About Progress

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 personal ambitions of my youth and how I gave up on them for a while. Once I reconnected with myself, and sowed those seeds a little, I found unique ways to pursue my interests, and encourage you to seek the same.   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, so that they can find more and lasting personal growth and fulfillment. Join us for weekly chats, monthly masterclasses, self developm

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 while she is an expert in her field, this interview is not focused on that. This episode helps you own who you are, and that trying for the sake of trying is worth all the time, energy, and money it may require for you to invest so that you can grow and find massive personal fulfillment.   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, so that they can find more and lasting personal growth and fu

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 accomplish that. She addresses the role of caregiving, traditionally undervalued, and how to increase it's value but also what to focus on instead. Learn how to lean into your role, in a way that only you can for those in your care, to see the real value in your motherhood.   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, so that they can find more and lasting personal growth and fulfillment. Join

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 learn and grow right alongside me. Your insights and growth have brought this community to life. Here's to many more years of progress, not perfection!   About a few other things...   If you would like to be a part of a smaller group of women who are really dedicated to making progress, while having accountability and more guidance, I'd love to have you in our private membership group The Strive Hive. We have monthly masterclasses, a book club, daily inspiration and accountability, weekly chats, and so much more to

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 for cake decorating. In this episode we dive deeper, it's not just about the cake anymore. Years into her business some of the first failures she had continue to motivate her, while new failures continue to teach her. Courtney shares how she avoided comparison, and was led by the "good and peaceful feeling" she felt as she pursued her creative outlet, and eventually business.   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

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 out by my outcome oriented goals, them I swung too far the other way and was afraid of goals. I have 3 reasons why you do need to have a vision, and tips for how to keep it achievable. Tune in for how to make your goals a stretch, not a snap, and learn how to bend, not break.   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

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 months you will hear stories and lessons on this podcast that are meant to cheer you on towards your purpose, not just your wildest dreams but who you truly are meant to be. I'm giving you a few ways to get started in this episode, too, so stop waiting and tune in!   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

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 to let me know about it. Your support in this way means the world to me and allows me to continue to serve you best. However you have chosen to educate your children during these unique and uncertain times, I want you to know you're doing the right thing! I have compiled all my favorite resources to share with you in hopes they support you in any way. As a former educator, turned newly homeschooling mama I want us to know we're all in this together, so check out the COVID School Resource Guide. Sign up for the Go Ge

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 now the country by RV) with her family. With an emphasis on getting outside their comfort zones, welcoming differences, and connecting with one another this has been the exact right path for her family. World travel might not be in alignment with your family or individual culture, but her story can teach you something. Learn how to expand your view, live more abundantly in welcoming differences, and let go of the idea that there is one right way to do anything.   About a few other things...   As we near the 4th annive

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 in allowing perspective, compromise, and nuance in lots of areas of our lives. You've heard me teach before about abandoning all-or-nothing thinking, and it so applies here. I hope that together we work towards seeing and embracing each other, our humanity, and our full human experience. Where I was once scared of nuance, and stuck to my safe space, I know see the huge opportunity for growth by leaning in more fully.   About a few other things...   As we near the 4th anniversary and 300th episode of About Progr

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 term goals. She shares her own story of feeling lost as a young mother, and how the shift to become the CEO of her family and herself ultimately changed everything. She will give you real ways to identify your strengths, and offers the gentle reminder that sometimes the most growth can come from within your own comfort zone. That means, when you focus on what you're good at, and grow those strengths, you increase your capacity for growth and success in all areas of your life. Tune in to hear how to do it and why it's

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 finance at Brigham Young University and, admittedly, loves talking about money! To anyone, in any circumstance, at any time. She shares her own journey to reaching that point as well as her continuous efforts to budget and allow money to flow within her life and values. Her perspective on exchange and productivity will help you ease into a more abundant mindset. And for the listeners looking to get a jumpstart, check out her free class on budgeting. Sometimes we are so focused on money, that we forget all the other value

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, it is simply the idea of having enough. By valuing what you have, and what you are, as enough, you will feel the gratitude that comes with abundance.   Though we will have an interview about money, the others this month will not be directly focused there. As you approach this theme in your life I hope to help you confidently say "come what may" and feel whole with that mindset.   About a few other things...   To celebrate the 300th episode and 4th year of the podcast I'm doing a "300 Giveaway" where I give away 3 big

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 questioned, or struggled with your faith, or if you haven't, I think my insight is worth listening to. For those who have felt like me, I have narrowed it down to 5 things that fuel my faith perseverance. They are not your typical answers, I hope they help guide you, too. For those that don't understand this type of struggle, I hope you listen and it will help you when you cross paths with someone like me.   I believe that unity is not all having the same thoughts, but is having the same purpose. We are all lost lambs seeking

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 this topic I was thrilled. She is a homeschooling mom of 8 kids who has been married for almost 20 years. After navigating pornography in their marriage for the majority of that time, her and her husband now share openly to help couples reconnect after porn use in their marriages.   Honestly, her tips for rebuilding could serve every relationship - porn use or not. Her message of hope is that once she handed responsibility back to her husband, she felt powerful again. Through working on herself, finding her own happi

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 Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this episode she lends her expertise on intimacy between married couples, with the foundational belief that it matters to more to belong to our sense of self, than to have sex.   This episode is for you if you have developed emotional disinterest, disgust, even the physical inability to have sex. There is hope to rebuild. Learn how to let go of any "transactional" ways of thinking about sex and lean into your own sensual nature. It's not quick or easy, but it is possible to change thi

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 this episode I share how I quit dancing, but how I recently stopped the Progress Program. I have different feelings towards each experience, and that includes how I have and will approach resuming them. When you stop, you'll know it was a hard call, but still the right call. If you're struggling with the decision, tune in for 3 questions to ask yourself for first.   About a few other things...   Have you ever wondered how to podcast as a busy mom? Or maybe you know someone who would make a fantastic podcaster and n

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 empowers us to have hard conversations. She delves more into this in the interview, but it was her struggle to find belonging that actually inspired her to create the First Name Basis community. She talks about growing up biracial, and what she learned from her parents, college, and a special experience on an internship in New York.   So much of what you can do when you feel like you don't fit in, is to first make sure you have belonging within yourself. Jasmine has 3 steps to being brave and seeking connection. She

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 resources into one spot for you and I'm calling it my COVID School Resource Guide. It's completely free and hopefully easy for you to navigate. Whatever schooling looks like for your family I think there are things in there that will further support your family goals. And ultimately, as I share in this episode, I only have two goals when it comes to homeschooling.   When you tune in I hope you feel more at ease and confident in whatever decision you have made and that my experience provides insight into one of the wa

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 certifying!), author and proponent of sustainable change. Really, she is a champion of all things we strive for at About Progress and I know you will resonate with her teachings and experiences. Brooke even opens up about a traumatic experience years ago, that led her to meditation and ultimately a transformation that she still works on every day.   We're covering the basics of what's keeping you from change, to how to move past that, and some encouragement if it's a slow process. Brooke will help you understand that it's the