About Progress

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 yourself of when things get especially tough.   I am also giving you an update on my Do Something List, see the picture below, and as a reminder I always love to hear how yours are going! We focus a lot on accountability and supporting one another's lists in the Strive Hive. Lastly, I give a sneak peek to the incredible line up of interviews this month focusing on how to persevere within ourselves, our friends, and our marriages.   About a few other things...   Have you ever wondered how to podcast as a busy mom? Or maybe

Just to recap from the summer, we listened to encore episodes in July and then talked about being consistent throughout August. The "Dear Progressor," episode will now air every other month, so still make sure to leave me your messages with what you learned and how you're growing! The submissions this month are definitely special, some even made this non-cryer get a little misty eyed.   I hope these messages (and songs!) help you realize that as you strive for progress and growth, you are not alone. None of the women who share their hearts in this episode have everything figured out. They are opening up about the steps they take to keep moving forward, and that's something we can all learn form.   About a few other things...   Enrollment in the About Progress membership group is now open!! Join The Strive Hive which 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.   Sign

Last month I announced a change for the podcast - each month we would alternate between the "Dear Progressor" episodes and an interview with a "regular" listener. This month I chatted with a member of this community, who is just like you, because it's so important for you to see that progress and growth is achievable even if you're not an expert.   Kendra Brimhall opens up about her progress story, and how she built a constructive mindset around habits. As a self described chronic-monster-list-maker, she would become overwhelmed and felt unsuccessful in her habits. Now, Kendra shares 3 small changes you can make to achieve the habits you want: smart small, change your definition of success, and have a backup plan. You will totally relate to this glimpse into a real life Progressor navigating growth, and especially during these uncertain times.   If you've ever found yourself in the valley of disappointment, feeling like a failure as you try hard to grow, then this episode with simple tips and relatable scenar

For a long, long time I valued my worth based on my outcomes. If I didn't look a certain way, or achieve a certain thing, I thought that meant I wasn't good enough as a person. I now know, and want you to also understand, that I was wrong. The truth is, for myself included, you'll never make it.   You've probably heard in more than one of my interviews a discussion about arrival - and whether or not we ever fully arrive into who we think we need to become. We truly don't, I don't think we're designed that way. As I've shifted my thinking to understand this I am more grateful than ever for the endless opportunities I have, as a result, to keep growing.   Tune in for the reassurance that you'll never make it! As a result you'll never settle, you'll explore endless possibility, and experience the forward moving ability to see how far you've come and have the strength to keep growing.   About a few other things...   As we spend this month talking about consistency, it's so important to address our habits! I disag

This is a power-packed episode that I know I will listen to over and over again. The tips are simple and doable, and there are lots of them. Every week I send out Progress Pointers, basically all the good stuff in a nice graphic, so that you can listen and learn without taking notes. In this interview we uncover why we get sooo distracted, and how to become indistractable, through understanding our individual values and time.   Nir Eyal, author and behavioral designer, has spent years researching habit formation - specifically teaching tech and product companies how to get users hooked. He has a refreshing take, though, and discourages the all-or-nothing abandonment of your smart device for a 1990's flip phone and typewriter (from personal experience, seriously). Instead, Nir teaches 4 techniques that are really mindset shifts to address the 3 biggest reasons you're getting distracted.   If you've been here for any amount of time you'll recognize many of the things we discuss: values, discomfort, taking actio

My husband, Brad, and I are sitting down to give you a super informal update on our lives! A while back we talked about a lot of the unknowns we faced when we sold our home by owner in the middle of a pandemic without knowing where we'd land. Today we're sharing the exciting news that we bought a house, along with answering the questions you asked.   And, with the upcoming school year, we've decided to homeschool our children. This is something I have always wanted to do and given the current pandemic it felt like the right time. I'm sharing my approach, a little bit about curriculum and our schedule, plus my number one homeschooling priority. Stay tuned for a future blog post with the tools that help us in this endeavor!   If all of our adventures with this new home are interesting to you, follow along for updates on Instagram. I still have so much else in store for the podcast, Podcast U, the membership group, and even upcoming free classes. As for this episode, tune in for what Brad really loves about the

Certain things are frequent topics on this podcast, and habits and routines has been one of them. If you're still overwhelmed and unsure of how to make those changes in your life, that's OKAY. Today's episode aims to use routines to free up your life and mind when you learn how to maximize consistency with your routines.   Ashley Brown, of Routines and Things, is a self proclaimed "Type A" personality who struggled with a major life transition, which led her to understanding that routines could make her stronger. She shares her morning routine, her exercise routine, and her young daughters' routine, all without expecting you to copy any of that. She teaches that we each need to structure our own unique routines in an intentional way that suits us.   If you feel like your routines are controlling you, know it should be the exact opposite. Ashley provides a few simple questions you can ask yourself to start the process of focusing on routine structure, rather than specificity. For example, who do you want to be

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 sk

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...   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 hi

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

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 spec

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 loo

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

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 continuin

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 lyin

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 an

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 Abou

Maybe you are like me and you thought systemic racism was mostly over after the Civil Rights Movement. Or maybe you still knew racism existed, but it was only happening far away and instigated by people who were nothing like yourself. But very likely, you are also like me, and have learned--both over time and especially the last few weeks--that racism is still very much part of our society today.   I hope you tune in to this special episode, especially if this topic makes you uncomfortable. In it, I share an admittedly non-exhaustive, but still helpful, list of 3 things you can do when you don't know what to do about racism. And more importantly: please read, listen, and learn from the BIPOC women and their posts I've shared below.   Black Female Guests of About Progress: Jeanteil Livingston - Instagram and Interview Patrice Washington - Instagram and Interview Shunta Grant - Instagram and Interview Janelle Alexandra - Instagram and Interview Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith - Instagram and Interview Monica Sutton -

If the word exercise makes you squirm, it's time to let go of what it does, or doesn't, mean for you. And probably also, your excuses. Set aside the known health benefits, the aesthetics-only goals, and dig into how to put joy back into exercise. Because movement can actually help you manage your mindset. Christy Joy is passionate about exercise, but not in a drill sergeant type of way. She often works out alongside her four children, and recognizes that sometimes even if a minute of movement is all you get, it still matters. We even dig in to my own exercise story. I have navigated an obsession and then, due to injury, prohibition. She shares her methods for climbing out of the traps you've set for yourself around exercise. You know the ones...not enough time, can't find the right type, etc. And she motivates you with her idea that when you show up for yourself, and you do something difficult every day, you are more likely and more prepared to show up strong in the rest of your life. About a few other things

Do you find yourself giving up on your habits practically on the day you decide to start them? Do you blame your willpower, or lack thereof, for getting in the way of positive habit formation? What if I told you it's not just about self-control and it is possible for you to make the changes you want. In this episode I'm touching on two reasons why you struggle, and four ways you can boost your self-control. It is doable, and healthy, to create the habits you want for your whole self. I'm sharing what I've personally learned from many resources - like did you know you actually have a limited amount of self-control, or about willpower depletion (it's real!). The habits that I'm constantly working on myself won't be anything new if you've been around a while. Spoiler: maintaining my habits and goals related to sleep and phone use will always take conscious consistency. If you feel a tug towards new habits I'm teaching you exactly where to start and how to move forward, once you let go of blaming yourself. About