

About Progress
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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 31, 2022 • 41min
AP 441: How to Shift from Self-Criticism to Self-Compassion to Expedite Your Progress
I used to let my inner critic be the loudest voice in the room. It was forcing me to be an over achieving perfectionist that was never satisfied with anything, and only ever increasing in demands. This cycle persisted for years, until I began a little experiment that led to where we (you and me!) are today.My whole life changed when my inner voice went from being one of criticism, to one of self-compassion. I used to think that if I was gentler on myself, it would work against me. The opposite turned out to be true. This episode is a retelling of my own progress-over-perfection journey with an emphasis on the few key things that have made all of the difference. Plus, a little more on that initial experiment that turned into the podcast and teaching platform I never knew I needed.
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Full Show Notes
Sticky Habit Method
This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/progress and get on your way to being your best self. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 27, 2022 • 23min
AP 440: How Do You Get Into Rock Climbing || with Sarah Berry Carpenter
Is there something that has made you think other people can do that, but not me? This is part of a monthly series to convince you otherwise.These episodes feature real women from this community who are answering the question "How do you...?" about their various passions and pursuits. Today's episode features my friend, Sarah, and whether rock climbing is something you are curious about or not, she will inspire you to pursue (or find) your own passion.Her unique story actually starts with heartbreak and, with some real bravery, turns into hope. It's about getting outside of your comfort zone, finding something that excites you, and even making new connections. Maybe that won't be rock climbing for you, but it's time to figure out what your version of rock climbing can be.
Get notified of when my habits class is available
Full Show Notes
Sticky Habit Method
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Oct 24, 2022 • 55min
AP 439: How to Deeply Love and Accept People (Including Yourself) || with Carol Lynn Pearson
I had a personal experience earlier this year that led me to realizing I was deeply exhausted, and seeing the affects of it in several areas of my life. In particular I noticed that my, like many of our, relationships had taken a beating. Whether that is with family, friends, co-workers, or even the relationship we have with ourselves.I invited my friend, author Carol Lynn Pearson, to return to the podcast to discuss all things relationships. She is a woman who has changed thousands of lives through her story, and storytelling. One of those lives is mine. In this conversation she teaches us how to deeply love and accept people, including yourself.
Get notified of when my habits class is available
Full Show Notes
Sticky Habit Method
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Oct 20, 2022 • 11min
AP 438: One Easy Way to Get Things Done You Don't Feel Like Doing- Pair it! || Growth Spurt
I really hope I'm not alone in feeling this way sometimes...and the feeling I'm talking about is when you have something you realllly don't want to do, but you realllly need to do it. This could range from something small, like sorting papers for scrapbooking, to something big like a long term project or habit you want to adopt. So, I have ONE easy way to get things done when you don't feel like doing them to share with you today.In this short episode you will hear my simple tip and the ways that I apply it in my real life, and how that has helped me. It involves using something you love, something that brings you joy, and pairing it with something you're less excited about doing. It sounds simple enough, but hopefully my explanation will give you the motivation to get started and make some of the progress that you really want.
Get notified of when my habits class is available
Full Show Notes
Sticky Habit Method
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 17, 2022 • 42min
AP 437: “How can I take action without knowing the end from the beginning?” || || Coaching Call with Madeline
Have you ever found yourself in a "What's next?" phase of your life? Lots of possibility, and the opportunity to even explore them, is a good thing! So, why can it be so hard to take action?Sometimes when we lack certainty, it feels uncomfortable to start something new. That's why today's coaching call is focused on answering this question, "How can I take action without knowing the end form the beginning?"In this episode I talk to Madeline, who finds herself with the ability to think of lots of good ideas, and the inability to act on any of them. Once we discover that her fear is a result of not knowing exactly how things will end up, we unpack how she can address that. If this resonates with you, you'll leave this episode with two questions you can ask yourself and a better understanding of why it's okay to move into your discomfort zone to finally feel some good growth.
Get notified of when my habits class is available
Full Show Notes + Transcript
Sticky Habit Method
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Oct 13, 2022 • 11min
AP 436: How to WIN Your Trade-offs || Growth Spurt
A trade-off is when you do something, instead of something else. Simple enough, right? But whether subconsciously or consciously, trade-offs can carry their own emotional weight, which can bring up a lot of uncomfortable feelings surrounding them. Unfortunately, trade-offs are inevitable and you could be making one right now.In this episode I'm sharing several stories about making trade-offs, like how when you think you aren't making any, you may be making some of the biggest ones. Going back to my previous episode about accepting our limits, I'm here to elaborate on how to WIN at your trade-offs. When you ask yourself one simple question (hint, WIN is an acronym!) you can more easily identify the heart of your choices, and feel confident in your trade-offs.
Get notified of when my habits class is available
Full Show Notes
Sticky Habit Method
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 10, 2022 • 54min
AP 435: What to Do About Burnout (it may surprise you!) || with Amelia Nagoski
Earlier this year I read a book that I knew could be life-changing for the women of this community. It contained research backed information on how to handle burnout that surprised me, and may surprise you, too. In this interview with co-author Amelia Nagoski, we dive into what burnout really is, what it's stemming from, and how to actually unlock the accompanying stress cycle that we sometimes can't seem to escape.Amelia and her twin sister Emily researched and wrote this book, and even they learned some things they weren't expecting. Amelia explains the primary characteristic of burnout for women, and where true healing can come from. She also breaks down the physiological response that our bodies have to stress, and why burnout even occurs. Lastly, we touch on practical ways to treat burn out (spoiler alert it is NOT through self-care!) and how you can find your own "bubble."
Get notified of when my habits class is available
Full Show Notes + Transcript
Sticky Habit Method
Sponsor:Visit Zocdoc.com/progress to download the free app and start your search for a top-rated doctor today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 6, 2022 • 16min
AP 434: Family Updates, Habit Tour, Meal Prepping Snacks, My Style Words, and Trade Offs I'm Making || Messy Middle October 2022
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!
Get notified of when my habits class is available
Full Show Notes
Sticky Habit Method
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 3, 2022 • 41min
AP 433: How Setting Limits Improves Your Productivity, Time-Management, AND Decision-Making
Earlier this year I shared how everything changed when I learned to accept my limits. I have been using this approach with myself and my one-on-one coaching clients and seeing a lot of success, so it's time to share more with everyone. This is a super practical episode, full of the real ways you can set limits to improve your productivity, time-management, and decision-making.I break down the biggest pointers under each one of those categories, and include how this has played out in my real life. You'll hear about everything from our recent car purchase, to my laundry methods, to how I manage work time and family time throughout my days. You don't need to do things the exact same way that I do them, but you will be prepared to take these methods and find ways to apply them in your real life right away.Feel like you just got fire-hosed, but in a good way? Get all of these pointers in an infographic by signing up for my free Go Getter Newsletter!
Get notified of when my habits class is available
Full Show Notes + Transcript
Sticky Habit Method
Sponsor:Go to BetterHelp.com/PROGRESS for 10% off your first month of therapy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 29, 2022 • 16min
AP 432: "Small Tips that Make A Big Difference" || Dear Progressor, September 2022
In this month's edition of "Dear Progressor," you'll hear from members of this community who called in and answered my prompt to share small tips that make a big difference. This episode is based on the idea that small wins build over time, in all aspects of our lives.We get to hear from a school teacher staying organized, about the benefits of meal planning and calendar syncing, a laundry hack, how to meditate in a busy day, how to shift your habits and a genius way to store your garbage bags and wash your pillowcases.About Progress is a COMMUNITY, not a fan club! We want to feature YOUR voice on the show. Find out how here!
Get notified of when my habits class is available
Full Show Notes
Sticky Habit Method
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices