About Progress

Recently, I tackled my "Read the Shelf Challenge" and picked up a fantasy novel that had been collecting dust. Imagine my surprise when I found it just okay, only to see it was adored by tens of thousands of others! This stark difference in opinion reminded me of a life lesson—we won't be everyone's cup of tea, and that's perfectly okay.

This concept hit home for me during a challenging time at church with my child. Grappling with being misjudged, a friend's words became my mantra: Have the courage to be misunderstood. It's about processing difficult feelings and choosing to act from a place of inner strength, not resentment. As hard as it is, embracing this mindset helps us navigate misunderstandings with grace and continue on our progress journey.

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Life can sometimes feel like a relentless to-do list, and it's easy to lose ourselves amidst the responsibilities. I've discovered firsthand the transformative power of hobbies in reclaiming my sense of self. When I hit a funk last fall, I realized I needed more than just productivity. It was during this time I understood that hobbies could help me reconnect with who I am beyond the roles I juggle daily.

Hobbies provide a much-needed break from life's pressures, giving us a chance to pursue our interests without the weight of expectations. Whether it's painting sourdough loaves or taking a dance class, the focus shifts to enjoyment rather than perfection. By making time for hobbies on a regular basis, I've learned to embrace imperfection and cherish the joy of simply trying something new.

Complementary episodes: ⁠I’m in a Funk⁠; ⁠Episode on Rest⁠; ⁠How Do You Quilt⁠

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⁠Full Show Notes

Get your AirDoctorPro air purifier with the discount code “MONICA.” Transform your space now. Go to https://www.quince.com/monica for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home; Join Masterclass for 15% off at masterclass.com/progress
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What if the key to personal growth and development isn't doing more — it's learning to show up for yourself in small, meaningful ways? In this clip, Christy Joy shares how building simple daily habits around movement can be one of the most powerful forms of self care for mothers and women who give everything to everyone else. She gets honest about why self-compassion — not perfectionism — is what actually creates momentum, and how lowering the bar isn't giving up, it's how you finally start to feel happy and whole again. If you've been waiting for motivation to strike before you begin, this one's for you.

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⁠Full Show Notes
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This monthly series features an episode sharing my recent highs and lows, how my habits are going, a Do Something List update, plus what I'm loving lately and my commitments for the upcoming month. I hope this glimpse into my life, my family, my work, and my own self development encourages you in your own journey.

Around here the goal is never perfection, just to keep trying, even if in very simple ways. I think you'll see that with all of the big changes going on for me, taking the smallest of steps has helped to keep me afloat and feeling like myself. As always, I encourage you to get messy, too! 

Preorder Sticky Habits book

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Get the free DSL Training. Check out Monica’s DSL for 2026.

Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good.

Join the Book Launch Committee for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book. 

Transform your space now. Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home; Join Masterclass for 15% off at masterclass.com/progress
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If you've ever stood in your kitchen at 5:00 PM wondering if everyone really needs to eat again, you're not alone. The constant planning and responsibility can be overwhelming, but Shannon Lyon offers some great strategies. By planning only two to three real meals a week and always cooking extra protein, you can significantly lighten your load. Matching your meal plan to your actual life, giving yourself permission to make dinners simple, and building in one special meal each week are doable steps towards a more enjoyable family dining experience.

It's all about creating a joyful and sustainable routine that includes meals your family loves and moments you cherish together, even if it’s just over grilled cheeses. Let's embrace these small, consistent efforts to make feeding our family an achievement rather than an obligation.

Preorder Sticky Habits book today!

Get 50% off ⁠More for Moms All-Access Pass⁠ with code LISTENER at checkout.

Join the Book Launch Committee for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book.

Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good.

Get the free DSL Training.

⁠Leave a rating and review⁠

Check out my ⁠⁠workshops⁠⁠!

Follow About Progress on ⁠YOUTUBE⁠!

⁠Full Show Notes

Get your AirDoctorPro air purifier with the discount code “MONICA.” Transform your space now. Go to https://www.quince.com/monica for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home; Join Masterclass for 15% off at masterclass.com/progress
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