Get 20% off Saranoni Luxury Blankets with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Don't worry, the title of this episode is meant to be a little dramatic! It's also meant to make you pause, and think. Because it's true, we all evolve or die (ever heard what doesn't kill you makes you stronger?). But I know from experience, this is harder than it sounds. This month we're focusing on CHANGE. How, why, when, and all the messy in-between.

Evolve or die. Twelve years ago I was not the person I am today. I'm sharing some of the major struggles that consumed my ability to evolve in hopes that you can do the same for yourself. I also touch on the difference between quitting and stopping, as well as what it means to pivot and keep growing. This has been applicable in my personal development, but also in my marriage and even on this podcast.

Speaking of this podcast, happy 200th episode to US! I had no clue where sharing my message via microphone and internet would lead me, I just knew I needed to do it. Thank you for being here old friends and new, and thank you for making this a true community. Tune in today and even hear me stumble over a few words because I hope it goes without saying now, life is about progress, not perfection.

About a few other things... During these episodes I share my latest and greatest Amazon find. Today I bring you...pretend makeup! Sound silly? Well the havoc my little boys were wreaking on my real makeup and bathroom was no laughing matter. Now I can get ready in peace while they happily play. Check it out, it looks soooo real!

The Progress Program has been officially relaunched and is now more accessible and affordable than before. It is a 12 week program housed under the new Work In Progress Academy and you can read alllll about it at those links. I'm also teaching a FREE online class next week about procrastination - one of the most requested topics, so make sure you join us live or sign up and get the replay.

SHOW NOTES

Sign up for my FREE class: Why You Procrastinate and How to Change
Sign up for my NEWLY overhauled Progress Program (enrollment ends Sept. 15th!)
Amazon made me do it! This weeks find.
Get 20% off Saranoni Luxury Blankets with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Litti Pritti Pretend Makeup for Girls | 11 Piece Set - Play Makeup Kit & PU Leather Cosmetic Case for Pretend Play

This is a little ironic, but I actually changed this month's theme at the last second. We're going to treat September sort of like the New Year (it feels like it in so many ways, don't you think??) and dig deep to discover what AND how we need to dare to change.

Why am I daring you to do this? Because it's going to be hard, but it is going to be worth it. And this isn't some blanket statement where you need to feel totally overwhelmed that you aren't good enough and the only answer is to completely change. Instead, I'm spelling out just 3 areas where you can make changes that fit your values.

And of course, I'm spilling my guts about the changes I'm personally making, as well as my top 7 values. One of them I sort of wanted to go back and change, but I didn't! When you do this exercise I'm curious if you find yourself feeling the same.

Lastly, I quickly summarize the upcoming podcast guests by sharing just a little about each of them. There is so much in store for all of us this month and I hope you find and take advantage of whatever best guides you towards the growth you deserve.

You know how I'm here to give you a hug and kick in the pants? Well this month's sponsor, Saranoni Luxury Blankets, has got the hug part covered. These are the highest quality and softest blankets that come in allll sizes and literally feel like a hug. All month long you can take 20% off your Saranoni Blanket purchase with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'.

SHOW NOTES

Sign up for my FREE class: Why You Procrastinate and How You Can Change
Join the NEWLY overhauled Progress Program (enrollment ends Sept 15th!)
Get 20% off Saranoni Luxury Blankets with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

It feels good to be checking back in after taking a break this past month. I love this "Dear Progressor" episode each month because we get to hear from real people, members of this community who have learned something that they want to share. I also share what I've been up to and what I have learned - and this month it was a lot!

"Dear Progressor," August Edition I like to check in each month and let you know what I've been up to, as well as what I've learned from this month's episodes. Thanks to the break I took around here I was able to spend time on other projects - like painting my whole entire house! It's kind of a funny story and I share it in this episode. This month I also had sort of a mental reset, and I'm sharing the specific boundaries I'm setting for myself moving forward.

Did you realize I aired SIX encore episodes this month?? Many of you probably hadn't heard them before, but even if you had I bet you learned something new. Thank you to the women who sent in voice bites for this episode, each takeaway is so valuable. Listen in to these unique perspectives from the month!

About a few other things I am speaking at the Happier Than Skinny retreat, which will be in September in Utah, and I would love to meet you there! You might remember Heather, who is one of the women organizing this amazing getaway. You can use code 'MONICA' for $100 off your ticket.

Thank you to everyone who has left a Podcast review, I choose a winner each month and announce them on this episode!

SHOW NOTES

Get 10% off your Monk Manual with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

I may let it slip in this episode that this interview is my favorite, which I know is like claiming a favorite child but oh well, I said it! This month I've been able to share several of my verrrry favorite past episodes with you and if it isn't your first time listening I hope you've still learned something new, just as I have.

You can still be you when life gets tough. Christopher Clark, father of five and an actor and director with an impressive resume, was recently diagnosed with ALS. He explains a little more about the degenerative disease in the episode, as well as his process of finding that diagnosis. But what's most amazing is that although his health is at the forefront of almost everything he can do (or not do) it isn't his only focus.

His passion for the arts has not diminished, and he was working full time when this episode was originally published. His family remains close, and he even details the ways in which all of them have become his caregivers as needed. Amidst the physical need to kind of conserve his energy, Chris makes it clear he chooses to have a happy life.

I also share this in the episode, but it's an honor to have this inspirational interview in the archives as Christopher has since lost the ability to speak. If you listen in and learn something I would love to have you share that with our community, here's how!

About a few other things Podcast University is off to an amazing start and more courses will be launching this fall. If you’ve wanted to start a podcast, you’re going to want to know when enrollment opens. You can also receive free weekly tips when you sign up right here.

P.S. If you want to stay in touch, especially while I'm taking a social media break, please subscribe to my weekly newsletter!

SHOW NOTES

Christopher's Instagram
Sign up for weekly podcasting tips
Get 10% off Monk Manuals with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

We're no stranger to big dreams around here! Write them down, say them out loud, chase them with open arms - no matter what they may be. But this month we've been "taking a break", and sometimes our dreams do that, too. Many of us may be in a season where we need to remind ourselves that paused dreams are not dead dreams.

Paused Dreams are not Dead Dreams With a voice discovered by her kindergarten teacher, Aubrey Greenan has spent the majority of her life developing her talent for singing. She owes a lot to a high school teacher, too, and of course the conservatory program at Carnegie Mellon. The way she describes it, her dreams of singing in large scale productions were not out of reach. But, she shares some other dreams she had - motherhood.

Aubrey details a moment with one of her mentors that changed her perspective. Fast forward to now, she is a mother of 3 and performs in her kitchen. Tune in, the way she describes her life now, though, is still inspiring and beautiful. Will she one day grace an opera stage again? Maybe! She didn't give up on anything, she just shifted her priorities for this season.

About a few other things This month I've been taking a break, mostly from Instagram. I feel refreshed and like I have been able to focus my energy on allll the things coming to you in upcoming months. If you want some help with your social media usage make sure to snag my guide!

P.S. If you want to stay in touch, especially while I'm taking a social media break, please subscribe to my weekly newsletter!

SHOW NOTES

Social Media Challenge
Get 10% off Monk Manuals with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

It's a topic that comes up often and is surprisingly polarizing: asking for help. We each have our own views on what we will or will not ask for help with, but do we know why? Have we considered that asking for help could actually make us stronger? In this interview that was the reality, and it wasn't true for just Cara, it was true for her children and other close relationships around her.

Asking for Help Finding herself with 4 young children at 30 years old, and filing for divorce, Cara admits she had been "ground down to powder" when she humbled herself and moved back into her childhood home with her parents. The thing that kept her going was knowing she had to invest in the future of her children, and so also herself. She had to ask her mom to babysit for free for a few years so that after graduating law school she wouldn't have to ask that ever again.

Yes, law school. Cara put herself through law school during the lowest point of her life. You just have to tune in to hear the perspective on inner strength that she has now. Many years later her life looks very different, and we did touch a bit more on that the first time this episode aired (this one is just edited for time). Essentially she believes life is what you create, and the one she has now is what she put her head down and worked to get.

If one of the ways you need help is with your habits, did you know we spent a whole month on that?? One of the habits I needed the most help with was sleep. Chrissy Lawler and I put together a FREE 5-Day Sleep Makeover that has already helped hundreds, so check it out!

P.S. If you want to stay in touch, especially while I'm taking a social media break, please subscribe to my weekly newsletter!

SHOW NOTES

Free 5-Day Sleep Makeover
Get 10% off Monk Manuals with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Sometimes we have to fall, even fail, and in the process of figuring out how and who can help us get back up we find real balance. We can even find real happiness. This episode talks frankly about mental health, suicide, relationships and self-discovery. Our guest's wife was interviewed here and they were both interviewed here.

Slow Down to Start Living Matt Davis' mental health struggles started when he was the sophomore football captain, curtailed his LDS mission, and came to a head when he lost his father to suicide at just 19. His outlook on that devastating event is one to be admired. Matt realized how important it is to get help and how set backs move us forward. He is now proudly outspoken about mental health awareness and finding balance.

Matt went on to complete his LDS mission, have a family, and become very successful in business. By how own admission he is truly so happy. He is also acutely aware of the depression and anxiety that he will always have to keep in check. Tune in and hear the ways Matt, and his family, have slowed down because of their attitude on really living.

Podcast University is off to an amazing start and more courses will be launching this fall. If you've wanted to start a podcast, you're going to want to know when enrollment opens. You can also receive free weekly tips when you sign up right here.

SHOW NOTES

Matt's Website
Get 10% off Monk Manuals with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

You know by now that this month the focus is on taking a break. For me, that's pulling back on Instagram, and a few other things, to refocus my energy in different areas that need it right now. It's not because Instagram is a bad thing, it's an amazing platform for sharing and real connection. BUT, it can consume us, so today's episode is a gentle reminder to stop letting social media hijack your life.

Stop Letting Social Media Hijack Your Life Brooke White, mother and American Idol finalist (!!), has an engaging social media platform that she values...and then one day she deleted Instagram from her phone and realized she could still dance even if no one was watching. She also shares a really heartbreaking realization about how our children are affected by parents using their phone.

Listen to Brooke's real life experience, which walks that fine line of loving social media without losing yourself in it. You can apply some of what she has done immediately, and if you need a little more guidance I have a little email course just for that and you can get it right here.

SHOW NOTES

Brooke's Instagram, Website, and pre-order her album, Calico.
Get 10% off Monk Manuals with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

As I mentioned earlier this week, August is about taking a break. I will be re-airing some of my favorite (and on topic) episodes that I know you'll love. If you've heard them before, I bet you'll learn something new this time around. To kick things off, here is my very first interview and it's still so relevant!

Heather Fujikawa is a longtime friend that agreed to be my first interview. I was so nervous, and before we began she asked if we could say a prayer. It is evident in her interview that she often pauses, in all kinds of ways and like she did with me. Heather has experienced, heartbreaking lows (infertility and cancer) but still managed to pursue multiple creative ventures. Since this interview she has released a book and TV show with her twin sister!

Tune in to this conversation on learning from burn out, perfectionism, and habits. You can still follow your passions and try new things, while taking the breaks you need.

About a few other things Podcast University has been going sooo well (thanks to those who have asked!) and I am excited for the future of it. Enrollment is closed, but if you would like to receive our free weekly podcasting tips please sign up here for the emails!

SHOW NOTES

Heather's Instagram, Website, and Joyful Living Book
Get 10% off Monk Manuals with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Joyful Living

I know, I know, it seems a little counterintuitive after our month about dreaming big. But it's true, resting when and where you need to can actually help you grow. This month's theme, Take a Break!, is meant to fill you back up and enrich your life. I'm going to share what inspired me to try this (sort of scary) thing.

Take a break! I had a strong impression a couple months back to SLOW DOWN. You can hear the full story in the episode, but as a result here we are! There are so many things in store for this community and in order for me to make them really happen I actually have to let go a little. I'm not abandoning ship, but I am going to ease up in some areas.

This month's progress plan will realllly guide you through this. I don't want you to drop your priorities, but I do want you to outsource and make space so you can feel truly restored. Because that's my goal this month! I'm letting go in two big areas so I can essentially rearrange my priorities for the time being. You might be surprised what I'm moving up on my list.

Grab this month's progress plan, catch up on your Do Something list, and stick with me here when it serves you. You'll see less of me on social media, so sign up for my weekly newsletter where I'll still check in and am always happy to hear back from you.

SHOW NOTES

Get 10% off your Monk Manual with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

I need to start with a THANK YOU for dreaming big with me this month. It was one of my very favorite themes and I hope you were able to learn and grow as much as I was. In today's episode a few listeners share their big dreams, tune in to be inspired by what they have to say!

"Dear Progressor," July Edition I like to check in each month and let you know what I've been up to, as well as what I've learned from this month's episodes. Spoiler: turns out I hate canoeing. But on a more serious note, I was able to share some of my very favorite interviews with valuable takeaways. If you're still holding back, remember, you can be more than one thing, start small, and you have the right to dream.

Though small in number, the listeners that sent in submissions for this episode really showed up for all of us. From mindset shifts, to pushing themselves, encouraging you to aim high, and totally opening up about their 10 biggest dreams, you can't help but feel inspired.

P.S. I've got a slight programming change coming up next month, but that means big things are in store. I hope you enjoy what I've got planned! If you want to know first, then just sign up for my weekly newsletter that's always full of exclusive content.

About a few other things It's the very last day (July 31st) for the big, big discount code with Monk Manual, but every day after today you can still get a (little smaller) discount using code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'. I have loved sharing this planner that integrates your goals and values into your daily life.

SHOW NOTES

Get 10% off your Monk Manual with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

I'm back on my soapbox again today to gently give you permission, but also enthusiastically cheer you on, in your pursuit of your dreams. If it wasn't for a dream I had, oh, ten years ago then none of this would be here. Not this blog, this podcast, or this incredible community. And certainly none of my own personal growth from it all! So let's talk about you, what are the lies you believe about dreaming?

Lies You Believe About Dreaming If you've been tuning in this month you already know what we're talking about, so what's holding you back from doing it?? Dreaming, that is. I think that sometimes we discount our dreams. And this happens to our dreams of all sizes - either we think it's too small to matter or too big to accomplish.

Stop discounting your dreams, stop discounting yourself. You deserve to dream, to reach for something greater than yourself. I was reminded of something we talked about last month, that more often than not we would be more sad if we didn't just try.

In this episode I'm sharing how I feel about my failures and successes, but most importantly how that taught me to take all dreams seriously. I hope you listen to this short episode because I want that for you too!

About a few other things This month when you share the podcast you are entered into a weekly drawing for something from my favorite skincare and beauty line! Just tag me @aboutprogress or DM/email me to let me know you've shared.

These Growth Spurt episodes always feature something I like to call "Amazon made me do it!" This week I'm admitting what I bought that made me feel like a true millennial - a selfie light. This little thing is powerful and works wonders while I work from my bedroom/office. All my favorites are always right here.

SHOW NOTES

Amazon Made Me Do It: the ring light I wish I had gotten 2 years ago to brighten my face while on camera
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

QIAYA Selfie Light Ring Lights LED Circle Light Cell Phone Laptop Camera Photography Video Lighting Clip On Rechargeable

If all of our talk about dreams this month actually has you feeling stuck, that's okay. Let's get back to the basics about why you need a dream and give you a little help on how to find it. This is a no pressure approach, our life coach guest even says so.

Why You Need a Dream Janelle Alexandra is a life purpose coach with a clear and faith driven mission to build up women. She believes in passion and purpose and advocates for how dreams can help you find those things. But what about obstacles? Those can actually be okay, too. Tune in to understand how and why.

No matter their size, Janelle believes you were designed with your dreams in mind. She explains a helpful exercise to aid in uncovering those dreams then encourages you to lean in and go for it! So, once you know why you need a dream you'll already be well on your way to achieving it.

About a few other things It's not too late to become a planner! Start now with Monk Manual, especially while you can get 20% off with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' for the rest of July ONLY (after that the discount is 10%).

Remember this month that everyone who shares the podcast is entered into a giveaway of some of my favorite things! If you do this on social media tag me @aboutprogress, otherwise just message me and let me know. One of the prizes is something from my very favorite makeup and skincare line.

SHOW NOTES

Janelle's Instagram and Website (exclusive free lifestyle guide here!)
Get 20% off Monk Manuals with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Makeup favorites: best-selling concealer - share the podcast for a chance to win one!
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs, "Take it Easy" by "Bad Shacks"

You know the phrase "when the going gets tough, the tough get going", right? What does 'going' look like for you? When things get hard do you dig in or do you get out? I think there is a common misconception that just because something is good, it should be easy. A lot of the time that just isn't true, because hard is good.

Hard is Good If you think about it, you've probably seen this principle in your life even if you haven't liked it. In personal growth you kind of have to stretch yourself, and it doesn't always feel easy. It's hard, but it's good because you're getting somewhere! In this episode I explain why I think life is hard, but not bad. We can simply switch up some of our verbiage to shift our thoughts!

I also discuss the ever present comparison traps we all face. Don't assume that the progress you see in others was met without struggle - and don't discount the growth that probably happened during that. And I'm opening up about a recent revelation I had, and will be following, that feels hard but I know is good.

As you tune in for this little bit of tough love, remember that your worth is not measured in outcomes and you CAN do hard things.

About a few other things This month when you share the podcast you are entered into a weekly drawing for something from my favorite skincare and beauty line! Just tag me @aboutprogress or DM/email me to let me know you've shared.

These Growth Spurt episodes always feature something I like to call "Amazon made me do it!" I'm sharing the breathable mesh hats that my kids actually like to wear to keep them protected from the sun when we're doing our favorite things outdoors. All my favorites are always right here.

SHOW NOTES

Amazon Made Me Do It: the best hats to protect your kids from the sun.
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

Home Prefer Kids Lightweight Quick Drying Sun Hat Airy Mesh UV Protection Caps

Maybe one of the reasons we hold back from dreaming big is because it feels too...big! In this week's episode learn how small steps take you big places. Don't believe it? Because of that method today's most instagrammable blogging conference was born before the app even existed.

How small steps take you big places Gabrielle Blair, mother of 6 blogging at Design Mom, co-founded Alt Summit 10 years ago and remains a champion for female entrepreneurship. Her motto could be described as dream big, then execute small. In fact, she admits in this episode that if she had known from the beginning where her dreams would have taken her she probably never would have attempted them.

She opens up about the business "failures" turned important lessons, how she moved her family (of 8!) to France for years despite not even having passports to begin with, and speaks aloud her big personal dreams just like you've been encouraged to do this month.

The size of your dreams doesn't matter to anybody but you, and your ability to accomplish them isn't up to anybody but you! See a pattern here? Tune in and be inspired to know how small steps take you big places.

About a few other things If your to-do list is getting the best of you, you need a Monk Manualplanner. Designed with intentional preparation in mind you can be successful at planning! For the month of July you can get 20% off with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS', after that the discount is 10%.

Remember this month that everyone who shares the podcast is entered into a giveaway of some of my favorite things! If you do this on social media tag me @aboutprogress, otherwise just message me and let me know. One of the prizes is something from my very favorite makeup and skincare line.

SHOW NOTES * Gabrielle's Instagram and Website * Get 20% off Monk Manuals with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ * Makeup favorites: tinted moisturizer and foundation - share the podcast for a chance to win one! * Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA * FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan * Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE * Join the free and private FB group * Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!) * Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram * Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas, "Role Player" by Au.Ra, "Summer shower" by Quincas Moreira

Have you felt intimidated by this month's theme, dream big? Well that was not my intention! But, let's break that feeling down. We sometimes equate big dreams to big numbers - like monetary earnings or Instagram followers or other attributes of fame. I want you to hear me when I say, you don't have to be famous to dream big.

  You don't have to be famous              I hope you felt inspired when I opened up about my 10 big, rarely-said-out-loud dreams, to do the same. Dream them, write them, speak them is what I'm asking you to do. Why? Because whatever they are, no matter how small or big they seem to you (not others!) they are important. **You are important, so whatever it is that you do is important.**

             And yes of course, our life and our dreams have seasons. Let go of any guilt you have created over not accomplishing every little thing right this second. To help with that I share an eye-opening exercise that has worked in my small group coaching and workshops. Just know that often it's not about what you do, it's about how you view what you do.

             I know that if you think about it, there are probably people in your regular life that are dreaming big without the big numbers. And even though they don't need it to keep being rockstars, let's give them a big shout out this month. Help remind all of us that you don't have to be famous, submit a soundbite for this month's Dear Progressor episode and tell us about the big dreamers in your life.

            About a few other things                This month when you share the podcast you are entered into a weekly drawing for something from my favorite skincare and beauty line! Just tag me @aboutprogress or DM/email me to let me know you've shared.

             These Growth Spurt episodes always feature something I like to call "Amazon made me do it!" Today I'm talking about the sun hat you see me wearing quite a bit, but all my favorites are always right here.

SHOW NOTES

Amazon Made Me Do It: the straw hat you always see me wearing outside!
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas

Coolibar UPF 50+ Men's Beach Comber Sun Hat - Sun Protective

Have you ever asked yourself, what even is self development and where do I start with all that it entails?! It is much simpler than you think and totally achievable with baby steps. This month as we dream big listen to this interview that reminds you that you can be more than one thing. More than likely, you already are.

You can be more than one thing. Vanessa Quigley is a mother of 7, founder of Chatbooks, opera singer (you gotta tune in to make sense of that one!), and now podcaster. She boldly lists off all of the 'ands' that make up her personality, in hopes to encourage you to embrace your own multifaceted personality.

As you start to uncover all that you are, remember you don't need to do all the things all at once. This interview also discusses seasons, meaning that life ebbs and flows and that is okay. So, forget chasing balance and instead allow yourself to be present. Explore your interests and speak your ideas. Vanessa shares how doing that, even in the thick of motherhood, has led to groundbreaking entrepreneurship.

Don't be overwhelmed! Own your passions and dig in. Ask for support, instead of permission. Need a community? Tune in and know that you are welcome here.

About a few other things I no longer have planner guilt! The Monk Manual planners have daily, weekly, and monthly pages that allow for intentional and purposeful planning. For the month of July you can get 20% off with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS', after that the discount is 10%.

Remember this month that everyone who shares the podcast is entered into a giveaway of some of my favorite things! If you do this on social media tag me @aboutprogress, otherwise just message me and let me know. One of the prizes is something from my very favorite makeup and skincare line.

SHOW NOTES

Vanessa's Instagram, #MomForce Podcast
Get 20% off Monk Manuals with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
The game-changing brow gel - share the podcast for a chance to win one!
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas, Sea of Ancestry by Jesse Gallagher, Safety Net by Riot

If you're an accomplished athlete, maybe you've heard of this topic. If you're not really an athlete (like me!) this still applies to you. Ready for a sort of cheesy analogy? You are an athlete of growth, and me and our guests are your progress cheerleaders! Today you're going to learn why overloading is the key to growth.

Heather Fuller is a personal trainer who really advocates for wellness in all realms. She runs Happier Than Skinny with her sisters, an online platform sharing physical wellness tips with mindful messages behind them.

The overload principle is best explained by Heather's marathon training analogy she gives in this episode. In super short summary it is pushing yourself in order to improve, or grow. This may seem only relevant to sport athletes, but reflect on how you can apply it to areas of your life. Where are you looking to change, perhaps you need a challenge. Where have you become too comfortable, would slight discomfort propel you forward?

And before you tune in, rest assured we also talk about the important of rest! There is a takeaway in this episode for each of us that are just trying to become our best selves, with Heather's reminder "You are meant to be you."

About a few other things I finally found a planner that keeps me on track and actually wanting to plan. The Monk Manualplanners have daily, weekly, and monthly pages - plus they are truly beautiful! For the month of July you can get 20% off with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS', after that the discount is 10%.

I'm honored to be speaking at the Women's Wellness retreatin September, hosted by Heather and Happier Than Skinny. I'd love to see you there! Use code 'MONICA' for $100 off.

Remember this month that everyone who shares the podcast is entered into a giveaway of some of my favorite things! If you do this on social media tag me @aboutprogress, otherwise just message me and let me know. One of the prizes is something from my very favorite makeup and skincare line.

SHOW NOTES

Heather's Instagram, Website for retreat information - use code 'MONICA' for $100 off!
Get 20% off Monk Manuals with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
My very favorite lipstick - share the podcast for a chance to win one!
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas

With the new month comes a new theme, and I'm starting this episode off asking you to reconsider calling this one "dumb", ha! It's time to allow yourself to dream big. I suggest downloading the Progress Plan so you can work through it as you listen to this episode. I'm going to offer several shifts you can make in the way you look at dreams, as well as get realllly vulnerable and share 10 of my big dreams.

Why dream big? I know what you're going to say, really I do. Dreaming big is often met with resistance - mostly from our own selves. So right away I'm tackling the excuses we're all using when it comes to following our dreams. This includes give you permission to get outside of your priorities.

In this episode I also want you to understand that dreams can change, and they certainly look different for everyone. Nothing is too big or too small, so take action and claim them. But how?? I'm going to encourage you to write them down. And then something a little scarier: say them outloud. In fact, I believe so much in this idea that I wrote down my dreams (in present tense!) and read them to you at the end of the episode.

Some of them are very specific, "I am a New York Times Best Selling Author." Some of them resonate with many of our dreams, "I am a world traveller." And some are a manifestation of who I want to be, "I am loving, passionate, fun, and stable." If I can share these personal dreams with thousands of you, I know you can do this in a way that works for you. I hope you take my challenge and tune in for the rest of this month's dream big inspired interviews!

About a few other things I have always tried to write things down - you know this about my Do Something Lists, Progress Plans and more. But, using a planner has sometimes been a struggle. I found Monk Manuals on my own and this has been the only planner I've found myself totally committed to and really loving. They have been so generous to sponsor the podcast this month, and to offer an extra special (and huge!) discount of 20% off with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' for July only.

SHOW NOTES

Get 20% off Monk Manuals with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas & Joakim Karud (Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/VF9_dCo6JT4)

This month the theme was "You Are Creative", and you heard guest interviews and my take on what creativity really means and how you can become the creative person you already are. Ashmae Hoiland, who I consider creativity personified, gave us permission to just create even if you might be "bad" at it. In the interview with Womb Sisters we heard from 3 women (so fun!) who gave their perspective on non-artistic creativity- my biggest takeaway was to create intention.Then Heidi Swapp, whose big heart you can just feel in her interview, shared her surprising creativity story that has benefitted her business and her family.

I chose this month's theme because I am so passionate about creativity. Whether it's exercising, interior decorating, making dinner, podcasting, or whatever else I do almost daily I know I can be creative and that has given me purpose. If you don't know where to start, it's okay to mimic. And if you're just making up excuses, let me remind you that you are not lazy.

Enough about me and even our special guests, this week's episode features members of our community just like you. Thank you for supporting these women who share their motivation, mindset shifts, and most importantly their hearts in this episode.

About a few other things With the new month coming up I will be accepting new applicants to the Progress Program. I would love to have you as part of our small group growth coaching!

Our sponsor this month has been Come Follow Me FHE, a $5/month online subscription that provides you with New Testament based lessons every week. My family has really enjoyed learning together using these. You can use code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' for one month free!

Thank you for celebrating my birthday all month long leaving a rating and review for the podcast. Next week I'm choosing one review from the month of June and will be spoiling that person with a ton of goodies! There's still time to leave one if you haven't already.

Lastly, thank you for the outpouring of support for Podcast U! You can still enroll through June. There is ONE MORE free class, too.

SHOW NOTES

Podcast University is now live! Enrollment closes at the end of June.
Join me live in my FREE class this month: 3 Things You MUST Know to Start Your Podcast
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas

Sometimes I'm here to give you a bit of tough love, a kick in the pants as I like to call it! Today that looks like this: no more excuses! How many times have you pushed aside the spark of an idea with the excuse of laziness? You know what, you are not lazy. It's time to unpack why you're saying that and what to do about it.

This month we have focused on creativity - getting started, what it looks like, what it doesn't look like, even how to mimic! If you have listened in, maybe even worked on your progress plan, and had any creativity sparks I sure hope you haven't pushed them aside. And if you have, it's time to figure out why you did that.

I'm talking about the real reasons behind the laziness excuse, and maybe one or more will really resonate with you. There have been many instances in my life where I've chosen to pursue something scary, and I know it's hard work. I also know it's okay if you have to fail your way to the top. Remember, you are not lazy, but you may be using some of the tactics I discuss in this episode to talk your self out of your dreams.

Apply this topic to almost anything, really. For me it's been a wide range: blogging, podcasting, baking, exercising, and more! Before you think that I think you should do everything all at once, I also believe in owning the things we just don't want that bad - again no excuses, though. I had to accept that I cared enough to put my fears aside and pursue my passions. I believe you can own that same mindset.

About a few other things If you feel inspired by something you've learned this month, would you share that with our community? Send me a voice message at hello@aboutprogress.com to be featured on the last episode of the month, the "Dear Progressor" episode.

I am also celebrating my birthday all month long by spoiling those that leave a rating and review for the podcast. Each week I'll select a name and send them something fun to say thank you!

Lastly, thank you for the outpouring of support for Podcast U! You can still enroll through June. The first of my 3 free classes is tomorrow! Check out the other dates if you are interested.

SHOW NOTES
-Podcast University is now live! Enrollment closes at the end of June.
-Join me live in my FREE class this month: 3 Things You MUST Know to Start Your Podcast
-Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
-FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
-Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
-Join the free and private FB group
-Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!)
-Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
-Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas

Do you ever feel down about yourself when really you're just feeling down about your talents and abilities? It's time to stop and figure out what the story is that you're telling yourself. And please, rewrite if necessary to connect to your own creativity story. But what exactly is that?

About connecting to your own creativity story Today's guest is a scrapbooker. You remember the days of scrapbooking don't you?! Well she was scrapbooking before that, and still continues to do so to the tune of a very successful business, while being a mother and podcaster among other things. Heidi Swapp has a creativity story you may not expect by looking at her - she shares that creativity was actually discouraged by her family! Maybe that rings true for you too. Her story also includes losing her teenage son to suicide. And if in those darkest moments she could do it, you also can connect to your own creativity story.

Yes, when it came to planning her 16-year-old's funeral Heidi allowed herself to be creative. And even when it wasn't popular, she recognized that her creativity was a gift she could give to her son, and continues to give to her people. All that is to say, don't be intimidated or discouraged, the ability to become creative lies within you, too. Feel free to look for it in moments and in ways that you, and others, may least expect to find it.

Also part of Heidi's story? The opportunity to work with her idol, Martha Stewart! ...sort of. Listen in to hear the rest of that story and for the encouragement to let your little creative spark catch fire.

About a few other things Podcast University has finally launched and I am excited and grateful for all of your support in making this dream a reality. You can check out the course (enrollment closes at the end of June) or you can take my FREE class offered three times this month: 3 Things You MUST Know to Start Your Podcast.

When it comes to teaching my young children about the New Testament I have been so grateful to use Come Follow Me FHE as a resource for new and interesting ideas. For just $5/month we receive weekly lessons, activities, and pictures that everyone enjoys.

SHOW NOTES
Heidi's Website, Instagram, Facebook

Podcast University is now live! Enrollment closes at the end of June.

Join me live in my FREE class this month: 3 Things You MUST Know to Start Your Podcast

Come Follow Me FHE for New Testament lessons meant for the whole family.

Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA

FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan

Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE

Join the free and private FB group

Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!)

Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram

Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas

I used to think being creative meant doing something completely unique, whether it was in performance or product. I can see now the crippling effect that had on simply allowing myself to use my natural abilities and see them as creative. What shifted my mindset? Realizing you are allowed to mimic! If you're still not convinced, let me explain...

In this Pinterest era you're hard pressed to find anything that truly hasn't been done before. In fact, we talked about that in this interview. But this isn't anything new; you can find famous works of art, historic architecture, even classic ballet performances that are continually replicated. The point is, this is OK.

Tune in because I even share what this looks like in the podcasting world. Plus, the wise advice my mom gave to me that helped lead me to this resolve: you are allowed to mimic. When you feel stuck you can find something that resonates with you, observe it, love it, and then mimic it while making it your own. As I shared earlier this week on Instagram, more often than not, we would not be hurt by beginning.

About a few other things: If you feel inspired by something you've learned this month, would you share that with our community? Send me a voice message at hello@aboutprogress.com to be featured on the last episode of the month, the "Dear Progressor" episode.

I am also celebrating my birthday all month long by spoiling those that leave a rating and reviewfor the podcast. Each week I'll select a name and send them something fun to say thank you!

Lastly, thank you for the outpouring of support for Podcast U! You can still enroll through June. Spots for the free classthis month have also been filling up, so check out the available dates for that if you are interested.

SHOW NOTES
Podcast University is now live! Enrollment closes at the end of June.
Join me live in my FREE class this month: 3 Things You MUST Know to Start Your Podcast
Come Follow Me FHE for New Testament lessons meant for the whole family.
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas

I love to paint, but it has been put on the back burner these days with all the other things I juggle. So, does that mean I'm not creative? I still come up with meals my whole family eats, squeeze in my favorite workouts, interview incredible podcast guests (like these ladies!) and I just launched a 10 lesson online podcasting course. And that's not at all to toot my own horn, but it is to say that I DO still create daily. The shift I've had, and hope to teach you, is in cultivating your non-artistic creativity.

About non-artistic creativity The Womb Sisters, comprised of sisters Gentry and Bergen plus sister-in-law Sarah, created an online community for women of faith to grow in sovereignty. They do not shy away from complex, even taboo, issues. Instead, they have created a safe place for heartfelt discussion (and with a gorgeous aesthetic to boot!) between women.

In this interview all three ladies chime in about what creativity looks like for them. Gentry shares how she creates family time, with inspiring and doable examples. Bergen challenges us to use our energy to create, rather than consume - with a poignant message about the benefits of social media. Then Sarah teaches how creativity can emerge from chaos.

You'll see that some pursuits deliver beautiful products, while others may only be identifiable to the creator themselves. Regardless, no one idea of creativity is less than another. You already hold your unique piece to the creativity puzzle, you just need to dust it off and enjoy it for what it is.

About a few other things Podcast University has finally launched and I am excited and grateful for all of your support in making this dream a reality. You can check out the course (enrollment closes at the end of June) or you can take my FREE class offered three times this month: 3 Things You MUST Know to Start Your Podcast.

Me and my family have been using and loving Come Follow Me FHE to learn more about the New Testament. For just $5/month we receive weekly lessons, activities, and pictures that everyone enjoys.

SHOW NOTES
Womb Sister's Instagram.
Podcast University is now live! Enrollment closes at the end of June.
Join me live in my FREE class this month: 3 Things You MUST Know to Start Your Podcast
Come Follow Me FHE for New Testament lessons meant for the whole family.
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas

Have you been surprised by discovering something new about yourself recently? So many of us are surprised by where our creativity can take us. Don't stop here if you think you're not creative, because you are. You may just need to give yourself permission to create. Whatever that looks like for you, you can explore it with grace, curiosity, and simply just for you.

Ashmae Hoiland shares that, despite writing several works, she only recently became comfortable calling herself a writer. If you have also struggled to claim your creativity you will feel inspired by her journey towards doing that. She is also an illustrator and a mother, as well as navigating a significant health challenge, which she opens up about in this episode.

Perhaps you have given up on being creative, but here is the assurance that creative periods do ebb and flow. It's like any relationship, really! Ashmae encourages you to create for no one except yourself, and see how that feels. Your life is constantly contributing to your ability to create - sometimes you need to take the time to process and acknowledge that, and sometimes you can jump right in and run with it. Either way, tune in for the permission to create you maybe didn't even know you needed.

About a few other things If you would like to learn more with Ashmae, check out her course here, where you can use code ABOUTPROGRESS to get $25 off until June 12th.

I also share a valuable resource my family loves for New Testament learning, Come Follow Me FHE. With a $5/month subscription you receive weekly lessons meant to inspire and bring families together in a positive way.

Sign-up for tips on podcasting and be one of the first to hear my big announcement coming up this month!

SHOW NOTES
Ashmae's Website (use code ABOUTPROGRESS for $25 off the course) and Instagram.
Come Follow Me FHE for New Testament lessons meant for the whole family.
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas

With the new month comes a new theme, and I really hope this one doesn't scare anyone off! We are going to dive into creativity - what it is, what it isn't, and how to have more of it in our daily lives. I suggest downloading the Progress Plan so you can work through it as you listen to this episode where I remind you of something that maybe you've forgotten: you ARE creative.

About creativity myths and motivation There are a lot of myths about creativity, for instance saying it needs to be artistic, traditionally fun, produce a product, etc. You know the myths and maybe that's why you're nervous. Because as a result you've simply told yourself you're not creative, and that's now the story you believe. But, you are!

In this episode I give countless examples of what creativity can look like, and share specifically what works for me. I urge you to consider your natural gifts and interests, to pursue those creatively. For me, a "30 by 30" bucket list along these lines launched everything you're a part of here today. I had no idea that would happen at the time, but I sure am grateful.

SHOW NOTES
Podcast episode with Lisa Funk "Developing our Creativity and Using it as a Tool to Fight Depression"
Book "Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear", Netflix "The Creative Brain", Time Magazine "The Science of Creativity", Cultivate a Good Life Podcast "What Creativity Really Means"
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas

Give yourself permission to create, and to do so in whatever way it happens to look like for you. Also to redefine what creativity is at this point in your life, if you need to. I'll link several more resources to get those juices flowing below in the show notes. I can't wait to hear from you this month as we progress in our talents and grow in our willingness to try new things.

About a few other things You may have noticed something about last month's solo episodes - I opened up a lot about the behind-scenes-of my life and this podcast. There is a reason and I cannot wait to tell you everything on June 13th. If you want to be one of the first to know just sign up here.

Last thing, did you hear me read that podcast review? Those mean the world to me, thank you!! I'm celebrating my birthday month by asking you to leave a rating and review if you haven't already, then I'm rewarding one each week with some of my favorite things as prizes. Even something short and sweet will help our community grow, so we can reach everyone who needs to hear these lessons and messages.

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

TIME The Science of Creativity

This month the theme was "Progress is Messy", and you heard guest interviews and my take on what that looks like in real life. Natalie Norton shared her perspective on "How to Get Out of a Funk" - with simple tips for you and stories from her own life. Patrice Washington discussed "What to do When the Growing gets Tough" - including her own rise and how to deal with resistance. Rachel Nielson let us in on her tips for "Narrowing In and Buckling Down on your Personal Habits" - giving her take on saying no, and the domino effect of even one good habit.

I also got personal this month, with 3 bonus episodes related to my own journey here, as a podcaster! Over the past 2 years my growth has been slow, and I shared my real feelings about that. More specifically related to podcasting, I also finally answered the questions, "Do I make any money from podcasting?" and "How do I podcast as a SAHM?" Hopefully you found inspiration in any one of these episodes to keep moving forward with your growth, because progress is messy - for all of us!

About today's episode Each month I ask for listener submissions from you, and every month I am blown away. Real women shared their personal stories and what they learned this month. Tune in and you will feel the community that has been cultivated here, where we truly know life is about progress, not perfection.

SHOW NOTES
Get your first month + FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Sign up for my weekly newsletter.
Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas

   Mamas who primarily stay home with their kids struggle to understand how I can work on my podcasting business in addition to taking care of my kids. I get this curiosity, because a few years ago I wondered if I could ever make that possible, too.                Whenever I talk about the how-to's with podcasting, people seem to be more interested how I balance my work here as a Stay At Home Mom (SAHM). This episode is my transparent (and I hope helpful) response to that.

     In it, I share the logistics of what this looks like for me and my family: my schedule of work vs. family time, who takes care of the kids when I work, what my husband, Brad, thinks about all of this, and more. (See a recent day-in-the-life post here!) In the process, we've simplified some things (quick mealsfor the win!), outsourced others (listen in to hear what!), and sacrificed some important things I want to bring back more of (like reading and sleeping!).

Stay until the end to hear more about why and how I'm stepping things up in the work department this summer so I can scale back in the fall.

(Psst: Last week, I shared more about how I've made money as a podcaster (spoiler alert: it's not much) and more of my long-term plans for my business, if that interests you as well.)

Whether you are a working mama, a SAHM full-time mama, or a lot of both, you matter. I hope my honest take of the behind-the-scenes struggle to stay true to my priorities while also working towards my dream is helpful for you other parents out there who would like to do both, as well.

SHOW NOTES
Recent posts that go with this episode: Our Go-To Quick Meals and Monica's Day-in-the-Life
Amazon Favorite: Portable Garment Steamer!
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Join the FREE 5-Day Sleep Makeover
Take part of the FREE Social Media Challenge
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas

isteam Steamer for Clothes [Home Steam Cleaner] Powerful Travel Steamer 7-in-1. Handheld Garment Steamer, Wrinkle Remover. Portable Fabric Steam Iron. Clothing Accessory for USA 110-120v [H106]

Maybe you remember back in March when we talked about habits - motivation, sleep, and time management were a few of the topics. Hopefully you felt inspired to make some real change that would benefit you and, as a result, those around you. If you're still moving right along and keeping up with those new habits then good for you! (Also, give us all your tips!) But maybe you've become stuck, overwhelmed, and realized you need help narrowing in and buckling down on your personal habits.

Friend and fellow podcaster, Rachel Nielson, shares how earlier this year she dreamt up a lengthy lists of habits to change and then went from overzealous to overwhelmed. But she knows progress is messy, so she began to pare down. By narrowing in on TWO personal habits, Rachel shares the domino effect they have had on her entire life.

Another hot topic discussed in this episode: social media usage. Rachel took a month long break from her normal business (including Instagram) grind. She opens up about how she did it, what changed, and where she's at right now. Tune in to this episode for that middle-of-the-year-motivation to jump back on board with your goals, habits, and progress.

P.S. did you catch our teaser at the end? Here's where you can sign upto be the first to know more!

SHOW NOTES
Rachel's Website, Instagram, and Facebook
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Here's the free 5-Day Sleep Makeover to change your sleep habits!
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas

We're throwing the stale rules of etiquette out the window and answering one of my most asked questions: Do you make money from podcasting? So here's the honest truth: yes! ...and no. This podcast started as, and still is, a passion project. If I didn't love it I would have quit a looong time ago.

Maybe the numbers will surprise you, but do you want to know what really surprised me? Even with all the hats I'd worn, I never thought podcaster, coach, or consultant would be my current ones. So I'm breaking it down for you, year-by-year and dollar-by-dollar, am I making money from podcasting?

I've added up all my expenses in almost 3 years of podcasting, everything from babysitters to business coaches, so you can see how much this podcast costs me. And, I've tallied my income (spoiler - my most recent workshop made 100x my first consult), which I share to be as transparent as possible.

Of course, after all the numbers are said and done, I'm weighing in on what I see as success and what I see as failure. Because if nothing else, I have grown here on this platform in ways I never expected. So now's as good a time as any to sneak this in: if you have been wanting to launch a podcast I have something big coming. You can sign up to receive podcasting tips from me, and be one of the first to hear my big announcement.

SHOW NOTES
This week's Amazon favorite - the life-changing steam mop
The video I reference "What Teachers Make"
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas

Shark S3501 Steam Pocket Mop Hard Floor Cleaner, Purple

Raise your hand if you have fallen victim to circumstances, or excuses, and your list of "What if's?" seems like the only thing in your life that is growing. Just like the old adage that a diamond is a chunk of coal that did well under pressure, we too can learn how to shine if we push past resistance. The choice is yours, learn how to keep growing or allow self doubt to stop you in your tracks.

In this episode, America's Money Maven Patrice Washington weighs in on personal growth with what works for her and some ideas for you. As a podcaster, author, and speaker Patrice appears to easily have it all. But, she reveals 2 of her lowest business lows, and what she does now every day to keep going.

Keeping in line with this month's theme, Progress is Messy, this interview looks at specific ways to push through the resistance that you can meet when trying to grow. There's something for everybody in this episode and the hope is that you feel inspired to turn those "What if's?" into "What is." - whatever that looks like for you.

SHOW NOTES
Patrice's Website, Instagram, and Facebook
See my BeautyCounter favorites or shop here!
Snag your Loom Journal at an exclusive discount with code ABOUTPROGRESS thru May 17!
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas

We talk a lot about self development around here: making progress, stretching yourself, GROWING. And I know it can be frustrating when those things, even the change you desperately want to happen, take time. If. you feel like you are only able to grow slow, I'm right there with you. In fact, I'm now grateful for my slow grow.

Of course, for me, I think about my blog, podcast, and Instagram but it's actually even more than that. In this episode I open up about how my creative pursuits and eating disorder recovery were impacted by slow growth. My habits of perfectionism were taking over my ability to persist, so sometimes I quit.

I now know, and can teach you, that worrying about growth takes away from where you are right now. And what about comparison? That's another way you are robbing yourself of joy and confidence. I hope you listen to this short Growth Spurt episode and leave with an understanding that the process transforms us, not the outcome.

SHOW NOTES
Thank you to these workshop sponsors: Loom Journal, Hello Tosha, Mindful Art Co., Cahoots Fitness, Thoughtful Paper Co., Karion Creating, Amber Martin, Mrs. Call's Candies, Cozy Home Organizing
Snag your Loom Journal at an exclusive discount with code ABOUTPROGRESS thru May 17!
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas

How is progressing going for you? Is it all over the place, back and forth, kind of a mess? GOOD. Progress is messy. All month long we are talking about what that looks like and how to deal with it. So what if you feel stuck, and need to know how to get out of a funk? The answer is simple - it's you! And this episode contains the tools you need to show up for yourself.

Natalie Norton, retired photographer turned podcaster and life coach, holds little back as she reveals the depths of her grief and struggles. From a health crisis, to the death of her son and brother, then a failed adoption, she knows life gets messy. And as a result, she shares her personal insight into how to get out of a funk.

Her tips range from personal hygiene to self-awareness, and include steps to achieving both. Yes, sometimes even getting in the shower takes motivation - and that's OK. Natalie also touches on how to know when you're in more than a funk, and where to go from there. But, the center of her message is the same and it really only takes you showing up for yourself.

If you're afraid of getting your hands dirty, you're not alone, so here's permission to get messy. Stretch yourself, seek growth, get out of your funk and makes mistakes along the way. Give yourself compassion (Natalie talks about that, too!) as you move forward in whatever way that looks like for you.

SHOW NOTES
Natalie's Podcast, Instagram, and Facebook
Snag your Loom Journal at an exclusive discount with code ABOUTPROGRESS thru May 17!
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas

Thank you for being a part of the About Progress community! I have a small favor to ask of you. Would you take this 30-second survey so that I can better understand this audience's demographics? It means so much to me that you show up here and allow me to produce this meaningful work! xo Monica

Here's something you maybe didn't expect to hear around here: failure is not an option. No, really, we will all fail! But, you shouldn't let that be the reason not to TRY. In most cases, the worst thing that can happen is that a lesson is learned and you find yourself able to grow. The thing is, progress is messy, so let's just jump on in!

In this episode I'm getting personal, sharing several stinging examples of failure in my own life. I challenge you to do the same - think of your own failures, and if you're like me it's not even that hard to come up with a few! Then get to work. I will teach you how to figure out what you can learn from failure.

Does this sound scary? That's normal! Fear is fear no matter what, and our brains are wired to protect us (more on that in the episode!). I'm giving you 3 ways to push pass fear, so you can dig deep and grow into who you really want to be. One of them I learned back in January, here.

SHOW NOTES
Take this 30-second survey to help me get to know this audience better!
Snag your Loom Journal at an exclusive discount with code ABOUTPROGRESS thru May 17!
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
The design duo I was inspired by at Alt Summit
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas

Thank you for being a part of the About Progress community! I have a small favor to ask of you. Would you take this 30-second survey so that I can better understand this audience's demographics? It means so much to me that you show up here and allow me to produce this meaningful work! xo Monica

It's time to hear from this community! Each month I ask for audio submissions from YOU, the listeners. I invite you to share what you learned, how you've grown, or been inspired. I am sharing something I did this month that I hadn't done in 15 years, largely in part to my #onesmallthing challenge on Instagram and a goal I had on my Do Something List. These are all ways I want to connect with you, and help you progress as well.

Tune in and listen to someone who did something scary (and lived to share about it!), a listener inspired by last month's "Dear Progressor" episode to work on all aspects of their well-being, a woman who found true happiness from within by thinking outside the box, and a fresh perspective on developing happiness.

If you're looking for more from this inspiring community please join us on Instagram or in the private Facebook group!

SHOW NOTES
Take this 30-second survey to help me get to know this audience better!
Snag your Loom Journal at an exclusive discount with code ABOUTPROGRESS thru May 17!
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas

Some of us dominate our to-do lists every single day and find happiness in checking off one thing after another. But most of us flounder between lists that consume all our waking thoughts and not making them at all. What if we could learn how to make a better To-Do List?

Let's be clear, your desire to stay organized or maintain priorities is not wrong. But there may be room for improvement in your approach. If the act of creating and/or completing any items on your To-Do List is crippling your ability to be present in your actual life then it's time to take a step back.

Anne Cropper is here to help you find the middle-ground: To-Do Lists that are focused more on the most needful things AND reflective of what TRULY matters in your life. For YEARS, Anne was obsessed with her daily list-making. (She actually opened up here about some of her struggles over two years ago!) But this past year, she discovered that this was no longer serving her--in fact, it was causing her intense anxiety.

Anne learned how to reframe her To-Dos to a more abundant mindset and is sharing the effect it had on her AND how you can do this yourself, regardless of where on the list-spectrum you land on.

SHOW NOTES
Anne's Website, Instagram, and Facebook
Take this 30-second survey to help me get to know this audience better!
Snag your Loom Journal at an exclusive discount with code ABOUTPROGRESS thru May 17!
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Here's the free 5-Day Sleep Makeover to change your sleep habits!
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas

Thank you for being a part of the About Progress community! I have a small favor to ask of you. Would you take this 30-second survey so that I can better understand this audience's demographics? It means so much to me that you show up here and allow me to produce this meaningful work! xo Monica

This month has been centered on something seemingly simple, yet seriously powerful: happiness. One of the biggest takeaways has been how to fulfill this need internally, rather than relying on external factors. If you are still struggling, consider reframing how to choose more happiness as owning your choices. That's right! You can choose happiness.

"I don't love my life, but I can't choose otherwise." Has that thought ever crossed your mind? Maybe it's your family, your career, your personal development, or something else entirely that you blame for your unhappiness. If so, you can learn to feel empowered by your choices (even the ones you've already made!). Sacrifice after sacrifice will not lead to happiness, but proper growth and prioritizing will.

Psychotherapist, Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife joins us for her sixth (!!) interview to share how you can learn to choose more happiness and why it is so important. If you're new to her, make sure to check out the past interviews here! This episode covers almost everything, from the very extreme to the very specific - she even lets us in on one of her client's recent revelations during a counseling session. Ultimately we all have the agency to make choices, as well as the ability to find happiness within them.

This episode comes full circle with much of what you have already learned this month about happiness, priorities, putting yourself first, and finding joy. Tune in for one more push in the direction of finding, and choosing, what really makes you happy.

SHOW NOTES
Jennifer's Website, Instagram, and Facebook
Take this 30-second survey to help me get to know this audience better!
Snag your Loom Journal at an exclusive discount with code ABOUTPROGRESS thru May 17!
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas

Stories are an amazing way that we, as humans, are able to find connection. Have you thought much about your own story? Or maybe this is easier, how do you see your past and present self? Answering these questions about your unique story will put you in charge of your happy ending.

I'm opening up about MY story in hopes that you reflect on your own. The chapters of my life are full of ups and downs, like most of us I'm sure! But in this Growth Spurt episode I share how I allowed some really low points to ghost write my story and as a result, dictate my worth.

Through a very specific experience over the last month I was able to focus on my role in my story to achieve happiness in a stressful spot. You see, it's easy to let what we know of ourselves based on our past just dictate our futures. BUT, it is far more worth it to acknowledge our past story and rewrite our future.

And I just have to tell you, this is something that I value so much so that I teach it to even my very young children. One of the tools I love to use is journaling. Loom Journals offers a parent and child journal that has worked so well as a way to connect with my daughter. I have even started to prepare the journals my younger sons and I will use. If you know storytelling and journaling could benefit your family you can snag a Loom Journal with my exclusive discount code, ABOUTPROGRESS, through May17th.

SHOW NOTES
Get your Loom Journal at an exclusive discount with code ABOUTPROGRESS thru May 17!
Register for Rediscover You Workshop
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas

Do you own your time...or is time owning you? If you have fallen victim to this all-too-common scenario then you need to know there is a better way and an important why. And if this isn't you, think again. Maybe your entire day is filled with what you think are good and worthy things but consider this: should any one thing really fill your entire day?

It's time to get messy and get on the other side of being busy. You CAN do this by learning to manage your priorities (maybe start just by identifying what that means!) and making the most of your precious time. Through a more purposeful mindset this type of outlook will connect you to happiness and help you find joy.

After leaving her law career behind, Shunta Grant threw herself into long days as a mom and dual business owner. She describes what it was like to busily fill every moment, and then what it was like to get those minutes back into her control. This includes the day she went into her online shop and deleted almost everything.

Spoiler alert - Shunta is still all those things, but handling her busy life without ever using the word. She gives you permission to say no, period, (but also reveals the 3 women she'll always say yes to) and shares exactly how you'll feel on the other side of busy. The best part is that you can get started right away. So listen in and get excited, there are no secrets here, just real stories to reach you right where you need it most.

SHOW NOTES
Shunta's Website, Instagram, and Facebook
Check out Shunta's Spring Forward Workshop and use code 'PROGRESS' for a discount!
Snag your Loom Journal at an exclusive discount with code ABOUTPROGRESS thru May 17!
Register for Rediscover You Workshop - last chance!
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas

Take a moment, just in your mind, and think of your priorities. Include all the things to which you are regularly giving all of your time. I'm sure this list includes people, maybe some places, and likely some things. So, do you have your list?

What number are you on that list?

I get it, you have so much going on and you are the sun in your little universe (if you don't get that reference you need to listen here!). All those things on your list of priorities are good things! But you simply cannot continue to pour from an empty cup. And when you procrastinate your happiness you are hurting yourself and, as a result, those priorities.

In this bite-sized episode, known as a 'Growth Spurt' around here, I am giving you permission to change your priorities. I hope you feel inspired to figure out what's holding you back and I may even have some helpful resources for you.

If you think happiness is a destination, something that you can achieve enough of to last you a lifetime, I'm not sorry to say that you're wrong. Fortunately, happiness is something to continually develop and this month you're getting allll the resources and ideas to do exactly that.

SHOW NOTES
Snag your Loom Journal at an exclusive discount with code ABOUTPROGRESS thru May 10!
Register for Rediscover You Workshop
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas

If you listened to last week's episode you know that the theme this month is all about how to be happy. Easier said than done? Not around here. This week you will learn three things you can change to be happy. Without even knowing it, you are probably holding on to some lies you think are making you happy. And while the specifics may be personal, they likely fall into one of three categories.

New York Times bestselling author Richard Eyre delves into those three categories in this episode: control, ownership, and independence. He also explains how to shift your mindset towards what REALLY makes you happy. The Harvard business grad, now happiness guru, teaches what to look for and how to change your thinking.

Richard has even written a book on this topic, titled "The Happiness Paradox." If you are struggling to understand the how's and why's of happiness then this is an amazing resource for you. Right now, the About Progress community can purchase this book HERE and receive half off, plus free shipping, with code MONICAFRIEND.

After listening in you will be sure to have actionable takeaways for what you can change to be happy. As you take them to heart and make your own happiness progress, would you consider sharing them with all of us?? Your voice is so valuable, learn how you can be on the show!

SHOW NOTES
Richard's Website, Instagram, and Facebook
Get "The Happiness Paradox" here for half off plus free shipping with code MONICAFRIEND
Snag your Loom Journal at an exclusive discount with code ABOUTPROGRESS thru May 10!
Register for Rediscover You Workshop
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas

What is the one thing that unifies alllll of humanity? The desire to be HAPPY. And maybe also the overcomplicated routes we take to find how to be happy. So let's spend some time this month figuring it out together. Remember to tune in each week to learn more on this important topic.

Why are we struggling so much with happiness? Perhaps we don't know what it really looks like and we are searching for it in the wrong places. In fact, last year thousands of you tuned in to these episodes on happiness and joy. Because of that this whole month will be spent diving deeper into a topic that is nothing new, but still matters so much.

This month's intro. episode shares more about April's theme and walks you through what happiness actually looks like for you. It also gets a little bit personal, sharing the two CRAZY things that happened to me one year ago. So if you're feeling like happiness is out of reach, you are not alone and we can change that for you.

After you tune in, stay accountable! You can get this month's Progress Plan and other FREE printables here! These are simple worksheets you can print out or complete from your phone. And this community would love to hear how this goes for you this month. If you didn't already know, the last episode of each month consists of listener submissions (listen to last month's here!) that you can just record on your phone and send in to hello@aboutprogress.com.

SHOW NOTES
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience +be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for May!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: “Drive,” “Changes,” and “Golden Alley” by Nicolai Heidlas

What a month!

Did you work on one or two habits this month? I hope that everything we learned inspired you to narrow in your focus on one area of your life that needs some major help.

Three experts in their fields gave real life tips on how to do this. As you know, for me that started with sleep. Our sleep episodes with Chrissy Lawler (here and here) triggered so many people into realizing how much they needed to shift their sleep habits. As a result, hundreds of you joined (and are still joining) our FREE 5 Day Sleep Makeover!

Next, we considered what your motivational style might be (thank you Dr. Adam Moore) and how figuring that out will help propel you forward to better shifting your habits.

And then a question that hits home for all of us, is time management a huuuuuuge struggle for you? If so, you need to let things go. Dr. Jen Riday gave thousands of you some lightbulb moments as you listened in about her own experience. For example, she discussed taking more time for herself--both for self-care and planning--as well as letting go of things that didn't line up with her greater priorities.

Personal stories of growth from me and you! And don't forget about our growth spurt episodes! In these bite-sized episodes I got personal about my experience as an underachieving perfectionists and how to get out of your comfort zones.

Today, we released our Dear Progressor episode. You get to hear a follow-up from a former voice bite with an update, how one mom learned to get herself to sleep, an unsolicited testimonial of the Progress Program, a mom who realized the life she was living was THE dream-life she had had for herself 10 years prior, and what one busy mama of five has done to calm her busy-mind.

I also share where I'm at with my Do Something List and some final thoughts I have about habit-formation and how that relates to our themes. And remember, it's not too late if you haven't started yours yet--just go for it!

This has definitely been a month of growth and I'm so grateful you were a part of it by showing up here and sharing what you learned with others, both publicly and privately. Thank you SOOO much for supporting me and the members of this community.

Are you wearing your 'busyness' as a badge of honor? How about seeking self worth from the exhaustion of trying to do it all? To put it bluntly, you need to stop. Because doing more does not mean you are doing better.

As a mother of 3 with multiple jobs, Jeanteil Livingston was overthinking and over-planning everything. Can you relate?! Good news - through her own journey (which she shares!) she learned that busy is not best. And her advice? Allow yourself to be vulnerable. Even more simply put, to be human.

But how? Ask "Who do I want to be in one year?" Then simplify your habits and live like that person now. Jeanteil even reveals the 3-word excuse she used to use before that change in perspective changed her. Odds are, you've probably said it, too.

If you want to hear what real life progress looks like, then listen in. Want to take things one step further? If you are ready to spend less time being busy and more time being you, there are a few spots left in the Progress Program for April.

SHOW NOTES
Jeanteil's Website, Instagram, and Facebook
Register for Rediscover You Workshop
Join the FREE 5-Day Sleep Makeover
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for April!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: “Drive,” “Changes,” and “Golden Alley” by Nicolai Heidlas

If you find yourself using your comfort zone as an excuse, you are not alone. My comfort zone used to be my excuse to not push myself where it matters most.

In this bite-sized episode I tell you what your comfort zone really is and give specific examples about pushing yourself. Here's a hint: my laundry piles up just like yours!

It isn't too late to change your habits. If it looks messy, you're doing it right.

SHOW NOTES
Register for Rediscover You Workshop
Join the FREE 5-Day Sleep Makeover
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience +be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for April!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: “Drive,” “Changes,” and “Golden Alley” by Nicolai Heidlas

Has your own life become out of your control? You CAN get it back and it can start with one small word, "No." Here is the permission to let go, prioritize, and put yourself first in order to better manage all the other balls you are juggling.

A working mom of 6, Dr. Jen Riday of the Vibrant Happy Women Podcast lives true to her mission to help women get back their lives. After sharing a vivid personal memory of one of her lowest points she offers detailed instruction on how to find YOU in your time again.

As you listen, and especially if you desperately need this, remind yourself that your commitment will help carry you through. Start with the actionable tips discussed and begin to create space for what really matters.

SHOW NOTES
Jen's Website, Instagram, and Facebook
Register for Rediscover You Workshop
Join the FREE 5-Day Sleep Makeover
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience +be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for April!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: “Drive,” “Changes,” and “Golden Alley” by Nicolai Heidlas

I have been where you are - afraid to fail and hating myself into growth. There's a name for it, underachieving perfectionism, and a way to change for the better. If you feel STUCK and crippled by the thought of setting even day-to-day goals, this is me calling to you from the other side of that.

Your worth is not determined by the perfect ability to do anything. I hope that after listening in you know you CAN grow imperfectly because you are worth while.

SHOW NOTES
Register for Rediscover You Workshop
Join the FREE 5-Day Sleep Makeover
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience +be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for April!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: “Drive,” “Changes,” and “Golden Alley” by Nicolai Heidlas

Are you having trouble changing your habits and reaching your goals because you're lazy? No! You just haven't found your motivational style.

Explaining his carrot-dangling-free approach, therapist Adam Moorepresents three motivational styles to help you better understand yourself AND others. Here's a spoiler: find what makes you feel effective.

After listening to actual examples, you'll be equipped to find your motivational style and make a breakthrough on your habits, giving you the power to shift your life!

If you you need somewhere to start, here's a FREE 5 Day Sleep Makeover. Use what you learn about yourself from this episode and get started on changing your habits today.

SHOW NOTES
Adam's Website, Instagram, and Facebook
Adam's book recommendations: Drive and Beyond Pleasure and Pain
Register for Rediscover You Workshop
Join the FREE 5-Day Sleep Makeover
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience +be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for April!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: “Drive,” “Changes,” and “Golden Alley” by Nicolai Heidlas

Beyond Pleasure and Pain: How Motivation Works

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us

You've heard the science and read all the tips, but what does sleep training look like in real life? This bonus episode provides a glimpse into just that.

Tune in while Christine Lawler actually analyzes host Monica's sleep habits and maps out an achievable plan of action. Follow along and begin training yourself TONIGHT.

If you've listened to this conversation and signed up for the FREE 5 Day Sleep Makeover then here is just one more tool to help your sleep habits. No more excuses, it's time to get that life changing sleep you need!

P.S. Tickets for the Rediscover You Workshop are now available! Use code 'FINDME' for $30 off through 3/11.

SHOW NOTES
Christine's Website, Instagram, and Facebook
Register for Rediscover You Workshop (use code “FINDME” to get $30 off until March 11th)
Join the FREE 5-Day Sleep Makeover
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience +be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for April!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: “Drive,” “Changes,” and “Golden Alley” by Nicolai Heidlas

Maybe you never thought you'd say this as an adult, but it's time to be sleep trained! Improving this ONE habit will change your life, and you aren't alone in needing help.

With over 10 years of experience, therapist Christine Lawler dives into the why and the how of sleep training. From serious mental health reasons, to just general self care, the time is now to get better sleep.

Exhaustion does not have to be your badge of honor! Tune in, and maybe grab a note pad, because you'll leave this conversation with 3 rules for better sleep. And as a bonus, here is a FREE 5 Day Sleep Makeover created to help you help your habits.

SHOW NOTESChristine's Website, Instagram, and Facebook
Register for Rediscover You Workshop (use code “FINDME” to get $30 off until March 11th)
Join the FREE 5-Day Sleep Makeover
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience +be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for April!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: “Drive,” “Changes,” and “Golden Alley” by Nicolai Heidlas

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Most of us start the New Year with a whole list of habits we are CERTAIN we will immediately transform.

But then March comes and we're mostly same-old, same-old.

It's because we are going about changing our habits all wrong.

Listen to hear more about this month's theme and how in order to successfully shift your habits you need to start where it realllllllly matters to you!

(Pssst: Don't forget the HUGE announcement! Come join us in Utah for a great Workshop in May.)

Show Notes
Register for Rediscover You Workshop (use code "FINDME" to get $30 off until March 11th)
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Join the FREE 5-Day Sleep Makeover
Take part of the FREE Social Media Challenge
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for April!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas

This is a community, not a fan club. We learn from and inspire each other.

This new monthly series is where members of the About Progress Community write in to share notes with their fellow “Progressors.”

Listen in to hear how Progressors have grown, their experiences, their stories, and their wisdom on this month’s theme: New Year, New You.

**SHOW NOTES** **FREE Printables****, including this month’s Progress Plan** **Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show** **HERE** **Join the free and private FB group** **Join the Progress Program****: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for March!) Join Monica on** **Facebook** **and** **Instagram** **Songs Credit:** **Nicolai Heidlas**

Self-love is all the rage, but is it worth the hype? If you are looking to find out who you truly are, there is something else that may serve you better: self compassion.

Self compassion is being fully KIND to yourself by no longer buying into shame cycles.

You can allow things to get messy on the pursuit of growth, while keeping your self-worth intact. Including matters of faith, family, and his future, Josh Searlediscusses this and how he learned to "fail forward" on his journey of growing into his true self.

Don't let self-esteem govern your worth; instead come to know your inherent worth and give yourself permission to figure things out, and allow others in on your journey.

SHOW NOTES
Josh's Website, Instagram, and Facebook
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for March!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram Songs Credit by Nicolai Heidlas

How do you be true to yourself if you feel so very complicated?

Being complex is totally OK. In fact, it's who you are made to be. Figuring out how to get in tune with how your complicated personality is in fact a strength will help you make more of your life.

Amy Webb is a self-described contradictory person who would love to help you learn how to own your own messy personality. Doing so for her has led to empowerment and fulfillment, including for her daughter with special needs. Listen to hear how she learned to accept her full self, and how you can do the same.

SHOW NOTES

Amy's Website, Instagram, and Facebook and PRE-ORDER her book!

FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan

Lend your voice and experience +be featured on the show

HERE Join the free and private FB group

Join the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for March!)

Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram

Songs Credit: “Drive,” “Changes,” and “Golden Alley” by Nicolai Heidlas

When Charley Met Emma (Charley and Emma Stories, 1)

In this episode, I share 10 things you don't know about me. Don't worry, there IS a point beyond navel-gazing:) My goal is for you to then go on and create your own list of things people don't know about you and to see how this helps you cue in to who you are and what matters to you. Because when you know the SMALL things that make you "you," it's easier to own the bigger things, too.

SHOW NOTES:

FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan

Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE

Join the free and private FB group

Join the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for March!)

Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram

Songs Credit:Nicolai Heidlas

Do you get stuck thinking you need to be an "expert" in one finite field in order to matter?

Pish-posh! It's more than OK to be a "Jane of all trades." In fact, doing all the things will help you figure out better who you are than pigeon-holing yourself into one "admirable" standard of achievement.

Miranda Anderson of Live Free Creative Co. is a testament to how much joy, fun, creativity, and challenge you can bring into your life by daring to try new things. She does ALL the things, because she enjoys the process more than the outcome.

Listen in to hear how you can better own who you are by exploring where the wind (ie. your interests, gifts, hobbies, etc.) takes you. And how one failed sewing experiment launched Miranda into years of personal-growth and more.

Show Notes

Miranda's Website, Instagram, and Facebook

FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE Join the free and private FB groupJoin the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for February!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas

Do you want to change your life? Including your relationships? Work? Parenting? Fitness? Spirituality? And more?

You need to start by knowing who you are. And that entails working on your personal development.

Many women have lost touch with their inner selves--what makes them light up, including their natural interests, passions, hobbies, and gifts. They somehow have received the message that working on their own growth is selfish and will take away from what matters most in their lives.

The opposite is true.

Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife is a leading expert on marriage, relationships, and sexuality. The foundation to everything she does involves guiding women back to the root of who they truly are.

She teaches that a woman who brings her full, developed self to the table will advance everything else--and everyone--that matters in her life.

Listen in to hear why knowing who you are is vital for growth and happiness, and how to start working on finding yourself again.

Show Notes
Jennifer's Website and 20% Valentine's Day Sale !!!!!

Past Episodes with Jennifer here

FREE Printables, including this month's Progress Plan Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE Join the free and private FB groupJoin the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for February!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas

In order to fully step into who you ARE, you need to look back at who you WERE.

Last month we talked about ch-ch-changing! This month, we are focusing on being true to your real self. The one that you have still deep down inside you with interests, gifts, and passions put on the back burner.

How can you rediscover your self? Go back to who you were as a kid. And consider which labels you have adopted that are getting in the way of you exploring others.

CLICK HERE TO GET THIS MONTH'S FREE PRINTABLES, INCLUDING THE PROGRESS PLAN!

Show Notes
FREE Printables, including this month's Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE Join the free and private FB groupJoin the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for February!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas

This is a community, not a fan club. We learn from and inspire each other.

This new monthly series is where members of the About Progress Community write in to share notes with their fellow "Progressors."

Listen in to hear how Progressors have grown, their experiences, their stories, and their wisdom on this month's theme.

Show Notes
FREE Printables, including this month's Progress Plan Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE Join the free and private FB groupJoin the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for February!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram Songs Credit: "Drive," by Nicolai Heidlas

Imagine having THE "ideal body" everyone is after these days. Imagine your arms being commented on by strangers at the grocery store, thousands of social media likes and comments daily about how inspired people are by your hard work and dedication to body-building, and creating an entire family-led business off of helping others do the same.

Then imagine leaving alllllll the glory and admiration behind because you learned first hand that having the "ideal body" didn't correlate to having an "ideal life."

That's Cori Baker.

A year ago she went through a massive transformation. One that entailed a huge departure from the old transformation photos she used to share; this one being about the inside.

Cori left behind a life on the extreme end on health in pursuit of a truer health--one still focused on mindfulness, nutrition, and exercise, but in a way that created far more room for an actual LIFE in between it all.

Listen to learn how Cori knew it was time to shift her focus, what hard things she saw in herself she determined to change, and what she did to do just that.

Show Notes
Cori's InstagramFREE Printables, including this month's Progress Plan Lend your voice and experience +be featured on the show HERE Join the free and private FB groupJoin the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for February!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram Songs Credit: "Drive," "Changes," and "Golden Alley" by Nicolai Heidlas

In today's Growth Spurt, Monica shares how she has translated this month's theme into her own life: learning what she needs to change this year.

Monica shares three ways she wants to grow and how they relate back to better knowing who she wants to become. The three areas are:

1) Money

2) Marriage

3) Friendship

Listen in to hear why she wants to make shifts in these areas and how you can also can figure out where you need to change the most, too.

SHOW NOTES:

FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan Lend your voice and experience +be featured on the show HEREJoin the free and private FB groupJoin the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for February!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram Songs Credit: “Spheres” by Nicolai Heidlas

Mindset is everything. So what do you do if the only way you learned how to change in the past was by hating yourself into it?

Shifting your life by being motivated with guilt, shame, and "shoulds" is no way to grow.

Tony Overbay is here to share how as a therapist he guides his clients (and himself!) to better catch negative self-talk and move into progressive change.

Listen in to learn how you learning to like yourself (via your thoughts!) will help you better change into the person you want to become.

Show Notes
Tony's website, podcast, and Instagram + Value Model referencedFREE Printables, including this month's Progress Plan Lend your voice and experience +be featured on the show HEREJoin the free and private FB groupJoin the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for February!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram Songs Credit: "Drive," "Changes," and "Golden Alley" by Nicolai Heidlas

People adore the "self-love" movement happening these days, and I'm alllll about it! Unless that acceptance-of-self translates more to someone excusing themselves from seeing where they need to change.

Fully loving yourself entails being willing to see the good AND the bad in yourself. But your motivation is different--it's because you love the whole picture, and want to progress in ways that truly matter.

Listen in to hear more!

This is our first "Growth Spurt," which will be a continuing series of short episodes that are designed to help give you a little push to grow!

Show Notes
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience +be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for January!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: “Drive,” “Flower Garden,” “Changes,” “Back In School” and “Warm Lights” by Nicolai Heidlas

If you're telling yourself that it's already the second week in January and it's too late for you to get serious about goal-making, you're wrong.

And if you're already feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or even under-challenged as one who strives to love goal-making, you're just doing it wrong.

That's forceful to say--sure--but this interview with Lara Casey Isaacson is sure to help empower you to make goals that ACTUALLY work, and with progress--not perfection--in mind.

Lara herself says that she is not naturally a "Goal Person." But, how she grew to successfully implement goal-making as an integral part to who she is, and then create a whole company devoted to helping others do the same was like this: LITTLE BY LITTLE.

Listen in to hear how this happened for Lara and what you can do to become a "Goal Person," too.

Show Notes
Lara's website, Instagram, Facebook, and personal Instagram
FREE Printables, including this month's Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience +be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for February!)
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: "Drive," and “Warm Lights” by Nicolai Heidlas

Do you feel stuck in the same patterns? Are you looking at the new year with equal parts hope AND fear? Wondering if you reallyhave it in you to make real, lasting change?

You actually CAN change. Forget goal-making (that will come later), forget looking side-to-side to see what your internet friends or IRL loved ones are telling you you "SHOULD" be doing.

Before anything else you need to hone into who you want to be, what change that requires from you, and WHY you want to change.

Once you can do that (use our free printables here!), then you can go and DO SOMETHING about it.

Listen in to hear how to start honing into who YOU want to become and how to make the kind of change that actually sticks around.

**Show Notes** FREE Printables, including this month's Progress Plan Lend your voice and experience +be featured on the show HERE Join the free and private FB group Join the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for January!) Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram Songs Credit: "Drive," "Flower Garden," "Changes," "Back In School" and “Warm Lights” by Nicolai Heidlas

Heather NEVER planned on living abroad--she was happy with her suburban Utah life. But when an unexpected job opportunity for her spouse showed up and with it a relocation to Japan, Heather found herself agreeing to move away from all she knew and loved. She expected it to be incredibly difficult.

But what did she discover? Herself!

Listen in to hear how this move exposed Heather to new sides of herself, added to her family's culture, and expanded their capabilities!

Show Notes

Join the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for January!)

My new Work in Progress T-shirt!!(Use code “PROGRESS” for $5)

Contact Monica for podcast consultingand Progress Coaching

Join Monica on Facebookand Instagram

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

Have you ever thought about trying something new but get caught up in the "how?"

You just need to go for it. The "HOW" will come with time, even in the least ideal of circumstances.

Lysha Smith is on the show to share how you can better go for the things that are going to add to your life. She starts by encouraging you to imagine yourself at 80 and look back on how you spent your time on earth.

Doing this helped Lysha navigate her husband's cancer, their shared losses, and beyond. Lysha talks about how the lessons from the hardest time of her life have now translated to how she now navigates the "normal" hard days.

Through it all, Lysha learned how trying to focus on the good AND trying new things is what can bring light to her hard (and good) times. Bring on the healing AND the the hope!

Show Notes

Lysha's Website and Instagram

Join the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for January!)

My new Work in Progress T-shirt!!(Use code “PROGRESS” for $5)

Contact Monica for podcast consultingand Progress Coaching

Join Monica on Facebookand Instagram

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

    Oh how we WISH each baby came with a manual specific to only them!

      Well, today's episode is the next best thing. Dina Alexander from the non-profit Educate and Empower Kids is here to go through your toughest parenting questions.          From how to handle technology with kids, talking about their maturing bodies, boosting troubled self-esteem, and so much more.

       **Show Notes**

Educate and Empower Kids' website, Instagram, and Facebook

Past episodes with Dina on Technology, Body Image, and Pornography

Join the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for January!)

My new Work in Progress T-shirt!!(Use code “PROGRESS” for $5)

Contact Monica for podcast consultingand Progress Coaching

Join Monica on Facebookand Instagram

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

Many of us suffer from a runaway train-brain. We have good intentions to work on our thoughts and mindset, but it can be so difficult to break long-practiced patterns and start anew.

Nancy Jane Smith is a certified counselor or expert on how to shift your inner critic (she nicknamed it, "the monger") into your "biggest fan." Where she wants you to start? By acknowledging and actually feeling our emotions.

This is the key to everything! Nancy explain why and how you can do this to move forward to a much happier version of your life.

Show Notes

Nancy's website, book, and podcast

Join the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for January!)

My new Work in Progress T-shirt!!(Use code “PROGRESS” for $5)

Contact Monica for podcast consultingand Progress Coaching

Join Monica on Facebookand Instagram

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

When Ellyse Harris quit her beloved job as a teacher to stay home with her newborn son, she found she needed something to remind herself of who she was. So she started to sew dolls of beautiful animals. And then those dolls became something people wanted to buy, and soon without even intending to, Ellyse found herself the founder of a small, but thriving, business.

Ellyse is on the show to share how doing something small--creating again for her mental health--lead to so much more. She also shares how being the recipient of the High Five Grant(see this past episodefor more details on that--another round is coming up in January!) is going to go towards pushing her little business to the next level.

Show Notes

Ellyse's websiteand Instagram

Mama Ladder's upcoming High Five Grant

Join my Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for January!)

My new Work in Progress T-shirt!!(Use code “PROGRESS” for $5)

Contact Monica for podcast consultingand Progress Coaching

Join Monica on Facebookand Instagram

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

Some days (weeks, and months) are just plain hard. There's no way around it.

Except . . . . maybe we can laugh about it? Granted, those laughs might not be appropriate or helpful during all hard trials, but at very least finding ways to see the light even in the hard can miraculously change our perspective.

Mandi Winkelmanis on the show to share how her own choice to see the light AND the humor in her dark times has lightened things and changed her views of her own suffering.

Show Notes

Mandi's websiteand Instagram

Join my Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for January!)

My new Work in Progress T-shirt!!(Use code “PROGRESS” for $5)

Contact Monica for podcast consultingand Progress Coaching

Join Monica on Facebookand Instagram

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

Do you know that children's negative actions (anger, lashing out, tantrums, wailing, etc.) are often just the misplacement of their true emotions? (Think: exhaustion, frustration, disappointment.)

It's true! Kids who are reacting in negative ways actually need guidance to understand what is really happening within themselves and, in turn, better cope with what life throws at them.

This is called "emotional responsibility," where one truly recognizes their emotions, takes charge of them, and cares for them.

Mindful Art Company's founders, Candace Little and Becky Farley, are on the show to teach us how to engage with ourselves (this is essential) and our children in a powerful way so they better learn how to do just that.

Want to transform your family culture? I can guarantee that this will do just that.

Show Notes

Mindful Art Co's websiteand Instagram (get 50% off their digital products with the code "PROGRESS")

Join my Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (doors for December's admittance are closed, but you can apply now to reserve your slot for January!)

My new Work in Progress T-shirt!!(Use code “PROGRESS” for $5)

It's hard to stay centered within our social media word as it is, but throw yourself into the middle of the holiday season and you'll easily find yourself spinning out of control.

Courtney Casper wants to help you hit pause and reset your life based off of what reallymatters. For her, this includes a life of spirituality, choice, and intention.

Listen to learn how to navigate difficult spiritual feelings, pressure to conform to and get caught up in the pulls of social media, and how to make the most of the smaller moments of our day, and the miracle of those small moments amounting to big investments in yourself.

Show Notes

Courtney's Websiteand Instagram

Join my Progress Program: LAST few days to join my SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (doors for acceptance are open next week, but you can apply now to reserve your slot for the group meeting time you want!)

My new Work in Progress T-shirt!!(Use code “PROGRESS” for $5)

WE are celebrating TWO YEARS of the podcast! And I mean "we," because About Progress would be nothing without the listeners and the community we have created together.

Today, I'm sharing four big lessons this little podcast taught me the past two years, including:

Do it for you
Consistency trumps everything
Progress is messy (embrace the "messy middle")
"Done" is better than perfect

Additionally, I'm giving a sneak peek to how the show will change next year. The BEST (and scariest) change is that we will literally be hearing more from YOU the listeners. Listen in to hear how!

Show Notes

My Interview on Jealousy with Rachel Neilson of 3in30 podcast

Join my Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (doors for acceptance are open next week, but you can apply now to reserve your slot for the group meeting time you want!)

My new Work in Progress T-shirt!!(Use code “PROGRESS” for $5)

Body positivity AND swimwear? Yes, both!!

Mother-daughter duo Kristie Kemp and June Blackhurst weren't out to create a company when Kristie wanted to simply sew a swimsuit she felt confident in postpartum--but that's what happened!

What sets June Loop apart? Instead of buying into having a one-size-only model approach (like most swimwear companies) June Loop strives to show that ALL women belong in beautiful suits and to feel confident about their unique bodies.

From having "normal" ladies of all shapes and sizes model and do "try-ons" for their suits, to constantly delivering body positive messages, the ladies of June Loop have a mission to stand out in the fashion business. They deliver by guiding women to FEEL happy, stop worrying over their looks, and instead act fully present in their strong (swim)suit.

Show Notes

June Loop's website(use code "holiday30" to get 30% off from November 20-26th!)

June Loop's Instagramand Facebook

Join my Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (doors for acceptance are open next week, but you can apply now to reserve your slot for the group meeting time you want!)

My new Work in Progress T-shirt!!(Use code "PROGRESS" for $5)

How would you respond to your spouse, friend, or sibling who express serious doubts about their faith?

Brad Packer--Monica's husband--is on the show today to share what this was like for him. He answers:

How he knew something was wrong.

What he felt about Monica's struggles.

How he supported her.

Why he sticks with his faith.

Additionally, Monica and Brad go through some Q&A submitted by the listeners, including how they are raising their children in the LDS faith, what resources have been helpful, what other issues are part of Monica's faith crises struggle, and more.

If you like the show please share it, subscribe, and leave a review!!

Show Notes

Prior posts on my faith: here, here, and here

All the Books that have helped me

Instagram, Facebook group, and websitementioned that were helpful resources and support

Join my Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women

My new Work in Progress T-shirt!!(Use code "PROGRESS" for $5)

What if we changed the way we looked at doubts and times where we face great spiritual darkness? What if we decided instead that this WAS what faith is supposed to look like: a series of spiritual growing pains?

Paul Cardall faced a deep spiritual crisis after surviving a heart transplant. Instead of joy, he felt consumed by trying to live up to the great blessing that it was to live. Everything in his life fell a part, and he couldn't understand why God had let him live and not the friends and children with the same congenital heart problems he had.

Paul freely shares what faith looks like for him, how he's navigated his own series of darkness and questions, and what we can individually do to move through our own times of doubt and GROW!

If you like the show please share it, subscribe, and leave a review!!

Show Notes:

Paul's Website, new Christmas CD, and his recent Worth of Souls Project

Past episodes with Paul: hereand here

Progress Program!!! SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women

Contact Monica for podcast consultingand Progress Coaching

Songs Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

If I can experience a major faith crisis, anyone can.

Over the last 12+ years, I've been through an ongoing series of my own struggles with my faith in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Today's episode is an honest share of how this came about for me, what issues I have struggled with and why, what I've done about them, and why I ultimately chose to stick with my LDS faith for life.

Below in the show notes, I've included the past posts I've written on this topic if you'd like to read more about my experience. I've also included resources that have helped me tremendously.

If you know someone who struggles or who is in a leadership position, please share this with them. My hope is to peel back the shame that many who doubt suffer behind, to show leaders of my church how good and obedient members can still struggle with their faith, and how they can better love and help them through it.

Thank you for your support!

Show Notes

Prior posts on my faith: here, here, and here

LDS website and LDS articles on women giving blessings here and here

All the Books that have helped me

Lamb of God and Rob Gardner's website

Paul Cardall's website

Carol Lynn Pearson's website

Join my Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women

My new Work in Progress T-shirt!! (Use code "PROGRESS" for $5)

Lamb of God

Positive parenting is all the rage, and for good reason. But what if praising the good and ignoring the bad behavior isn't working for your spirited, willful child? What if another's special needs or incredible gifts demand a far more unique approach than what worked with other kids in your family?

Wendy Bertagnole loves to guide parents through these exceptional parenting moments--because she has had to navigate them herself with her own three children, each with their own challenges that had to be addressed differently.

On this episode, Wendy teaches to first ACCEPT your children and then move forward in better addressing what the ROOTS are to their unique needs and challenges.

Show Notes:

Wendy's Podcast Website, Instagram, Online Workshop for Parenting Kids with Sensory Need,, and Books

Progress Program!!! Doors for application are open for just two more days!

Contact Monica for podcast consulting and Progress Coaching Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

Taming Tantrums: Simple and Positive Ways to Address Challenging Behavior

No matter how you crack it, life is plain hard. To endure it well, learn to laugh alongside the tears!

Shaun and Nicole Johnson have inspired thousands of people to find the silver lining in their struggles because they've done the same for themselves. Their Instagram pageis full of posts of lip synching and hilarious skits that have inspired so much fun and laughter.

But the greater purpose behind sharing them? Shaun and Nicole are seeking the humor through the trials they face as a married couple, including years of infertility, and they hope to inspire others to find that light for themselves, too.

Listen in to hear how CHOICE and OPENNESS have both been important threads to the Johnson's unity throughout their difficulties, and why humor has been a wonderful method to unifying them. Learn how they are just a normal couple doing their best (read: don't compare yourself or your marriage to them!), why you need to feel the hard emotions in order to move forward, and what this can look like for you.

Show Notes:

The Johnson's Instagramand Website

Progress Program!!! Doors for application are open for just another week!

Contact Monica for podcast consultingand Progress Coaching Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

"Life is noisy, and crazy, and disruptive."

Amen, sister!

So how can we find hints from our Creator that we aren't here alone amidst all the distractions? Especially when we are facing trials we never expected to?

Heidi Tucker was a brand new empty-nester looking for her place. After hitting a series of dead-ends and an early return of her missionary son, Heidi wondered how God was possibly involved in her life.

But the hope came. And it came in ways that took time and practice for Heidi to recognize.

Heidi is on the show to share how you can see the signs of God's involvement in your life--especially if you're someone like me who struggles to recognize that. If you have a hard time figuring out how to connect with your higher power and are in desperate need of hope, this episode is a MUST-LISTEN and will give you real steps to find it in your own life!

Show Notes:

Heidi's website and books: Finding Hope in the Journey, and Servie's Song

Progress Program!!! Doors for application are open for just a few more weeks

Contact Monica for podcast consultingand Progress Coaching Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

For many of us, we suffer in silence due to shame. For others, it's because our struggles are connected to someone else's choices that we can't publicly share. For all of us, there are still ways to cope better with the quiet trials we face.

Erin Shepard of Yarrow Therapyhas faced silent suffering in her own life due to chronic illness, and she often counsels people who do, too. In this episode, hear how to better cope with your trials, overcome shame where needed, and seek confidential guidance and support even when you can't have your trials be so publicly known. Erin also speaks to the importance of self-care, setting limits, giving yourself small things to aspire to, and establishing gratitude in place of bitterness.

Show Notes:

Erin's Website, Instagram, and Facebook

Last weeks' episodes with on How to Be Healthy for the Right Reasons,and our Do Something Highlight

Progress Program!!! Doors for application are open for just a few more weeks

Contact Monica for podcast consultingand Progress Coaching Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

Carina Heilner was held back by her intense perfectionism for decades: with eating disorders, a big-time running obsession, and a overall focus on her appearing and looking the part.

But she's a fighter and now talks back to the negative voices in her head that used to drive her. Carina learned that she needed to voice how a trauma from her childhood affected her view of herself, and that the best way she could show herself she mattered was by allowing more room for compassionate imperfection.

Now, Carina's way to move forward is learning that PROGRESS is the way to personal freedom, not perfection.

You can listen the interview below, or on iTunes, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Pocketcasts, Googleplay, or search for “About Progress” wherever you get your podcasts. If you like the show please share it, subscribe, and leave a review!!

Show Notes:

Progress Program!!! Doors for application are open for just a few more weeksContact Monica for podcast consulting and Progress Coaching

Song Credit: “Sweet Promise” and “Warm Lights” by Nicolai Heidlas

Accepting and loving yourself does not mean you stop trying where it counts. In fact, it's quite the opposite.

This is the same where your health is concerned.

There is a big difference between trying to get healthier due to aesthetics and self-loathing, vs. working on your health because you want to show yourself and your body a truer love.

Charity Lighten is a nutritionist who believes there is power behind loving yourself enough to make some changes when you need them. She encourages people to not define their worth by the scale or their pant size, but she also knows the importance of treating your body well.

Charity personally experienced the difference between being motivated by self-love vs. self-hatred and shares how that played out in her life, what her husband's cancer has taught her about what REALLY matters, and how she strives for improvement where it counts for her.

Listen in to hear how this can look for you, too!

Show Notes:

Charity's Instagram and Website; Silver Fern Brand's website and Instagram

Last week's episode on Mindfulness with Andy Proctor

Progress Program!!! Doors for application are open for just a few more weeks

Contact Monica for podcast consultingand Progress Coaching Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

Listen, we all know that practicing more mindfulness is life-changing. We know this because it's all over the internet, newspapers, and even via our nosy neighbor who is working on it, too.

So why is it so hard to actually implement?

That's because mindfulness is another muscle that needs to simply be trained. And training that mindfulness muscle? Anyone can do it.

Andy Proctor--a happiness advocate and educator--is going to show you how. And that it can start by simply being more fully "present" with the day-to-day moments of your life.

You want to finally get a handle of the runaway train that is your mind? Take heart! Just listen to this and start simple. Because we know you are no dummy!

Show Notes:
Andy's website, courses, podcast, and new Instagram course
Resources Andy mentioned: Flow, Self-Compassion, Positivity Ratio
Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica for podcast consultingand Progress Coaching Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience (Harper Perennial Modern Classics)

There are a LOT of things that get in the way of our productivity. Because LIFE HAPPENS!! And life includes a whole lot of good that deserves our attention. It's not all bad!

However, it's time to end the frustration of our to-do lists and get in some real, practical ways to transform how we choose to devote our time.

Tonya Dalton of inkWELL Press is a productivity expert who is allllll about boosting your productivity in ways that are lasting (and DOABLE!). She's a believer in "a time and a season," prioritizing what REALLY matters (not what your mom thinks should matter), and working on small ways to make big shifts in your life.

End the "to-do" struggle! Tonya will point the way.

Show Notes:

inkWELL's website, Instagram, and Tonya's Productivity Paradox Podcast

Last week's interviews with Ashton Barrett and Melissa Lewis

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica for podcast consulting and Progress Coaching

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

A good marriage takes work, that we know. But when mental health struggles come up for one or both spouses, it can try the most important relationship of our lives in very unique ways.

Matt and Celeste Davis believe that facing these struggles together can instead make a marriage even better. Both have taken turns struggling with depression (see their past solo episodes with me here and here!), so they know first-hand how to guide a spouse through a very difficult time.

The Davis family thrives off of openness, communication, vulnerability, and strength--both independently AND together.

Listen in to hear their tips for helping a spouse through a dark time, how you need to be a care-giver, not a savior, and that talking, talking, talking is the best thing you can do for your marriage.

Show Notes:

Matt's past interview

Celeste's past interview

Last week's interviews with Ashton Barrett and Melissa Lewis

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica for podcast consulting and Progress Coaching

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

Today's "Do Something Highlight" is with Melissa Lewis. After moving and facing huge trials, Melissa found herself again by making her own bucket list. Doing these small, fun, and challenging things helped Melissa get out of a dark place and helped her remember who she is.

Listen in to hear what this looked like for Melissa and how you can do it, too!

Show Notes

Melissa's Instagram

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica for podcast consulting and Progress Coaching More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

It's easy to dismiss someone else's success. "They have such good genetics!" "Amazing that their dad got them their first big break." "Wish I had that talent!"

The truth is, progress is HARD. For everyone, regardless for how "blessed" they are.

Ashton Barrett is on the podcast today to share how improving oneself is both messy and magical. As a crossfit junkie, macro coach, and nutrition specialist, Ashton has walked herself and others through the roller coaster of progress. She understands the highs and lows, and wants to help you know how to better navigate it yourself--with plenty of grace and little of comparing yourself to others.

Listen in to hear how progress has looked for Ashton, and what she does to push herself through the hard and the stressful by challenging herself with the mantra, "Just one more." She also teaches how you can push yourself BECAUSE you love yourself, and what the growth mindset has to do with all things self-improvement.

Show Notes:

Ashton's Website, Instagram, and Facebook

Last week's episodes with Jody Moore and Natasha Grasso

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica for podcast consulting and Progress Coaching

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

Natasha Grasso quit her high corporate job with big hopes to slow down her life and finally get pregnant.

In the process, she started a new jewelry-making hobby that became a real passion. Natasha looked past what was practical and logical, listened to her intuition, and took a leap into making her hobby into a business that supported the greater purposes of her heart: one focused on her family.

Learn how Natasha allowed the hard things in her life inspire perspective, rather than bitterness. Natasha also shares her beliefs about how there is no wrong way to mother and still find fulfillment. She also shares how motherhood has shaped her goals, company, and who she is fundamentally.

Show Notes:

Natasha's Website, Instagram, and Monthly Jewlery Subscription: Bling Box

Our last episode with Jody Moore on How to Stop Apologizing

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica for podcast consulting and Progress Coaching

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

How often do you say the words, "I'm sorry?"

Odds are, it happens much more than you think. And most of the time, they're unnecessary apologies.

As women, we tend to fall into a cultural trap of apologizing for taking up space, for being human with human flaws, or for even getting bumped into at the grocery store.

At times, our apologies are a way of avoiding facing the parts of ourselves that are hard to own up to and work on.

Jody Moore of Better Than Happy wants to help you stop apologizing both to yourself and to others. If this involves building up a stronger sense of self and one with more compassion? Listen to hear how. And if this involves asking yourself deeper questions about why this might be the case and what you need to own about yourself? Also listen to hear why and how.

Show Notes:

Jody's Website, Podcast, Facebook, and Instagram

Last week's podcasts with Kim White (choose your WHY in trials) and Chanelle Neilson (create a morning routine!)

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica for podcast consulting and Progress Coaching

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

If you're not naturally a morning person (Monica is a member of that club!), you know the viscous cycle of going to bed too late and never starting your day off on the right foot.

But there is hope for us snooze queens! Establishing a morning routine that works for YOU can be done in a very manageable, doable way. You have to ditch the all-or-nothing thinking and start smaller than you think you should. But in time, you'll be able to add to it and start your day off before your to-do list comes calling. And the effects will truly change your life!!

Chanelle Neilson is here to share how she created a morning routine for herself one small step at a time, why it has changed so much about her productivity and happiness, and how you can do this, too.

Chanelle's greatest advice? Start where you are, and start with what you need. So don't fear. This episode is not only helpful, but hopeful.

Monica is currently hosting a Wake-Up Early Challenge on Instagram! And Chanelle has a free resource for you on how to get the hang of establishing your morning routine

Show Notes:

Chanelle's Podcast, Website and Instagram

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica for podcast consulting and personal Progress Coaching

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

Kim White has been told she has only months to live more times than she can count the past 4 1/2 years. And yet, she's still kickin' it! But doing so hasn't been born purely from her ability to see the good in her trials. In fact, Kim readily shares that for a few years she struggled in BIG ways emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

BUT as Kim decided her own "WHY" behind her cancer and other health battles, she has been able to find deeper empowerment to better face them. And also those good-bad days where kids throw tantrums;).

Listen in to hear how to better support yourself and others through trials, how it's OK to be mad and sad, what simple gratitude can do to shift things around, and how love is ultimately the greatest foundation for all things hard.

Show Notes:

Kim's Instagram and referenced blog post

Last week's interview on Vulnerability

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica for podcast consulting and personal Progress Coaching

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

"Vulnerability" is a popular term these days. But for very good reason.

Forget thinking "vulnerability" is where your distant relative shares all the horrible minutia of her life. True vulnerability demands courage. The kind where we look at our true selves in the mirror, see what needs to change, and get going.

It's also the kind that lends yourself a tremendous amount of compassion as you navigate growth and the "humanness" you'll experience along the way.

Sarah Carpenter and Stacy Weinstein of the Unpolished Podcast are experts in this field, both from teaching others and practicing true vulnerability in their own lives. Listen in to hear what this really looks like, how vulnerability will empower you to move towards a much better you, and why it's possibly the only "should" that you need on your priorities.

Show Notes:

Unpolished Podcast, Sarah's Website, Stacy's Website

Last week's episode with Neena Warburton

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica for podcast consulting and personal coaching

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

"Stop being so childish!"

What if we encouraged the child-like strengths our children gravitate to instead of demanding they grow up?

What if we thought about what we liked to do as children ourselves--what our personalities were like, our interests, dreams, and even things we liked to do--and made that the basis for who we can better become as adults?

Neena Warburton believes that becoming more child-like is the key to unlocking what our spirit longs to be AND helps us better parent our kids.

So if you're struggling to figure out who you are because you don't recognize yourself any more--reconnect with your own inner child. And if you can't figure out how to handle a challenging kid in your life--translate their child-like traits into strengths and do your best to better cultivate that. (And engage with them more as a child, too!)

Neena is on the show to teach us how to do both.

Show Notes:

Neena's website, Instagram, and Facebook

Last week's episode with Christiana Hill

Monica's next workshop in Walnut Creek, CA on August 25th--get your tickets HERE and $15 off each ticket when you use the code "LISTENER"

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica for podcast consulting and personal coaching

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

"I want to. I can. I will."

This is the mantra that got Kristina Southam to her goal of running a marathon and hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro.

She's our "Do Something Highlight" today and sharing ways that she has done things that have scared her and the effect of them. One of these included taking a break from a graduate program she had worked so hard to get into, and how deferring ended up being the best way to reset her life.

Listen to hear about how she wanted to show up better for the people in her life, what self-care looks like for her, and what she learned about doing the right thing in the right season of life.

Show Notes:

Kristina's Instagram and Las Vegas Race: Saints and Sinners Half and Relay

Monica's next workshop in Walnut Creek, CA on August 25th--get your tickets HERE and $15 off each ticket when you use the code "LISTENER"

Monica's two-day, 24-hour workshop REDISCOVER YOU, with guest teachers Kim Christenson and Rachel Nielson (use code "AUGUST" to save $25 and listen to the episode to hear a discount for $35 off)

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica for podcast consulting and personal coaching

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

Christiana Hill and her husband were living a perfectly prescribed life. And they were miserable.

Going off the script for them--which involved quitting their jobs, saying more empowered "no's," and moving into a remodeled school bus (a "skoolie")--was the opposite of easy, but it was exactly what they needed.

You don't need to make such drastic changes to alter the course of your life, too. In fact, Christiana preaches that "being brave is in the every day actions." Finding small ways to ignite some courage will build a foundation for bigger acts of bravery when you need to step up, and step out, in ways that are truer to who you really want to become.

Listen in to learn how this can look for you and why it's worth getting a little uncomfortable.

Show Notes:

Christiana's website, Instagram, Instagram for The Art of Bravery, and Facebook

Last week's episode with Rosie Card

Monica's next workshop in Walnut Creek, CA on August 25th--get your tickets HERE and $15 off each ticket when you use the code "LISTENER"

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica for podcast consulting and personal coaching

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

As an international model turned student, turned missionary, turned business owner and clothing designer,n speaker, advocate, and author (phew!), Rosemary Card has done and seen more than most almost-30-year-olds!

Rosie's gift of using her unique voice was forged through years of standing up to bullies, living up to her values amidst great pressure, and speaking up even within her own religious culture. She shines so brightly, and Rosie knows YOU can, too!

In this interview, Rosie shares how she found her own voice BY using it, what she believes we all need to do, and how faith is made stronger because of doubt.

Want to learn more from Rosie? You simply MUST read her book. It's the perfect mix of memoir, essays, and self-help from a gal-who-knows.

Show Notes:

Rosie's website, book, Instagram, and Facebook

MAMA SPRING BREAK!

Last weeks' episodes with Camille Andros, Crystalee Beck, and my 100th episode!

Monica's two-day, 24-hour workshop REDISCOVER YOU, with guest teachers Kim Christenson and Rachel Nielson (use code "AUGUST" to save $25 and listen to the episode to hear a discount for $35 off)

Monica's next workshop in Walnut Creek, CA on August 25th--get your tickets HERE and $15 off each ticket when you buy two or more tickets with the code "TWOPLUS"

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica for podcast consulting and personal coaching

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

Model Mormon: Fighting for Self-worth on the Runway and As an Independent Woman

Camille Andros is used to juggling a lot of balls. As an author and mother of six, she often battles having a lot of important priorities and all at the same time. Not just in spite of this, but because of it, Camille has learned that in order to be "all in" and present with the task at hand, you have to practice the mindset of intentionality. Creating this mindset shift has enabled Camille to be a better author, mother, and work on her own self-development.

Listen to learn how this is the case for Camille, as well as how she learned the importance of knowing her own "why" in all areas of her life, and about her new book The Dress and the Girl and its timely release during this important historical moment of immigration crises.

Show Notes:

Camille's Instagram, Website, and BOOKS: HERE (The Dress and the Girl) and HERE (Charlotte the Scientist is Squished)!

Referenced episode with Preston Pugmire and his free Facebook group

Monica's two-day, 24-hour workshop REDISCOVER YOU, with guest teachers Kim Christenson and Rachel Nielson (use code "AUGUST" to save $25 and listen to the episode to hear a discount for $35 off)

Monica's next workshop in Walnut Creek, CA on August 25th--get your tickets HERE and $15 each ticket when you buy two or more tickets with the code "TWOPLUS"

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica for podcast consulting and personal coaching

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

The Dress and the Girl

Charlotte The Scientist Is Squished

When Crystalee Beck got laid off three years ago, her first stop was to the library for some new books and then she took herself on a hike. Now as a successful entrepreneur and mother, Crystalee knows and practices the research behind how "playing" as an adult leads to far more productivity.

Playing for the pure fun of it will bless anyone's lives, whether you're a stay-at-home mama or a climbing the corporate ladder. Listen to learn why this is the case and how it can translate in ways big or small to your own life.

And join the Mama Spring Break (I'll be there!!!) while early registration is open! Mingle with fellow mamas making their own businesses, learn from the brightest mamas in the field, and--true to the preachings of this podcast--have some fun along the way!

Show Notes:

Mama Spring Break

The Mama Ladder's website, Instagram, and Facebook

Monica's two-day, 24-hour workshop REDISCOVER YOU, with guest teachers Kim Christenson and Rachel Nielson (use code "AUGUST" to save $50 during July, only!)

Monica's next workshop in Walnut Creek, CA on August 25th--get your tickets HERE and $15 each ticket when you buy two or more tickets with the code "TWOPLUS"

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica for podcast consulting and personal coaching

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

I am so ecstatic to reach 100 episodes today!

In honor of this wonderful number, I'm going to take you behind-the-scenes to the podcast: where the numbers are at, what's hard about it, what's wonderful, and where it's headed.

This is unscripted and unedited. Stick with me through all the awkwardness, pauses, and stutters! Because friends, I'm in this for you. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE!

Show Notes:

50th Episode

State of the Podcast Address

My interview with Unpolished Podcast

My Interview with Preston Pugmire

Monica's two-day, 24-hour workshop REDISCOVER YOU, with guest teachers Kim Christenson and Rachel Nielson (use code "JULY" to save $50 during July, only!)

Monica's next workshop in Walnut Creek, CA--get your tickets HERE and $15 each ticket when you buy two or more tickets with the code "TWOPLUS"

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica for podcast consulting and personal coaching

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

"If I hadn’t made the bad paintings, then I wouldn’t have made the good paintings either.”

I have three of Beth Allen's prints hanging on the walls of my home. I want about 100 more, and some of the "real thing," too.

Beth amazed me during our chat not just because of this artistry she has never known life without, but because of how she has worked so hard to hone her craft, given it permission to take all sorts of forms and genres, and allowed it to teach her that she simply can't be too hard on herself.

Because Beth learned through years of fighting an eating disorder that smothered her creativity, that you have to be willing to allow room for imperfections to create masterpieces.

Listen in to hear how Beth has cultivated her gift, how she navigates keeping her own character in her work while still satisfying others, what she learned the hard way from being a perfectionist, and what self-care looks like for her and its essential place in encouraging her artistry to flourish.

Show Notes:

Beth's Website and Instagram

Last week's episode with Beauty Redefined and their Course (use code APBR30 for $30 off!!)

Monica's two-day, 24-hour workshop REDISCOVER YOU, with guest teachers Kim Christenson and Rachel Nielson (use code "JULY" to save $50 during July, only!)

Monica's next workshop in Walnut Creek, CA--get your tickets HERE and $15 each ticket when you buy two or more tickets with the code "TWOPLUS"

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica for podcast consulting and personal coaching

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

My daughter--Bear (secret code name!)--sat down in front of my desk on Sunday morning and asked to record an episode. I happily obliged, thinking it was just for the memories. But, she actually proved to record something pretty inspiring! She turns 7 today, so as a little surprise I thought I'd share this with you.

Bear is very unique. She's very bright, creative, and very sensitive. She's had to overcome a lot in her short life and I'm very proud of her.

Bear is a dreamer. She is totally into koalas and talks about them--and marine life--all day long, and wants to plan our study trip to Australia all day, every day (down to what plane we are taking and when). Bear is very inspired by the female scientists she's learned about thanks to her Bravery Magazines. (This have no idea I'm sharing this, but you need them!)

If it sounds like she's reading off of something, Bear is not. She might have her dad's photographic memory--we're not sure yet, but this is the way she talks (exactly how she read it!).

I encourage you to listen until the end when you get to hear about her own dreams! I hope you enjoy learning from Bear and her female scientists.

Show Notes:

Monica's two-day, 24-hour workshop REDISCOVER YOU, with guest teachers Kim Christenson and Rachel Nielson (use code "JULY" to save $50 during July, only!)

Monica's next workshop in Walnut Creek, CA--get your tickets HERE and $15 each ticket when you buy two or more tickets with the code "TWOPLUS"

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica for podcast consulting and personal coaching

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

“When you think of your body in terms of what it can do and how you feel in it, instead of just how it looks, you open up this whole new world.”

The past few years, there has been some shifts in how society (and by extension, advertising) is labeling "beautiful." But Doctors Lindsay and Lexie Kite of Beauty Redefined think that we can do even better.

This is because even by broadening the definition of "beauty," we are still telling women that they are defined by their beauty.

Lindsay and Lexie have researched the effect this thinking has on women and their lives, and they know what it takes to change it. The fact is that women ARE being held back by being objectified (including self-objectification), and that when they step into their own power and build BODY IMAGE RESILIENCE, their potential is limitless.

Listen in to hear why this is the case and how we can empower ourselves by building this body image resilience. (Plus they have a tried-and-true course on this, so listen in to hear about that too!)

Show Notes:

Beauty Redefined Website, Instagram, and Course!

Last week's episode with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife

Monica's two-day, 24-hour workshop REDISCOVER YOU, with guest teachers Kim Christenson and Rachel Nielson (use code "JULY" to save $50 during July, only!)

Monica's next workshop in Walnut Creek, CA--get your tickets HERE and $15 each ticket when you buy two or more tickets with the code "TWOPLUS"

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica for podcast consulting and personal coaching

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

“If you’re going to be someone who is interested in intimacy, you have to be accepting of your body as it is. If you’re going to be capable of doing that, you have to forge a kind of meaningful self acceptance and self compassion.”

Good body image = good sex. Bad body image = bad sex.

It’s really that simple.

Because it’s never about our bodies. It’s about how we are measuring our self-worth and the meaning we have placed on our bodies as an extension of our sense of self. And that measurement affects all areas our lives, including our love lives.

Want to know more about why that is and how to change it? Listen to my podcast interview with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife on how we can get in better tune with what really matters—our minds and our souls—and by extension, improve both our body image AND our intimacy.

(If you like the episode, please subscribe and SHARE IT! Thank you!)

Show Notes:

Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife's WEBSITE, upcoming Art of Desire Wasatch Retreat, and Jackson Hole Couples Retreat!

Prior Interviews with Jennifer: Here, here, and here.

Monica's two-day, 24-hour workshop REDISCOVER YOU, with guest teachers Kim Christenson and Rachel Nielson (use code "JULY" to save $50 during July, only!)

Monica's next workshop in Walnut Creek, CA--get your tickets here and $15 each ticket when you buy two or more tickets with the code "TWOPLUS"

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica for podcast consulting and personal coaching

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

It's sad how easy it is to let our marriages slip into a place of neglect. But this needn't be if we just better prioritize our relationship and our spouse's needs!

Becky Squire is here to discuss what the research shows about how putting your marriage first benefits your children and what husbands and wives need more of from each other. While the actual practice of these concepts will look different for each family, better prioritizing the most important relationship in the family will bless everyone.

Show Notes

Becky's blog and referenced articles: here, here, and here

Monica's next workshop in Walnut Creek, CA--get your tickets here and $15 each ticket when you buy two or more tickets with the code "TWOPLUS"

Vibrant Bite fitness and nutrition coaching (enter the code "PROGRESS10" to get $10 off your first month, making it only $10!) and your FREE WEEK here

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica for podcast consulting

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

Kari Durrant is our wonderful highlight today! Kari shares boldly about how even as a health care professional, her own anxiety and depression pushed her to shift what she was doing in her life. For her, that meant admitting that the career path she was on wasn't the right thing for her, stepping back, and instead getting more honest with herself. The greatest thing about this? That meant doing things she LOVED again, including painting, hand-lettering, and even a triathlon.

She has picked up so many skills, built a community, and more--all because she went for something small.

You can follow Kari here! She's also started offering water coloring classes, and I've signed up to knock off one of my own "do somethings."

You can listen to both parts below, or on iTunes, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Pocketcasts, Googleplay, or search for "About Progress" wherever you get your podcasts. If you like the show please share it, subscribe, and leave a review!!

Show Notes

Kari's Instagram and Facebook

Referenced episode with Lisa from Hand Lettered Design

Referenced episode with Amber from Biceps After Babies

Monica's next workshop in Walnut Creek, CA--get your tickets here and $15 each ticket when you buy two or more tickets with the code "TWOPLUS"

Vibrant Bite fitness and nutrition coaching (enter the code "PROGRESS10" to get $10 off your first month, making it only $10!) and your FREE WEEK here

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica for podcast consulting

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

“It was when I chose to let those small pieces of criticism encompass my thoughts that I started to doubt what I was doing.”

Whether you are a working professional, a stay-at-home parent, or a star athlete, we all deal with the self-doubt, especially when initiated by criticism. Kylie Chenn created a very successful company at a very young age; but she constantly dealt with--and continues to--people who pushed back on her and her ideas, or others who were impossible to please.

Four years in to her business, Kyle has learned irreplaceable wisdom on how to not look to the external voices to measure your own worth. She shares what she did to overcome the nay-sayers, and how as her business continues to grow what she does to hold true to who she knows she truly is and the positive that is all around her.

So if your special in-law or overwhelming boss is getting your goat today, listen to this episode to learn how to ensure your self worth can become so deeply grounded that you can bounce back from criticism and self doubt, and more fully own who you are and what you contribute to the world.

Show Notes

Kylie's Instagram, aCanela Website, and Instagram

Vibrant Bite fitness and nutrition coaching (enter the code "PROGRESS10" to get $10 off your first month, making it only $10!) and your FREE WEEK here

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica for podcast consulting

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

“At what point do we figure out the cost is too high, and are we willing to put it down?”

It's one thing to know that our devices are getting in the way of our relationships, work, and creative outlets. But it's another to successfully do something about it.

Brooke White knows the struggle well. As an independent musician (she got her big break on American Idol ten years ago) and business woman (Girls with Glasses!), social media is a big part of her creating a committed online community that supports her work.

But even with all that on the line, earlier this year Brooke found herself in a predicament: what started as a way to personally connect with her loved ones and beloved fans, social media was now robbing her of the life right in front of her.

So Brooke decided to do something about it, starting with a month-long fast that quickly changed everything.

Brooke and I planned on a 30 minute discussion on what she learned from her fast and how she is now attempting to still have social media in her life, but not BE her life. But as we dug into it, we had to quickly own that this topic involves a very layered, complicated relationship that all of us can relate to. Beyond it just being about prioritizing time, balancing our lives with social media entails a much deeper work including evaluating our purpose, owning our insecurities, and refusing to settle for a life numbed-out.

Because of this, we chose to separate our chat into two parts.

Part One: Brooke shares her history of using social media as a way to share so purely her life with others, and how this pursuit so gradually took over her ability to be present with her real life. She talks about a few moments where she had to accept that she needed to change her focus, not just with her social media use but with her life as well.

Show Notes

Brooke's Instagram, website, and Girls with Glasses

Monica's Past Episode on Technology

Kim Christenson's lovely post on her social media fast, her first interview with me, and her website,

Last week's episode on Imperfect Parenting with Georgia Anderson

"Get Over Yourself" TICKETS for Perfectionism Workshop with Monica on June 21st in Utah

Vibrant Bite fitness and nutrition coaching (enter the code "PROGRESS10" to get $10 off your first month, making it only $10!) and your FREE WEEK here

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica for coaching or podcast consulting

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

“You’re allowed to choose to love yourself. It’s not selfish, it’s not self-centered. It’s quite simple. If you’re ready, go ahead.”

Part Two: Brooke talks about what her social media break taught her, including some heart-breaking lessons. She discusses the struggle she's encountered as she steps back into her online life while still trying to balance her greater priorities, and what has worked for her. Finally, she openly shares the difficult lessons she has learned the past few years about how accepting herself fully--faults and all--is the key to really, truly moving forward with a richer, happier life.

Show Notes

Brooke's Instagram, website, and Girls with Glasses

Monica's Past Episode on Technology

Kim Christenson's lovely post on her social media fast, her first interview with me, and her website,

Last week's episode on Imperfect Parenting with Georgia Anderson

"Get Over Yourself" TICKETS for Perfectionism Workshop with Monica on June 21st in Utah

Vibrant Bite fitness and nutrition coaching (enter the code "PROGRESS10" to get $10 off your first month, making it only $10!) and your FREE WEEK here

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica for coaching or podcast consulting

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

"We don’t want or need to be perfect all the time. We need to be open to change and learning."

If you're constantly berating yourself for falling short as a parent, I have fantastic news for you: You don't have to be a perfect parent to be a very good one.

Parenting expert Georgia Anderson is on the show to share how research proves that a perfectionist parent is actually an ineffective--and unhappy--one. Instead, Georgia encourages this alternative: showing our kids that we aren't perfect, but that we will always work to repair our mistakes and keep trying.

The way to do this? Georgia shares some phenomenal tips, including how showing yourself more compassion will transfer to your children, what to do when you see red, how we can use our bodies to change our emotions, and much more.

Georgia was kind enough to share some big moments in her own life where she learned that perfectionism was holding her back as a parent, and how she squared her shoulders and moved forward during a traumatic change she and her family faced.

Show Notes

Georgia's Website, Instagram, and Facebook + her new THINK-DO CHALLENGE

"Get Over Yourself" TICKETS for Perfectionism Workshop with Monica on June 21st in Utah

Vibrant Bite fitness and nutrition coaching (enter the code "PROGRESS") and your FREE WEEK here

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica for coaching or podcast consulting

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas

Show Notes

Joanna's Instagram and Website

"Get Over Yourself" TICKETS for Perfectionism Workshop with Monica on June 21st in Utah

Vibrant Bite fitness and nutrition coaching (enter the code "PROGRESS") and your FREE WEEK here

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica for coaching or podcast consulting

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

"Action of any kind--even if it's small--makes that big difference of showing you that you're not giving your power away and your life away."

We live in a world of experts, ones that make you constantly feel guilty or frazzled. But Sid Garza-Hillman is here to hold your hand, make you laugh, and somehow inspire you to be better anyway, all with the premise that doing the right things most of the time (MOTT) is a really beautiful way to live.

If you're an "all-or-nothing" person and find yourself most often on the "nothing" side of the equation, that way of viewing the world isn't working for you. It's time for a different way of managing the person you want to become.

Sid teaches how to break intimidating goals and life-changes down into smaller, more manageable steps. And the even better part? How our follow-through needs not be 100% in order to still create truer, longer-lasting change. Self-care is showing yourself kindness, and Sid reveals that doing so as a parent will make you a far better influence for your children. The kids will take notice of your changes and walk the talk, just like mom and dad.

Show Notes

Sid's Book, Website, Instagram and Facebook

Most recent episode with Meg Fee

"Get Over Yourself" TICKETS for Perfectionism Workshop with Monica on June 21st in Utah

Vibrant Bite fitness and nutrition coaching (enter the code "PROGRESS") and your FREE WEEK here

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica for coaching or podcast consulting

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

"If I try to stamp [sadness] out, then I'm cutting myself off from happiness in many ways because it's part of the spectrum. The two things are not inseparable. You cannot have one without the other."

I'm sure many of us can agree that our 20s were equal parts traumatizing and memorable. Meg Fee's writing has allowed thousands along the ride to her won experience of this transformative decade. Meg freely and beautifully shared her struggles to overcome deep sadness due to "Ned" (her Nasty Eating Disorder), amazing first dates, frustrating bad boyfriends, and terrible jobs, all with the backdrop of New York City.

Listen to this episode to hear more about what Meg lost to and what she gained from sadness, how language and writing were always apart of her story, what she does to move forward without regret, and how life's many curves can take us to a place far more meaningful than we ever could have forged on our own. Meg teaches how we can better couple with the sadness that is often our lot in life and that by doing so, we create more room for happiness, too.

Meg also shares some insight behind her new buzz-worthy memoir, Places I Stopped on the Way Home. It's a page-turner! Check the show notes below for more links, as well as how to stream the episode right here in your browser.

Places I Stopped on the Way Home: A Memoir of Chaos and Grace

“There are all sorts of ways for us to make a nice big mess and come out with something glorious in the end.”

I knew Cori Connors growing up as the "Mom" of the neighborhood--the one always ready to laugh with instead of scold you, eager to cheer you on, and willing to sit with you when you're down.

She is an angel to many, and she also has an angel voice backed by her record-selling songwriting abilities.

Cori talks about how creativity cannot flourish while in the restraints of perfectionism; that in order to really get to the meat of who we are and the gifts we have, we need to get comfortable with being messy.

Cori shares how we can better discover our talents and offer our own weirdness to the world with a bold confidence, one centered in love, curiosity, and imperfection. That's what Cori does, and she can tell you the truth--life is better messy.

"Those things I’m thinking or feeling are there to guide me, and I can trust what is going on inside of me and it will lead me to good.”

Two years ago, Debbie Mayes and her family moved from a 5,000 sq foot home to a 200 sq foot remodeled bus and it changed everything.

Here's the thing: it's not about the bus. It's about RECONNECTION.

You see, the problem the Mayes family had was that they weren't as connected as a couple, as a family, or individually as well with their own emotions. Debbie and her husband, Gabriel, dove deep to repair what was broken for their household, and for them it meant allowing their emotions to act as beacons for self-healing and spending real quality time together as a family.

So after listening to this interview, maybe you'll be interested in pairing your life down to the basics like the Mayes family did. Or perhaps you'll figure out how to better own the inner voices within you. Either way, Debbie and her team just want you to know that what's on the other side of this work is a much happier life.

Show Notes

The Mayes Team website, Instagram, and Facebook

Bethel Podcast that Debbie referenced

Last Week's Episode on COMPARISON

Vibrant Bite fitness and nutrition coaching (enter the code "PROGRESS") and your FREE WEEK here

The Mama Ladder's High Five Grant, and FREE E-book for About Progress Listeners

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica for coaching or podcast consulting

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

Do you know that using social media directly correlates with higher rates of depression and anxiety? I believe the root of why this is the case is COMPARISON. After all, comparison truly is the thief of joy.

I hate imagining how many times in my life (both on social media and in real life) I've been too caught up in seeing what I lack in comparison to others, only to miss the incredible blessings right in front of me. I'm sure the number is countless.

I know that comparison is the root of my history of eating disorders, depression, anxiety, shame, worry, etc. Related to that are my flaws: I can be a people pleaser, I want people to like me, and I often look to others to reflect back my worth.

BUT, I also believe that discovering this tendency in myself to compare has been a huge blessing. It's something I can actually work on and move past towards a richer, fuller life. Overcoming the comparison trap is a lesson I've had to learn over and over again, because it's sneaky and masks itself as other things (examples: stress, anxiety, apathy, sadness, etc.).

Today's podcast episode is all about comparison. I talk about how it crept up on me the past few months and directly influenced my confidence and my productivity, and how I almost quit everything podcast-related because of it. I also share what the comparison trap can look like for all of us, including how easy it is to get caught in it through social media, and teach WHAT we can do to shift our mindset away from comparison towards self-assurance.

If you like this episode, please SHARE it, subscribe, and leave a review!

Show Notes

Last Week's Episode on FEAR

The Mama Ladder's website, Instagram, Facebook, High Five Grant, and FREE E-book for About Progress Listeners

Worth Of Souls Project--where you can get the album, find out more about it and the project, and explore resources. PLEASE SHARE IT! (+ About Progress episode with three of the artists behind it.)

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica for coaching or podcast consulting

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

"You already have within you what you need."

What's holding you back from going after a goal, business, or piece of self-improvement? I bet you a million dollars that we can take whatever reason you'd say and get it back to the real main root: FEAR.

Crystalee Beck from The Mama Ladder is on the show to teach us about seven common fears people face on their way to success and how to overcome them. So whether you're a mama who wants to turn her hobby into a business, an empty nester who can't get out of a rut, or a single man who can't seem to find the courage to switch careers, this episode is for you.

Listen in to hear how we can overcome fear in the form of self-doubt, fear of failure, fear of SUCCESS (yes, this is real!), fear of money, and more. Crystalee teaches that all you need to overcome your fears is already inside of you.

Additionally, Crystalee shares an incredible opportunity for a mama who wants to get a business going with the High Five Grant. The Mama Ladder is hosting a contest to give 5K to a deserving mom-turned-entrepreneur. Let's make a winner an About Progress listener! (And if we do, I'll have the winner on the show!)

Crystalee has kindly given our listeners her e-book on fear for FREE! Click here to get it.

Show Notes

The Mama Ladder's website, Instagram, Facebook, High Five Grant, and FREE E-book for About Progress Listeners

Last week's episode with Amber Runyon

Worth Of Souls Project--where you can get the album, find out more about it and the project, and explore resources. PLEASE SHARE IT!

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica for coaching or consultations

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

“People need three things to thrive: safe place, safe people, and safe purpose. We always forget that purpose piece”

On a humanitarian trip to Ethiopia, Amber Runyon saw a big need--women and their families who were in the eleventh hour of suffering due to the effects of human trafficking. Imagine her shock when upon returning home, she discovered that her own city--Columbus, Ohio--was the fourth biggest city in the U.S. with human trafficking. What she first thought was a foreign problem was in her backyard--women who were sacrificing themselves to feed their children, with devastating outcomes.

Amber wasn't going to have that.

So this nurse became a founder of an incredible company, one that benefits victims of human trafficking, and in turn their families and larger communities, most domestic and abroad. Without any experience, but a lot of determination, Amber created a pathway out for those women by providing them with a save PLACE, PEOPLE, and PURPOSE. Amber talks about what her company does and how it helps those who are in darkness come back to the light.

Amber also shares how she herself learned to create light in her own life after realizing she wouldn't want to be friends with herself. She now feels differently about that, and Amber teaches us how she got there. Be ready to be SUPER inspired by this incredible woman!

Show Notes

Eleventh Candle Co. Website (use the code "PROGRESS" to get 20% off!), Instagram, and Facebook

Last week's episode with Andi Veenker

Worth Of Souls Project--where you can get the album, find out more about it and the project, and explore resources. PLEASE SHARE IT!

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

Contact Monica for coaching or consultations

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

“The second you start doing something, you change your state.”

Andi Veenker is a fitness wizard and self-help fanatic. But here's the best thing about her--she preaches that nothing will fix you (no book, no weight on the scale, no achievement, no nothing) UNTIL you love yourself first. And in order to find that self-love, you need to do something. (Does that sound familiar?)

Andi is on the show to share how she learned to face depression head on by doing something about it as early on as possible (in contrast to her first round with postpartum depression). She teaches us how filling your life with daily small-to-great courageous acts will empower you to face those mental demons and create something spectacular with your life.

Show Notes

Andi's Instagram and Website

Last week's episode on JOY

Worth Of Souls Project--where you can get the album, find out more about it and the project, and explore resources. PLEASE SHARE IT!

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

Contact Monica for coaching or consultations

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

"Joy [is] a spiritual way of engaging with the world that's connected to practicing gratitude."

~Brene Brown

If you've been working on happiness, get ready to up-level it to JOY.

Joy is different than happiness. It's deeper and more eternal in nature and effect. It's earned through opposition. It's chosen and cultivated. And when the going REALLY gets tough, the good news is that "joy" will be there for us.

In this episode, we go deep in discussing why joy is different and longer lasting than happiness, and how we can choose it by focusing on:

1) Keeping Perspective

2) Being Present

3) Maintaining a Practice of Gratitude

Show Notes

Daring Greatly by Brene Brown (affiliate amazon link)

Last week's episode with Paul Cardall, Kenz Hall, and Charley Jenkins:

Worth Of Souls Project--where you can get the album, find out more about it and the project, and explore resources. PLEASE SHARE IT!

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

Contact Monica for coaching or consultations

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead

"We need to create something for someone else that they might not be able to create themselves."

~Charley Jenkins

Surely, we can all agree that music has defined our lives from time to time--but what about save our lives?

That's exactly what the Worth of Souls project and album is trying to do. Paul Cardall and a troop of incredible artists collaborated to create a movement designed to save people who are at the brink of complete despair, to pull them back from depression, doubt, anxiety, negativity, and worthlessness.

Paul and two of his artists--Kenz Hall and Charley Jenkins--joined the podcast today to talk about the project and why they're passionate about it, the mission behind their songs, and how music has the unique ability to change--and even rescue--lives by reminding us all of our eternal value.

**Show Notes**

Worth Of Souls Project--where you can get the album, find out more about it and the project, and explore resources. PLEASE SHARE IT!

Paul's website, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook

Kenz's website, Instagram, Youtube, and Facebook

Charley's website, YouTube, and Facebook

PAST INTERVIEW WITH PAUL

Last week's episode: Managing Our Thoughts to Find More Joy in Parenthood, with Lisa Andersen

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

Contact Monica for coaching or consultations

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

"We can flip our thinking about our kids. They don't make us feel any certain way. It's us. We have that control." You want to know a magical trick for parenting? You're in charge.

I know, revolutionary right? But really--you are in charge. However, not in the way you might think. Here's how:

You're in charge of YOURSELF. Your thoughts, your emotions, and your actions. Regardless of what your kids do and who they are (after all you can do to teach them, of course!), only you can manage how you show up around your kids.

It's not your kids' fault when you're up to your neck with stress, anger, bitterness, and anxiety about parenting them. That's on you! The good news is that because of this, you can actually shift how you feel about your kids and parenting--and you are truly capable of doing so.

If you want more joy and less resentment/guilt in your parenthood journey, listen in to this episode with Lisa Andersen from @thrivingmotherhood. She is brilliant at instructing us how to better manage our thinking so that we find more fulfillment in our parenthood and by extension increase our capacity to better guide our children to manage their own thinking, emotions, and actions.

Show Notes

Lisa's Instagram

Last week's episode: Overcoming the Complexities of Our Childhoods, with Rachel Nielson

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

Contact Monica for coaching or consultations

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

“Think of your own child being that scared and how you would comfort them. Treat yourself with similar grace.”

Rachel Nielson didn't realize how much her mother's long battle with cancer affected her childhood until it was affecting her adulthood, and badly. She found herself stuck in a terrible cycle of self-hatred and perfectionism, coupled with a Savior's-complex within her relationships. Years of therapy and growth taught Rachel how to move beyond the trauma of her youth and better embrace her present and, most importantly, herself.

Rachel is on the podcast to teach us what we can do to move past the insecurities, bad relationships, poor influences, sadnesses, and traumas of our childhoods and better create the life we want to live. She also shares how she learned to embrace grace in how she views her parents and extend that grace to her own life as well.

Show Notes

Rachel's Website, Podcast, and Instagram

Last week's episode: Are you Happy?

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

Contact Monica for coaching or consultations

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

Let me ask you this: are you happy?

Why is it that most of us would have a really hard time answering that question? Well, I have a lot of theories.

People too often have the wrong idea of what happiness actually looks like (it's not rainbows and butterflies, people!), and they hinge it on their circumstances or others.

I've been guilty of this. Oh, have I been guilty! (Sorry, husband, for all the times I made your responsible for my happiness!) So today's podcast is devoted to my thoughts on happiness--what it REALLY looks like, and three ways we can work on our happiness right now, right here.

Show Notes

Last week's episode: How to Find Real Strength in Vulnerability || with Preston Pugmire

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

Contact Monica

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

“Weakness is pretending that you’re not feeling emotions, [and thereby] denying yourself of that humanity.”

If you haven't heard of Preston Pugmire, get yourself acquainted quick. This "renaissance man" has a lot to say and it's going to change your life.

Preston--a speaker, life coach, musician, and podcaster (Next Level Life)--teaches us how to free ourselves from shame, guilt, and perfectionism by tearing down the facades we've created and getting to the heart of who we truly are. In other words, VULNERABILITY. Preston himself knows what this looks like first-hand, as he unexpectedly had his own facade torn down and his true self become exposed. Living life more authentically has transformed everything for the better and Preston believes it can transform our lives as well.

Preston speaks about how men in particular are imprisoned emotionally--and by extension, in every other way--by not allowing themselves to explore their real, authentic identity. For us all, Preston teaches how we can discover that our greatest strength comes from our vulnerability.

Show Notes

Preston's website, Podcast, Instagram, and Facebook community

Last week's episode: Arming Kids Against Pornography

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

Contact Monica

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

"We have to continually have those conversations because it normalizes the idea of talking about tough topics."

Dina Alexander returned to the podcast to teach parents how to talk to our children about another hard topic: pornography.

We first discuss what Dina has researched are the trends in pornography, including the average age of exposure, what your children are "learning" from porn, and how they are targeted by the industry. This information is essential to knowing better what our children are up against and HOW to better prepare them to make good decisions when they are faced with pornography (and the research shows, they will ALL be exposed to it at some point).

Dina then shares a variety of ways to open the dialogue with children, first by using proper sexual education and then by empowering our kids to know the truth behind the porn industry--what false messages they teach, how they use teens as a primary target. We can then go into arming our kids to actively fight against the tides of culture and instead choose a life with healthy sexuality pursued at the right time. And we can do all of this without using guilt and shame.

Ultimately, Dina teaches parents that the best thing we can do for our children is provide a family culture of open dialogue where no topics are off the table. And in turn, the effects are children who are better empowered to stand up and live their values.

Show Notes

Educate and Empower Kids website, Facebook, and all their books

Educate and Empower Kids' book on pornography, books on body image, book on technology

Dina's last interview on Body Image

Last week's episode: Monica's birth story

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

Contact Monica

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

Noah's New Phone: A Story About Using Technology for Good

As a follow-up to my interview with childbirth educator Laura Dugovic, here is the birth story of my sweet baby born on February 5th. (I share his name briefly on the interview, but won't be typing it up here as I guard my kids' names online.)

You'll hear about what led up to the birth, what I did to help with the pain without using an epidural, and how Laura's resources and positive affirmations completely transformed this birth. Instead of feeling either traumatized or like a caged animal as I have in the past, I felt strong and centered.

If you've been following along with me on Instagram, then you know that E had emergency surgery at 9 days old, just a few days after recording this episode. His intestines were twisted, which is life threatening as the bowels can quickly die. We returned home much sooner than we planned after six days total at the hospital, five of which were in the PICU. Thank you SO much for your many messages during this time, and most especially your prayers. We felt them and know that his surgery and outcome were miraculous.

Show Notes:

Laura's Website, Resources for positive affirmations, and Instagram

Last week's episode on fighting terminal illness with Mandie Sherman

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

Contact Monica

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

"I have learned that anything that I thought of myself, that I saw of myself, is not nearly the capacity that I truly am."

Mikael Monson NEVER planned on homeschooling her four children; in fact, she was staunchly against it for some time. But when the inner call for her came to pull her kids out of public school and teach them from home, Mikael took a huge leap of faith and did just that.

Mikael shares why homeschooling is the right fit for her family, how she does it, and what she has learned about standing firm with her convictions. Ultimately, she believes that if everyone listened and followed the voice inside them regardless of their own plans, they'll be made capable of meeting the challenges that come with the call.

Show Notes:

Mikael's Instagram and YouTube channel

Interview with doula/childbirth educator Laura Dugovic

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

Contact Monica

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

"I don't think that 'acceptance' is an excuse to diminish yourself or to not hold yourself accountable to your best work . . . We should develop and expand and grow in whatever we feel called to do."

Nesha Woodhouse is the director of Lifehouse Performing Arts Academy and came from a intensive background in honing one of her beloved gifts--dance. But Nesha learned in her own life--and now passes on to her students--that mastery of our gifts can only truly flourish if our motivation is to bless the lives of others and ourselves. This is in contrast to being driven by competitiveness, comparison, or approval-seeking.

So many preach acceptance of self. While this is paramount to overcoming the challenges life throws at us, our souls also crave GROWTH. Nesha speaks on this important balance of seeking mastery of our gifts while also being driven by the right reasons--to more fully reach our own individual potential and bless the lives of others.

Now as the director of hundreds of youth pursuing greatness, Nesha strives to help the develop this truth within themselves and to in turn share their gifts with the world.

Show Notes

Nesha's Lifehouse Performing Arts Academy

Last week's episode with Dina Alexander on positive body image with children

Interview with doula/childbirth educator Laura Dugovic

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

Contact Monica

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

“If we get so caught up in how we look, how our friends look, if we look good enough, we are missing the richness of life.”

Dina Alexander is back to teach us how to combat the perfect images social media projects for the children in our lives. BOTH boys and girls are constantly infiltrated with pictures and ideas about what their bodies are supposed to be like, and how they can get them. Listen in to this conversation to learn how to create an open communication in your home where these tough topics can be fully explored. Equip yourself with ways to arm your children the knowledge and self-respect necessary to own a confident, grounded view of themselves and their bodies.

Dina Alexander is the founder and president of Educate and Empower Kids (educateempowerkids.org), an organization determined to strengthen families by teaching digital citizenship, media literacy, and healthy sexuality education—including education about the dangers of online porn. She is the creator of Noah’s New Phone: A Story About Using Technology for Good, Messages About Me: A Journey to Healthy Body Image, How to Talk to Your Kids About Pornography and the 30 Days of Sex Talks and 30 Days to a Stronger Child programs. She received her master’s degree in recreation therapy from the University of Utah and her bachelors from Brigham Young University. She is an amazing mom and loves spending time with her husband and three kids. Together, they live in Texas.

Listen to this episode below, or on iTunes, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Pocketcasts, Googleplay, or search for "About Progress" wherever you get your podcasts. If you like the show, please subscribe!!

Show Notes

Educate and Empower Kids website, Facebook, and all their books

Educate and Empower Kids' books on body image, and book on technology

Dina's last interview on Technology

Last week's episode with Mallory Wahlstrom Wright

Interview with doula/childbirth educator Laura Dugovic

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

Contact Monica

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

Noah's New Phone: A Story About Using Technology for Good

“I’m getting my self-esteem from looking in . . . I have worth in my trying.”

Although Mallory Wahlstrom Wright was an accomplished musician, dancer, and athlete, she suffered immensely from perfectionism-bred low self esteem. As a way to cope with never feeling like she measured up, she turned to controlling her body and her weight. Years of this behavior led to a crippled life that she wasn't sure she could make her way back from.

A series of lows pushed Mallory to seek help, but the biggest tipping point was when her older brother needed a kidney transplant--and Mallory turned out to be the perfect match! Following the surgery, Mallory faced near-life-taking complications and faced a very hard recovery. Through it all, she gained a newfound appreciation for her body and her life. Mallory learned to seek inward and find her own unique light that she now shares from her dance and harp students, to our listeners.

Show Notes:

Last week's episode on overcoming fear with childbearing

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

Contact Monica

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

“My only approach is to love and strengthen all women, no matter what kind of birth they want to have.”

Laura Dugovic had prepared for a meditative birth with her first child, but what she experienced was gritty, loud, sweaty . . . and still completely transformative.

Laura is a doula and birth educator, but one who strives to help ALL women feel empowered to face birth with an attitude of a rockstar, regardless of what method they feel best suits them and their needs.

In today's episode, Laura works with our host--Monica--in a smaller version of what she does with her clients in a typical session. She talks Monica through her deep-seated fears of birth and teaches her how to manage her thoughts so she is better prepared to face the upcoming birth of her fourth child.

Show Notes:

Laura's Website and Instagram

Last week's episode on goals with Mandie Sherman

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

Contact Monica

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

"It doesn't get easier, but it gets lighter. It gets lighter because we get stronger . . . Your strength is going to help somebody else when they are weak."

When we are facing especially hard times, we've all heard people say that things will get easier. Mandie Sherman disagrees. She knows from her lifelong struggle with cystic fibrosis--a terminal disease--that it's not that things get easier, it's that we get stronger. And with that strength, we are then obligated to help others where they are weak.

Mandie's strength is evident throughout this interview as she frankly shares about what life has been like with a disease that consumes much of her day with constant treatments and monitoring. She is resilient--yes. Realistic--yes. But coupled with these qualities is an contagious optimism, a choice Mandie has made to face each day with strength AND softness.

Surrounding her is what Mandie calls her "army," people who love, support, and take care of her. Mandie's hope is that we can learn more about cystic fibrosis and in turn join our own army of helping others make it through their own difficult time.

We recorded this interview a few months ago, and Mandie spent most of December in the hospital, including a surgery to help her breathing. Please click on the links in the show notes to share some love with Mandie, get one of her shirts to join her "army," and donate to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Show Notes:

Mandie's Instagram, Blog, and Get the "Mandie Tee" (or sweatshirt) and join the Sherman Army!

Donate to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Last week's episode on goals with Tiffany Webster

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

Contact Monica

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

"When we attach anything to our goals--our happiness, worth, value, success--our goals are no longer out becoming . . .[they're] just about needing to achieve to feel something."

Sick of never meeting your goals? Too overwhelmed to even make some in the first place? It's not your method that needs some revamping; it's your motivation.

When you are a recovering perfectionist, you'll have a love-hate relationship with goals. On one hand, you could have a past of going over-the-top, full throttle and letting your goals dictate every moment of your life, only to ALWAYS feel like a failure; on the other hand, you could be so over feeling like a failure that it's too overwhelming for you to even begin making goals at all.

Time to find some middle ground. Want to know the secret behind revolutionizing your goals so they actually work?

You've got to define your "WHY" behind them.

Tiffany Webster joins me in a conversation on this topic today. You can prop us both up as "failed perfectionists," and therefore experts on making the goals for the wrong reasons. In this episode, Tiffany and I speak about how to better direct your motivation behind self-improvement, find the fine line between self-love and self-improvement, and how to shift your views of both yourself and your goals so you are better set up for success.

Show Notes:

Tiffany's BOOK, website, Instagram, and Facebook

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

Contact Monica

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

"If you set aside other people's expectations, set aside the need for permission and live your most authentic self, life is a lot more freeing and you're making better decisions."

Dina Taylor has faced many obstacles in her young life, but the two most recent--infertility and her 35-year-old husband's unexpected death--could have made her give up and give in. Not so, for Dina. Dina chose to persevere, and to do it her own way.

Listen in to hear how Dina and her late husband, Dan, faced major health problems, infertility, and then a very difficult pregnancy together, how she picked up the pieces of her life after his tragic death ten weeks before the birth of their son, Jack, and the unique ways she chose to face grief and carry on. Dina also shares how she has found expanded love in her heart for a new life partner, Rick, and what has made all the difference for her the past 2 1/2 years.

While this could have been a very heavy episode, instead Dina empowers us all to better face the struggles we each have by staying true to what is within us, listening to our hearts, and holding strong to what we know will best help us create the lives we want, not just in spite of our pasts but because of them.

Show Notes:

Dina's Instagram

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

Contact Monica

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

“Just like you and I lived at the mall or lived at the football game on Friday night, a lot of our kids are living on social media . . . I want my kids to make their mistakes while still living with me. You want to give them parameters but also you want to give them the opportunity to make choices.”

We all worry about the incessant draw that technology is having on our children these days. You see the debates on Facebook and hear the tense conversations amongst parents: How much tech-use is appropriate? How can we limit screen time? When should children be allowed to use technology?

Before we can answer all that, however, we need to be asking the more appropriate question, as posed by Dina Alexander: "How can we empower our children to use technology responsibly and for good?"

Dina is the founder of the non-profit Educate and Empower Kids, which strives to help parents "parent in the digital age" by preparing their children, not scaring them. She is an expert on so many hard topics we need to discuss with our children from technology, body image, to pornography. Today, she shares her well-researched views on what we can do to help our children learn to make wise choices with technology by building an open communication with them, one based on openness and love, not shame.

Dina Alexander is the founder and president of Educate and Empower Kids (educateempowerkids.org), an organization determined to strengthen families by teaching digital citizenship, media literacy, and healthy sexuality education—including education about the dangers of online porn. She is the creator of Noah’s New Phone: A Story About Using Technology for Good, Messages About Me: A Journey to Healthy Body Image, How to Talk to Your Kids About Pornography and the 30 Days of Sex Talks and 30 Days to a Stronger Child programs. She received her master’s degree in recreation therapy from the University of Utah and her bachelors from Brigham Young University. She is an amazing mom and loves spending time with her husband and three kids. Together, they live in Texas.

Show Notes

Educate and Empower Kids website, Facebook, and all their books

Educate and Empower Kids' books on body image, and book on technology

Recent interview with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife: "Get Over Yourself"

Jennifer Finlayson-Fife's website and Holiday DEAL!

Jennifer's past interviews with About Progress on perfectionism and goodness (doing things for the right reasons)

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

Contact Monica

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

Noah's New Phone: A Story About Using Technology for Good

This podcast is in response to an email I received from a listener who was frustrated that all my guests on the show are too "extraordinary." While thoughts swirled about me, I interviewed Melinda Peterson from Melinda Joy Writes to chat about how she has been writing a novel for ten years; but then we magically had a beautiful discussion on seeing the extraordinary within ourselves.

Listen in to hear our conversation on this topic, my own expanded thoughts, my response to this email, as well as a highlight from one my "extraordinary-ordinary" friends--Brittney Hanks from Homegrown Traditions--who has encountered some tough failures as she and her husband navigate running a small business together.

Excerpt from Melinda's email, following our interview (it's amazing!!):

Since our interview, I have thought a lot about our discussion regarding what it means to be extraordinary, and the difficulty we have seeing it in ourselves.

Let me paint a quick picture.

When I was a young girl, maybe ten or eleven, my sweet grandmother sent me a bunch of cassette tapes of church music by a specific group that has long since fallen out of people's memories. Included in that set of tapes was a recording of a church fireside put on by a man named Don Black entitled "There Are No Nobodies." It was a great talk. It was full of great stories, it made me laugh, and it taught me some really great principles. The truth is, I would listen to it every single night for the better part of a year before I fell asleep. I desperately clung to the message that there truly were no nobodies because if there was anyone who felt absolutely worthless and unnoticed and insignificant, it was me. Don Black taught me that God did not see me as insignificant or worthless. God saw me as His child, extremely ordinary, but worth something, and capable of greatness.

I believe that God spent quality time creating each one of us, and that He does bury treasures inside of us. But the quality of our treasures cannot be measured by social media. The treasures within us are small and simple and grand in their ordinariness. Is writing a book or starting a business extraordinary? Perhaps. But I can tell you for certain that those things are not the most extraordinary things that I do. In fact, they pale in comparison. Do you want the real list? The list that is really making a difference?

Every morning I get up and spend time with God. I let Him know I am His for the day and He quietly and gently wraps me in the arms of His love and goodness and grace. From there, the day gets really exciting. It starts with a request for chocolate milk from my two year old and a nursing session with my one year old. It quickly escalates to wiping bottoms, making lunches, preparing breakfast, finding clothes and shoes, getting backpacks ready, scripture study, family prayer and a reminder of our values. As the kids get on the bus, I remind them to be honorable. They listen. From there, it's reading books, and playing with toys, doing dishes, and sweeping floors, raking leaves, and more bum wiping -- always so much bum wiping. Soon the kids are home from school and it's after school snacks, homework, chores, piano and playing with the neighborhood kids. It's making dinner, witching hour activities, and welcoming my husband home from work. Finally, it's family time. We eat and talk and laugh and then it's time for baths and clean up and sweeping floors again. It's music and dancing and holding kids accountable. Then there are the books. So many books. But also the kisses and hugs and so many "I love you's" and "thank you's" and "I'm so glad you're mine's." I fall to my knees absolutely exhausted, often overwhelmed, but always so, so grateful. Always grateful.

We don't really have what one would call an Instagram-worthy life. Our couch is thirty years old, my husband and I haven't been on a fancy getaway since our honeymoon, and all that we own is mismatched and worn. We use pliers to turn the knob of our dryer, and a baby blanket for the curtain in our master bedroom. Each month we barely scrape by, but we live in great abundance. We have everything we need and so much more.

If you visit my Instagram accounts, you will see that my following is small and seemingly insignificant. I go days without posting, and will never stay on top of the almighty algorithm. Instagram is not my extraordinary, and neither is my manuscript.

My extraordinary is calling my grandparents whenever I think of it, visiting with a friend on bedrest, and watching how high my son can climb his tree. It is making recipes out of the Harry Potter cookbook with my nine year old, and singing Silent Night to my two year old every night of the year. It's holding my baby before his chub melts into toddlerhood, and holding my husband's hand as I fall asleep. It is texting with my best friends and cheering them on in their victories and crying with them in their losses. It is remembering names and the things people tell me and forgiving people who have hurt me. It is my mom and dad, my brothers and sisters, my nieces and nephews. It is the people. It is always the people.

There is a reason why it has taken me ten years to write a novel. Perhaps the bravest thing I am doing right now in this season of little fingers and toes is putting other's needs before my own dreams and raising children in a world that is screaming that our worth is defined by our appearances and accomplishments.

I am all for dreaming and accomplishing. I am inspired and blessed by so many people who put themselves out there all while doing the things that I described above. There are some truly extraordinary things being done by people who are in the thick of life. I am grateful for them - for their words and their art, their music and their products, their posts and their expertise. I cheer them on.

I truly believe that we all have so many gifts and that we are meant to use them to add meaning and beauty and goodness to the world. But I also believe that small and simple and seemingly insignificant is also just as powerful and needed as noticeable and grand. So, if there were one more thing that I could tell your listeners, it would be that sometimes the bravest things we do are the things that go unnoticed. Let your extraordinary be small and simple and seemingly insignificant. Because there are no nobodies. Because we all matter. Because we all have gifts. All of our gifts and all of us matter. If we could all just see that -- if we could all just see each other's stories and everybody's potential, and truly be glad for it -- if we could cheer each other on and build each other up, it would make a profound difference in the world.

Embrace your goodness and your gifts, and go out and do small and simple and extraordinary things with them. Because we all need your gifts, your small and simple, your you -- your extraordinary.

Show Notes

Melinda's website, Instagram, and children-centered Instagram

Homegrown Traditions website and Instagram

Recent interview with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife: "Get Over Yourself"

Jennifer Finlayson-Fife's website and Holiday DEAL!

Jennifer's past interviews with About Progress on perfectionism and goodness (doing things for the right reasons)

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

Contact Monica

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

“It is that moment of complete 100% surrender that we step into that power we never had before.”

Tiffany Webster knows a thing or two about surrender. As a lifelong perfectionist, life had a way of showing up and forcing her to slow down, and slow down hard: infertility, chronic illness, brain surgery, and poor mental health. That's just some of what Tiffany faced that helped her see she had to learn how to give in, look outward, and reach up--and in the process of doing that, she found greater strength than she ever knew possible.

You might recognize Tiffany from her viral talk on perfectionism given at the Hope Works conference: "The Perfect Lie." Tiffany has recently released the most beautiful book--Embracing the Broken--that goes into great depth with what brought her to her lowest lows, the lessons she learned about the lies of perfectionism, and how we can rise above it.

In this interview, we talk about this as well as how Tiffany deals with the messiness of progress, how we can stop wearing masks with each other, and what's on the other side of embracing the broken in your own life.

Show Notes:

Tiffany's BOOK, website, Instagram, and Facebook

Recent interview with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife: "Get Over Yourself"

Jennifer Finlayson-Fife's website and Holiday DEAL!

Jennifer's past interviews with About Progress on perfectionism and goodness (doing things for the right reasons)

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

Contact Monica

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

"Comparison is evil . . . Any time you look at someone else's strengths that might be your weaknesses, you'll always come up short."

10 years ago, Tamarynn Bennett was 25 years old and had barely run more than a few miles at a time. So, she reasonably thought she would be a "one and done" with a marathon she signed up for. But after accidentally qualifying for Boston (!), she found herself drawn to the challenge and the thrill of racing.

Like most athletes, Tamarynn has had her fair share of set backs and disappointments. From taking a full six years off of doing triathlons so she could focus on her family, to facing adrenal fatigue and injuries, to not being able to do races she had trained so hard for, Tamarynn has seen it all. Her persistence is admirable, but it's also reachable; Tamarynn likes to make it clear--she is ordinary and credits achieving these big goals just one step at a time and holding strong to the bigger picture.

Tamarynn also discusses the personal trials her family has faced, and how they have both challenged and strengthened her commitment to what really matters. A big piece of that puzzle? Avoiding the trap of comparison and instead embracing the little progress we make each time we try, and then try again.

Some recent good news since our interview was recorded: Tamarynn was not only able to finish the Chicago marathon she was nervous about completing due to an injury, but she also completed her first official Ironman!!!! Tamarynn described it as "magical." Congrats, Tamarynn!!!

Show Notes:

Tamarynn's Instagram

Last week's interview with Lisa Funk

Lisa's new book, The Guide to Mindful Lettering

Recent interview with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife: "Get Over Yourself"

Jennifer Finlayson-Fife's website and Holiday DEAL!

Jennifer's past interviews with About Progress on perfectionism and goodness (doing things for the right reasons)

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

Contact Monica

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

We celebrated our year anniversary of the podcast a few weeks ago! To commemorate this time, I have a short, unedited, rambling State of the Podcast episode for you. In it, I share some of our stats, which episodes I think more people need to listen to, and where I see the podcast headed.

Thank you for your incredible support!!!

XO,

Monica

"I meet a ton of people who say, ‘Oh I can’t do that, I'm not creative . . .' Maybe they will never find that painting or drawing fulfills them, but they ARE creative in the way that they solve problems, or put things together, or organize . . . We can think about creativity differently in that we are created to create.”

For Lisa Funk, lettering (also know as calligraphy) isn't just about creating beautiful text--it's about purposefully living a life she loves. Lisa found that by honing her craft and mastering inspirational messages, she was able to better face her inner mental health battles. Lettering changed Lisa's life! Once she started sharing her gift, she was surprised how people didn't just want to know where they could buy her artwork, they wanted to learn how to do it themselves. That's how Lisa became an accidental businesswoman, and one steeped in the goal in improving lives, one letter at a time.

Lisa discusses how creativity is innate in all of us and how learning to work hard to develop our gifts can change us as people. She shares more in depth about how her own struggles with depression and more have taught her the importance of self-care and mindfulness, and that an essential piece of facing our demons is growing our gifts. Finally, Lisa teaches us how we can find our own intentions in life and live them more purposefully.

Lisa's new book, The Guide to Mindful Lettering, combines instruction on brush lettering as well as how to approach learning this craft in a mindful, meaningful way. On top of the instruction are 50 affirmations to "trace, ponder, and apply." Lisa's hope is that this book, "can be the creative outlet so many women are looking for and at the same time help them to live an intentional life they love!" You can find The Guide to Mindful Lettering here.

Show Notes:

Lisa's website, Instagram, and Facebook

Lisa's new book, The Guide to Mindful Lettering

Last week's interview with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife: "Get Over Yourself"

Jennifer's website and Holiday DEAL!

Jennifer's past interviews with About Progress on perfectionism and goodness (doing things for the right reasons)

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

Contact Monica

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

"Those that are most able to deal with their flaws, are most willing to be seen as human . . . That’s real moral courage, and that’s the kind of courage that sets us free."

Have you ever heard the saying, "I am my own worst enemy?" If you've thought or said that about yourself, then this episode is for you. (And if you haven't, then this episode is also for you.)

All of us carry the innate tendency to mask our own humanity--our flaws--from those we love, work with, and even ourselves. Doing so actually inhibits our growth, creates tension in our relationships, and leads to inner turmoil. The only way to get over all that is to get over ourselves.

Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife teaches us what this tendency looks like in action, and what we can do to fix it by facing our own flaws with compassion and true moral courage. She also helps us see what we get out of doing so: a life filled with challenges, certainly; but also a whole lot more love, fulfillment, and freedom.

Show Notes:

Jennifer's website and Holiday DEAL!

Jennifer's Facebook

Jennifer's past interviews with About Progress on perfectionism and goodness (doing things for the right reasons)

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

Contact Monica

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

"With each thing I tried, every time it failed . . . I failed deeper and the problem got bigger. It got to the point where I no longer felt any control over it. I remember one day thinking, ‘I’m not going to try anymore.’”

Julie Taylor was known online for being "real," but only she knew the truth--that she was hiding an addiction, and one especially riddled with shame: food addiction.

Julie talks about the transformation she has been through the past few years of identifying herself as someone addicted to food, pursuing help for it, and how in time it made her far more real than she ever had been before.

Julie's path unfortunately led her from one form of addiction to another--an obsession with perfection.

One particular incident alarmed her husband: After accidentally having a bite of cheese while out to dinner, she sobbed for hours. Julie eventually decided that this other extreme way of living was making her just as unhappy as having no boundaries.

The biggest key to Julie's TRUE healing arose as Julie came from a place of healing, rather than a place of punishment; from a place of wanting to change because she loved herself, not hated herself.

Julie shares how this lesson can be applied to all of our weaknesses we need to work on, and how doing so will empower us all the better to finally see real results and lasting growth.

Show Notes

Julie's Instagram and Youtube channel

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

"I have worth and it isn’t always looking to the external to try to find validation, because that’s an endless competition that you’re never going to win. It doesn’t bring any happiness."

Reachel Bagley is not your normal "fashion blogger." Sure, she has a fabulous sense of style--one that you're going to salivate over. But Reachel loves fashion because of what it can do to really transform someone's confidence, to help them feel more empowered to face their lives and their trials. She loves to really teach her clients and her followers what colors, cuts, and fits look best on their bodies, not just show her own polished outfits. (One of her mantras is: it's not that you aren't fitting into your clothes, it's that your clothes aren't fitting YOU.)

Reachel knows what it is like to lack confidence, and in a really dark way. Her own sense of pride and love of her body took a beating after years of infertility. She saw her body as something to be punished, not loved, because of the way she saw it hurting her. But 10 years later and after a lot of work, Reachel has earned that love and acceptance of her body because she knows who she really is at her core. She knows that our worth isn't dependent on a size or a number on the scale--it's innate, and it will never change.

Listen to learn about how Reachel came about this transformation, what she hopes to inspire in others, how she views fashion as a tool, how she got her start and developed her business into what it is today, and much more.

Show Notes:

Reachel's website, Instagram, and Facebook

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

"By choosing your habits and staying with them, you are scientifically engraining them in your body . . . setting you on a pace that will help you achieve what you want to achieve."

What do you get when you create the perfect mix of zen and science? Greg Karelitz, is what.

Greg is the founder of the Positive Vibes Only Society (PVOS), a community with a mission to help people better live in the moment, backed up with science. As a touchstone, PVOSers sport a necklace that act as a physical reminder to live positively.

Greg developed a fascination with the science behind positivity when he was at a big low: having just undergone a double hip surgery and with it a big life style change that eventually led to him experiencing anxiety attacks. He had his own necklace--the star of David--that helped him recenter during those moments. And perfectly, the hex in that symbol align with the shapes of the chemicals in our bodies that contribute to our happiness--chemicals that Greg was in the trenches of researching himself. This is how he was inspired to create not only the hex-shaped necklace, but the positive-focused society Greg leads today.

Hear what Greg says about what he's learned about the science of positivity, how he got through his own dark times, what change he hopes to ignite in the world, how focusing on good habits contributes to our greater happiness, and how we can live in the moment even when we need to also deal with hard things. Greg is definitely an expert in this field, and it shows.

Show Notes:

Greg's website (new ladies-specific necklaces being offered!), Instagram, and Facebook

Referenced interview with Andy Proctor

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

"You don’t really appreciate time unless you’re looking at a diagnosis like cancer. . . You don’t appreciate the time that you have until you know that there could potentially be an end date.”

Danielle Stepp was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma--cancer--as a new mother of a three month old baby girl.

Her treatment entailed 12 debilitating rounds of chemotherapy. As Danielle made her way through this very difficult period of her life, she held on to her family, her friends, and what she calls "Prayer Power" to help her arise above the immense hardships. She also used her fighting spirit and treated cancer like a bull, and Danielle "wrestled it to the ground."

Now a year cancer free (!), Danielle looks back to see what helped her through this hard chapter, how cancer has changed her, and what she has learned about not taking time for granted.

Show Notes:

Danielle's blog

Compassion that Compells

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

“I think the reason we all suffer is because it makes us stronger—it’s a strength, it’s a gift in a way . . . I could not write the music that I write had I not gone through hard things.”

Paul Cardall knows a thing or two about suffering and turning that suffering into a gift. He was born with half a heart and experienced poor health throughout his childhood and well into his adulthood. In 2009, he underwent a full heart transplant that gave him a miraculous new way of living. And yet, it was after his transplant that Paul faced the darkest period of his life: guilt, depression, the ending of his marriage, and more.

But Paul used his pain to create masterpieces that helped him rise above, music that has gone on to transform millions of lives across the world. Yes, millions.

Listen to this interview to hear about how this is the case for Paul, how and why he started playing the piano as a late-teen, what the creative process is like for him, and how he believes wholeheartedly that our trials can transform our lives for good and make us stronger. Paul believes that his love of forming connections through his music could not have been as fully achieved had it not been for his suffering. He inspires us to rise through our own trials too, and to believe that there is so much goodness on the other side.

If you like the show, please share, subscribe, and leave reviews!!

Show Notes:

Paul's Website, Instagram, and Facebook

Paul's Music

Paul's Production Company, Stone Angel Music

Song Played: "Gracie's Theme"

Paul and Tina's Interview on the LifeBeats Project!

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

“I’m not a professional athlete. I don’t do this to win money and races. I do this to enhance my life and it brings me joy, along with my family . . . As long as I'm putting them first and taking care of them, everything else usually falls into place.”

Heather Jenson says this to describe how she views her "little" hobby as a triathlete. This sport can suck people into perfectionism, obsession, and the comparison trap. But Heather has learned how to resist the negative side of her passion and embrace it for the goodness it brings to her life and to her family.

Heather shares how her love of racing (she started as a swimmer!) increased after dealing with a terrible bout of postpartum depression, that having big and then bigger goals to aspire to helped her regain what she thought she had lost within herself. She is so honest about how hard training can be, but how breaking up a huge goal into small pieces has helped her achieve big dreams.

A favorite example she shared: Her first half-marathon was 10 years ago at 24 years ago and her time was 2:14. He latest half time was 1:36. And yet, Heather is insistent that running is her hardest sport and what incredible lengths she has gone to to improve. She is also just as insistent that if she can become an Ironman, so can you.

So even if it's not you seeking to race in Kona like her, Heather inspires us to reach within ourselves, find some passions, and let them guide us to becoming better people inside and out.

Heather will have an entire episode devoted to her on the show, "Quest for Kona" on @NBCsports next Wednesday, 10/25. Check your local listings for times! Here's some more information on the show: here and here.

Show Notes:

Heather's website and Instagram

Last week's episode with Ganel-Lyn Condie

My interview on The Luckiest Mom Podcast (click on Episode 151!)

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Insta feed and website

Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

“Some of the most challenging, heart-wrenching times of my life have in some ways become the greatest blessings . . . They were the pathways to learning.”

The list of "life lessons" (aka: trials, obstacles, traumas, etc.) that Ganel-Lyn Condie has been through is astounding. And yet this woman walks with a bounce and speaks with a light that is absolutely contagious.

Ganel-Lyn shares deeply about how surrendering to these lessons, giving up on perfection, and turning to a higher power have in turn strengthened her to better deal with what life has put in front of her. As an author and speaker, Ganel-Lyn doesn't shy away from hard topics as she's faced it all: parents divorcing, chronic illness, infertility, job loss, perfectionism, and the tragic passing of her sister, Meggan, through suicide.

It's not that Ganel-Lyn doesn't have her hard days; it's not that she's eager to face another big trial; and it's definitely not that she knows the answers while in the middle of the darkness. But it IS a choice that she's developed to give in--but not give up!--learn what trials have to teach her, and in turn find greater empowerment to not only create a happier life for herself and her family, but for the world.

Show Notes:

Ganel-Lyn's Website, Instagram, Facebook, and BOOKS!

Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Insta feed and website

Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!)

Q&A Episode + Interview with Janssen Bradshaw

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas

We've made it to 50 podcast episodes. Woohoo!! I am so thrilled about this, and grateful for those of you who have been with me from the beginning and just as grateful for the rest of you are are new to my podcast.

You were kind enough to send in questions for this particular episode: things that you wanted to know about me, the podcast, my parenting, eating, children, where I live (and why), and more.

This episode was super fun to record because I did it with my sister-in-law, Emily. But it's painful for me to listen to because it's seriously a huge exercise in obsessing over myself. Also, it went much longer than I had anticipated.

If this is just as painful for you, I get it! We'll be back to our regular programming next Wednesday. Otherwise, I'd love to hear about some of YOUR answers to these same questions. Let's connect more! You can comment here or on my Instagram and Facebook, @aboutprogress.

Thanks so much for your support!

Show Notes:

People I recommended you follow: The Listening Ear Projects, Talk Wordy to Me, Thriving Motherhood, and Julie In Real Life

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Monica's Facebook and Instagram

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Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

"Fear is not a good reason to not do something. What is the worst that could happen? . . . If I can live with that worst case scenario, then I’m going to do it and stop worrying about failure."

Janssen Bradshaw of Everyday Reading didn't think she was "creative" or "entrepreneurial." And yet, those two words completely encapsulate who she is now as the producer of a successful blog and a co-creator (alongside her husband) of a brand new business--children's rain boots!

Janssen shares how starting one thing propelled her into another, and how even the failures she faced led to more opportunities anyway. Refusing to live based off of "what ifs" and fears has led to a series of Janssen trying new things bit by bit, and doing so has trickled down into all areas of her life. Janssen has learned that you can't just let life pass you by and not try things out of fear of failure or how hard it might be; because time passes anyway, and you'll only be left with regret and "what ifs."

Janssen talks about what it is really like to be a successful blogger, how she is able to stay authentic and resist posting only for , why reading matters for her and her family, and her essential--and SIMPLE--was she survives the everyday chaos of raising a family and a business.

Show Notes:

Janssen's Blog, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook

London Little rain boots(!!!): Website and Instagram

Janssen's FREE course on raising little readers

Last week's podcasts with Ralphie from Simply on Purpose and Food: How to Use It, Not Abuse It, Part Two

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Monica's Facebook and Instagram

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Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

Surprise! I have a bonus episode for you this week, and it's Part Two of my series on Food: How to Use it, Not Abuse it. Cultivating a healthy relationship with food has been a huge part of the work I've done for myself the past 11 years. I'm still focusing on it every day, but I see the improvements I have made that have made it all well worth it. I hope to inspire that in others, too!

Part One is here, and there we spent a lot of time talking about what it LOOKS like to have a poor relationship with food and what you can begin to do about it. This episode--Part Two--involves more discussion on specific methods, both of which incorporate embracing a the "grey," ridding ourselves of black-and-white thinking, and moving towards natural moderation with how we view and eat food.

The primary focus overall is Intuitive Eating, which is my very favorite eating philosophy. You can find the book here, and I'd definitely start with that; but I do recommend a coach if you are in the throes of trying to figure this out. I can recommend Elizabeth Dall and Stephanie Webb, both of whom are experts on this topic. Elizabeth is the primary Intuitive Eating expert for this episode, but Stephanie was the main expert for the last episode on this topic. (See their contact information below.)

The second method is "Flexible Dieting," or also known as counting macros. Amber Brueseke is our expert on this, because not only does she know her stuff, but her whole goal is to move her clients towards Intuitive Eating. In essence, she wants to work herself out of a job.

I know you'll enjoy this candid, helpful episode. Please let me know what you got out of it, and share it with those who you feel will benefit from it.

Show Notes:

Part ONE here

Elizabeth's Instagram, Facebook, and website

Amber's Instagram, Facebook, and website

Past interview with AMBER

Stephanie's Instagram and Website

Intuitive Eating book (HIGHLY RECOMMEND!)

SURVEY!!!! (It takes less than a minute to fill out--thank you!)

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Program That Works

"What it means “to grow” is to practice something—one thing really deliberately—and do it over and over again. And then when you make a mistake, you look back and you close that loop really quickly by recognizing what went well and what didn’t go well, and then you practice it again."

Ralphie Jacobs admits that she was born with an innate love for children and a natural gift of caring for them. But even she was surprised as a young mom by how her well-informed, highly educated patience could "vanish."

Recognizing this capacity in herself, Ralphie decided to deliberately change how she was parenting, to grow her skill set as a mother just as she would with any other talent, skill, or expertise that requires growth and practice. Now, Ralphie is a parenting expert who passes on the incredible (and I'd say LIFE-CHANGING) things she has learned over the years about how to grow purposefully within your job as a parent. And she makes it clear: the answers are actually quite simple.

Ralphie shares how she became a parenting expert, what it looks like to use the growth mindset as a parent, how to increase your knowledge of what's out there BUT also rely on your instinct, how to reinforce good behavior in your children as a way to rid them of the "junk behavior," and what is the number one thing she wants every parent to know.

For your use, here are the four main jobs we have as a parent that I took away from my discussion with Ralphie:

1) Teaching

2) Modeling Happiness

3) Being Purposeful Through Reflection and Redirection

4) Looking for the Good in Your Children

Show Notes:

Ralphie's Instagram, Facebook, and Resources

Books Recommended: No Drama Discipline, Simplicity Parenting, Boundaries, Parenting with Love and Logic

Referenced podcast interview with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife

Last week's episode with the founders of BRAVERY MAGAZINE

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Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

Ralphie has a special message for you parents who are reallllly in the trenches with parenting, for one reason or another. You will leave this podcast armed with tools--yes--but, even better, with hope.

No-Drama Discipline: The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind

Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids

Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life

Parenting With Love And Logic (Updated and Expanded Edition)

“Bravery is being scared, it’s being afraid; but doing it anyway . . . It’s OK to be afraid of something, but own those feelings and rise above.”

You think if you were the masterminds behind a magazine with "Bravery" in the title, that you would be a very courageous person.

Not so for these ladies.

Elyse Beard and Ashley Aikele both profess that they have let fear hold them back for far too long. But when they had the idea to create a publication that inspires courage in children by sharing stories of brave women, they knew they had to be their own kind of brave.

To build something so monumental from nothing entailed a lot of letting go alongside a whole lot of work. Elyse and Ashley talk about how they practiced "fake it 'til you make it," used their different talents, and in the end created something from nothing. Their dream is that ultimately this publication is far more than a magazine; it's a movement.

Elyse and Ashley share how a huge part of being your own kind of brave is figuring out what your "thing" is, and how even the process alone can demand a special kind of courage. Ashley shares how perfectionism prevented her from following through with many ideas in the past; Elyse talks about how she couldn't figure out what talents she had to offer to the world and how unfulfilled she felt because of that struggle. But these women have risen above their own fears, and shown us that if we dare to believe in ourselves, try new things, and even risk failure, we can create something life-changing.

And both of them feel that change within their own lives.

Show Notes:

Bravery Magazine's Kickstarter (where you can order the first printing!), Instagram, and Facebook (website coming soon)

Last week's episode with Nicole Kalkowski

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Monica's Facebook and Instagram

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Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

“You have unique experiences with each one of your children. I think that working to cultivate happiness in your home, even though you could be going through hard things . . . really pays off. What you think about transcends, and it impacts your everyday life.”

Nicole Kalkowski has had to fight for her son throughout his entire life. From a toddler diagnosed with regressive autism then immediately after with a myriad of diseases, including mitochondria and epilepsy, Nicole has relied on her intuition and resilience to get doctors to hear her and to help her son. She has literally kept him alive.

Redbook Magazine covered the Kalkowski family for an entire year, documenting what it was like to have a then-three-year old son with autism. (A beautiful picture from the feature is below, with article links in the show notes.) Nicole later became an advocate and got amazing legislation passed that will ensure other parents don't have to face the darkness helplessly, as her family had.

Ryan (now almost a teen!) requires round-the-clock care. Nicole, with her husband and three other children, have adopted the phrase "Roll with it!" when life presents new challenges or interruptions to each day. That decision to let go is repeated often in Nicole's story, as she learned to rely on others, on God, and to search for happiness wherever possible. And Nicole sees it everywhere.

You'll be inspired by this mother's resilience, how she knows who Ryan is at his core, and how she can say she is now grateful for the dark times she and her family have faced.

Show Notes:

Redbook articles on Kalkowski family: here, here, here, and here

Last week's interview with Briana Johnson

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Monica's Facebook and Instagram

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Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

“It’s so easy to let the fear take over and have your vision crumble, because you want it to work so much and you need it to work so much . . . [But] you need to stay connected to yourself, you need to stay connected to your vision, you need to stay connected to your higher power.”

Briana Johnson is the genius behind the powerful podcast The LifeBeats Project. Her path to creating this successful community has been full of mountains of stress, self-doubt, and fear. Such is the way of going after dreams! But Briana assures us that is is alllll worth it because of who we become in the process.

In this interview, Briana shares how creativity has been such a huge part of her life and how podcasting has become an important part of who she is and where she sees herself heading. In facing incredible trials with her husband's debilitating battle with aggressive M.S., Briana has been through a difficult transformation of her own. She shares how owning her story--while she fought it for some time--has enabled her to better accept the illumination of who she wants and needs to be.

Briana is passionate about helping others find and own their story. She has a unique way of connecting with people, and she uses that gift to promote so much self-love and empowerment in others. Briana's wisdom helps us discover what we can do to better grow into who we are meant to be.

If you like the show, please subscribe!!

Show Notes:

Briana's website, Instagram, and Facebook

Briana's new 14 day course (use code "ABOUTPROGRESS" to get $26 off!!)

Monica's interview on The LifeBeats Project

SURVEY!!!! (It takes less than a minute to fill out--thank you!)

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

“The way that we relate to food is a manifestation of the way we are showing up or engaging in our life.”

Ain’t that the truth, friends? This bit of wisdom came from one of the experts featured on today’s podcast—Stephanie Webb. Alongside Elizabeth Dall, we talk about the COMPLICATED relationship all of us often experience with food and what can be done about it.

You might call it “emotional eating,” it could be “mindless eating,” under- or over-eating, numbing through food, eating disorders, or just plain obsession over what you will eat and when. No matter how you crack it, these are some of the various ways we can abuse food and it abuse us right back.

If you want to know what this looks like, how you can begin fixing it, and why it’s worth doing so, check out today’s episode.

If you like the show, please subscribe!!

Show Notes:

Stephanie's website and Instagram

Elizabeth's website and Instagram

Last week's episode with Lizzy Jensen

Referenced Podcasts with more on Monica's battle with eating disorders:

Here, Here (with Extraordinary Moms Podcast!), and Here (with The LifeBeats Project!)

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Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

“I think if you continue to ask and seek . . . and then act on those things you’re feeling, life gets better and better. I think that’s how it’s supposed to be if you keep living outside of your comfort zone and pursuing those ideas, and thoughts, and feelings.”

We all know that life takes us on many twists and turns. Lizzy Jensen's life is no different as her own has led her so many different directions than she had envisioned. So often, she thought she was supposed to pursue something for a certain "why," only to have the end-product of her work not match what she had first thought or even wanted. But for Lizzy, she now has the perspective that those twists and turns were each undeniably the "why" behind the beauty and purpose that has come of her own life's mission.

Lizzy is passionate about helping others recognize what their own unexpected life paths have to offer them. Her latest purpose is to help people--women, especially--learn what gifts they have to offer the world and how they can then accomplish their own unique mission in life. Listen in to discover how to do just that, and learn so much more from Lizzy about the value of work, how to gain perspective when things don't go our way, her key to making goals, some truth-slams about parenthood, and much more.

“I do think you have to choose happiness, because it’s YOUR life. You are in control of your own personal happiness. I could lay in bed sick and angry, or I could choose to laugh . . . and make a happy life. I don’t find that it is any more difficult than it was before. My problems have just changed.”

Christopher Clark told me a story about another friend of his that was also diagnosed with ALS, aka Lou Gehrig's disease. When this friend's doctor told him of his diagnosis, in almost the same breath the doctor made a plea that he would not take his own life.

For many, receiving word that they have this untreatable, incurable, gradually debilitating disease is a death-sentence. For Clark, there was grieving to be sure; but there was also a determination to rise above the temptation to languish in his pain and despair, and instead to live the rest of his now-shortened life with a good amount of grace, and even more of humor.

Chris's choice to find happiness in spite it all is evident throughout this interview, which is surprisingly entertaining given the topic of our discussion. We first explore his love of acting and directing and how he eventually pursued it as his profession. He is now a professor and head of the theatre department at Utah Valley University, on top of being a well-known actor and director.

We talk about the huge transitions he and his family has faced the past year plus since his diagnosis, what physical symptoms he deals with daily, what he is the saddest about losing to his disease, what he has learned about himself through it all, and how he still finds the will to continue progressing in his personal and professional life in spite of it all.

Show Notes:

Christopher's Instagram

Last week's episode with Emily Nelson

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Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

“Come and give your all. Don’t say, ‘I want to look this way or I want to be this way,’ but, ‘I want to become the best version of myself.’”

Emily Nelson is one of the most high-energy women I've ever "met." And she puts that energy to good use as the co-creator and co-founder of HIGH Fitness, a workout that is taking North America by storm only 2 1/2 years from its conception.

In today's interview, Emily talks about how her growing up years inspired her to have a strong work ethic, what she did to get past her initial shyness, and the path she took after college that eventually led to creating a new fitness brand with her friend and business partner, Amber Zenith.

Emily is passionate about their vision: to not just create a class, but a fitness community that inspires men and women to move past focusing on the exterior, and instead on becoming the best versions of themselves. There is a reason why participants tell Emily every single day that her classes are changing their lives.

You'll also love hearing about what Emily thinks is the hardest challenge behind trying to balance life as an entrepreneur and a mother, why she and Amber are committed to not filling their feeds with sexy photos to increase their business, and how they have combatted the nay-sayers by staying true to their mission to inspire each person who is apart of the High Fitness community to live their best life.

Show Notes

Emily's Instagram, and Amber's (her co-founder) Instagram

High Fitness Instagram, Facebook, and website

Last week's episode with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife

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Monica's Facebook and Instagram

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Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

"Many of us resist developing ourselves into our own unique expressions of Godliness, of humanity, because we fear the exposure, and the risk, and the potential invalidation that comes through doing that . . . If that is the only paradigm we operate in, we limit our ability to really develop into beings capable of offering goodness in the world, and creating a better world through our own capacity."

What is "goodness?" How do we develop it when faced with real and imagined pressures?

Today, Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife answers these questions by fleshing out the term "goodness" that often comes up in her teachings. Jennifer teaches us how to discover what it is we truly want and feel we "should" do with our lives and then how to better own our choices, especially when we are often only faced with difficult ones.

Jennifer also offers how to live up to the core desires we have, more fully cultivate our gifts, and how to in turn better tolerate the internal and external push-back we might experience as we develop true goodness within ourselves and our lives.

Like her past episode on About Progress, this interview is one worth listening to several times to fully glean Jennifer's wisdom. There are many ways to apply this discussion to parenthood, marriage, "control freaks," "victims," and those who live their lives based on others' approval.

More on Jennifer:

Jennifer Finlayson-Fife grew up in Burlington, Vermont as one of eight children. She studied Psychology and Women's Studies at Brigham Young University, and went on to receive her Masters and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Boston College. She has a private practice in Chicago, IL where she works primarily with LDS couples on relational and sexual issues. She is a frequent guest on LDS-themed podcasts, and has written articles for LDS-themed magazines and blogs on the subjects of sexuality and modesty as well as mental health and faith. She is married to John Finlayson-Fife and has three wonderful children.

Show Notes:

Jennifer's website and upcoming workshops

Video she recommended, "How to know you life's purpose in 5 minutes"

Jennifer's past interview on perfectionism

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Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

More Podcast episodes from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

We all know the amazing benefits of exercise: mental acuity, emotional release, increased strength, more consistent metabolism, confidence, and on and on.

But we don't often talk about the effects of abusing exercise, a trap we can all so subtly fall into. This can happen through both over- and under-use, although much of this episode it devoted to abuse through too much (or too intense, too often) exercising.

Alongside my two expert guests--Meg Miles and Rachel Gainer--we discuss it all. How fitness is a powerful tool for good and so essential to our well-being; but also how abusing it can negatively alter our lives and become all-consuming. Learn through our discussion how to properly make exercise an important part of your life without letting it control you.

In this episode, there is a wealth of science, personal stories, and loads of take-aways. Our goal? To empower the listeners to view their bodies--and fitness--with love and "healthy enthusiasm."

Show Notes:

Meg Miles's website, blog, and Instagram

Past podcast interview with Meg

Rachel Gainer's website and Instagram

Past podcast interview with Rachel

Articles on effects of overexercising on metabolism: here and here

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Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

More Podcast episodes from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

"The preparation will meet your opportunity, and that is when you can have success. So, you need to work really hard and be ready for when you get that chance, because you never know when it’s going to come."

Camille Andros is a woman of many interests including science, writing, and children (she has 6 of her own). For many years, she found herself focusing on one thing and then the other, all of which she loved and found fulfilling. But eventually, she found herself combining her passions into writing children's literature. She wants children to believe that they are smart and they can love science too, and her stories inspire just that and then some!

Camille talks about her path towards getting published, how she believes in "a time and a season," the great importance for everyone to have hobbies and dreams, and the remarkable path her life has taken, one small step at a time! Oh, and you'll love Camille's view of how rejection can be a good sign that you're on the right path and how she has learned that slowing down actually helps her work.

Show Notes:

Camille's website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and BOOK!

SURVEY!

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

More Podcast episodes from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

Charlotte The Scientist Is Squished

“It starts with who you are. Then what you do comes so naturally, and so beautifully, that that is respected because you were who you are first.”

There is a reason Jeni Awerkamp's mom called her "Jeni Joy" growing up. This woman radiates light and positivity! Jeni makes this choice every day, and the biggest key to her finding that joy is to focus on who she IS first, not her "successes."

This is a lesson Jeni learned after selling her interest in her rising business and instead focusing on motherhood. She has a strong entrepreneurial spirit whose mind is always thinking about the next thing and a big thirst for creating; but she discovered that for her, she needed to invest her self-worth in who she was at the core and to not place her esteem on things, people, or achievements.

Jeni also shares the importance of filling our buckets, how she creates and pursues goals, and how much happier she has been once she's chosen to let her hair down and embrace the "yellow" side of her personality.

If you like the show, please subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!!

Show Notes:

Jeni's blog (it's fantastic!) and Instagram

Monica's INTERVIEW with Briana from The LifeBeats Project (she's amazing!)

SURVEY!

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

More Podcast episodes from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

“It’s too easy to give in to the thought that ‘Well, this terrible thing happened to me . . .’ But at the end of the day, you write your own story . . . Your life is what YOU create. And I wanted to create something awesome.”

Cara Baldwin had been a lifelong "overachiever." But at 30 years old, she found herself moving back in with her parents, filing for divorce with four very young children (the youngest being 6 weeks old), and wondering how she could face the humiliation of being this version of herself she never wanted to be.

Beginning with a solo two-and-a-half week camping adventure with all four kids (aka "The Magic Five"), Cara picked up the pieces of her family, plucked up her courage, asked for help, and attended law school so she could support her children.

Cara credits her kids, her family, her friends, her community, her faith, and her grit in rebuilding her life and rediscovering the woman she once was: one who believed in herself.

Show Notes:

Monica's INTERVIEW with Briana from The LifeBeats Project (she's amazing!)

Last week's episode

SURVEY!

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts."

~Winston Churchill

We have all been there: you bust your behind trying to reach a goal, you have high hopes, but then you get dismal-at-best results.

It's hard to not take it personally.

I've been there recently and I found myself really questioning why I've been spending all this time doing something that is meeting seemingly lackluster fruit. But then I reminded myself, "Sometimes you don't make the cut." That's life.

Every person who has ever amounted to anything, whether it's in the walls of their own homes or in grand corporations, have faced failures big and small. They have faced those moments where they wonder why the heck they're doing what they're doing and evaluate if it's worth the time, sweat, and tears.

For me, I've decided to tailor back in some areas (the limited writing on my blog will now be non-existent for a time) and to redefine what "success" looks like for me.

In today's podcast, I talk about admirable figures in our times who have didn't make the cut, what they did to overcome it, and what we can individually do when we face similar times.

Show Notes:

Articles referenced: Here and Here

Stephanie's Website, Instagram, and Facebook

Podcast Episode with Mark Lukach

Monica's interview for the Extraordinary Moms Podcast

SURVEY!!!!

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

“We didn’t recognize each other, or ourselves. How do you reconcile this? How do you go and redefine how we work together if who we are has taken some pretty fundamental changes?”

Mark and Giulia fell in love at 18 years old and launched into what looked like would be a lifetime of happiness. Unexpectedly, three years into their marriage, their fairy tale fell apart as Giulia encountered struggles with her mental health that neither of them fully understood or knew how to deal with.

But this isn't just a story about mental illness; it's a story about how a family chose to navigate a crisis and rebuild their lives based on love, not tragedy.

Mark talks about what led to Giulia's first bout with psychosis and her eventual diagnosis with bipolar disorder. He shares how as a result they switched roles within their relationship, what it was like for Mark to battle his own depression just as Giulia started to get better, and how they learned to anchor into their new lives both together and individually.

Both Mark and Giulia hope their son learns from their choice to focus on on love over fear and that life is beautiful, especially when they hold on to each other.

About Mark: Mark Lukach is a teacher and freelance writer. He is the author of a memoir My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward. His work has been published in the New York Times, the Atlantic, Pacific Standard, Wired, and other publications. He is currently the Ninth Grade Dean at The Athenian School, where he also teaches history. He lives with his wife, Giulia, and their son in the San Francisco Bay area.

Show Notes:

Mark's website, Instagram, and where to find his book

Monica's interview for the Extraordinary Moms Podcast

SURVEY!!!!

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

“Depression loves darkness . . . the only way to fight depression is to bring it into the light.”

I'm sure you read that article "Marriage Isn't For You" that circulated the internet a few years ago. How am I so sure? Because everyone read it, as in 100 million strong all over the world.

Seth Adam Smith is the author of that article, as well as four popular books (including his latest work of fiction!). Seth talks about what it was like to have a VIRAL article and the three years-long mind trip it sent him on as he tried to live up to the internal and external pressure to keep writing pieces to resonate with millions.

Seth is much more than "the marriage guy" his article pegged him to be. He's been writing for as long as he can remember. One of the common themes he writes about is depression, and he's been doing that long before it was the cool thing to do.

Seth has struggled with chronic depression since he was in third grade, and at his lowest low as a 20 year old, he attempted to commit suicide. What has risen from his broken soul is completely transformative. Seth has shifted his intense struggles to instead act as a force for good--or a "light in the wilderness," as he calls it--one that he holds high and proud, calling others to learn that life is worth living, and it is worth living well.

You won't want to miss what Seth says about how we all should want to be "broken," and how he blew my mind with his thoughts on perfectionism. Please share this episode with anyone who you think can benefit. (Hint: it's all of us!)

Show Notes:

Seth's Website, Blog, Instagram, and YouTube Channel

Seth's books: Here, Here, Here, and Here.

Monica's interview for the Extraordinary Moms Podcast

SURVEY!!!!

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

More Podcasts from About Progress

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

You, Unstuck: You Are the Solution to Your Greatest Problem

Your Life Isn't for You: A Selfish Person's Guide to Being Selfless

Rip Van Winkle and the Pumpkin Lantern

Marriage Isn't for You: It's for the One You Love

"God didn’t take it away, but I have felt so many times that he has sent living angels to help me through, time and time again."

Lauren Agostinelli-Gessel has been through more in her young life than most do in an entire lifetime. One week after getting married, she moved to Italy for months to receive a stem cell transplant and five rounds of chemotherapy. This was a drastic measure to help with her vicious form of Multiple Sclerosis.

Lauren shares what led up to her diagnosis at 27 years old as a single mother of a two year old, how her fear of dying led to a marriage that wasn't right, what it was like divorcing with a little baby and a little boy while battling a debilitating disease, and how she found love again and married shortly before embarking on her intensive treatment in a foreign country.

M.S. is different for everyone. Lauren talks openly about the physical side effects of her disease and how the hardest effects have been the mental and emotional. And yet, Lauren looks for the blessings in spite of the very hard challenges life has dealt with her; she most often finds these blessings in those around her, her earthly angels.

You will not only learn so much, including how being dealt with hard life changes doesn't have to be the end of a happy life--you can look for the good and fight for your happiness.

Show Notes:

Lauren's email: MSIsNotTheEnd {at} gmail {dot} com

Lauren's blog, Instagram, and YouTube videos on her: here, here, here, and here

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

More Podcasts from About Progress

"There are things you can do to rewire your brain. It’s not going to be fun, it’s not going to be easy. But can you choose to do them? Yes. And will they make your life better even in the midst of depression? Absolutely."

Andy is a "happiness nerd" who loves to share what he's studied and put into practice. His specialty is positive psychology, which researches the science of happy people and ways we can apply what they do and how they think.

In the first half of our interview, Andy shares some of his favorite things he's learned about positive psychology and ways we can apply these lessons in our own lives. In the second half, Andy shares how his research has impacted his personal life through very difficult times where he needed all the tools he could get; those times included: divorce, remarriage, his wife's traumatic bouts with mental illness, and the following unraveling of the foundations of their lives, including the development of a Andy's panic disorder.

Andy is a relatable friend and teacher, and he inspires hope for all those who will hear him out, that we are all capable of more happiness in our lives, even in the midst of inner turmoil.

Show Notes:

Andy's Website (where you can learn more about his classes and read his fantastic blog)

Andy's Instagram

Andy's Youtube channel

Andy's book

Referenced theories and books (some affiliate links):

Broaden and Build Theory

Flourish

Learned Optimism

Social

Meditation site

When Panic Attacks

Via Strengths Survey

The How of Happiness

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

More Podcasts from About Progress

When Panic Attacks: The New, Drug-Free Anxiety Therapy That Can Change Your Life

The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want

Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect

Live Your Mission: 21 Powerful Principles to Discover your Life Mission After Your Mission (Live My Gospel Book 1)

Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being

Learned Optimism

"If you bring forth what is within you, what is within you will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you." ~Gospel of Thomas

I heard this quote a few weekends ago from Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife's workshop I attended. I had already been working on this podcast and it gave me the lightbulb moment that I so love. (Sidenote: each special podcast that I create, inspiration for that very theme is suddenly all around me. It's pretty nuts!)

If you deny what is within you--your hopes, your dreams, your gifts, your capabilities, even your self-love--you're going to lose yourself. Ain't that the truth?

For me, in order to find those things and dare to reach for them, I've had to use the mantra, "Fake It 'Till You Make It."

"Something I’ve really internalized is that it’s never to late to create the kind of life that you want, or to uncreate the life you’re not cool with . . . It’s never too late to enjoy your life, it’s never to late to feel like you have more control over something, even if it’s just as simple as changing the way you think about it."

By the age of 19, Celeste had already abandoned her modeling career and experienced the ending her first marriage. After these low-lows, Celeste decided that instead of wallowing in her sorrows, she wanted to pick up her life, own her struggles, and move onward and upward. And she did just that.

Celeste shares how owning her struggles helped her find the strength to forgive her ex AND herself through grace, and move forward to finding a new man who helped her learn to trust again. This strength also pushed her through the hard times her life still brought, including her husband's battles with mental health and her own fight with postpartum depression.

Celeste's surprise cure to her depression? She joined a beauty pageant. (No one was more shocked about this move than herself!) You'll love hearing about how the pageant helped her regain her confidence, changed the way she viewed herself, and formed lifelong friendships, but it also taught her the great importance of finding something that was just for her and that provided that self-care she learned was necessary to being the woman she wants to be.

You'll also love to hear how Celeste found natural childbirth helped empower her, what helped her get through two back-to-back miscarriages, what she does for self-care, and the power of good girlfriends.

Show Notes:

Celeste's Instagram

Podcast Episode with Matt Davis (Celeste's husband)

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica

Do Something Highlight: Shan'tel's Article and Blog

More on Do Something

Past Podcast mentioned with Matt Davis

More Podcasts

“Realizing that I am in control of the life I want to live, really allowed me to be the happiest I can be because I’m doing the things that I truly LOVE in life.”

Jessica Dahlquist is the brains behind the Extraordinary Moms Podcast (which I can't recommend enough), but this is her first time being on the other side of the interview. She does not disappoint!

Jessica talks about how her own transition to motherhood manifested an internal voice she didn't like, one riddled with anxiety and self-criticism. With a lot of work, she learned the power of altering her expectations on herself and letting go of what others think. Once she shifted the internal narrative behind her work as a mother and beyond, it changed everything and led to a greater happiness.

Whether or not you are a parent, Jessica teaches that once you've shifted your mentality to "I should . . ." to "I choose . . . " your life might look the same, but it will feel completely different.

If you like the show, please subscribe!!

Show Notes:

Jessica's Podcast, Facebook, and Instagram

Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica

Do Something Highlight: Shan'tel's Article and Blog

More on Do Something

Past Podcast mentioned with Matt Davis

More Podcasts

Kayti Oldham is your best gal who always manages to bring the fun, willingly shares all her makeup knowledge, and makes you feel like a million bucks.

But Kayti's gifts don't start and end with her makeup artistry. In today's podcast, we learn more about her past with the performing arts, how she learned from a young age to follow her passions, and how putting on red lipstick not only helped her through terrible post part depression, but inspired her passion for make up that led her to mission today.

And that mission? To inspire women to love the face, body, soul they were gifted, encapsulated in Kayti's urging, "Be YOU!"

Kayti shares all this, and more including how her opinion can't be bought, what she has learned from her struggles with acne, how coming from a broken home inspired the tradition of laughter in her own, and so much more.

Show Notes:

Kayti's Blog, Consultations, and Instagram

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica

Lisa's Podcast Episode

More Podcasts

More on Do Something

How do you want your loved ones to remember you? Your face illuminated by the light of a screen?

Of course not. None of us do.

But we are ALL guilty of letting our devices distract us from what is most important. If you've struggled from time to time with balancing your technology use, if you often feel sad, jealous, lonely, or apathetic, and if your devices are acting more as a task master than a tool, then it's time to refocus.

In today's podcast, two guests (Kim Christenson and Jamie Cook) and I share how to recognize when your technology use is out of control, and how to turn it back into a tool for good.

Show Notes:

Kim Christenson's referenced blogpost and Instagram

Jamie Cook's Instagram

Meg Mile's Instagram and past About Progress Podcast interview

Irresistible Podcast on Fresh Air

Irresistible Book

Simon Sinek's interview on Millennial and Internet Addiction

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica

More Podcasts

Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked

“I think that it’s so important to make that effort to try and not to worry so much about the result . . . The real satisfaction comes in the effort, not the outcome.”

You know my "Do Something" campaign, where I encourage people to try things that scare them? That is Amy Nash's entire life story.

This woman has done so many incredible things that required courage and testing her limits: she has traveled around the world (including with kids!), graduated from law school, worked at a big firm, learned photography, and started a blog that will make you drool.

She's also had to deal with five failed adoptions among other though times that taught her to rely on her connections--family and friends--and power through with her optimism in tact.

Amy's sense of adventure has acted as the foundation for her life--and the foundation of her family--while her go-getter attitude has been coupled with a conscientious choice that what matters more than the destination is the path that got you there.

Show Notes:

Amy's blog, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest

Monica's Facebook and Instagram

Contact Monica

More Podcasts

More on Do Something

“When new clients come in, my job is to see them and to let them know, 'You are seen. I recognize that you have a name. I see that you are hungry, and I will feed you. I see that your clothes are dirty and you are essentially naked, and my job is to clothe you. I see that you are heartbroken . . . and my job is to be present with you. My job is to hear your story and hold your hand.'”

My friend Juliana is a softy, but she has a really hard job: she works with the homeless.

Juliana has always been drawn to helping the underserved and the underprivileged: from the elderly, to refugees, to battered women, to the clients she now serves who don't have a home to call their own. With any one who is suffering and in need of help, Juliana teaches us that the most important thing is to be present with them, to connect with them on a human level. She also teaches what she learned from personal experience, that as we help other we actually help ourselves.

Juliana shares what brought her to social services, how she resisted her call to this work, what are some common misconceptions of the homeless population, and what she does to empower her clients and herself so she can better serve them. She also talks about how service helped her through a profound loss in her family, and how it has changed her.

You'll also love to hear how Juliana thinks discomfort is a good thing, how we need to celebrate the good news just as much as the bad, and how the sassy side to her personality has served her well and complimented her softy side.

Show Notes:

Monica's Facebook and Instagram profiles

Contact Monica

More Podcasts

More on Do Something

"I had to find a new way. And I had to stop believing that I could do it all by myself, that I could get through everything on my own."

Rachel Gainer was a lifelong perfectionist, until her world fell apart. She struggled through infertility, she let "getting healthy" go too far, she was overworked and not taking care of herself, and then she and her husband suffered two devastating losses in a row: a failed adoption and then the death of their baby girl. After adopting three more children, Rachel decided she needed to rebuild her life, and for her that meant surrendering control, getting rid of shame, and learning to love herself.

Rachel shares about how harshly she viewed herself for so many years, what her true motives were behind striving to be perfect, what she learned from the lowest lows a parent can experience, how her daughter's death pushed her to rethink the way she viewed herself and her body, and how it's taken her six years of hard work to begin to see herself becoming the woman she wanted to be.

You'll love what lessons this woman has to share with you, and her great bravery in her willingness to share her struggles and her weaknesses.

Show Notes:

Rachel's website and Instagram

Monica's Facebook and Instagram profiles

Contact Monica

More Podcasts

More on Do Something

Do Something Highlight: Kelly Andrew's blogpost

The past year, I feel as though I have gone through a metamorphosis. The underlying factor? Goals!

I've been an OCD planner and extremely goal-oriented; and I've also gone years without making them. Fear drove both of those phases for me. I've learned better how to use goals without them using me.

In today's podcast, I speak about the power of goals, some stories of progress with my goals this year, and THREE TIPS on how to make your goals work for YOU, rather than the other way around.

This is an informal podcast, and you even get lots of sound effects from my 20 month old who was munching way on crackers, drawing (loudly, somehow), and playing with trains. I hope you enjoy it!

Show Notes

More on Do Something

Monica's Live List for 2017 and 30 Before 30

Monica's posts on swimming: here and here

Monica's other posts on goals: here, here, here, and here

The planner referenced

Podcast with Heather Fujikawa, mentioned

Podcast with Meg Miles, mentioned

Another goal-centered podcast with Jaimee Davis

More Podcasts

Monica's Facebook and Instagram profiles

Contact Monica

"This isn't something you chose. This is a disease your body has."

Kyle is a physician in Utah who is very open about his long history with anxiety and depression. These bouts started as a teen and came and went with intensity throughout his 14 year marriage to Becki, who has also dealt with circumstantial depression while they were in the stressful years of medical school.

Kyle speaks from both a doctor and patient's point of view, having the physiological know-how about what is happening with the brain when someone is under the grasps of depression/anxiety; but he also has intimate knowledge with what it feels like to be on the other side of the stethoscope. He does his best to empower both his patients who struggle with mental illness, but also with his fellow physicians, who carry even greater stigmas as a result of them trying to live up to their "superman" role.

Kyle and Becki both share how depression/anxiety can be so interwoven with guilt, shame, and perfectionism. Becki declares herself as a "non-perfectionist," so she lends a unique voice to this discussion for those like her, as loved ones who struggle to better support their partners in the trenches with mental illness. Becki especially highlights the importance of the supporter not getting sucked in so much that they can no longer care for themselves, in addition to their loved one.

This wonderful couple talks about how they dealt with their bouts both separately (which was wise, at times), together, and how they are in turn helping others. Kyle shares some of the important science behind mental illness, the importance of coupling both medication and cognitive therapy, and how depression/anxiety can display itself physiologically, or emotionally with feelings of sadness, anxiousness, or even anger. Oh, and you'll want to hear what Becki and Kyle's biggest tip is for couples.

Show Notes

Kyle's website and Twitter account

Kyle's article that he talked about

Monica's Instagram, Facebook, and Contact page

More on "Do Something" here and here (includes a short podcast episode that explains the series)

More episodes from the podcast

Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife's website if you're still considering her courses! (And her interview)

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

"Consider yourself a failure, and consider yourself in very good company [of people] who have done the same. But the difference between them and everyone else is that they learned from that failure and kept on going, one foot in front of the other."

Matt calls himself a "regular guy," but I'm telling you he is anything but. What makes him this way for me is his resilience and his refusal to play victim to the long fight he has had with anxiety and depression, as well as the huge trials he and his family have faced.

Matt talks about how for him anxiety started in high school and robbed him of important experiences and even friendships. For a long time, he feared that he would have to live life only minimally, just to get by. Six months after his depression and anxiety forced an early return from his LDS mission, Matt's father took his own life after suffering in silence with the same issues as Matt. This devastating time shifted Matt's mindset about how to deal with mental illness, namely by using the power of speaking up about what we are going through instead allowing stigmas to rule our lives. Matt eventually returned and completed his mission, and he used that experience as a touchstone that he could do more than live minimally, even with his "dragons" to slay.

Now as a successful business and family man, Matt still finds ways to speak up and help others who are going through similar issues. He carries an incredible perspective about doing what is right for him and his family, and he's not afraid to direct his choices accordingly (including within his career). He speaks about how fear of failure drives so much of what we do and how to instead turn that to your benefit, how we can make our "dragons" our friends, how he has learned to be happy even when he is sad, what he did to better focus on his priorities of family over work, and much much more.

I think everyone and their dog should listen to this interview. It's that good.

Within the next few months, Matt is going to launching Steelyard Academy with two other men, focusing on teaching primarily men how to have a balanced life. I will let you know when they have that up and running--I'll be following along, too!

Show Notes

Get in touch with Matt: steelyardacademy @ gmail . com (make sure you remove the spaces)

As soon as Matt's podcast is ready to go, you'll be the first to know!

Monica's Instagram, Facebook, and Contact page

More on "Do Something" here and here (includes a short podcast episode that explains the series)

More episodes from the podcast

Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife's website if you're still considering her courses! (And her interview)

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

Have you ever wondered what it is really like to be a successful fashion blogger? Meet Sarah Tripp.

Sarah, from Sassy Red Lipstick, does her job so well that she makes it look easy. But it absolutely isn't. Sarah has the right mix of dreaming big and working hard. Fashion is a huge form of her self-expression and has been a life-long passion. But another important passion for Sarah is her desire to help women learn how to love their bodies, just as they are.

In this podcast, we go into what a typical day looks life for Sarah, how she remains true to herself while incorporating sponsorship, what it means to have authentic connections with her followers, how she dares to be honest about the hard parts of her industry, what her husband's love and influence has meant for her, how she battles the daily pressure to be perfect, and how she overcame her own dissatisfaction with her body and now embraces a celebratory self-acceptance that keeps her centered.

Show Notes

Sarah's blog and Instagram

Sarah's mentioned posts: Honor Your Curves, The In-Betweeners, Exposing Blogger Politics, and her whole tab on Body Positivity

Monica's Instagram, Facebook, and Contact page

More on "Do Something" here and here (includes a short podcast episode that explains the series)

More episodes from the podcast

Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife's website if you're still considering her courses! (And her interview)

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

“The more you spend time with people and are able to communicate with them what you are feeling . . . the more logic and reason come back into your life.”

Meet your new best friend, Anne Cropper. Anne is one of those people who takes you in, makes you laugh, makes you cry, and can give you some good fashion, food, and house tips on the side. She is a resounding writer and Instagrammer whose main goal is connection.

Anne learned the power of connection as she faced a difficult adjustment to motherhood followed by the stresses of raising five very different children, as well as her struggles with both antepartum and postpartum depression. She learned that letting people in is essential in overpowering the shame that fuels mental illness. By being open, Anne seeks to help other women know that they are not alone in their struggles, even if it's the struggle of taking your kids to McDonald's for the second time that week.

Anne also shares how she is the "Jane of all trades, master of none," how she views social media, why it's important to post both the bad and the beautiful, how she and her husband have had rounds of role reversals while their family business takes off, and what she has learned to let go of.

PSST: You do not want to miss out on the special deal Anne is offering our readers on their compression tights and recovery braces. (See notes below!)

Show Notes

Anne's blog and Instagram

Her family's company, Bio Skin (USE PROGRESS20 FOR 20% OFF!)

Monica's Instagram, Facebook, and Contact page

More on "Do Something" here and here (includes a short podcast episode that explains the series)

More episodes from the podcast, including the one I mentioned with Lisa

Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife's website if you're still considering her courses! (And her interview)

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

"I love to be enjoying any situation that I'm in. Obviously that's not always easy . . . but I think if you're having fun in what you're doing, it's way better than being miserable."

Kaycee Sogard is so refreshing. Yes, she's a beloved blogger and Instagrammer; but in SO many ways, Kaycee breaks the mold. For one, she is frank, silly, and genuine. For another, she is very grounded in what matters most to her, and she holds strong to her own priorities and refuses to give in to the pressures of keeping up with the Instagram Joneses.

Kaycee's ability to rise above came in large part to her lifelong passion with softball. Not only did sports instill an incredible amount of work ethic and other valuable life skills, but Kaycee faced some difficult choices early on in her collegiate career where she was surrounded by incredible pressure. Her decision to push back and do what was right for her enabled her to grow more fully into who she wanted to become, and also centered her when she could have easily succumbed to a lot of disappointment.

In this podcast, Kaycee talks about all of that, plus her purposes behind her blog and Instagram, her experiences with anxiety, how she's faced postpartum depression, how she's both "OCD" and "super laid back," her next exciting project, and her hilarious response on what goal-making looks like for her and what she's terrified of.

Show Notes:

Kaycee's blog, Instagram, and Facebook

Monica's Instagram, Facebook, and Contact page

More on "Do Something" here and here (includes a short podcast episode that explains the series)

More episodes from the podcast, including Heather Fujikawa's interview

Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife's special deal on her courses is still going on! (And her interview)

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

"Don't waste time feeling inadequate . . . "

Katharine and I have been friends for 18 years. (Side note: Whoa. What scares me most about that fact is that we were 12 years old when we first chatted in band class. I swear I was just 12!)

After high school, Katharine left our small town of Farmington, UT and headed to the east coast to study music, theology, and art history. She attended a small private liberal arts college in Boston followed by Yale Divinity School.

Yes, that Yale.

Obviously, Katharine is a real smarty. But even she dealt with "imposter syndrome" in these high stress, achievement-oriented environments. For one, Katharine was not tailored for ivy league schools since birth like so many of her colleagues. Also, on top of struggling like she didn't measure up to both her external and internal standards, Katharine faced huge obstacles within her family, including a major spinal cord injury of her only sibling.

Despite that, Katharine chose to shift her perspective on these really difficult times, and instead embraced them as something that would make her more resilient BECAUSE of what she was facing. Katharine found her own way! Now, she is in a career that melds all her interests together in a beautiful whole, one that is "Katharine" instead of what her external pressures told her she "should" be doing.

Oh, and you won't want to miss what Katharine shares about how perfectionism for her is interwoven with her people-pleasing nature, as well her antidote to combat it. (I love what she said SO, SO much about that! You classic "underachievers" or "procrastinators" will especially benefit.)

Show Notes

Katharine's Instagram

Photographer for Katharine's photo: Jess Smolinski, Yale University Art Gallery

Monica's Instagram, Facebook, and Contact page

More on "Do Something" here and here (includes a short podcast episode that explains the series)

More episodes from the podcast

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

“I don’t think that we should be stagnant and not ever want to change ourselves. It doesn’t have to do with not loving ourselves, it has to do with just wanting to be better.”

Amber Brueseke's arms speak for themselves, but just a quick glance of her Instagram page--Biceps After Babies--will tell you that this woman knows what she's talking about.

Amber is all about goals and helping others achieve theirs. But that doesn't mean that she shies away from failure. In fact, Amber recognizes failure as essential to really learning what life has to offer.

Listen in to hear how Amber got into fitness and what inspired her fitness account, what she hopes people gain from following her, her views on goal-making, how she can be passionate without being obsessive, and what big lessons she gleaned after a near-drowning of one of her children.

If you like the show, please subscribe!!

Show Notes:

Amber's Instagram

Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife's interview and COURSES

Monica's Instagram, Facebook, and Contact page

More on "Do Something" here and here (includes a short podcast episode that explains the series)

More episodes from the podcast

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

Many of you will know today's guest--Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife--as "the Mormon sex therapist."

Yes, she is indeed an incredible therapist who deals primarily with relational and sexual issues. But, as Jennifer says, her therapy focuses mostly on "just being human, and the challenges related to being human."

Turns out, one of the largest developmental hurdles her clients often face is perfectionism.

Jennifer unveils what is really going on behind perfectionism, how it's an immature behavior common to the human condition, beginning with a lack of development. She talks about the flawed thinking behind perfectionism, what perfectionists are seeking, as well as the damaging effects of perfectionism on people's lives and their relationships.

Many listeners will be shocked to see a lot of what Jennifer talks about in themselves, including those who would label themselves as "underachievers."

But there is hope! Jennifer also shares what someone can do to combat this flawed thinking and behavior in their own life, and how they can develop a better capacity to refine who they are with integrity and grow more fully into the person they'd like to become.

More on Jennifer:

Jennifer Finlayson-Fife grew up in Burlington, Vermont as one of eight children. She studied Psychology and Women's Studies at Brigham Young University, and went on to receive her Masters and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Boston College. She has a private practice in Chicago, IL where she works primarily with LDS couples on relational and sexual issues. She is a frequent guest on LDS-themed podcasts, and has written articles for LDS-themed magazines and blogs on the subjects of sexuality and modesty as well as mental health and faith. She is married to John Finlayson-Fife and has three wonderful children.

Show Notes

Jennifer's website, Facebook, and COURSES

Monica's Instagram, Facebook, and more podcast episodes

CONTACT MONICA

More on "Do Something" here and here (includes a podcast episode that explains this series)

IRONMAN podcast episode, referenced in the show

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

"I believe we really are a global family . . . We all matter."

Jamie is an adventurer. You might already know this if you follow her adventures via her Instagram, blog, and her segment on Studio 5, a popular Utah talk show.

But Jamie is also a collector of friendships. She values people. She seeks connection with others wherever she lives, wherever she travels. And it really shows!

In this podcast, Jamie shares about her love of travel, how her family's foundation is centered on getting out of the house and interacting with others, and how making friends with refugees has influenced her life.

Jame also talks about what it was like to put her broadcasting career on hold to raise her four children, and what it has been like to get back in the field. Finally, you'll hear what Jamie does to stay balanced and organized--and I think you'll love her atypical answer!

Show Notes:

Show Notes:

Jamie's blog, Instagram, and family blog

Monica's contact page, Instagram, and Facebook

More Information on "Do Something"

Other Podcast episodes you can listen to

Song credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

Katie Cheesman loves old people and clouds.

That's at least how she introduces herself! (Don't you love her already?) Katie is also a mother, nurse, photographer and videographer. She paired her talents and interests together into the perfect creation, The Listening Ear Project, where she shares her WONDERFUL interviews with the elderly, whom she calls her "closest friends."

The Listening Ear Project is full of interviewees you touch and inspire you--most definitely--but also people who make you laugh and teach you to better appreciate the fun in life.

In this podcast, I speak with Katie about what led her to start this project, how as a nurse she learned the power of listening to help heal her patients, and why being friends with the elderly and sharing their stories is her passion. We also speak about how hard it can be to establish an audience on social media that is centered around appreciating old people, but why Katie thinks all the time, energy, and money she invests in this project is well worth it and has truly changed her life.

Katie is lovely, funny, and open. She is equal parts creative and driven, and Katie also often deals with the negative effects of being too hard on herself. She shares how she tries to combat that pressure to be perfect. Katie will inspire you to take a moment to listen to others, and recognize the special need to better see and appreciate the elderly people in your life.

If you liked this episode, please subscribe and leave a review!

Show Notes

The Listening Ear Project website and Instagram

Katie's Instagram and Blog

Monica's Instagram, Facebook, and contact page

Past podcast episodes mentioned: Meg Miles; Aubrey Greenan

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

Have you ever met a teenager who you felt sure would change the world?

Lucy Siale is that teen to me.

Lucy might be just 16 years old, but she has the wisdom and power of someone much, much older. Lucy is a poet, writer, activist, singer, among other things, and above all she is a champion of acceptance of others. But for many dark years, Lucy could not accept herself.

When you see Lucy's social media feed, she is powerful, real, and unapologetic. When you see her in real life, she is all that but also warm, inviting, open, and kind. Lucy is both of these, and she is this way for a reason.

In this podcast, Lucy shares her hard life experiences that created a young teen full of self-hatred and doubt, and one ridden by an obsessive drive of perfectionism. She describes the terrible lows she one through as a result, as well as the turning points toward her reclaiming her life.

Lucy's fight for activism is her way of reclaiming the things life took away from her; it's her way of reclaiming that for others.

(PS: you've got to stick around to hear her life-changing poem at the end.)

Show Notes:

Lucy's Instagram

My "Do Something" podcast episode

More information on "Do Something"

My Instagram and Facebook--contact me and share what you are up to while listening, or what your "Do Something" is and how it is going!

Did you like this podcast? SUBSCRIBE and listen to more podcasts here.

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

"The thing that hurt me the most . . . was all the time I had wasted preoccupied with food, and not being present."

Eating disorders are really tricky to talk about. Not only are they shame-driven and shrouded in secrecy, but the depth and significance of an eating disorder's roots is difficult to convey in a way that people truly understand what a lasting effect it has on a person's life.

Danielle Hansen does the impossible, though.

In today's podcast, Danielle bravely untangles some of what fed her need to obsessively control her eating, exercise, and body, and how perfectionism and its related need to worry about other people's opinions of her fueled her disease.

Danielle tried to work on her recovery while simultaneously battling infertility, but it wasn't until the birth of her firstborn and hitting her lowest low that Danielle felt determined to take back her life. She says, "I just remember being so mad, because I had this beautiful baby, I was in heaven; and the ugliest thing--my eating disorder--was tainting that for me."

Now three years into facing her struggles with disordered eating and infertility head-on, Danielle speaks on what made the difference in her recovery, how she has grown, and what life can be like on the other side.

Show Notes:

Danielle's blog and Instagram

My "Do Something" podcast episode

More information on "Do Something"

My Instagram and Facebook--contact me and share what you are up to while listening, or what your "Do Something" is and how it is going!

Did you like this podcast? SUBSCRIBE and listen to more podcasts here.

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

9 months ago, I tried to start a movement. Annnnnnnd, it failed. I'm not giving up on it yet! In today's mini-episode, I share more behind why I started this series entitled, "Do Something," how it relates to pushing against our fears, my plan to revive it, and how you can participate.

You can share your "Do Something" with me by emailing me here, or tagging me on social media with #aboutprogresspodcast. I want to highlight YOU and the big and small ways you are challenging yourself. So please let me know about them!

More podcasts.

My blog.

Me on Instagram.

Me on Facebook.

Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

I'd be hard-pressed to find any one else who is more knowledgeable on all things self-improvement and human development related. Lisa has a wealth of knowledge on these topics in great part because of her lifelong insatiable drive to learn and improve herself; but it also arose from the huge struggles she faced after the birth of her first son. Lisa found herself immediately facing extreme postpartum anxiety; anxiety fueled by perfectionism Lisa didn't fully realize was in control; anxiety so intense that she couldn't sleep or eat, take care of herself or, most devastatingly, take care of her baby. Lisa describes the low points of being the opposite of her usual self, how she made recovery her top priority, and the growth she has built the past five years as she has run towards her fears instead of away from them.

Lisa is in a much better place now, is still passionate about self-improvement, but also has great wisdom in how to do so without being obsessive and imbalanced. There are so many jewels in this interview, including Lisa's tips on how to set goals and manage them in a way that they are achievable in our day-to-day lives.

Please see the blog www.aboutprogress.com for more, including past podcast episodes in addition to Monica's (our host) own journey as a recovering perfectionist. You can also follow Monica at her handle @aboutprogress.

Music cred: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

May I be straight with you? Aubrey Greenan is a female unicorn.

She is gorgeous, obviously; she is mega talented as a professionally trained opera singer (and I'd add so many more talents to that list); she is incredibly bright, knowledgeable, and eloquent; and, the best part, Aubrey is one of the most sincerely kind and level-headed people I've ever known.

In the podcast today, Aubrey and I speak about her path to attending one of the most prestigious vocal programs in the country, her struggles with health and anxiety that humbled her, and how acknowledging her limits and what mattered most to her better empowered her to choose a path that looked very different from the one she easily could have pursued. In short, this woman chose family over fame.

I know Aubrey's interview will empower you to take stock of your own needs, your deepest goals in life, and to better place your heart in the work that matters most to you, instead of what the world tell you to.

See other podcasts and more on my website, www.aboutprogress.com, or my Instagram.

Song credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

If you haven't heard of Meg from MOMSTRONG, then let me introduce you to this rare jewel of a human being.

Meg is blessed with an abundance of gifts, from her knowledge of health, exercise, and nutrition (she is a pediatric nurse and a certified trainer, after all!), to her amazing food recipes, mom tips, and even her photography and interior design savvy. But Meg is unusual in that she works incredibly hard at all of these, and does so in an effort to light the lives of those around her, particularly women. She isn't in it for the glory; she is in it to spread the love.

I was first drawn to Meg's Instagram account and then her blog. She was the first "fitness" social media guru who actually made me feel inspired AND good about myself at the same time. That is no easy feat! Her workouts, food recommendations, and more are all geared to help women become stronger and healthier, sure; but even better, she wants each woman to accept herself for who she is, to remain balanced, and to not give in to society's dictates on what a well-rounded, healthy woman looks like. As Meg says, "healthy looks different for everyone."

Meg shares about some times in her life where she struggled greatly with the weaknesses of her perfectionism. During these times, she compared herself too much and too often to the girls around her and struggled with her self-confidence. Despite looking like she was on the top of her game from the outside, Meg felt everything but that on the inside. For a good while, Meg tried to stuff down the talents she possessed out of fear of not measuring up as well due to her experiences of getting made fun of by her peers for being good at something.

But as a young adult, she learned to shed those voices and strove to accept herself, work on her gifts, and then share them with the world in hopes to help other women discover and share their own talents as well. Meg also talks about how her work as a pediatric nurse has also inspired her balance-minded focus. Finally, Meg speaks more about what inspired her interview series, The MOMSTRONG Project and what she has learned from the remarkable women she has interviewed. Truly, this woman has a heart of gold and I can't wait for you to hear more!

Please see my blog for more about Meg and our show notes!

Song credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

Courtney Rich is so wise.

Sure, she is also a major success as a media consultant, blogger, cake queen, entrepreneur, and a mother, too! But I think on top of alllll the gifts that Courtney has to offer the world, her wisdom is the best.

What's extra inspiring about Courtney is that she is willing to share the lessons she has hard-earned with others. Courtney is wonderfully open about her struggles as an adult with battling depression and anxiety. People who don't personally know Courtney might be surprised with the struggles she talks about in this episode, as she is so warm and happy. But this go-getter is constantly staying optimistic, productive, and focused as a learned method to deal with the deep sadness that she has to routinely face.

What can you take from this interview?

You can learn from Courtney's passionate spirit. She pursues things--not without fear--but with a full heart. She is a go-getter to the core, despite having so many reasons not to be.

You can be encouraged. Courtney is a champion of others. She learned to compare herself to no one but Courtney, and because of that she doesn't compete with others' successes, but instead cheers them on.

You can be strengthened. Through her years of battling depression and anxiety, Courtney says she can look back and now tell herself, "You are stronger than you thought you were." Courtney's inner strength is driven by a healthy dose of self-acceptance, as she embraces these hard parts of her life and does what is within her power to prevent her bouts of depression and anxiety, but also better face them when they do arise.

You can borrow Courtney's tools she uses to battle these demons, some of which include plenty of daily routines, list-making, self-care, and pursuing passions that give her purpose and fulfillment. Oh, and learning how to say "no." And most importantly, the underlying motivation of her life to live in a way that inspires her own children to live happy, meaningful lives.

Finally, you can borrow the mantra Courtney left us with, "I am capable."

Please see www.aboutprogress.com for more!

Song credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

Let me tell you something about Jaimee: she is a total rockstar.

A few years ago, Jaimee was an amateur athlete who caught the running bug first, and then the triathlon bug. After completing a sprint triathlon, she set a goal to participate in the IRONMAN World Championships, held in Kona, Hawaii. Only the most elect of athletes are accepted: they have to win first place in their age group of another full IRONMAN competition. (Oh, and that entails a 2.4 mile swim, 100 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile run.) Jaimee decided this was something she could achieve in four years.

She did it in two.

This involved a tremendous amount of grit, sacrifice, dedication, and . . . self-doubt. When you decide to not only become an IRONMAN, but to win one, you also decide to make small goals to reach for every single day, in every swim, run, and bike ride. And the thing I love the most about Jaimee? She says that the majority of the time, she didn't reach her target goals. But she didn't let that stop her. She surrounded herself with people who believed in her, and didn't listen to the ones who tried to tell her otherwise.

Jaimee says she is not a perfectionist, which is something that most definitely separates her from her fellow Ironman competitors. In fact, she says her flexibility and the positive view she keeps of herself made up the very key to her success. If she had only been satisfied with perfection, then she would have quit a thousand times. Instead, Jaimee let her vision of herself achieving her goal drive her past those days where every workout didn't pan out as planned. Each step mattered to her, and each step--and misstep--drove her to that envisioned success as she crossed the finish line at the IRONMAN World Championships.

To see pictures and a video of Jaimee crossing the Kona finish line, please see www.aboutprogress.com

Kim Christenson is one of the most talented women I know: she is a passionate writer, journalist, novelist, "namer," actress, voice-over artist, yoga instructor, social media queen, and mother to three young children. She radiates such light and positivity! Kim carefully uses her time spent on the internet to build up others and encourage them to be brave, evident in her incredible interviews of women who are shooting for the stars in her Dream Big Series.

We talk about Kim's growing up years as one of many children in a blended family, and how she learned from a young age the great importance in finding passions to reach for that help you feel of value. Kim is a dreamer and she seems to fearlessly go after one thing to the next; but it might surprise you some of the hard lessons she had to learn, including her regret over letting perfectionism and the trap of comparison stagnate her pursuits.

Kim also speaks about some failures she has faced, as well as some tough choices she had to make about when to let go of one dream in order to make room for another. From her, we learn that there is wisdom in evaluating what you are capable of doing, but then daring to say no to many things so you can more fully say yes to the pursuits that are of the greatest value in your life.

Finally, Kim shares what it looks like to dream big, and it involves taking one little step at a time. (This is for all you paralyzed dreamers out there!)

You can find Kim at her wonderful, real, I'm-with-you blog, Talk Wordy to Me, and her Instagram account of the same name, here.

Song credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

I know I could not ask for a better person to be my first guest of my podcast. If you know Heather Fujikawa, then you love, love, love her. Pure and simple.

Everything Heather touches is made golden! Alongside her twin sister, Heidi, Heather is a successful entrepreneur, writer, and interior designer. With her built-in-business-partner, Heather created an incredible jewelry business (True Birds), published a beautiful children's book (Fairy Birds), and is now officially delving into her interior design business and online shop. Heather is always working on something, including herself! Right now, she is also working on adding twin brothers for her toddler son.

Heather is loving, genuine, joyful, and encouraging. She is a champion for all those around her. Behind this cheery disposition though, was a purposeful decision Heather made to choose happiness amidst the many health struggles she faced the past ten years, including thyroid cancer and six years of infertility. These burden-filled years taught her to make balance and self-care a high priority every day, amidst all of her incredible passion-fueled projects. Related, Heather and her sister also made the tough decision to step back from their opportunity-rich fashion accessory business in order to pursue their greater desire to write children's books.

Heather intently prioritizes what is most important to her for each day, does the best she can for those areas, and lets the rest of it go. We have so much to learn from her!

Additional Show Notes:

See blog for links to

Heather's book

Heather's website (and be sure to check out her shop)

Song credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas

Fairy Birds: Fairy Godmothers in Training

In this episode our host,Monica Packer, introduces herself and tells some background of her story as a recovering perfectionist, turned apathetic dreamer, and now a balanced achiever. Monica also speaks to her hopes behind starting this podcast.

Music cred: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas