If you've been around here for a little while you may know the story of how this blog, and now podcast and community, got started. Years ago, I was a shell of myself, an underachieving perfectionist, but I had an idea. I made a bucket list of sorts, 30 things to do before I turned 30. This list is now what I have coined a "Do Something List" and I make a point to recreate it every year, you can even read my list for 2021 ! You deserve more and you are ready for more, let me help. I encourage you...
Jan 06, 2021•38 min•Ep. 312
Goals are GREAT. But, what if you are simply too tuckered out from 2021 to overhaul alllll of the things right now? What if you are empty inside from a year of giving so much, FROM so very little? What if you'd of course like to work on your habits, but you first need to figure out who you are SO that you can decide what those habits should even be? 5 years ago, I accidentally changed my life. And it wasn't because I made goals. In fact, it was because I made the opposite of goals. In today's bo...
Jan 02, 2021•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 311
As always, I'm sharing a little bit about what my family and myself have been up to, and why I'm actually recording from out of town. Plus, a little update about our future home and current homeschooling. I'm also excited to share my latest "good hard," meaning something that was really hard but has made me really proud. For this episode I called on you, the listeners, to share what this unexpected year taught you. 2020 taught me the importance of home, hobbies, and habits. I explain more in the...
Dec 30, 2020•44 min•Ep. 310
During this time of year, and going into a new year, it's so important to know who you are. I am re-airing my favorite episode from 2020 to help you get started! Arielle Estoria is a creator, writer, and speaker spreading light and positivity. She was also a self described “professional wallflower” for many years. Her description of not wanting to take up too much space may resonate with many of you, as it totally did for me. She details how she broke free of that mentality, giving herself permi...
Dec 23, 2020•44 min•Ep. 309
Amidst the lengthy lists we make this time of year, including gifts to buy and service to render, are you on the list? While it's extra relevant throughout this holiday season, it matters all year long, too. In this episode I'm sharing why it's such a big deal to prioritize yourself, and the ways in which you start doing it right away. About a few other things... The Strive Hive helps Progressors who are eager to take action and strive for daily progress access LEARNING, CHANGE, AND COMMUNITY, s...
Dec 18, 2020•35 min•Ep. 308
Are you a little bit tired of the "rah-rah" messages of positivity despite all circumstance messages out there? What if you could lean into growth, while acknowledging the vast array of disappointment that all of us are experiencing to some degree. In fact, the reasons we become discouraged are often appropriate and logical, so would it help you to learn why discouragement is a gift? Suzy Boyce Chriswell is a fellow progressor, just like you, and she's currently pursuing a master's in marriage a...
Dec 16, 2020•38 min•Ep. 307
If you've been around for any amount of time you know this, but our premise here is that life is about progress, not perfection . As a recovering perfectionist I know the highs are so high, but the lows can destroy your sense of self. There is no overnight cure for breaking out of that cycle. Sometimes we are taught the opposite is true, but really once you see how perfectionism is getting your way, you are free to live a more fulfilling life. You will know Kolbie Blume as an artist, author, and...
Dec 09, 2020•55 min•Ep. 306
I really don't like the word "should." Whether you've found others "shoulding" on you, or you "should" on yourself, it usually doesn't feel very good. Instead, say "I could do this..." or whatever else you could do. As we've been discussing that it's never too late I want to also impress upon you that there are times and seasons for all things. In this episode I'm sharing two very personal times from my life, during which at both times I felt pulled in different ways and like something needed to...
Dec 04, 2020•15 min•Ep. 305
Was there something you really loved as a child and gave up on? Or, even a passion you found more recently, but you convinced yourself was too late to pursue. What if you instead looked at those things as seeds. Even if realizing your dreams as you once dreamed them seems impossible, it is possible to learn to evolve alongside your gifts and grow from those seeds. Carol Lynn is a personal friend that I meant at church during a particularly low point in my own spirituality. She opens up in the ep...
Dec 02, 2020•59 min•Ep. 304
All month long we've discussed our theme "Never Too Late" with several guests here on the podcast and on Instagram. So, today's Growth Spurt may seem confusing, I get it! But, I wanted to share my bite-sized thoughts on this idea. It may be realistically too late to pursue a very specific career choice, for example, and that's okay. Don't give up on the seeds to that dream, whatever it may be. Lean into your passions that fueled that dream and pursue them in reasonable ways. I'm sharing my own p...
Nov 27, 2020•14 min•Ep. 303
Do you, like so many women, struggle with even starting something because you're unsure if it’s “worth it?” I want to suggest that what you're really struggling with is if YOU are worth it. This episode is allllll about trying things just for the sake of the potential joy, fulfillment, and growth that can come from them. Take it from us, or find it within yourself, this is your permission to try. Michelle Gifford is a mom of 5 and entrepreneur helping women build their own online businesses. And...
Nov 24, 2020•39 min•Ep. 302
My aspirational views of motherhood began when I was a young child, and translated to impossible ideals once I actually had my own children. I was a shell of myself trying to chase what I thought it meant to be an "angel mother." Today's episode is sort of part two after our last conversation in April, where we discuss how to value your motherhood. Dr. Julie Hanks shares her desire for her own children to see her as a thriving happy, and interesting mother, and what she has done for herself to a...
Nov 18, 2020•42 min•Ep. 301
Most of you have heard me tell the story before, of how this podcast got its start. From a bucket list of sorts, that led to a multi-subject blog, to an Instagram, then a podcast, and now a beautiful community. Monica of four years ago had no idea what this would become, but kept going with it anyway. So, now with 300 episodes in the books, I'm sharing everything I learned and answering the questions you asked me. Thank you for showing up each Wednesday (and Friday, and sometimes other days!) to...
Nov 13, 2020•53 min•Ep. 300
Amongst perfectionists the idea of failure is really scary, it's something to be avoided at all costs. I know that because I've been there, stuck and afraid of moving forward due to fear of failure. Through years of self development I now actually know why you must fail your way forward. Every "failure" is a learning opportunity, and it's never too late for that. Courtney Rich was one of my very first guests on the podcast 4 years ago; she was a good friend of mine and had recently gone viral fo...
Nov 11, 2020•42 min•Ep. 299
Whether you're goal averse or goal obsessed, it is essential to have a vision to know who you want to be. That's because we have to have purpose. I have felt hopeless and anxiety ridden when I don't see the point to what I'm doing, when I lack purpose. If you've ever asked yourself, "Do I really need goals?" The answer is, in alignment with my anti-perfectionism teachings, yes you do. Goals are a foundation to who we are as humans and our ability to grow. In this episode I share how I was burned...
Nov 06, 2020•14 min•Ep. 298
New goals in November?! Yep! You can make new goals whenever you want to. You are not too old, too far down your path, and you are never too late. I'm sharing an update of my own Do Something Plan, and you'll see how I constantly shift and alter, and still grow. Starting, even without seeing the end in sight, is better than nothing. I'm sharing some stories of personally inspiring people who achieved their success well beyond the "30 under 30" bar that society sometimes sets. For the next two mo...
Nov 04, 2020•31 min•Ep. 297
Did September and October kick your trash? Same here. That's why I am SO happy to share some notes from our fellow Progressors. Listen in to get the boost you need, straight from the people who "get" you, me included. About a few other things... As we near the 4th anniversary and 300th episode of About Progress I'm doing a " 300 giveaway " where you can win daily gifts. There will also be a drawing for 3 grand prize winners. To enter, just share the show, leave a rating and review, and make sure...
Nov 01, 2020•21 min•Ep. 296
Are you guilty of looking around, comparing yourself to others, feeling less than, then choosing your path based on those (likely terrible) feelings? The goal of this interview is to help you understand that when you really thin, about it, almost everyone is doing something different from what you think of as the norm. You can forge your own path based on your unique values and by taking small risks that strengthen you. Preethi Harbuck is a wife and mother of 5 who travels the world (and right n...
Oct 28, 2020•35 min•Ep. 295
Only once before have I woken up in the night writing an episode in my mind, and that was my big faith crisis episode. The subject of this episode is the second time that has happened. I grew up seeing things in a very binary way and over the years have experienced a huge shift that has allowed me to embrace nuance. This has affected all aspects of my life: my body, my morals, politics, and a whole lot more. This episode is my experience of how and why I have made this shift! I see so much value...
Oct 26, 2020•27 min•Ep. 294
It's all too easy to look at our selves and pick apart the areas in which we lack, the areas where we feel most scarce. It is so much more important to see ourselves in abundance, by identifying our strengths. Whether you can rattle off a long list, or need help even finding one, this episode is for you. Learn how to shine a light on yourself, operate at your highest capacity, and how to maximize what you do. Heather Glenn is a coach who primarily helps people find their strengths and set long t...
Oct 21, 2020•48 min•Ep. 293
Though we're spending the whole month discussing living abundantly, this is the only interview specifically about money. Yep, money. That thing you're not supposed to talk about. If you're already uncomfortable, like me, you're probably living in a scarcity mindset. But, this conversation is not the place to look for permission or encouragement to spend frivolously. It is, however, about how to shift your view of money so that it truly aligns with your values. Janae Chandler teaches family finan...
Oct 14, 2020•40 min•Ep. 292
I once went down a long line of memories from my life due to a coaching prompt, in which I discovered my own feeling towards abundance. I explain further in the episode, but you may be able to do the same in an effort to understand if you are living abundantly, or in scarcity. You know me, so this is not some overnight dream-it-achieve-it speech. Instead I have 3 tips for shifting away from fear, and into feeling enough . Abundance does not mean excess, it does not only apply to material things,...
Oct 07, 2020•33 min•Ep. 291
It has been almost two years since I first publicly shared about my faith crisis. It was something that I had battled with in my mind for many years, but took a long time to share with close friends and family. And then I shared it on this podcast . The response was overwhelming and wonderful, and to this day I have talked with many of you about it. Today I bring the follow up, letting you know where I am now, and how to persevere when spiritual doors seem closed. Whether you have also questione...
Oct 04, 2020•54 min•Ep. 290
The best perk of this podcasting gig is getting to connect with the listeners here. Seriously, I cannot wait until there is a time when we can all meet in person again! Every email, comment, review, DM, that I get means so much. Over the years I've heard your successes and your struggles, and one in particular pained me to not know how to personally address. And that is, ways to reconnect after porn use in marriage. When Darcy Spafford, a regular member of this community, reached out to discuss ...
Sep 30, 2020•33 min•Ep. 289
After seven appearances now on the podcast, your fan favorite is here to discuss a previously less talked about, but integral, part of her work: sex. It was at her "Art of Desire" workshop that I first met Jennifer, and through continued work and conversation with her personally and on the podcast I know that her work is transformative. So let's get into it, what to do when you hate sex. Dr. Finlayson-Fife is a coach and psychotherapist who works predominantly with members of the Church of Jesus...
Sep 23, 2020•42 min•Ep. 288
In the world of self-development you may have convinced yourself to never give up, or some other undying mantra. But I say, it's okay to stop! Because it's different than quitting. When it comes to stopping vs. quitting I want to help you put words to why, when, and how. Quitting is giving up out of frustration by lack of results. It's giving up too soon, driven by fear, shame and self doubt. Stopping is ending what you're doing because it's not right for the here and now. It is intentional. In ...
Sep 18, 2020•15 min•Ep. 287
It doesn't matter if the circumstances are really true or not, if you don't feel like you belong, the weight and hurt of it feels the same. In this interview we uncover what feeling like you don't fit in, and finding belonging really means. If you find yourself asking what to do when you don't fit in, then these simple steps might help. At least, take solace knowing you are certainly not alone in feeling that way. Jasmine Bradshaw is behind the podcast First Name Basis, where she encourages and ...
Sep 16, 2020•37 min•Ep. 286
Don't run away thinking I'm another influencer trying to give you advice you don't need. More than anything I want you to always feel supported here at About Progress. I want you to know that whatever you have chosen in schooling your family this year is the right choice. And if it changes, it's still the right choice! There are many reasons, which I share in the episode, as to why we chose homeschooling this year. In summary, because I wanted to. I recently gathered all my thoughts, ideas, and ...
Sep 11, 2020•31 min•Ep. 285
I want you to think about something you've always wanted to change. And I ask this at the beginning of this episode, then rattle off lots of ideas, but I bet something comes to mind for you. It's hard though, isn't it? I am right there with you. Enduring years of slow transformation myself, I want to give you the tools to get going, too. Know that you CAN change, and in this episode learn some very simple places to start. Brooke Snow is a podcaster, fellow Optimize coach (I'm currently certifyin...
Sep 09, 2020•55 min•Ep. 284
Did you know I actually plan my monthly themes several months in advance? Interestingly, this month's theme of perseverance could not be more timely. I hope I'm not the only one that feels that way and is ready to dive in to a month of encouraging interviews. To set us up in this episode, I'm talking about a cartoon hero that can teach us some valuable lessons. I'm also sharing a little bit more about my journey with my daughter's special needs. And teaching you a simple acronym to remind yourse...
Sep 02, 2020•31 min•Ep. 283
