About Progress

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AP 196: Paused Dreams are not Dead Dreams || with Aubrey Greenan (Encore!) Aug 23, 2019

Show notes

We're no stranger to big dreams around here! Write them down, say them out loud, chase them with open arms - no matter what they may be. But this month we've been "taking a break", and sometimes our dreams do that, too. Many of us may be in a season where we need to remind ourselves that paused dreams are not dead dreams.

Paused Dreams are not Dead Dreams

With a voice discovered by her kindergarten teacher, Aubrey Greenan has spent the majority of her life developing her talent for singing. She owes a lot to a high school teacher, too, and of course the conservatory program at Carnegie Mellon. The way she describes it, her dreams of singing in large scale productions were not out of reach. But, she shares some other dreams she had - motherhood.

Aubrey details a moment with one of her mentors that changed her perspective. Fast forward to now, she is a mother of 3 and performs in her kitchen. Tune in, the way she describes her life now, though, is still inspiring and beautiful. Will she one day grace an opera stage again? Maybe! She didn't give up on anything, she just shifted her priorities for this season.

About a few other things

This month I've been taking a break, mostly from Instagram. I feel refreshed and like I have been able to focus my energy on allll the things coming to you in upcoming months. If you want some help with your social media usage make sure to snag my guide!

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

Social Media Challenge
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

AP 195: Asking for Help, Helps you Stay Strong || with Cara Baldwin (Encore!) Aug 21, 2019

Show notes

It's a topic that comes up often and is surprisingly polarizing: asking for help. We each have our own views on what we will or will not ask for help with, but do we know why? Have we considered that asking for help could actually make us stronger? In this interview that was the reality, and it wasn't true for just Cara, it was true for her children and other close relationships around her.

Asking for Help

Finding herself with 4 young children at 30 years old, and filing for divorce, Cara admits she had been "ground down to powder" when she humbled herself and moved back into her childhood home with her parents. The thing that kept her going was knowing she had to invest in the future of her children, and so also herself. She had to ask her mom to babysit for free for a few years so that after graduating law school she wouldn't have to ask that ever again.

Yes, law school. Cara put herself through law school during the lowest point of her life. You just have to tune in to hear the perspective on inner strength that she has now. Many years later her life looks very different, and we did touch a bit more on that the first time this episode aired (this one is just edited for time). Essentially she believes life is what you create, and the one she has now is what she put her head down and worked to get.

If one of the ways you need help is with your habits, did you know we spent a whole month on that?? One of the habits I needed the most help with was sleep. Chrissy Lawler and I put together a FREE 5-Day Sleep Makeover that has already helped hundreds, so check it out!

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

Free 5-Day Sleep Makeover
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

AP 194: Slow Down to Start Living || with Matt Davis (Encore!) Aug 16, 2019

Show notes

Sometimes we have to fall, even fail, and in the process of figuring out how and who can help us get back up we find real balance. We can even find real happiness. This episode talks frankly about mental health, suicide, relationships and self-discovery. Our guest's wife was interviewed here and they were both interviewed here.

Slow Down to Start Living

Matt Davis' mental health struggles started when he was the sophomore football captain, curtailed his LDS mission, and came to a head when he lost his father to suicide at just 19. His outlook on that devastating event is one to be admired. Matt realized how important it is to get help and how set backs move us forward. He is now proudly outspoken about mental health awareness and finding balance.

Matt went on to complete his LDS mission, have a family, and become very successful in business. By how own admission he is truly so happy. He is also acutely aware of the depression and anxiety that he will always have to keep in check. Tune in and hear the ways Matt, and his family, have slowed down because of their attitude on really living.

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.

SHOW NOTES

Matt's Website
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

AP 193: Stop Letting Social Media Hijack Your Life || with Brooke White (Encore!) Aug 14, 2019

Show notes

You know by now that this month the focus is on taking a break. For me, that's pulling back on Instagram, and a few other things, to refocus my energy in different areas that need it right now. It's not because Instagram is a bad thing, it's an amazing platform for sharing and real connection. BUT, it can consume us, so today's episode is a gentle reminder to stop letting social media hijack your life.

Stop Letting Social Media Hijack Your Life

Brooke White, mother and American Idol finalist (!!), has an engaging social media platform that she values...and then one day she deleted Instagram from her phone and realized she could still dance even if no one was watching. She also shares a really heartbreaking realization about how our children are affected by parents using their phone.

Listen to Brooke's real life experience, which walks that fine line of loving social media without losing yourself in it. You can apply some of what she has done immediately, and if you need a little more guidance I have a little email course just for that and you can get it right here.

SHOW NOTES

Brooke's Instagram, Website, and pre-order her album, Calico.
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

AP 192: Pause to Pivot || with Heather Fujikawa (Encore!) Aug 09, 2019

Show notes

As I mentioned earlier this week, August is about taking a break. I will be re-airing some of my favorite (and on topic) episodes that I know you'll love. If you've heard them before, I bet you'll learn something new this time around. To kick things off, here is my very first interview and it's still so relevant!

Heather Fujikawa is a longtime friend that agreed to be my first interview. I was so nervous, and before we began she asked if we could say a prayer. It is evident in her interview that she often pauses, in all kinds of ways and like she did with me. Heather has experienced, heartbreaking lows (infertility and cancer) but still managed to pursue multiple creative ventures. Since this interview she has released a book and TV show with her twin sister!

Tune in to this conversation on learning from burn out, perfectionism, and habits. You can still follow your passions and try new things, while taking the breaks you need.

About a few other things

Podcast University has been going sooo well (thanks to those who have asked!) and I am excited for the future of it. Enrollment is closed, but if you would like to receive our free weekly podcasting tips please sign up here for the emails!

SHOW NOTES

Heather's Instagram, Website, and Joyful Living Book
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

AP 191: Take a Break! || August’s Theme Aug 07, 2019

Show notes

I know, I know, it seems a little counterintuitive after our month about dreaming big. But it's true, resting when and where you need to can actually help you grow. This month's theme, Take a Break!, is meant to fill you back up and enrich your life. I'm going to share what inspired me to try this (sort of scary) thing.

Take a break!

I had a strong impression a couple months back to SLOW DOWN. You can hear the full story in the episode, but as a result here we are! There are so many things in store for this community and in order for me to make them really happen I actually have to let go a little. I'm not abandoning ship, but I am going to ease up in some areas.

This month's progress plan will realllly guide you through this. I don't want you to drop your priorities, but I do want you to outsource and make space so you can feel truly restored. Because that's my goal this month! I'm letting go in two big areas so I can essentially rearrange my priorities for the time being. You might be surprised what I'm moving up on my list.

Grab this month's progress plan, catch up on your Do Something list, and stick with me here when it serves you. You'll see less of me on social media, so sign up for my weekly newsletter where I'll still check in and am always happy to hear back from you.

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 190: "Dear Progressor," July Edition Jul 31, 2019

Show notes

I need to start with a THANK YOU for dreaming big with me this month. It was one of my very favorite themes and I hope you were able to learn and grow as much as I was. In today's episode a few listeners share their big dreams, tune in to be inspired by what they have to say!

"Dear Progressor," July 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. Spoiler: turns out I hate canoeing. But on a more serious note, I was able to share some of my very favorite interviews with valuable takeaways. If you're still holding back, remember, you can be more than one thing, start small, and you have the right to dream.

Though small in number, the listeners that sent in submissions for this episode really showed up for all of us. From mindset shifts, to pushing themselves, encouraging you to aim high, and totally opening up about their 10 biggest dreams, you can't help but feel inspired.

P.S. I've got a slight programming change coming up next month, but that means big things are in store. I hope you enjoy what I've got planned! If you want to know first, then just sign up for my weekly newsletter that's always full of exclusive content.

About a few other things

It's the very last day (July 31st) for the big, big discount code with Monk Manual, but every day after today you can still get a (little smaller) discount using code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'. I have loved sharing this planner that integrates your goals and values into your daily life.

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 189: Lies You Believe About Dreaming || Growth Spurt Jul 26, 2019

Show notes

I'm back on my soapbox again today to gently give you permission, but also enthusiastically cheer you on, in your pursuit of your dreams. If it wasn't for a dream I had, oh, ten years ago then none of this would be here. Not this blog, this podcast, or this incredible community. And certainly none of my own personal growth from it all! So let's talk about you, what are the lies you believe about dreaming?

Lies You Believe About Dreaming

If you've been tuning in this month you already know what we're talking about, so what's holding you back from doing it?? Dreaming, that is. I think that sometimes we discount our dreams. And this happens to our dreams of all sizes - either we think it's too small to matter or too big to accomplish.

Stop discounting your dreams, stop discounting yourself. You deserve to dream, to reach for something greater than yourself. I was reminded of something we talked about last month, that more often than not we would be more sad if we didn't just try.

In this episode I'm sharing how I feel about my failures and successes, but most importantly how that taught me to take all dreams seriously. I hope you listen to this short episode because I want that for you too!

About a few other things

This month when you share the podcast you are entered into a weekly drawing for something from my favorite skincare and beauty line! Just tag me @aboutprogress or DM/email me to let me know you've shared.

These Growth Spurt episodes always feature something I like to call "Amazon made me do it!" This week I'm admitting what I bought that made me feel like a true millennial - a selfie light. This little thing is powerful and works wonders while I work from my bedroom/office. All my favorites are always right here.

SHOW NOTES

Amazon Made Me Do It: the ring light I wish I had gotten 2 years ago to brighten my face while on camera
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
Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!)
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 188: Why You Need a Dream and How to Find it || with Janelle Alexandra Jul 24, 2019

Show notes

If all of our talk about dreams this month actually has you feeling stuck, that's okay. Let's get back to the basics about why you need a dream and give you a little help on how to find it. This is a no pressure approach, our life coach guest even says so.

Why You Need a Dream

Janelle Alexandra is a life purpose coach with a clear and faith driven mission to build up women. She believes in passion and purpose and advocates for how dreams can help you find those things. But what about obstacles? Those can actually be okay, too. Tune in to understand how and why.

No matter their size, Janelle believes you were designed with your dreams in mind. She explains a helpful exercise to aid in uncovering those dreams then encourages you to lean in and go for it! So, once you know why you need a dream you'll already be well on your way to achieving it.

About a few other things

It's not too late to become a planner! Start now with Monk Manual, especially while you can get 20% off with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' for the rest of July ONLY (after that the discount is 10%).

Remember this month that everyone who shares the podcast is entered into a giveaway of some of my favorite things! If you do this on social media tag me @aboutprogress, otherwise just message me and let me know. One of the prizes is something from my very favorite makeup and skincare line.

SHOW NOTES

Janelle's Instagram and Website (exclusive free lifestyle guide here!)
Get 20% off Monk Manuals with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’
Makeup favorites: best-selling concealer - share the podcast for a chance to win one!
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
Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!)
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, "Take it Easy" by "Bad Shacks"

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

AP 187: Hard is Good || Growth Spurt Jul 19, 2019

Show notes

You know the phrase "when the going gets tough, the tough get going", right? What does 'going' look like for you? When things get hard do you dig in or do you get out? I think there is a common misconception that just because something is good, it should be easy. A lot of the time that just isn't true, because hard is good.

Hard is Good

If you think about it, you've probably seen this principle in your life even if you haven't liked it. In personal growth you kind of have to stretch yourself, and it doesn't always feel easy. It's hard, but it's good because you're getting somewhere! In this episode I explain why I think life is hard, but not bad. We can simply switch up some of our verbiage to shift our thoughts!

I also discuss the ever present comparison traps we all face. Don't assume that the progress you see in others was met without struggle - and don't discount the growth that probably happened during that. And I'm opening up about a recent revelation I had, and will be following, that feels hard but I know is good.

As you tune in for this little bit of tough love, remember that your worth is not measured in outcomes and you CAN do hard things.

About a few other things

These Growth Spurt episodes always feature something I like to call "Amazon made me do it!" I'm sharing the breathable mesh hats that my kids actually like to wear to keep them protected from the sun when we're doing our favorite things outdoors. All my favorites are always right here.

SHOW NOTES

Amazon Made Me Do It: the best hats to protect your kids from the sun.
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
Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!)
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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