About Progress

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices