About Progress

Stories are an amazing way that we, as humans, are able to find connection. Have you thought much about your own story? Or maybe this is easier, how do you see your past and present self? Answering these questions about your unique story will put you in charge of your happy ending. I'm opening up about MY story in hopes that you reflect on your own. The chapters of my life are full of ups and downs, like most of us I'm sure! But in this Growth Spurt episode I share how I allowed some really low points to ghost write my story and as a result, dictate my worth. Through a very specific experience over the last month I was able to focus on my role in my story to achieve happiness in a stressful spot. You see, it's easy to let what we know of ourselves based on our past just dictate our futures. BUT, it is far more worth it to acknowledge our past story and rewrite our future. And I just have to tell you, this is something that I value so much so that I teach it to even my very young children. One of the tools I l

Do you own your time...or is time owning you? If you have fallen victim to this all-too-common scenario then you need to know there is a better way and an important why. And if this isn't you, think again. Maybe your entire day is filled with what you think are good and worthy things but consider this: should any one thing really fill your entire day? It's time to get messy and get on the other side of being busy. You CAN do this by learning to manage your priorities (maybe start just by identifying what that means!) and making the most of your precious time. Through a more purposeful mindset this type of outlook will connect you to happiness and help you find joy. After leaving her law career behind, Shunta Grant threw herself into long days as a mom and dual business owner. She describes what it was like to busily fill every moment, and then what it was like to get those minutes back into her control. This includes the day she went into her online shop and deleted almost everything. Spoiler alert - Shunta i

Take a moment, just in your mind, and think of your priorities. Include all the things to which you are regularly giving all of your time. I'm sure this list includes people, maybe some places, and likely some things. So, do you have your list? What number are you on that list? I get it, you have so much going on and you are the sun in your little universe (if you don't get that reference you need to listen here!). All those things on your list of priorities are good things! But you simply cannot continue to pour from an empty cup. And when you procrastinate your happiness you are hurting yourself and, as a result, those priorities. In this bite-sized episode, known as a 'Growth Spurt' around here, I am giving you permission to change your priorities. I hope you feel inspired to figure out what's holding you back and I may even have some helpful resources for you. If you think happiness is a destination, something that you can achieve enough of to last you a lifetime, I'm not sorry to say that you're wrong. F

If you listened to last week's episode you know that the theme this month is all about how to be happy. Easier said than done? Not around here. This week you will learn three things you can change to be happy. Without even knowing it, you are probably holding on to some lies you think are making you happy. And while the specifics may be personal, they likely fall into one of three categories. New York Times bestselling author Richard Eyre delves into those three categories in this episode: control, ownership, and independence. He also explains how to shift your mindset towards what REALLY makes you happy. The Harvard business grad, now happiness guru,  teaches what to look for and how to change your thinking. Richard has even written a book on this topic, titled "The Happiness Paradox." If you are struggling to understand the how's and why's of happiness then this is an amazing resource for you. Right now, the About Progress community can purchase this book HERE and receive half off, plus free shipping, with

What is the one thing that unifies alllll of humanity? The desire to be HAPPY. And maybe also the overcomplicated routes we take to find how to be happy. So let's spend some time this month figuring it out together. Remember to tune in each week to learn more on this important topic. Why are we struggling so much with happiness? Perhaps we don't know what it really looks like and we are searching for it in the wrong places. In fact, last year thousands of you tuned in to these episodes on happiness and joy. Because of that this whole month will be spent diving deeper into a topic that is nothing new, but still matters so much. This month's intro. episode shares more about April's theme and walks you through what happiness actually looks like for you. It also gets a little bit personal, sharing the two CRAZY things that happened to me one year ago. So if you're feeling like happiness is out of reach, you are not alone and we can change that for you. After you tune in, stay accountable! You can get this month's

  What a month!  Did you work on one or two habits this month? I hope that everything we learned inspired you to narrow in your focus on one area of your life that needs some major help. Three experts in their fields gave real life tips on how to do this. As you know, for me that started with sleep. Our sleep episodes with Chrissy Lawler (here and here) triggered so many people into realizing how much they needed to shift their sleep habits. As a result, hundreds of you joined (and are still joining) our FREE 5 Day Sleep Makeover! Next, we considered what your motivational style might be (thank you Dr. Adam Moore) and how figuring that out will help propel you forward to better shifting your habits. And then a question that hits home for all of us, is time management a huuuuuuge struggle for you? If so, you need to let things go. Dr. Jen Riday gave thousands of you some lightbulb moments as you listened in about her own experience. For example, she discussed taking more time for herself--both for self-care an

Are you wearing your 'busyness' as a badge of honor? How about seeking self worth from the exhaustion of trying to do it all? To put it bluntly, you need to stop. Because doing more does not mean you are doing better. As a mother of 3 with multiple jobs, Jeanteil Livingston was overthinking and over-planning everything. Can you relate?! Good news - through her own journey (which she shares!) she learned that busy is not best. And her advice? Allow yourself to be vulnerable. Even more simply put, to be human. But how? Ask "Who do I want to be in one year?" Then simplify your habits and live like that person now. Jeanteil even reveals the 3-word excuse she used to use before that change in perspective changed her. Odds are, you've probably said it, too. If you want to hear what real life progress looks like, then listen in. Want to take things one step further? If you are ready to spend less time being busy and more time being you, there are a few spots left in the Progress Program for April. SHOW NOTES Jeantei

If you find yourself using your comfort zone as an excuse, you are not alone. My comfort zone used to be my excuse to not push myself where it matters most. In this bite-sized episode I tell you what your comfort zone really is and give specific examples about pushing yourself. Here's a hint: my laundry piles up just like yours! It isn't too late to change your habits. If it looks messy, you're doing it right. SHOW NOTES Register for Rediscover You Workshop Join the FREE 5-Day Sleep Makeover 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 the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for April!) Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram Songs Credit: “Drive,” “Changes,” and “Golden Alley” by Nicolai Heidlas   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Has your own life become out of your control? You CAN get it back and it can start with one small word, "No." Here is the permission to let go, prioritize, and put yourself first in order to better manage all the other balls you are juggling. A working mom of 6, Dr. Jen Riday of the Vibrant Happy Women Podcast lives true to her mission to help women get back their lives. After sharing a vivid personal memory of one of her lowest points she offers detailed instruction on how to find YOU in your time again. As you listen, and especially if you desperately need this, remind yourself that your commitment will help carry you through. Start with the actionable tips discussed and begin to create space for what really matters. SHOW NOTES Jen's Website, Instagram, and Facebook Register for Rediscover You Workshop Join the FREE 5-Day Sleep Makeover 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 the Progress Progr

I have been where you are - afraid to fail and hating myself into growth. There's a name for it, underachieving perfectionism, and a way to change for the better. If you feel STUCK and crippled by the thought of setting even day-to-day goals, this is me calling to you from the other side of that. Your worth is not determined by the perfect ability to do anything. I hope that after listening in you know you CAN grow imperfectly because you are worth while. SHOW NOTES Register for Rediscover You Workshop Join the FREE 5-Day Sleep Makeover 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 the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for April!) Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram Songs Credit: “Drive,” “Changes,” and “Golden Alley” by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you having trouble changing your habits and reaching your goals because you're lazy? No! You just haven't found your motivational style. Explaining his carrot-dangling-free approach, therapist Adam Moorepresents three motivational styles to help you better understand yourself AND others. Here's a spoiler: find what makes you feel effective. After listening to actual examples, you'll be equipped to find your motivational style and make a breakthrough on your habits, giving you the power to shift your life! If you you need somewhere to start, here's a FREE 5 Day Sleep Makeover. Use what you learn about yourself from this episode and get started on changing your habits today. SHOW NOTES Adam's Website, Instagram, and Facebook Adam's book recommendations: Drive and Beyond Pleasure and Pain Register for Rediscover You Workshop Join the FREE 5-Day Sleep Makeover 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

You've heard the science and read all the tips, but what does sleep training look like in real life? This bonus episode provides a glimpse into just that. Tune in while Christine Lawler actually analyzes host Monica's sleep habits and maps out an achievable plan of action. Follow along and begin training yourself TONIGHT. If you've listened to this conversation and signed up for the FREE 5 Day Sleep Makeover then here is just one more tool to help your sleep habits. No more excuses, it's time to get that life changing sleep you need! P.S. Tickets for the Rediscover You Workshop are now available! Use code 'FINDME' for $30 off through 3/11. SHOW NOTES Christine's Website, Instagram, and Facebook Register for Rediscover You Workshop (use code “FINDME” to get $30 off until March 11th) Join the FREE 5-Day Sleep Makeover 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 the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH

Maybe you never thought you'd say this as an adult, but it's time to be sleep trained! Improving this ONE habit will change your life, and you aren't alone in needing help. With over 10 years of experience, therapist Christine Lawler dives into the why and the how of sleep training. From serious mental health reasons, to just general self care, the time is now to get better sleep. Exhaustion does not have to be your badge of honor! Tune in, and maybe grab a note pad, because you'll leave this conversation with 3 rules for better sleep. And as a bonus, here is a FREE 5 Day Sleep Makeover created to help you help your habits. SHOW NOTESChristine's Website, Instagram, and Facebook Register for Rediscover You Workshop (use code “FINDME” to get $30 off until March 11th) Join the FREE 5-Day Sleep Makeover 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 the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for wome

Most of us start the New Year with a whole list of habits we are CERTAIN we will immediately transform. But then March comes and we're mostly same-old, same-old. It's because we are going about changing our habits all wrong. Listen to hear more about this month's theme and how in order to successfully shift your habits you need to start where it realllllllly matters to you! (Pssst: Don't forget the HUGE announcement! Come join us in Utah for a great Workshop in May.) Show Notes Register for Rediscover You Workshop (use code "FINDME" to get $30 off until March 11th) FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan Join the FREE 5-Day Sleep Makeover Take part of the FREE Social Media Challenge Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE Join the free and private FB group Join the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for April!) Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. V

This is a community, not a fan club. We learn from and inspire each other. This new monthly series is where members of the About Progress Community write in to share notes with their fellow “Progressors.” Listen in to hear how Progressors have grown, their experiences, their stories, and their wisdom on this month’s theme: New Year, New You. SHOW NOTESFREE Printables, including this month’s Progress PlanLend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HEREJoin the free and private FB groupJoin the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for March!)Join Monica on Facebook and InstagramSongs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Self-love is all the rage, but is it worth the hype? If you are looking to find out who you truly are, there is something else that may serve you better: self compassion. Self compassion is being fully KIND to yourself by no longer buying into shame cycles. You can allow things to get messy on the pursuit of growth, while keeping your self-worth intact. Including matters of faith, family, and his future, Josh Searlediscusses this and how he learned to "fail forward" on his journey of growing into his true self. Don't let self-esteem govern your worth; instead come to know your inherent worth and give yourself permission to figure things out, and allow others in on your journey. SHOW NOTES Josh's Website, Instagram, and Facebook 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 the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for March!) Join Monica on Fa

How do you be true to yourself if you feel so very complicated? Being complex is totally OK. In fact, it's who you are made to be. Figuring out how to get in tune with how your complicated personality is in fact a strength will help you make more of your life. Amy Webb is a self-described contradictory person who would love to help you learn how to own your own messy personality. Doing so for her has led to empowerment and fulfillment, including for her daughter with special needs. Listen to hear how she learned to accept her full self, and how you can do the same.   SHOW NOTES Amy's Website, Instagram, and Facebook and PRE-ORDER her book! 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 the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for March!) Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram Songs Credit: “Drive,” “Changes,” and “Golden Alley” by Nicolai Heidl

In this episode, I share 10 things you don't know about me. Don't worry, there IS a point beyond navel-gazing:) My goal is for you to then go on and create your own list of things people don't know about you and to see how this helps you cue in to who you are and what matters to you. Because when you know the SMALL things that make you "you," it's easier to own the bigger things, too.   SHOW NOTES: 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 the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for March!) Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram Songs Credit:Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you get stuck thinking you need to be an "expert" in one finite field in order to matter? Pish-posh! It's more than OK to be a "Jane of all trades." In fact, doing all the things will help you figure out better who you are than pigeon-holing yourself into one "admirable" standard of achievement. Miranda Anderson of Live Free Creative Co. is a testament to how much joy, fun, creativity, and challenge you can bring into your life by daring to try new things. She does ALL the things, because she enjoys the process more than the outcome. Listen in to hear how you can better own who you are by exploring where the wind (ie. your interests, gifts, hobbies, etc.) takes you. And how one failed sewing experiment launched Miranda into years of personal-growth and more.   Show Notes Miranda's Website, Instagram, and Facebook 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 groupJoin the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH

Do you want to change your life? Including your relationships? Work? Parenting? Fitness? Spirituality? And more? You need to start by knowing who you are. And that entails working on your personal development. Many women have lost touch with their inner selves--what makes them light up, including their natural interests, passions, hobbies, and gifts. They somehow have received the message that working on their own growth is selfish and will take away from what matters most in their lives. The opposite is true. Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife is a leading expert on marriage, relationships, and sexuality. The foundation to everything she does involves guiding women back to the root of who they truly are. She teaches that a woman who brings her full, developed self to the table will advance everything else--and everyone--that matters in her life. Listen in to hear why knowing who you are is vital for growth and happiness, and how to start working on finding yourself again. Show Notes Jennifer's Website and 20% Valen