About Progress

When a recent cycling class (a home set up I used to always use and love!) felt exceptionally difficult I was reminded of how we can unnecessarily judge ourselves when we are struggling to do something that we were able to do competently, or even easily, in our past. In this episode I'm sharing a lot about my own personal struggles with this, particularly with comparison and shame. Comparison doesn't always come from external sources, sometimes it can be us versus other versions of ourselves. I hope it's helpful for you to know that even with the growth I have done, I still always have room to grow some more. As this has come up for me, I've discovered certain thoughts that I can use to coach myself out of that trap, and away from feeling overwhelmed with discouragement. Tune in to hear my three thoughts, and understand how self compassion can help you move past comparison. Finding Me Academy My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method This episode is brought to you by HelloFresh, use the code aboutprogress50 for 50% off, plus free shipping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This monthly series features an episode sharing my recent highs and lows, how my habits are going, a Do Something List update, plus what I'm loving lately and my commitments for the upcoming month. I hope this glimpse into my life, my family, my work, and my own self development encourages you in your own journey. Around here the goal is never perfection, just to keep trying, even if in very simple ways. I think you'll see that with all of the big changes going on for me, taking the smallest of steps has helped to keep me afloat and feeling like myself. As always, I encourage you to get messy, too! Finding Me Academy My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The word 'toxic' is used a lot in current zeitgeist, but what does it really mean? And what are the greater implications it can have on your relationships, and your sense of self? In today's episode I discuss all of that with Dr. Heidi Brocke, a Toxic Relationship Awareness & Healing Specialist. After spending 14 years in an extremely emotionally and narcissistically abusive relationship she was able to leave, and turned her past into her passion; she left her 24 year career in healthcare to use her life experience and education to be the person she needed when she herself was trapped in the darkness of an unhealthy relationship. This topic may be something you personally need, or could shed some light on someone you know. The goal of Dr. Brocke's message is to provide hope, healing, and freedom to those whose lives have been affected by toxic relationships, emotional abuse, and narcissistic behaviors. She shares her real experience, tips that work, and doable exercises for rebuilding your sense of self after a toxic relationship. Finding Me Academy My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method This episode is brought to you in partnership with Redd Remedies. Use code PROGRESS for 20% off Peaceful Mama & Rhythm & Flo, as well as the rest of Redd Remedies products on their website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

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

When I shared about my 500th podcast episode I received a simple comment, "What are you doing to celebrate yourself?!" And that prompted me to do some thinking, and celebrating. It can be easier for us to barely acknowledge our growth or accomplishments, usually by making up excuses that they're not that important. One of the major tenets of About Progress is identity, and I realized that celebrating yourself is important for continued growth. Plus, it just feels good. Find something to celebrate today, even if it's the smallest of things. Finding Me Academy My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

This podcast is one of the things I have been the most consistent with throughout my life, and over seven years that has led me to this 500th episode. I sat down to answer your questions about the history of the podcast, the specifics of my favorite guests and episodes, what the future holds, and what I've learned from all of this along the way. I think you'll find these answers to be unexpected, enlightening, and with a few surprises about what's to come! Most importantly, thank you for being a listener and valuable member of the About Progress community, I wouldn't be here without you. Finding Me Academy My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you have an inner critic telling you that your story is too dumb to matter? Maybe you even have outer critics that make your story feel unimportant. Those things are just not true. Dan Davis joins me in this episode to help you see that you don't have to hit a certain level of drama or prestige to have a story worth telling. Dan Davis is a film producer and director, and founder of the documentary film company Stiry. I was personally so impressed by his work on the documentary about my beautiful friend Kim White who passed away after a years-long fight with cancer. Dan believes that everyone has a story worth uncovering, and worth sharing. Through his own personal experience of a difficult health story he found community, support, and purpose in sharing his struggles. Learn what he thinks the first step towards discovering your story is, and why it can propel you forward in your growth. Finding Me Academy My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method This episode is brought to you by Hatch and HelloFresh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This monthly series features an episode sharing my recent highs and lows, how my habits are going, a Do Something List update, plus what I'm loving lately and my commitments for the upcoming month. I hope this glimpse into my life, my family, my work, and my own self development encourages you in your own journey. Around here the goal is never perfection, just to keep trying, even if in very simple ways. I think you'll see that with all of the big changes going on for me, taking the smallest of steps has helped to keep me afloat and feeling like myself. As always, I encourage you to get messy, too! Finding Me Academy My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you feel like you're in a never ending chase after your purpose, or stuck on the sidelines waiting for your purpose to find you, either extreme can leave you feeling left out of actually living your life. I have found myself on both ends of an extreme spectrum and after years of working on it I'm sharing three steps you can take to live with purpose in your present. You don't need to waste time looking for one, define-able, lifelong purpose. Instead, you get to decide to stop seeking for the what and live the how. In this episode I share a simple exercise that you can do while you're listening, to help you connect with yourself and believe that you already matter. Finding Me Academy My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is there something that has made you think other people can do that, but not me? This is part of a monthly series to convince you otherwise. These episodes feature real women who are answering the question “How do you…?” about their various passions and pursuits. In this week's episode I interview my podcast manager, Taylor! She shares her path from being new to a gym and a quiet participant, to becoming a group fitness instructor. The story of how she initially became certified in her first of several different formats is one of practicality and taking a leap of faith. Now, after moving across the country, she opens up about the struggles and successes of the job, plus the biggest benefits (spoiler: it's not really about anything physical!) If you have considered getting into the instructor side of group fitness, learn some simple steps to get you started and feel inspired that you can make that dream happen for you, too. Finding Me Academy My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does your day-to-day life have you feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or irritable? Maybe you are squeezing in some self-care here and there, like a rare sweet treat, an occasional long shower, or other surface level practices. It's possible that you are practicing self-care, and still not feeling cared for. Why does that happen? Because the things that we have been taught to look at for self-care, are really just barely scratching the surface. Taylor Morrison, author of Inner Workout, sees self-care as a skill to be strengthened just like a physical muscle. She identifies, and debunks, the most common myths, to help us get to the root of effective self-care. You'll also hear her explain the five dimensions of self-care, which gives us a holistic approach to the greatest act of care that we can give ourselves: understanding, and acting upon, what makes you feel like you. Finding Me Academy My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Episode Sponsors: Use code PROGRESS for 20% off a 90-day supply of Just Thrive Probiotic and Just Calm at https://justthrivehealth.com/discount/PROGRESS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you remember the children's book, "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day?" I think we've all had days that at least match the description in the title. I had one just before I sat down to record today's episode, and it made me think about how we can handle those inevitable bad days. We often have the best intentions for our day, even setting ourselves up with all the right support, and then still things can change. I'll tell you what went wrong for me, why bad days are normal, and the three things I do to not get stuck in the feeling of despair that accompanies them. Finding Me Academy My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For most of my childhood and into my young adulthood I had a habit identity that was closely tied with my perfectionistic tendencies. I had decided that if I followed a very precise prescription, I could be successful. For example, when it came to my faith or my dancing, my habits were tied to rules I created, the kind of thing that I refer to as 'shoulds' now. This led to an impossible cycle and I ended up on the other end of the spectrum, staying safe and not trying anything new. In this episode I guide you through how to determine your own habit type, how to choose your 'shoulds' and identify the habits you might need that could transform your life. Spoiler alert: mine was sleep! When I uncovered this about myself it had a beneficial ripple effect, and I think the same is possible for you, too. Take the free habit quiz! Episode 391 about Dangling Habits Finding Me Academy My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Episode Sponsors: Use code PROGRESS for 20% off a 90-day supply of Just Thrive Probiotic and Just Calm at https://justthrivehealth.com/discount/PROGRESS Get 15% off a Hatch Rest and free shipping at hatch.co/progress Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’ve recently been sharing growth spurts where I share principles that guide my work with clients and my own life, too. We’ve covered: the discomfort zone, courage, compassion, and curiosity. Today, I want to discuss the internal shift that I've clung to during even the most disparaging moments of my life, and that is my ability to choose. And to be clear, we don't always get to choose our choices, but given the choices in front of us, we often have to choose something. In this episode I'm sharing some personal choices I have had to make, and they might not be what you're expecting. If you've found yourself feeling out of control with your life and your choices, I hope my words help you feel empowered to own your agency, and take back power in your life. Finding Me Academy My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wished that you could love motherhood as much as you love your kids? That's a little line I borrowed from my dear friend, Rachel Nielson of the 3 In 30 Takeaways for Moms podcast, who is an expert on that exact subject. Motherhood is full of wonderful surprises, but also hard surprises, and it does not come instinctually to everyone, as you'll hear was the case with me and Rachel. If you struggle with what you think motherhood SHOULD look like, and would rather uncover what you want your motherhood to look like, Rachel has several actionable steps you can take. She uses the analogy of cleaning out a closet to explain the steps to declutter your motherhood, and it really makes sense. While this may be a long process, it is possible to feel some change right away, as you find joy and alignment in your role as the mother you want to be. Get 10% off Rachel's course "Declutter Your Motherhood" with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' Finding Me Academy My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Use code PROGRESS for 20% off a 90-day supply of Just Thrive Probiotic and Just Calm at https://justthrivehealth.com/discount/PROGRESS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This monthly series features an episode sharing my recent highs and lows, how my habits are going, a Do Something List update, plus what I'm loving lately and my commitments for the upcoming month. I hope this glimpse into my life, my family, my work, and my own self development encourages you in your own journey. Around here the goal is never perfection, just to keep trying, even if in very simple ways. I think you'll see that with all of the big changes going on for me, taking the smallest of steps has helped to keep me afloat and feeling like myself. As always, I encourage you to get messy, too! Finding Me Academy My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a pet peeve of mine when people say they "don't have regrets." While I understand what they mean by that, I think it's too dismissive of the lessons we learn from a life fully lived. In fact, I can name several regrets I have, without hesitation. From the way I handled friends and extracurriculars in and after high school, to my own missteps as an emotionally dysregulated young mother, plus a few more examples, you'll see that I am far from perfect. When regret leads to resentment and shame, it can be more harmful than helpful. What's helpful is learning lessons from our past mistakes, what's harmful is dwelling on our imperfections and making them mean something untrue about our identity. In this episode I walk through some of my regrets using my four step method designed to help you do the same on your own. My hope is that this helps you disentangle your identity from your mistakes, and allows you to move forward in your growth. Finding Me Academy My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Use code PROGRESS for 20% off a 90-day supply of Just Thrive Probiotic and Just Calm at https://justthrivehealth.com/discount/PROGRESS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is there something that has made you think other people can do that, but not me? This is part of a monthly series to convince you otherwise. These episodes feature real women who are answering the question “How do you…?” about their various passions and pursuits. Tina Anderson is a multi-faceted woman who pivoted from a law career to start her own business. She shares her story of feeling inspired to pursue her "life's work" and trying to figure out exactly what that could be for her and her husband. They are passionate about health, specifically research-backed gut health, with a goal for total body wellness. You'll hear Tina's passion in our conversation, as she is well versed in the science behind her company's products, but also her excitement for everyone to find their life's work. Finding Me Academy My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Use code PROGRESS for 20% off a 90-day supply of Just Thrive Probiotic and Just Calm at https://justthrivehealth.com/discount/PROGRESS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2020 I put something on my Do Something List that I almost talked myself out of: have fun with fashion. I ended up loving the results so much that I've kept a version of it every year since. This year I came up with "explore my personal style." And while I haven't necessarily turned into a style expert, or even fashion blogger, I have enjoyed the way that exploring my personal style has helped me insert more of ME into my daily life. To be clear, your personal style should be a complete reflection of you, and should serve you in the season you are in. It does not need to be about fitting in, or reflect only the most popular trends. In today's episode I'm sharing my conversation with Jenny Eversole of Style Space about why your personal style does matter and 5 steps to rediscovering it. Plus, you'll hear about my own experience with their Stylist, Whitney Herrod Khader, and what I surprisingly learned from going through my closet with an expert. Finding Me Academy My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Sponsors: iHerb. - get 22% off your first order when you use code PROGRESS at iHerb.com Protect you family with Fabric by Gerber Life. Apply today in just 10 minutes at meetfabric.com/PROGRESS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recently I've felt really unproductive, which is not how I am used to feeling. To be really honest, adding a fifth child to our family, a newborn after five years since my last, has been a big transition. I forgot about how much my day-to-day life would change with this tiny baby to care for, and while I love him and would not trade it for anything, I have to admit that it has been hard. After sharing a little bit of an update when I was one month postpartum, I received a really insightful Instagram comment, "being present is being productive." That simple phrase changed everything for me. I learned how to lean in to these changes, accept my limits and capacity, and know what really matters at the end of the day. In this episode I have a few other tips that will also help you in your season of change, to help you shift from what you think is productive, to what really matters most. Finding Me Academy My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is so easy to get caught up in the busyness of our day-to-day lives, whether it's a productive kind of busy, or not. But, what if there was a way to continue being productive, without the overwhelming feeling of being so busy? Tanya Dalton of inkWELL Press is a productivity expert who is all about boosting your productivity in ways that are lasting (and DOABLE!). In this episode you'll learn about priorities, where to start when you feel overwhelmed, the benefits of a brain dump, how to take breaks when you need them, and how to make intentional choices with your time. If your to-do list is getting in the way of you living a real life, if it's draining you instead of fulfilling you, then it's time to do something different. Try the simple swap that Tanya explains in this episode and take back control of your time in a way that works for you, not against you. Finding Me Academy My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I had the honor of interviewing Emily three years ago where we discussed personal growth, traveling the world as a family of five, and getting out of our comfort zones. Two weeks after that conversation in 2019 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She then graciously came back to record a second part to the interview, and in this tribute episode you will hear both parts. Emily recently passed away, and I hope she can inspire us all one more time with her message of "live by faith, not fear." Full Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unfortunately, perfectly curated Pinterest boards don't always translate to perfectly organized homes. And while you can appreciate the beauty of a rainbow bookshelf, or a pantry full of labeled clear jars, those things may not actually serve you. And if in this pursuit of picture-perfect organization you've labeled yourself a bad housekeeper, or too lazy, you likely feel so off track that you don't even know where to begin again. Professional organizer and author Tracy McCubbin has spent thousands of hours helping her clients and now she is sharing the most insightful things she has learned along the way. And while she does have practical tips, including five questions to ask yourself about your organization right now, she also addresses the emotional component of clutter. Tune in to this episode to learn how to declutter by starting small, and in ways that are meaningful to you and your space. Finding Me Academy My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This monthly series features an episode sharing my recent highs and lows, how my habits are going, a Do Something List update, plus what I'm loving lately and my commitments for the upcoming month. I hope this glimpse into my life, my family, my work, and my own self development encourages you in your own journey. Around here the goal is never perfection, just to keep trying, even if in very simple ways. I think you'll see that with all of the big changes going on for me, taking the smallest of steps has helped to keep me afloat and feeling like myself. As always, I encourage you to get messy, too! Finding Me Academy My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Several years ago I developed a full-blown bad habit with online shopping. I can say that now because I can see how besides the obvious financial consequences, it made me feel ashamed, it wasted time, and it contradicted my personal value of frugality. And I share this personal experience because I want you to know that whatever your "bad habit" is, you are not alone. Many of us were taught that sheer grit and self-determination can help us overcome these bad habits, but I disagree. When we know better we can do better, and what I want you to know after this episode is WHY you have these bad habits, so that you can work on them in a different, and more effective, way. Finding Me Academy My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method This episode is brought to you by Fabric by Gerber Life, apply today in just 10 minutes at meetfabric.com/progress Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes when I have something really daunting on my to-do list I find myself caught in the cycle of self-sabotage. If you've ever felt that way you know it's full of blame and shame, and doesn't usually help us accomplish what we need to. Heather is a former social worker, mother, podcaster and coach here to teach us what this behavior is, why it's normal, and what to do about it. In those moments where you want to put off the hard things, you have to realize that what you're really putting off is you. When we create unreachable standards, when we put on the armor of perfectionism, we start to obsess over things that don't align with who we really are. Instead, we have to get used to the messiness of growth, because it means that things are actually moving and changing around us in ways that are more important than having a false sense of control. When you listen to this conversation you'll see how self-sabotage can actually be your friend, instead of something you fight.' Finding Me Academy My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's something that I often see in my young children, that we lose in adulthood, and it's the ability to abandon fear and ego, and to create. In today's interview Brooke Schultz calls creativity the backdoor to personal progress, and I couldn't agree more. Her outlook will inspire you to see the potential to create in your day-to-day life by adding a little intention and fun in to the things you already do. Brooke is a multi-passionate creative who shares the highs and lows of her creative pursuits. She has several ways to help ignite the creative flame in your own life, and invites you to have the courage to take just five minutes and do the messiest version of your vision. The impact of your creativity goes beyond just yourself, it is worth investing in because you never know what the ripple effect is going to be. Sponsor: Try Headspace FREE for 30 days by going to Headspace.com/PROGRESS Finding Me Academy My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is there something that has made you think other people can do that, but not me? This is part of a monthly series to convince you otherwise. These episodes feature real women from this community who are answering the question “How do you…?” about their various passions and pursuits. Leann is a mom of 4 living with a chronic illness, MS, which she was diagnosed with while her children were very young. She radiates a positive outlook and says, "It is so beautiful to do something good with the bad part of your story." She now runs a charitable kids' triathlon called "Tri 2 Beat MS." She wanted to create something that inspires physical fitness, includes as many youth as possible, and raises money for a good cause. This is her story of how she became a director, how a community came together, and how ultimately she continues to learn from the challenges it presents. A huge bonus is that she wants to mentor more of you in to being charitable race directors, tune in and even reach out if you're interested! Finding Me Academy My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How long do you think it takes to build a habit? Whenever I ask this question I get a wide range of answers, and I'm here to tell you that those methods that you're referencing, probably don't work for you. And there is a good reason why. So, if you feel like now that we're a few months into the new year and your well-intended habits have started to slip, I'm here to teach you how to make them stick instead. In this episode you'll get the pared down version of what I teach in my free class, and even some of what I teach in my Sticky Habit Method course. Meg, from Sorta Awesome podcast, and I discuss my own story as a perfectionist who struggled on both ends of the all-or-nothing spectrum, and how I started working towards helpful habits. I'll even explain how to establish a baseline habit, something that you can do on your worst days, so that you at the end you feel equipped to do something with what you've learned. Finding Me Academy My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I used to teach an entire class on procrastination, because from time to time we are all subject to it's relentless grasp! The goal is not to prevent it entirely, but instead learn how to manage it. I have narrowed it down to one question you can ask yourself when those feelings come up, and you probably haven't considered it before. Procrastination can be sneaky, sometimes we think it's productivity, so I also offer some ways to identify the difference. Give it a try, your answers to these questions may surprise you! Episode on motivation. Finding Me Academy My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Toni Collier is a Hope Coach, author of Brave Enough to Be Broken and the founder of Broken Crayons Still Color, an international women’s ministry that helps women process their brokenness and reclaim hope. Her passion is to show women that they can be both broken and beautiful as they work out their healing. If you have ever felt "broken" then you are not alone. I, too, spent YEARS thinking that I was especially broken—meaning too broken; broken beyond repair to fix. I’ve felt this way with recovering from eating disorders, when honestly there was no “recovering” happening, to major issues within my marriage and parenting, and even to some regular small issues I face like maybe being the world’s worst texter. Toni's personal story of living a double life of perfectionism to find approval outside of abusive relationships is absolutely inspiring. If you're ready to break free from whatever brokenness is holding you back then this episode is the perfect place to start towards healing. Episode references: Internal Family Systems, Boundaries For Your Soul, Replenishment Cycle from Tom Paterson Finding Me Academy My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method This episode is brought to you by EveryPlate. Get $1.49 per meal by going to everyplate.com/podcast and using code 'progress149' and by Fabric by Gerber Life, apply today in just 10 minutes at meetfabric.com/progress Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I used to think that the only way I could change myself was by being hard on myself. This led to a lot of self-criticism, as I tried to achieve very high expectations, and did not work well for me. I never would have believed that there was any other way, until now. I replaced criticism with compassion and can see how accepting myself led to actual growth. In this bite-sized episode I'm sharing two very personal examples of some tough things I've dealt with in the past and very recently where I could have had a lot of self-criticism, but instead fought for compassion. When we sink in shame and despair, we do not progress. I want to encourage you to show yourself compassion, and use the other progress principles we've discussed (curiosity and courage!) to open up your path towards deep and lasting change. Episode from the fall on self-compassion. Finding Me Academy My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the benefit of hindsight on my side, I can look back and see a stark contrast between the way I felt after my third child was born, and the way I felt after my fourth child was born. As I'm currently back in that season with my fifth newborn, my reflection allows for the things I want to teach you today: the difference came from whether or not I was feeling like myself. It's a concept that is easier said than done, especially for many women that I hear from, so I've boiled it down to three big ways you can feel like yourself every day. Do you ever feel like you have a life that you should be happy with, but the day-to-day leaves you drained, impatient, and resentful? After listening to this episode, and implementing the three shifts, you should be able to have more energy for your responsibilities, more presence of mind, and the clear ability to make choices that align with your real values. And if my story doesn't convince you that this is important, then I hope the stories from our community will, because prioritizing yourself IS prioritizing what matters. Ultimate Values Exercise + Values Episode Finding Me Academy My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method This episode is brought to you by PrepDish, try it for 2 weeks free at PrepDish.com/PROGRESS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Every relationship deals with conflict, just in different ways. Some are avoidant, while others are confrontational. Some are constantly simmering, while others are explosive. Our guest today is therapist Trevor Hanson. Not only does he want to help us reframe how we see conflict--not an inhibitor to a successful marriage, but necessary to it—he wants to help you get better at what he calls “healthy conflict—” the kind where we can come together with different fears, needs, and messages, but still come away connected. Because a partnership takes two people, with different backgrounds and different emotional responses, couples can often find themselves caught in a negative cycle. Trevor goes in to detail about what this can look like, and offers advice on where to start. In his words, "If you can change at least one half of the cycle, you've changed 50% of the problem." Kwame Christian on conflict and people pleasing. My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method This episode is brought to you by Headspace, try it for free for 30 days when you go to headspace.com/progress This episode is brought to you by LuvBug, get a free 7 day trial at LuvBuglearning.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is there something that has made you think other people can do that, but not me? This is part of a monthly series to convince you otherwise. These episodes feature real women from this community who are answering the question “How do you…?” about their various passions and pursuits. Today's episode features Kylie, a mom who got into photography as a passion and profession. She shares how this is something she's loved since childhood and her progression since then. If you've wondered how to get into photography as a creative outlet, you'll be inspired by Kylie's belief that anyone with a camera can be a photographer - and that includes your phone! She also has tips and tricks for where to find resources to support you as you explore a potential new hobby that allows for documentation, creativity, and growth with a new skill. My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emily is a mother of 6 struggling to juggle the various demands of her life, including finding time for herself to pursue higher education. What started off as a surface level issue of finding the time and focus for her writing, turned into a deeper conversation about family support and communication. This same thing happens quite often when I am coaching, where women think they are struggling in one area but it is really much deeper. As you listen to this live coaching call with Emily, you can apply some of the questions and thought processes to your own life. In this episode specifically we talk about re-potentializing (I explain it!) and how to manage the support, or lack thereof, from loved ones. We will all experience really good people, even close loved ones, that are not enrolled in our visions. This episode will teach you that you can honor their fears without bending to them. Past coaching call on rituals with Sara My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I once had a workshop attendee ask me about self-love, and I answered honestly. I don't always love every part of myself, but I do respect myself. This is a different attitude than what was initially more popular when About Progress first started, and many voices were echoing that to "just love yourself" would fix everything. In this short episode I want to ask you, what would change for you if you moved the goal post from love to respect? I also share some wise marriage advice that applies here, and some questions you can ask yourself to shift your mindset. My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Quick disclaimer! While not explicit, the topic we are covering today is adult in nature. Those who typically listen with kids around may consider putting in earbuds instead. Over the last 6+ years talking about perfectionism on this blog and podcast we have covered intimacy, but never specifically this topic. Today's episode address the ways that perfectionism interferes with, and even sabotages, the way you show up to, and experience, sex. This is not an interview meant to make you feel uncomfortable and discouraged, but it will help you examine your behavior and give you some things to try if you want to get more comfortable with your sexuality. After reading her illuminating book, Come As You Are, I was determine to have this author on the podcast. A few years later, we finally get to learn from our expert guest Emily Nagoski PhD, a sex therapist, who specializes in teaching women to live with confidence and joy inside their bodies. My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method This episode is brought to you by EveryPlate. Visit everyplate.com/podcast and use code progress149 for $1.49 per meal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I want to talk about curiosity, but I first have to address our desire for certainty. We tend to want straightforward, black-and-white, prescriptions for the 'right' way to be. But what happens when things inevitably don't work out the most perfect way? We blame ourselves for that failure. So, instead of certainty I want to encourage you to lean into curiosity. From pie crusts to parenting, you can get curious about failures. If you find yourself spiraling towards the shame and blame cycle, the tips in this episode are for you. Along with previously shared progress principles like courage and discomfort, this way of reframing failures will be a helpful tool in your progress journey. My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A few years ago I got really interested in block planning after seeing the success that some other influential people were having with this way of scheduling their days. For a while I found it helpful, until real life started getting in the way. I still acknowledge some of the pros to block scheduling, like dividing your focus and making less decisions, but also see some downsides that affected myself and others. If this method, or others, has felt too rigid or required too much energy to maintain, I want to introduce rhythm scheduling and how a more flexible approach can feel like a better fit for you. Through my own personal examples, as well as the examples of several different types of women that I have worked with, I'm going to guide you through identifying your own seasons and guideposts for this method. Rhythm scheduling is meant to be flexible, it's allowed to change throughout your year, and it has an emphasis on your actual priorities. My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This monthly series features an episode sharing my recent highs and lows, how my habits are going, a Do Something List update, plus what I'm loving lately and my commitments for the upcoming month. I hope this glimpse into my life, my family, my work, and my own self development encourages you in your own journey. Around here the goal is never perfection, just to keep trying, even if in very simple ways. I think you'll see that with all of the big changes going on for me, taking the smallest of steps has helped to keep me afloat and feeling like myself. As always, I encourage you to get messy, too! Baby E's Birth Story, DSL Training My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Has your spiritual life shifted the last few years? You’re not alone. And while that can be beautiful (and of course challenging), it also poses some logistical challenges. Including: what can a personal spiritual practice look like for me now. Years ago, I did something terrifying: I shared with the internet about my then decade-plus series of faith crises. One of the things I didn’t get to share there, but I did in a later episode, is how these years challenged my actual habits of nourishing and maintaining my spirituality. That’s why today I am looking forward to sharing a coaching call I did with a Progressor named Heather—a woman who is experiencing a change in her season, and a shift in her spiritual life that she wants to support with a new habit. I know it’ll help you do the same—whether that’s now, later, or simply to help someone else going through it. My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is there something that has made you think other people can do that, but not me? This is part of a monthly series to convince you otherwise. These episodes feature real women from this community who are answering the question “How do you…?” about their various passions and pursuits. Today’s episode features Michelle, a mom who wanted to empower her kids to try everything, to be courageous, and do things that scare you. From drawing, to rock climbing, she pursued the interests that her kids had, right alongside them. She learned that all of her "have-not skills" now bring her joy, and she can actually do so much more than she thought she could. If you are needing that extra little push to do something, which we love to do around here, this interview will inspire you. Michelle describes how allowing herself to adventure more, in a literal outdoor sense at first, overflowed into more areas of her life that she wasn't expecting but now benefits greatly from. She also shares one really specific and doable tip: start small. Listen to her break that down even more and why it matters so much! My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After 15 years of marriage, I was reflecting on the conflict between my husband Brad and I, and it's not what you might expect. Our problem was a lack of conflict due to our people pleasing tendencies. With awareness, time, and work, we learned to face our fears and get good at conflict. Today's eye-opening interview taught me another word for this: negotiation, and it's not just reserved for business and law. Though he is a lawyer, my conversation with Kwame Christian is not what you might expect from one. He shares his own story as a recovering people pleaser and how he navigates relationships now. Kwame has really practical tips, such as using his compassionate curiosity framework, that you can implement right now. Plus, he advocates for having a strong relationship with yourself, including questions you can ask to make valuable improvements. My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Often at the beginning of a new year we are bombarded with the messaging that we need to change our bodies in a very specific way. I want to dive into that a little bit today, but know that this is not an episode about loving or accepting our bodies. I am being very honest about my current struggles as I'm heavily pregnant and just getting older. And I don't necessarily have a magic recipe for dealing with this, but I do have a mantra that I tell myself that settles my thoughts just enough: BODIES CHANGE. In this bite-sized episode I'm sharing some more vulnerable thoughts so that you realize that you don't have to feel so alone. You don't have to carry the weight of the pressures you're facing anymore. My hope is that in sharing what works for me, maybe the same simple touchstone will help you connect back to yourself when you need to. My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Full Show Notes Sticky Habit Method Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices