About Progress

Latest Episodes:

AP 276: Be Consistent || August's Theme Aug 05, 2020

Show notes

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

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

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

About a few other things...

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

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

SHOW NOTES

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

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AP 275: How to Find Magic in Your Mess || with Cori Connors Jul 29, 2020

Show notes

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

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

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

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

About a few other things...

SHOW NOTES

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

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

AP 274: Why You are VERY Exhausted || with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Jul 22, 2020

Show notes

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

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

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

About a few other things...

SHOW NOTES

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

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

AP 273: Ways to Choose More Happiness || with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife Jul 15, 2020

Show notes

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

“I DON’T LOVE MY LIFE, BUT I CAN’T CHOOSE OTHERWISE.”

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

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

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

About a few other things...

SHOW NOTES

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

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

AP 272: Resistance is Part of Your Path || with Patrice Washington Jul 08, 2020

Show notes

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

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

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

About a few other things...

SHOW NOTES

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

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

AP 271: How to Get Out of a Funk || with Natalie Norton Jul 01, 2020

Show notes

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

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

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

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

About a few other things...

SHOW NOTES

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

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

AP 270: “Dear Progressor,” May + June 2020 Edition Jun 24, 2020

Show notes

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

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

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

About a few other things...

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

SHOW NOTES

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

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

AP 269: How Confirmation Bias Can Shift Your Health Habits Jun 19, 2020

Show notes

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

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

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

About a few other things...

SHOW NOTES

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

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

AP 268: The Power of Eating Without Fear || with Taylor Chan Jun 10, 2020

Show notes

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

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

About a few other things...

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

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

SHOW NOTES

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

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

AP 267: Christopher Clark || A Tribute Jun 08, 2020

Show notes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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