About Progress

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 res

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

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 an

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. Tu

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

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

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

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 s

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 strengt

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 Mat

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

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 th

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 mov

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 n

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

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

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

Maybe one of the reasons we hold back from dreaming big is because it feels too...big! In this week's episode learn how small steps take you big places. Don't believe it? Because of that method today's most instagrammable blogging conference was born before the app even existed. How small steps take you big places Gabrielle Blair, mother of 6 blogging at Design Mom, co-founded Alt Summit 10 years ago and remains a champion for female entrepreneurship. Her motto could be described as dream big, then execute small. In fact, she admits in this episode that if she had known from the beginning where her dreams would have taken her she probably never would have attempted them. She opens up about the business "failures" turned important lessons, how she moved her family (of 8!) to France for years despite not even having passports to begin with, and speaks aloud her big personal dreams just like you've been encouraged to do this month. The size of your dreams doesn't matter to anybody but you, and your ability to ac

Have you felt intimidated by this month's theme, dream big? Well that was not my intention! But, let's break that feeling down. We sometimes equate big dreams to big numbers - like monetary earnings or Instagram followers or other attributes of fame. I want you to hear me when I say, you don't have to be famous to dream big. You don't have to be famous I hope you felt inspired when I opened up about my 10 big, rarely-said-out-loud dreams, to do the same. Dream them, write them, speak them is what I'm asking you to do. Why? Because whatever they are, no matter how small or big they seem to you (not others!) they are important. You are important, so whatever it is that you do is important. And yes of course, our life and our dreams have seasons. Let go of any guilt you have created over not accomplishing every little thing right this second. To help with that I share an eye-opening exercise that has worked in my small group coaching and workshops. Just know that often it's not about what you do, it's about how

Have you ever asked yourself, what even is self development and where do I start with all that it entails?! It is much simpler than you think and totally achievable with baby steps. This month as we dream big listen to this interview that reminds you that you can be more than one thing. More than likely, you already are. You can be more than one thing. Vanessa Quigley is a mother of 7, founder of Chatbooks, opera singer (you gotta tune in to make sense of that one!), and now podcaster. She boldly lists off all of the 'ands' that make up her personality, in hopes to encourage you to embrace your own multifaceted personality. As you start to uncover all that you are, remember you don't need to do all the things all at once. This interview also discusses seasons, meaning that life ebbs and flows and that is okay. So, forget chasing balance and instead allow yourself to be present. Explore your interests and speak your ideas. Vanessa shares how doing that, even in the thick of motherhood, has led to groundbreakin