About Progress

Latest Episodes:

AP 206: "Dear Progressor," September Edition Sep 30, 2019

Show notes

I hope this month you've been able to narrow in on and make the changes that you deemed necessary to be able to keep growing and progressing in your life. In today's episode we get to hear from community members just like you, who bravely share what they've learned. If you want to be a part of next month's episode here's how.

I like to check in each month and let you know what I've been up to, as well as what I've learned from this month's episodes. A lot has happened this month, Work In Progress Academy has been moving right along and going so well. My husband and I were able to travel to Texas, where I was able to rest in ways we talked about here.

I also spoke at a local conference and a retreat in Utah. I share who I ran into on my flight home from that retreat and what I learned from the beautiful conversation we had. We are also looking forward to some big decisions, and I received a comment on Instagram that helped with my perspective. Lastly, I'm telling you what I really thought about each of this month's episodes and how they directly applied to me.

Thank you to this months sponsor, Saranoni Blankets, I hope all of you that wanted one snagged a new cozy blanket for yourself or someone else. You can still use code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ to take 10% off your order, excluding some of their sales. P.S. I announced the podcast review winner for the month!

SHOW NOTES

Sign up for a FREE podcast e-course!
Get 20% off Saranoni Luxury Blankets with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ through September
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

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

AP 205: Goodbye Comfort, Hello Growth || with Emily Bell Sep 25, 2019

Show notes

No flowery intro today, friends, because this episode speaks for itself. When I interviewed Emily she had just returned home from 7 months of world travels with her young family and was planning to enjoy the summer. No more than 2 weeks after we initially spoke, Emily was diagnosed with cancer. You'll hear our conversation in two parts, before and after that diagnosis.

Emily, her husband, and three children call themselves the Lost Bells. It's a name they felt described their desire to get lost! Meaning, travel the world together and get out of their comfort zones. The places they've been able to come home vary far and wide, from Hawaii to Costa Rica to Taiwan, and more. No matter the location it was most important to them to push their (and their kids') comfort zones, to grow together.

The things that these travels taught Emily, namely her spot on depiction of choosing faith over fear, became chillingly relevant since her cancer diagnosis. Her attitude and perspective on loving her body, while maintaining gratitude and hope is not something to miss out on.

About a few other things

As this month comes to a close so does your chance to get a Saranoni Blankets at the best discount ever. The last, and maybe most impressive, thing I want to share is about their company and the way they make sure to give back. You can use code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' to take 20% off your order all month.

SHOW NOTES

Emily's Instagram, Website
Sign up for free, weekly podcasting tips!
Get 20% off Saranoni Luxury Blankets with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook 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 204: All or Nothing Thinking is the WORST! || Growth Spurt Sep 20, 2019

Show notes

Did you know I used to be afraid of water? And in fact, kind of still am. Did you know I swim laps a few times a week? I use the word laps loosely, because if I go 2 minutes then have to hang on the side that's still okay, because I'm doing something. Through my own self-development I've realized that my old mindset, all or nothing thinking, is the worst!

Going all in on anything usually comes at a cost. If you can't see that cost right away it is probably your own sanity. Because what if you're going all in and something goes wrong? Does that derail you? And consider the opposite, does the fear of starting have you trapped into doing nothing?

I still find myself slipping into this habit of all or nothing thinking from time to time. My solution is to tell myself to have a something mindset. I challenge you to attempt the same. In this episode I give you a few prompts that you can ask yourself in order to just keep doing. I also remind you that your worth is not dependent on any outcome, it's the process that transforms you.

About a few other things...

During these episodes I share my latest and greatest Amazon find. My kids (and me!) have been loving loom bracelet weaving. As a plus, it's been awesome for their fine motor skills. Check out the loom and the mega refill kit here.

SHOW NOTES

Amazon made me do it! This weeks find.
Get 20% off Saranoni Luxury Blankets with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

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

AP 203: Why You Are SOOOOOO Exhausted + How to Change That || with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Sep 18, 2019

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

Do you like to use a weighted blanket? Personally the traditional type feel too heavy for me, but a little weight does feel good. I think the Saranoni Blankets are juuuust right (this one is my favorite!). They make their own fabric to control the weight and softness, and you feel that difference! You can use code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' to take 20% off your order all month.

SHOW NOTES

Saundra's Instagram, Facebook, Website, Rest Quiz
FREE 5-Day Sleep Makeover
Get 20% off Saranoni Luxury Blankets with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook 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 202: You Can Outsource Your Life || Growth Spurt Sep 13, 2019

Show notes

Before you dismiss the topic of outsourcing, I promise it does apply to you! Consider all of the things you think you need to, are supposed to, HAVE TO do in a day...then consider how that makes you feel. If it's not a good feeling you can and should outsource your normal life.

This is something I did not used to understand, because I wasn't raised in a family that outsourced anything! It's only been recently that I've been able to see the huge benefit in asking for help - paid for and not. When I asked the women in our private Facebook group about this it brought up a lot of hesitation, so this episode is to encourage moving past that with practical solutions.

Get creative with your outsourcing: my small children can help with chores, my husband can cook dinner, we can all clean together! If money is your concern, trade favors with friends and ask your family to help. I also share the one way I outsourced that I've stopped, well actually changed and I'll keep you posted on how it works out!

About a few other things...

During these episodes I share my latest and greatest Amazon find. Remember how in this month's intro episode I admit that 'beauty' is one of my top values? Well I love when my nails are done, but don't love everything about going to a salon to have them done. I have found a gel nails system that's been a game changer! It's easy to use, works super well, and allows me to do something more often that brings me joy.

LAST CALL! The Progress Program has been officially relaunched and is now more accessible and affordable than before. It is a 12 week program housed under the new Work In Progress Academy and you can read alllll about it at those links.

SHOW NOTES

Sign up for my NEWLY overhauled Progress Program (enrollment ends Sept. 15th!)
Amazon made me do it! This weeks find.
Get 20% off Saranoni Luxury Blankets with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

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

AP 201: Control the Control Freak In You || with Becky Proudfit Sep 11, 2019

Show notes

It's time to face your fears. Not the heights and spiders kind, but the kind that you are creating for yourself. Are you afraid of breaking routine, trying something new, or letting others down? Chances are, the control freak in you has created those fears to do just that...control you. Let's talk about breaking free and finding yourself.

Becky Proudfit is a fellow podcaster, mother, and cancer survivor. She is also a self proclaimed perpetual goal-chaser and control freak. Or should I say, she WAS those things. A cancer diagnosis changed her life drastically, and in surprising ways.

Once finding herself in the validation of others, Becky was forced to pull back. She talks about the ways she used to micromanage her children, but after she simply could no longer do that they flourished. She details a spur of the moment trip to Iceland and embracing a new way of thinking that embodies more adventure and so much less fear.

About a few other things

The Progress Program has relaunched and is now more affordable and accessible than ever before! You will receive weekly lessons and a workbook to get you unstuck in ways that stick. This is small group coaching, so enrollment will be capped and ends on the 15th.

I am working with Saranoni Blankets this month to bring you the most luxurious blankets for everyone in your family. You can use code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' to take 20% off your order all month!

SHOW NOTES

Becky's Instagram, Facebook, Podcast
Sign up for my NEWLY overhauled Progress Program (enrollment ends Sept. 15th!)
Get 20% off Saranoni Luxury Blankets with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook 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 200: Evolve or Die || Growth Spurt Sep 06, 2019

Show notes

Don't worry, the title of this episode is meant to be a little dramatic! It's also meant to make you pause, and think. Because it's true, we all evolve or die (ever heard what doesn't kill you makes you stronger?). But I know from experience, this is harder than it sounds. This month we're focusing on CHANGE. How, why, when, and all the messy in-between.

Evolve or die.

Twelve years ago I was not the person I am today. I'm sharing some of the major struggles that consumed my ability to evolve in hopes that you can do the same for yourself. I also touch on the difference between quitting and stopping, as well as what it means to pivot and keep growing. This has been applicable in my personal development, but also in my marriage and even on this podcast.

Speaking of this podcast, happy 200th episode to US! I had no clue where sharing my message via microphone and internet would lead me, I just knew I needed to do it. Thank you for being here old friends and new, and thank you for making this a true community. Tune in today and even hear me stumble over a few words because I hope it goes without saying now, life is about progress, not perfection.

About a few other things...

During these episodes I share my latest and greatest Amazon find. Today I bring you...pretend makeup! Sound silly? Well the havoc my little boys were wreaking on my real makeup and bathroom was no laughing matter. Now I can get ready in peace while they happily play. Check it out, it looks soooo real!

The Progress Program has been officially relaunched and is now more accessible and affordable than before. It is a 12 week program housed under the new Work In Progress Academy and you can read alllll about it at those links. I'm also teaching a FREE online class next week about procrastination - one of the most requested topics, so make sure you join us live or sign up and get the replay.

SHOW NOTES

Sign up for my FREE class: Why You Procrastinate and How to Change
Sign up for my NEWLY overhauled Progress Program (enrollment ends Sept. 15th!)
Amazon made me do it! This weeks find.
Get 20% off Saranoni Luxury Blankets with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

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

AP 199: Dare to Change || September’s Theme Sep 04, 2019

Show notes

This is a little ironic, but I actually changed this month's theme at the last second. We're going to treat September sort of like the New Year (it feels like it in so many ways, don't you think??) and dig deep to discover what AND how we need to dare to change.

Why am I daring you to do this? Because it's going to be hard, but it is going to be worth it. And this isn't some blanket statement where you need to feel totally overwhelmed that you aren't good enough and the only answer is to completely change. Instead, I'm spelling out just 3 areas where you can make changes that fit your values.

And of course, I'm spilling my guts about the changes I'm personally making, as well as my top 7 values. One of them I sort of wanted to go back and change, but I didn't! When you do this exercise I'm curious if you find yourself feeling the same.

Lastly, I quickly summarize the upcoming podcast guests by sharing just a little about each of them. There is so much in store for all of us this month and I hope you find and take advantage of whatever best guides you towards the growth you deserve.

You know how I'm here to give you a hug and kick in the pants? Well this month's sponsor, Saranoni Luxury Blankets, has got the hug part covered. These are the highest quality and softest blankets that come in allll sizes and literally feel like a hug. All month long you can take 20% off your Saranoni Blanket purchase with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'.

SHOW NOTES

Sign up for my FREE class: Why You Procrastinate and How You Can Change
Join the NEWLY overhauled Progress Program (enrollment ends Sept 15th!)
Get 20% off Saranoni Luxury Blankets with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

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

AP 198: "Dear Progressor," August Edition Aug 30, 2019

Show notes

It feels good to be checking back in after taking a break this past month. I love this "Dear Progressor" episode each month because we get to hear from real people, members of this community who have learned something that they want to share. I also share what I've been up to and what I have learned - and this month it was a lot!

"Dear Progressor," August Edition

I like to check in each month and let you know what I've been up to, as well as what I've learned from this month's episodes. Thanks to the break I took around here I was able to spend time on other projects - like painting my whole entire house! It's kind of a funny story and I share it in this episode. This month I also had sort of a mental reset, and I'm sharing the specific boundaries I'm setting for myself moving forward.

Did you realize I aired SIX encore episodes this month?? Many of you probably hadn't heard them before, but even if you had I bet you learned something new. Thank you to the women who sent in voice bites for this episode, each takeaway is so valuable. Listen in to these unique perspectives from the month!

About a few other things

I am speaking at the Happier Than Skinny retreat, which will be in September in Utah, and I would love to meet you there! You might remember Heather, who is one of the women organizing this amazing getaway. You can use code 'MONICA' for $100 off your ticket.

Thank you to everyone who has left a Podcast review, I choose a winner each month and announce them on this episode!

SHOW NOTES

Get 10% off your Monk Manual with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs

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

AP 197: You Can Still Be You When Life Gets Tough || with Christopher Clark (Encore!) Aug 28, 2019

Show notes

I may let it slip in this episode that this interview is my favorite, which I know is like claiming a favorite child but oh well, I said it! This month I've been able to share several of my verrrry favorite past episodes with you and if it isn't your first time listening I hope you've still learned something new, just as I have.

You can still be you when life gets tough.

Christopher Clark, father of five and an actor and director with an impressive resume, was recently diagnosed with ALS. He explains a little more about the degenerative disease in the episode, as well as his process of finding that diagnosis. But what's most amazing is that although his health is at the forefront of almost everything he can do (or not do) it isn't his only focus.

His passion for the arts has not diminished, and he was working full time when this episode was originally published. His family remains close, and he even details the ways in which all of them have become his caregivers as needed. Amidst the physical need to kind of conserve his energy, Chris makes it clear he chooses to have a happy life.

I also share this in the episode, but it's an honor to have this inspirational interview in the archives as Christopher has since lost the ability to speak. If you listen in and learn something I would love to have you share that with our community, here's how!

About a few other things

Podcast University is off to an amazing start and more courses will be launching this fall. If you’ve wanted to start a podcast, you’re going to want to know when enrollment opens. You can also receive free weekly tips when you sign up right here.

P.S. If you want to stay in touch, especially while I'm taking a social media break, please subscribe to my weekly newsletter!

SHOW NOTES

Christopher's Instagram
Sign up for weekly podcasting tips
Get 10% off Monk Manuals with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan
Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE
Join the free and private FB group
Join Monica on Facebook 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

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