About Progress

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About

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

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591 episodes

AP 586: 6 Practical Ways to Make Time for Yourself || why this time matters, how to get it, and what to do when you don’t know what to do with it

Do you have time for yourself? I mean real time devoted to your self-care, hobbies, and working on your Do Something List. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of making time for yourself amidst life's hustle and bustle. And I understand the struggle firsthand – whether it's juggling work, family, or just the chaos of everyday life, finding moments for self-care and personal fulfillment can seem impossible. From self-care routines to rediscovering hobbies, in this episode I'll explore how prioritizing your well-being can lead to a happier, more balanced life. Learn to reclaim your time and reconnect with yourself with these 6 practical tips. Power of a Do Something List episode, Eve Rodsky episode, Plan a Me Day episode Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Waitlist up for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes Use code “PROGRESS” for 15% off One Skin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

50m
Apr 01, 2024
AP 585: How do you start a handbell choir? || with Paige Erickson

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 people who are answering the question “How do you…?” about their various passions and pursuits. Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Waitlist up for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

25m
Mar 28, 2024
AP 584: How to Shift from “Surviving” to “Thriving” || with Brandi Sellerz-Jackson

It’s officially been 4 years since the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. Recently, I stumbled upon studies showing that the pandemic qualifies as a “collective trauma,” where we've all experienced psychological distress together. But here's the kicker: many people hesitate to admit they experienced trauma during the pandemic, perhaps because we downplay our struggles, comparing them to others' experiences. Beyond pandemics, we all have survival periods in life – those moments where we're barely keeping our heads above water. Yet, sometimes, we hesitate to acknowledge just how hard things are. This week's guest, storyteller and doula Brandi Sellerz-Jackson, reminded me of the importance of recognizing when we're merely surviving versus truly thriving. She spoke of thriving as a state of being characterized by awareness, ease, and compassionate self-exploration. It's not just about existing—it's about cultivating a life that's rich with meaning and fulfillment, one that's truly ours to savor. Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Waitlist up for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

51m
Mar 25, 2024
AP 583: Overcoming Barriers to Exercise || Bonus Episode from More Personal

In this special bonus episode you'll hear from me and my podcast manager, Taylor, as we address the flood of questions and comments that came in after a coaching call about making exercise a habit. We give our own personal histories with exercise, including what our current routines look like. Plus, we break down the three biggest barriers to exercise, and what overcoming those looks like for us. This episode originally aired on More Personal, the listener-supported private podcast feed. If you like this episode, you can access all of the exclusive subscriber benefits, including an additional episode every Friday, a supporters hub for discussion, and online gatherings. Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Waitlist up for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

46m
Mar 21, 2024
AP 582: "How do I make friends after a very isolating season of life?” || Coaching Call with Kim

Kim, a mother of three navigating the challenges of early parenthood, shares her struggles with connecting with others and the fear of vulnerability stemming from past experiences. Together, we uncover that what Kim really wants is to reclaim her sense of self and cultivate meaningful connections. Listen as we work on the small steps that Kim can take, emphasizing the gradual cultivation of friendships aligned with her values and identity. This episode will be relatable to many women that are seeking genuine connection, and need the encouragement to embrace vulnerability as a pathway to fulfillment and authentic relationships. Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Waitlist up for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

43m
Mar 18, 2024
AP 581: Have you ever thought to “romanticize” your life? || Growth Spurt

Inspired by a friend's recent story I wanted to explore what it truly means to infuse joy, luxury, and care into our daily routines. From simple acts like lighting a candle while washing our face to more elaborate rituals like organizing vegetables by color for meal prep, we'll uncover how these moments can transform our perspective and elevate our experiences. This concept of romanticizing life is more about mindfulness and gratitude, rather than mere romance. I want to help you find these moments that already are, or easily can, occur in your life - aimed at embracing the beauty of the present moment. Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Waitlist up for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

8m
Mar 14, 2024
AP 580: How to Plan a Week You Can Win || Jessica Jackson

Jessica Jackson, creator of the Thriving in Motherhood podcast, shares her journey from struggling with postpartum depression and anxiety to finding her way to thriving in motherhood. She recounts the challenges she faced, including a life-threatening illness after the birth of her third child, and how these experiences led her to discover the power of planning and creating a vision for her life. Jessica emphasizes the importance of starting with a clear vision, breaking it down into manageable steps, and planning realistically within a week rather than focusing on idealistic daily schedules. Plus, she introduces the concept of the "big three," where you prioritize three key tasks aligned with your vision for the week. By embracing these principles and customizing planning methods to your own life, you can learn to plan weeks you can truly win. Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Waitlist up for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

45m
Mar 11, 2024
AP 579: Our first real influencing experience, a new-to-me sourdough recipe, my next interior design project, my favorite youtube series, and a podcast update || Messy Middle March 2024

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! Tan France videos, Cast iron pot, Chain necklace Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Waitlist up for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

21m
Mar 07, 2024
AP 578: 4 Habits That Are Helping Me Show Up

Reflecting on the chaos of the last week while my husband has been out of town, I realized how it echoes past times when this hectic pace was the norm for me. Those times were what sparked a shift in prioritizing showing up more as myself, in my own life. My journey towards embracing this led to a deep appreciation for the power of habits, not as rigid routines but as flexible tools to navigate life's demands. Today I'm sharing four key habits, and how these simple practices have become my anchor amidst the chaos. I hope these insights inspire you to identify and prioritize small habits that can make a big difference in your own life's juggling act. Recent meal planning episode Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Waitlist up for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

23m
Mar 04, 2024
AP 577: How to Get Past Your Past || Bonus episode with Jason VanRuler

In this episode, I interviewed Jason Van Ruler, a seasoned therapist, about the profound impact of our past on our present and future. Jason shared his personal journey, reflecting on a childhood marked by upheaval and trauma, which shaped his perspective and propelled him towards a career in therapy. Jason highlighted the transformative power of vulnerability and connection in the healing process, underscoring that healing is indeed possible, albeit a journey rather than a destination. He encourages us to embrace imperfection and cultivate spaces for honesty and growth, as we learn from our past and look to our futures. Access exclusive supporter benefits Waitlist up for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Free DSL Training Full Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

38m
Feb 29, 2024
AP 576: “You Are a Tree!” How to choose flourishing over productivity || with Joy Marie Clarkson

Metaphors shape our perceptions of ourselves, our relationships, and our capacity for personal growth and change. When we use them to speak about ourselves and our world, they are reflective of the beliefs we carry and the truths we prize. Today, our guest Joy Marie Clarkson wants you to better notice the metaphors you’re anchoring into and how to switch them to ones that encourage flourishing over productivity. If you’re tired of your constant cycles of updating, crashing, and rebooting, Joy will teach you how to stop looking at yourself as a machine and instead own this metaphor for yourself: I am a tree. Access exclusive supporter benefits Waitlist up for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes Get 40% off your first order at HumNutrition.com with code PROGRESS. Get 25% off your first order at a2platinum.com/progress Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

47m
Feb 26, 2024
AP 575: How do you get into medical school as a busy mom? || with Kaylee Steiner

Is there something that has made you think other people can do that, but not me? This episode is part of a series to convince you otherwise. These episodes feature real people who are answering the question “How do you…?” about their various passions and pursuits. Access exclusive supporter benefits Waitlist up for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

40m
Feb 22, 2024
AP 574: “How can I better manage the resentment I feel towards my family?” || Coaching call with Sarah

In this coaching call episode, I chat with Sarah, a mom struggling with resentment in her family relationships. We delve into her feelings of being under appreciated and overwhelmed by the weight of her responsibilities. Together, we explore the roots of her resentment and uncover her desires for more peace, flexibility, and self-expression. Throughout the conversation, we discuss the importance of acknowledging her wants and choices, as well as the steps she can take towards reclaiming her sense of self and fostering healthier dynamics within her family.  Free DSL Training, Eve Rodsky episode Access exclusive supporter benefits Waitlist up for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes Get 40% off your first order at HumNutrition.com with code PROGRESS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

48m
Feb 19, 2024
AP 573: Can I make a good habit to STOP a bad one? || Growth Spurt

When I teach how to create habits, I inevitably get questions about what to do about bad habits. In fact, I recently received a voicemail from a Progressor named Amy, asking this very question. She gave me permission to dive into her bad habit for all of us to hear, because I think it's something that many of us wish we could change: spending unnecessary time on our cell phones. Tune in to hear me break this down, and uncover what's really going on in our minds that leads us bad habits. Access exclusive supporter benefits Get on the waitlist for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

14m
Feb 15, 2024
AP 572: A New Way to Love and Be Loved || with Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh

So many things inform our personal definition of love: how we were raised, how love was modeled for us, our culture, and more. But what is the most meaningful definition of love? Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh is a world-renowned social psychologist, specializing in sexuality and relationships. Based on her research, she shares a new way to look at love, and as part of that, a new way to love and be loved. Dr. Sara is interested in helping people move past a more superficial love, to the type of love that more lasting, more real, and more desirable–all by design, not by chance. Access exclusive supporter benefits Full Show Notes Free DSL Training Get 40% off your first order at HumNutrition.com with code PROGRESS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

53m
Feb 12, 2024
AP 571: How Will You Surprise Yourself? || Growth Spurt

A woman recently asked me, regarding my Do Something List, “What is one of the most interesting things you’ve discovered about yourself in the process?” My answer surprised me, and I'm sharing it in this episode. What could you be surprised about when you discover yourself? When you make time for exploration, for possibility, for a little push? What parts of yourself will you bring back? What parts of yourself will you find for the very first time? Get the free DSL training. Live Boldly Podcast. Access exclusive supporter benefits Sign up for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9m
Feb 08, 2024
AP 570: The #1 Reason Why Women MUST Do Habits Differently

After years of my own ups and downs, plus coaching many women through their struggles with habit formation I came to a realization: there is a reason that women must do habits differently. This realization had a lot to do with the impact of invisible labor on our ability to form habits. Using my training and experience I created the Sticky Habit Method, designed specifically for real women like us. If this sounds like something you need, but with the added accountability of my guidance and a community of like-minded women, the Sticky Habit Intensive is for you. It is a 21-day live course that promises to transform your approach to habits. Let's continue this empowering discussion as we navigate the challenges of habit formation and find a path to lasting change together! Access exclusive supporter benefits Sign up for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes This episode is brought to you by A2, get 25% off at a2platinum.com/PROGRESS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 4m
Feb 05, 2024
AP 569: Why I actually liked January, scheduling things to look forward to, finalizing my DSL, learning about gardening, and a listener supported podcast model update || Messy Middle February 2024

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! Access exclusive supporter benefits Sign up for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

24m
Feb 01, 2024
AP 568: 3 Actionable Ways to Optimize Your Sleep || with Dr. Angela Holliday-Bell

Today, we have Dr. Angela Holliday-Bell, physician and certified sleep specialist, on the show. We dive deep into the importance of sleep and how it can transform your life. Dr. Holliday-Bell shares her personal journey with insomnia and how it led her to become a sleep specialist. We discuss common mistakes people make regarding light exposure, bedtime routines, and the mindset shift needed to prioritize sleep. Dr. Bell emphasizes the power of small changes in your bedtime routine and encourages everyone to start with three things they can do consistently. If you're ready to take control of your life, and your overall health, through sleep, this episode is for you. Access exclusive supporter benefits Sign up for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get $5 off off your Starter Pack (that’s over 40% off) with promo code ABOUTPROGRESS at LumeDeodorant.com! #lumepod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

37m
Jan 29, 2024
AP 567: HONEST REVIEWS: Beddy's || preview of More Personal

Each month on More Personal you'll hear honest reviews from me and my podcast manager, Taylor, where we share our beautifully blunt reviews on products you often see peddled online. The difference? We bought these items ourselves as an objective consumer. And at the end of the episode we'll each share the one other thing we're genuinely loving lately. If you've enjoyed these Friday episodes you can access exclusive supporter benefits to continue listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

24m
Jan 26, 2024
AP 566: Do Something List Workshop: Make your DSL for 2024

The DSL has changed so many lives—literally—and it started, quite unexpectedly with my own. You’ve likely heard me talk about the Do Something List many times over the years and have wondered if it’s right for you. If you can’t make goals this year, want to supplement whatever goals you were able to make, or you simply need some momentum to figure out who you are, then this is what the DSL is for. Today’s episode is a condensed replay of the live version I taught mid-January, but here for you so that you can create your own DSL for 2024. Don’t know what a DSL is? This workshop will teach you what a DSL IS, what it IS NOT, WHY IT MATTERS, and help you CREATE YOUR OWN. Listen in then make your own. We can’t wait to see how your DSL helps you make progress this year. For the free guide referenced, and/or to see the full non-condensed workshop, access it all via our DSL training HERE. Access exclusive supporter benefits Sign up for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

58m
Jan 25, 2024
AP 565: Create Your Own Miracle Morning, One Doable Step at a Time || with Hal Elrod

Years I hosted a "Get Up Early Challenge" on Instagram, and it went really well for so many of us...until it didn't. The problem was that the habit didn't stick, it was too much too soon. But, I did learn something really important, and that was that by getting up earlier and investing in myself, I had more to happily to give to my family and my responsibilities. Shortly after this challenge I was introduced to The Miracle Morning, by Hal Elrod, and it gave me the motivation AND information that I needed to develop a morning routine that worked for me. In our conversation he's giving a behind-the-scenes look at what led him to discovering the miracle morning, we’ll talk about the importance of having a morning routine that’s less about productivity and more about producing YOU, and–more importantly–the doable ways you can design and build up your own miracle morning. Access exclusive supporter benefits Sign up for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes This episode is brought to you by A2, get 25% off at a2platinum.com/PROGRESS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

45m
Jan 22, 2024
AP 564: DEEP DIVE: Positive Thinking || preview of More Personal

Each month on More Personal I'll take on a deep-but-brief breakdown of a hot personal development topic, history, or persona. While this episode isn’t meant to be a complete synopsis, it will definitely get you thinking and, likely, talking. Today's topic is how positive thinking swept the earth with its motivational methods, but along the way got twisted into shame-driven toxicity. Either way, the world will never be the same. Access exclusive supporter benefits Sign up for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

25m
Jan 19, 2024
AP 563: Cast a Vision || Growth Spurt

Last year I felt like I had abandoned my goals and day planning by February. As I reviewed them again recently, surprisingly a lot of what I had envisioned still materialized. Clearly defined visions give direction, making it easier to break down the necessary steps and create a meaningful impact on both conscious and subconscious levels. In this episode I'll explain what that looks like in goal planning, and give you a unique twist on setting a word for the year that aligns with the feelings you value the most. Access exclusive supporter benefits Sign up for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes Try Sideshow now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

13m
Jan 18, 2024
AP 562: “How can I consistently exercise as a busy mom with limited time and resources?” || Coaching Call with Alycia

The most common New Year’s habit people want to work on is exercise, and for so many good reasons. Yes, there can definitely be some external 'shoulds' on that list, but exercise also helps us with our bodies, our minds, our mood, and our spirit. Alycia is a busy mom of four, so we work on finding a realistic starting point, then discuss a manageable goal with a plan for small steps to get there and gradually increase. If this is a goal of yours, but you're struggling to implement supportive habits, this coaching call can help you. Access exclusive supporter benefits Sign up for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes Try Sideshow now! Get 60% off Green Chef with code “60aboutprogress” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

46m
Jan 15, 2024
AP 561: CASUAL CONVOS: "Influencers" || preview of More Personal

Each month on More Personal I'll be having what I call a casual convo with my podcast manager, Taylor, on different hot topics. This is a preview of our new private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. In the future episodes like these will only be available for the two highest levels of supporters of About Progress. Sign up HERE. Access exclusive supporter benefits Sign up for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes Try Sideshow now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

33m
Jan 12, 2024
AP 560: A creative + practical tool to make a good GOAL || Growth Spurt

Sometimes a creative acronym is the most helpful way to embrace a new, or hard-to-love, concept. Today that concept of G.O.A.L.S. is being taught by Misty Marsh, a mom of 4 big-hearted kids and a professional coach for women creating online courses. She understands how difficult it can be to balance motherhood and business and loves making it possible for women to provide for their families while working for a reasonable number of hours from home. If you need a new approach to goal-setting this year, enjoy her brilliant, and practical, breakdown of the word 'goal.' Misty Marsh on YouTube Access exclusive supporter benefits Sign up for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes Try Sideshow now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11m
Jan 11, 2024
AP 559: Goal Planning with Soul: how to make goals that match your soul and not your “shoulds” || with Kate House

What do you honestly think about goal-setting? For years I was averse to the idea, driven by the fear of failure if I couldn't accomplish them all perfectly. Now, I set goals differently by keeping my season, my values, and my wants at the forefront of my planning. Together with today's guest, Kate House, we dive in to how you can do that, too, by setting intentions and crafting goals with soul. Kate House is the host of The Live By Design Podcast, a health coach, and online educator. Her purpose is to help women develop the lives they want with intention, not overwhelm. Free DSL Workshop, Kate's Habit Tracker Access exclusive supporter benefits Sign up for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes Try Sideshow now! Get 15% off OneSkin with the code PROGRESS at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

45m
Jan 08, 2024
AP 558: BOOK REPORT: Covenant of Water, by Abraham Verghese || preview of More Personal

This is a preview of our new private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. In the future episodes like these will only be available for the two highest levels of supporters of About Progress. Sign up HERE. Each month on More Personal I'll share an unfiltered book review, including information on the author, what I loved and didn't love, some of my favorite quotes, and questions I'd love to ask the author. Plus, you'll receive a guide you can use in your own book club! NY Times book review, NY Times about the author, Oprah's 6-part series, shorter version of Oprah's series, NY Times best selling list Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

16m
Jan 05, 2024
AP 557: INTRODUCING: MORE PERSONAL || The state of the podcast, its future, and how I can’t do it alone

This is a more personal episode that addresses the current state of the podcast as I reflect on the highs and lows of 7+ years. I'm sharing some fun facts about the podcast that you might not know, plus some meaningful ways it has truly changed my life. Lastly, I'm ready to introduce the newest addition to the podcast, a listener-supported-model called "More Personal" that will allow you ways to receive extra episodes, access to online gatherings, my real book reviews, and more. Access exclusive supporter benefits Sign up for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes Try Sideshow now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

34m
Jan 04, 2024