

About Progress
Cloud10
All the self-help extremes out there seem designed for perfect robots. But what if progress doesn’t require perfection? Welcome to your gentle self-development hub: About Progress, a podcast and community devoted to progress made practical. Join host and coach, Monica Packer, and her special guests to get the hug AND kick in the pants you need to do something and grow in ways that stick.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 13, 2024 • 50min
AP 598: Doable Ways to Dramatically Save on Groceries || with Rachel Coons
In this episode we dive deep into the world of grocery shopping, budgeting, and making sustainable financial habits with Rachel Coons. As many of you know, managing grocery costs has been a persistent challenge for me, and it's been a journey I've readily shared with all of you. Rachel not only shares eye-opening insights into why grocery prices have been soaring but also offers practical, real-world advice on how we can adapt and thrive despite these changes. From her innovative SHOP method to her game-changing tips on meal planning and reducing food waste, Rachel has once again proven why she's the go-to expert in grocery savings. I'm confident that her strategies and methodical approach will empower you to take control of your grocery spending, leading to more intentional and mindful shopping habits.
Access exclusive supporter benefits
Free DSL Training
Waitlist for the next Sticky Habit Intensive
Full Show Notes
This episode is brought to you by Fearless Finance, get $50 off your first planning meeting when you use the code PROGRESS.armoire.style/PROGRESS to get up to 50% off your first month, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 9, 2024 • 9min
AP 597: You don’t have to be perfect to have good habits || Growth Spurt
In today's bite-sized episode, we're debunking the myth of the "habit person" – you know, the one who flawlessly executes a perfect routine every single day. Spoiler alert: that's not real! The truth is, good habit builders are actually all about consistent self-support. So, ditch the perfectionist mindset and tune in to learn why you can absolutely become a habit person. Don't let fear hold you back – the Sticky Habit Intensive starts May 13th, and I'll show you exactly how to build routines that stick, no matter what life throws your way.
Access exclusive supporter benefits
Free DSL Training
Sticky Habit Intensive
Full Show Notes
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 6, 2024 • 36min
AP 596: Deep Dive: Rachel Hollis || preview for More Personal
This episode originally aired on my listener-supported, premium podcast, More Personal. If you want access to more deep dives, including part two of this episode, honest reviews, casual convos, book reports, and other bonus content, make sure to become a supporter.Rachel Hollis is a self-help guru whose empire brought her immense success, but also seemingly caused her downfall. I explore the reasons behind the strong reactions she evokes, her path to the top exceeding expectations, and the damage inflicted on herself and others during her descent. Additionally, I share some personal thoughts and encourage you to consider whether the blame lies solely with her, societal expectations of women, or the blurring of lines between personal identity and brand.
Access exclusive supporter benefits
Waitlist for the next Sticky Habit Intensive
Full Show Notes
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 2, 2024 • 34min
AP 595: A Medical Emergency (Doing Okay Now!), Juggling Kid Extracurriculars, Hiking on My DSL, Three Things I’m Loving Right Now, Thoughts on Having a Kid in Middle School || Messy Middle May 2024
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!Video I reference, SBLA Wand
Access exclusive supporter benefits
Free DSL Training
Waitlist for the next Sticky Habit Intensive
Full Show Notes
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 29, 2024 • 49min
AP 594: A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Maintaining Your Home || with KC Davis
KC Davis is a licensed professional counselor, author, speaker, and the person behind the mental health platform Struggle Care. She offers a profoundly refreshing perspective on home management that's far from the all-or-nothing standard we’re so accustomed to. We dive deep into KC's story, exploring the journey from shame-driven perfectionism rooted in her past struggles with addiction, to discovering a compassionate and gentle approach to maintaining her home. KC shares how her diagnosis of ADHD at 35 played a significant role in understanding her relationship with cleaning and organization, eventually leading to innovative, shame-free strategies for home maintenance. We discuss the importance of functional living spaces, moving beyond societal pressures and the shame associated with not meeting unrealistic standards of home perfection. Join us as we discuss how to break free from the shame cycle in home maintenance, fostering a relationship with our living spaces that supports us as individuals, rather than succumbing to overwhelming expectations.Ep. 525 on being Cleanish, Ep. 586 on How to Make Time
Access exclusive supporter benefits
Free DSL Training
Waitlist for the next Sticky Habit Intensive
Full Show Notes
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 25, 2024 • 26min
AP 593: How do you start a podcast? || with Andi Smiley
Is there something that has made you think other people can do that, but not me? This episode is part of a monthly series to convince you otherwise. These episodes feature real people who are answering the question “How do you…?” about their various passions and pursuits.
Andi's podcast and podcast starter pack
Access exclusive supporter benefits
Free DSL Training
Waitlist for the next Sticky Habit Intensive
Full Show Notes
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 22, 2024 • 58min
AP 592: Simple Strategies to Experience Less Stress and More Resilience || with Dr. Aditi Nerurkar
As a society we are currently experiencing unprecedented rates of stress and burnout, and feeling stressed is now more common than not. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the constant pressures of modern life, wondered how to discern between 'good' and 'bad' stress, or sought strategies to manage stress that actually align with your body's biology, this episode is for you.In this conversation with Dr. Aditi Nerurkar she advocates for managing stress, while exploring the impact of chronic stress leading to burnout. We discuss practical strategies for managing stress, including creating digital boundaries, protecting sleep, and specific exercises like 'stop, breathe, be,' while touching on the importance of incorporating self-compassion and grace. Tune in to discover how to harness healthy stress to propel your life forward, all while maintaining your sanity in the process.
Access exclusive supporter benefits
Free DSL Training
Waitlist for the next Sticky Habit Intensive
Full Show Notes
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 18, 2024 • 16min
AP 591: My DSL Repeats || Growth Spurt
A recent message from a woman who was making her DSL list made me so excited, because it's never the wrong time of year to make yours! She asked me if there is anything I find myself repeating year after year, and I wanted to share that answer with all of you. From the things I repeat, to the reasons things change, consider this an unofficial update on my DSL, and an official invite to get started on yours today.Episode 582 on Friendship, Episode 517 "Me Day"
Access exclusive supporter benefits
Free DSL Training
Waitlist for the next Sticky Habit Intensive
Full Show Notes
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 15, 2024 • 52min
AP 590: “How can I stop being a ‘Perfectionist Parent’ and overreacting with my kids?” || Coaching Call with Kate
In this candid coaching call with Kate, a stay-at-home mom of two young children, we unravel the layers of perfectionism in parenthood and how we can treat ourselves with self-compassion. Kate shares her experiences of navigating the challenges of motherhood amidst major life transitions, including a cross-country move and the transition from working to full-time parenting. I encourage Kate to level with herself about her circumstances and redefine what it means to be a good mom within the context of her reality.Through practical exercises and reframing techniques, Kate recognizes that being a good mom doesn't mean being perfect—it means showing up with love, kindness, and a willingness to learn and grow.
Access exclusive supporter benefits
Free DSL Training
Waitlist for the next Sticky Habit Intensive
Full Show Notes
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 11, 2024 • 11min
AP 589: What’s your #1 habit? || Growth Spurt
This is a bite-sized episode focused on ways to increase your progress right away. I want to help you identify your "habit keystone," the one thing that when carefully placed, allows everything else to be strong and held together. In this episode I'll tell you what mine is, and the hard truths I was facing when I discovered it. If you need some support in finding what your #1 habit is, then I'd love to have you join our next Sticky Habit Intensive.
Access exclusive supporter benefits
Free DSL Training
Waitlist for the next Sticky Habit Intensive
Full Show Notes
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices