

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

Oct 23, 2023 • 48min
AP 539: 3 Simple Ways to Take the Dread Out of Dinner || with Brittney Hanks
Have you ever been filled with dread as five o'clock approaches, the house is chaotic, everyone is hungry, including you, and you're unsure of what to make for dinner or if you even have all of the ingredients? Brittney Hanks, creator of One Stop Meals, sat down with me to explore how busy moms can simplify dinner planning. Brittney shares her personal journey with cooking, from childhood experiences to finding joy in the kitchen as an adult. Plus, we dive deep into the mental load of meal planning, offering valuable insights and practical tips for overcoming common obstacles.Come away with simple fixes for your most common weeknight dinner concerns, including flexible planning, recipe sourcing, and how to shop for success. Brittney also gives us some insight into how her recent cookbook came to be, plus we both share our favorite Costco finds.Host a Tricks and Treats gathering!
Finding Me Academy
My FREE DSL Training
My FREE habits class
Full Show Notes
Sticky Habit Method
This episode is brought to you by Vionic Shoes (use code PROGRESS) and Factor Meals (use code PROGRESS50). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 19, 2023 • 12min
AP 538: Would we reallllly wish for an easy life? || Growth Spurt
Recently my young kids were asking something we've probably all joked about, and it was along the lines of "What would you wish for if a genie could grant you one wish?" The conversation had me thinking that, joking aside, I would wish for things to feel easier. Sometimes the overwhelm of everything going on in my life just feels too hard. But then, that thought had me thinking even more: what if "the hard" is the purpose? This short episode is more of my reasoning behind that realization, to give perspective, and to acknowledge that this is part of the process towards growth, love, and living a life that is meaningful and good. Plus, I answer what I would wish for if that genie did magically appear to me.Host a Tricks and Treats gathering!
Finding Me Academy
My FREE DSL Training
My FREE habits class
Full Show Notes
Sticky Habit Method
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 16, 2023 • 43min
AP 537: “Help! I’m in a rut, overstimulated, and overwhelmed” || Coaching Call with Tash
Have you ever felt like, “I’m in a rut . . .” only to realize that rut is more because you’re actually feeling overstimulated and dysregulated? In today's episode you'll hear a coaching call with Tash, where she describes the challenges of managing household responsibilities, keeping the kids engaged, and finding time for herself.During our conversation, it became very clear that Tash need some time to intentionally recharge each day. Together we came up with activities like reading a book or playing the cello, with an emphasis on knowing that it's okay to prioritize her own well-being. Ultimately, Tash felt empowered to find a pace that helps her not just get through the day, but truly live it. After listening, see how this applies to your situation, and realize the importance of self-care when you start feeling stuck.Host a Tricks and Treats gathering!
Finding Me Academy
My FREE DSL Training
My FREE habits class
Full Show Notes
Sticky Habit Method
This episode is brought to you by Vionic Shoes, use code PROGRESS for 15% off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 12, 2023 • 9min
AP 536: Thoughts on "The Giving Tree" || Growth Spurt
Shel Silverstein's poems have long been some of my very favorite, and today I want to expound on my thoughts surrounding the popular one titled, "The Giving Tree." The story perpetuates the idea that women should give, and give, and give, expecting nothing in return. And so we see that cycle repeat from one generation to another, deeply affecting meaningful relationships.I don't want to be a stump of a woman at the end of my life, and I don't want that for you, either. I hope this bite-sized episode encourages you to grow deep roots, and nurture strong branches, while learning some small ways you can start working towards that right away.Host a Tricks and Treats gathering!
Finding Me Academy
My FREE DSL Training
My FREE habits class
Full Show Notes
Sticky Habit Method
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 9, 2023 • 40min
AP 535: What to do When You Have Given so Much Away, You Have Nothing Left to Give || with Nicole Walters
Nicole Walters, author, podcaster, daughter of immigrants, and self-made millionaire, opens up about her life, which includes adopting three girls, starting her own business, navigating a challenging marriage, and experiencing various personal struggles. She discusses how she fell into the pattern of being a "human giver," always putting others first, and how it eventually led to burnout.The conversation takes a deep dive into the concept of self-worth and the societal pressure on women to constantly seek external validation. Nicole shares her personal journey of realizing that true fulfillment comes from within and how her book, "Nothing is Missing," encapsulates this empowering message. She encourages women to embrace the power of saying "yes" to help, acknowledging the immense weight they carry, and emphasizing the importance of self-care.Host a Tricks and Treats gathering!
Finding Me Academy
My FREE DSL Training
My FREE habits class
Full Show Notes
Sticky Habit Method
This episode is brought to you by Vionic Shoes, use code PROGRESS for 15% off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 5, 2023 • 29min
AP 534: Our final garden harvest, technology lows, playing piano again, my early morning habit, the podcast I'm loving, and the perspective I gained from my camera roll || Messy Middle October 2023
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!Host a Tricks and Treats gathering!
Finding Me Academy
My FREE DSL Training
My FREE habits class
Full Show Notes
Sticky Habit Method
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 2, 2023 • 57min
AP 533: Perfectionism in Parenting Teens: How to Help your Perfectionist Kids, Better Handle your Own Mistakes, and What to do When your Kids Notice That you’re Human || co-interview with Heather Frazier
This week I have a co-interview between me and Heather Frazier, host of the Pivot Parenting podcast. First, I share how I've seen perfectionism affect my experience raising children and also as a middle school teacher. Then, Heather teaches how we can better handle when our teens differentiate themselves from us, and as a result show us our flaws and failures.The conversation delves into practical strategies for maintaining a strong connection with teenagers, even amidst imperfections. Heather emphasizes the power of grace, reminding parents that it's okay to make mistakes. She encourages parents to express unconditional love and support, creating a safe space for their teens to grow and navigate their own challenges.Whether you have teenagers and want a stronger connection with them, or don't have teenagers quite yet, this conversation will give you hope. With a little bit of effort and a lot of understanding, you can pivot your parenting towards connection, in a way that is aligned with your values, too.Host a Tricks and Treats gathering!
Finding Me Academy
My FREE DSL Training
My FREE habits class
Full Show Notes
Sticky Habit Method
This episode is brought to you by Vionic Shoes, use code PROGRESS for 15% off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 28, 2023 • 41min
AP 532: How Do You Get Back Into Reading? || with Annette
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 women who are answering the question “How do you…?” about their various passions and pursuits.Do books bring up memories for you? There are certain books that transport me right back to childhood, and some I've even enjoyed with my own kids. And even though reading was a big part of my life, somewhere along the way I stopped doing it. Reading then became a focus of my first Do Something List, and the results of prioritizing it again really surprised me.In this episode Annette (a community member just like you!) tackles almost every obstacle that might be keeping you from being the reader you once were, or just want to become. I hope this episode gives you the boost to get started!Host a Tricks and Treats gathering!
Finding Me Academy
My FREE DSL Training
My FREE habits class
Full Show Notes
Sticky Habit Method
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 25, 2023 • 44min
AP 531: 3 Common Financial Mistakes Women Make (+ How to Fix them) || with Lisa Schader
I recently watched a reel on the "motherhood penalty" that sent me down an internet wormhole. Finances already make me a little bit anxious, but coupled with my research I knew it was time to bring an expert on the podcast. Lisa Schader, founder of Money Fit Moms, dives into essential financial insights for women, and shares her personal journey from frugal upbringing to becoming an advocate for financial independence.We explore common mistakes women make in managing their finances and provide actionable steps to build wealth. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation that will empower you to take control of your financial future. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights to help you thrive financially. Plus, don't miss out on Lisa's free money challenge—a hands-on approach to kickstart your journey towards financial wellness.Host a Tricks and Treats gathering!
Finding Me Academy
My FREE DSL Training
My FREE habits class
Full Show Notes
Sticky Habit Method
This episode is brought to you by OneSkin. Get 15% off with the code PROGRESS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 21, 2023 • 14min
AP 530: Play to Your Strengths || Growth Spurt
In this episode, we explore the transformative power of recognizing and harnessing our individual strengths. Often, we become fixated on areas we wish to improve, overlooking the untapped potential within our natural talents. I want to discuss the importance of first acknowledging our strengths, then dedicating time to refine and leverage them to fortify our weaknesses.Drawing from personal experiences, I shed light on how embracing our passions can lead to significant self-improvement. This episode invites you to take a closer look at your own strengths, encouraging you to nurture them and ultimately employ them to conquer challenges in your personal and professional life.Whether it's a love for numbers, a thriving creative spirit, or a knack for a particular skill, learn how to own, strengthen, and evolve towards a more empowered you. Tune in for actionable insights on how to unlock your full potential!Host a Tricks and Treats gathering!
Finding Me Academy
My FREE DSL Training
My FREE habits class
Full Show Notes
Sticky Habit Method
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices