About Progress

In 2019, I found myself balancing the demands of being a mom to four kids while taking my podcast and business more seriously. I hired help to manage my time, launched new rounds of my progress program, and explored collaborations with guest teachers. Looking back, I am proud of the strides made toward expanding the diversity of guests and topics on About Progress. As we head into the 10th anniversary of the podcast, these lessons from 2019 continue to shape our path forward, bridging gaps and creating a richer space for personal development rooted in authenticity and varied experiences.

Old episodes to support: Interview with Gabrielle Blair, Vanessa Quigley, Saundra Dalton-Smith, Tony Overbay, and Natalie Norton

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I had the opportunity to chat with therapist and author Eli Harwood about the messy, beautiful journey of parenting. Eli emphasizes the importance of focusing on our side of the parent-child relationship. It's not about blaming ourselves for our children's struggles, but rather about leveraging our emotions and experiences to enhance our connection with them. Parenting, Eli articulates, raises parents as much as it does children, and it's vital to approach our personal growth with compassion.

Eli shared the five gifts from a secure parent—offering a glimpse into what important standards we can aim for as parents. We discussed how our emotional baggage can sometimes interfere with these gifts, but by understanding our patterns, like people-pleasing or perfectionism, we can grow and better support our kids.

Preorder Sticky Habits book today!

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.

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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If you've ever ended a full, busy day feeling strangely unfulfilled, this episode is for you. Tanya Dalton joins us to talk about the mindset shifts and daily habits that actually lead to personal growth and development — without burning out or running on empty. We dig into how to stop being a perfectionist and why your to-do list might be working against you. Whether you're in a season of self care for mothers or just craving more clarity in your everyday life, this conversation will help you feel happier and more grounded in what actually matters.

Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-to-be-more-productive-and-less-busy-at-the-same-time

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⁠Full Show Notes
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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.

Preorder Sticky Habits book today!

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.

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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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

Preorder Sticky Habits book today!

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.

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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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