

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 16, 2022 • 36min
AP 401: How we are overhauling our family culture with a year of FUN! || with Monica and Brad Packer
I can't imagine we are alone in feeling like after the last couple (very stressful) years, our family was in need of some healing. Even our young children were feeling the same increasing strain that we felt as individuals, and parents. In this episode, my husband, Brad, details how schedules, bedtimes, and cleaning the house had taken precedence over enjoying one another's presence. And I share what came to me from the passenger's seat during our New Year's Day drive: this needed to be our year of FUN! We want to encourage you to identify your family's values (with tips on how to do that!) so that you can change the culture in your home to be one that serves you, rather than scares you. From small steps, to the bigger picture we're getting personal in hopes of showing you what a similar overhaul may do for you, too. Full Show Notes NEW!! Habits Course Podcast Sponsor - code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' Finding Me Course Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 12, 2022 • 11min
AP 400: How to Tap Into Your EMOTIONS and FEELINGS to Help Your THOUGHTS || Growth Spurt
When I first started seeing a therapist for my eating disorder years ago, they asked something of me that I still think about often. It had to do with controlling my thoughts, and as a result I've had a lot of practice sorting through my thoughts, but also how emotions and feelings are connected - and how they are different.Based on my own experience I have some tried and true tips for connecting to yourself by identifying your emotions and feelings, to better help you gain control over your thoughts. It's time to get curious about what your mind and body are telling you, to help you gain clarity in tangible and logical ways.
Full Show Notes
NEW!! Habits Course
Podcast Sponsor - code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Finding Me Course
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May 9, 2022 • 46min
AP 399: How to Set Boundaries with Loved Ones, ESPECIALLY When it's Hard || with Dr. Julie Hanks
It's time to tackle one of most highly requested topics for the podcast, and that is boundaries. Today I am joined by a therapist, Dr. Julie Hanks, who answers our most pressing questions on the issue. This includes my biggest one, "Do I have to tell other people that I have boundaries around them?" She answers that as well as some others that may surprise you.In addition to our frank discussion on boundaries, her insight on introspection and our thoughts is worth your time spent listening. Tune in for the permission you need to move forward with identifying your boundaries, then sticking to them, and why it's crucial to your overall well-being.More from Dr. Julie Hanks here.
Full Show Notes
NEW!! Habits Course
Podcast Sponsor - code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Finding Me Course
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 5, 2022 • 14min
AP 398: A Creative Retreat, a New Delicious Cookie, the Midday Habit I Need, and Honest Thoughts on Confidence || Messy Middle May 2022
In this monthly series I'm sharing what real progress (including real, imperfect, messiness!) looks like for me. Most of the month was spent working on my new habits course, but we did travel for spring break and I attended a wonderful creative retreat. Tuen in to hear what I have planned for this month, a delicious new spin on a chocolate chip cookie (our fav!) that I tried, a new habit I'm going to implement, and raw thoughts on my personal confidence. If that last one is of interest maybe I'll iron out my thoughts for a full episode, let me know! Full Show Notes NEW!! Habits Course Podcast Sponsor - code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' Finding Me Course Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 2, 2022 • 25min
AP 397: Why habits help you SHOW UP!
This week, my podcast listeners get an exclusive sneak peak into my new Sticky Habit Method course. In the introduction to the course you'll learn about what's to come for those that continue on, but also my deeply personal experience. I can clearly see the difference in myself between when I have felt supported by habits and when I have not been. Having sound habits that actually align with your values allows you to show up as your best self for you and for others. This introduction explains the three course modules that teach you, and commit you, to forming at least one hugely supportive habit by the end of the course. Full Show Notes + Transcript NEW!! Habits Course Podcast Sponsor - code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' Finding Me Course Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 28, 2022 • 22min
AP 396: How do you get into running as a "non-runner?" || with Kelly Marker
If you've always thought you're not fast enough to be a runner, you're wrong! There's so much more to it than speed. Tune in to see how a community member just like you went from someone who was "never very good at running" to someone who has developed a true passion for it that enriches her life. Full Show Notes NEW!! Habits Course Presale Podcast Sponsor Finding Me Course Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 25, 2022 • 43min
AP 395: "What do I do about revenge bedtime procrastination?" || Coaching Call with Julie
Maybe you haven't heard of "revenge bedtime procrastination" but you've likely felt it. It's that feeling at night when you're so exhausted, but you still find yourself staying up too late mind-numbingly scrolling your phone. In a nutshell, you're experiencing a lack of fulfillment. The good news is that there are several ways to support yourself out of this habit, and into something that feels better. Julie is a Progressor just like you, who graciously opened up about her nighttime routine struggles that seemed to be fueling this procrastination at night. She shares the values she knows she holds, and I coach her through the ways to achieve new habits that align with how she wants to feel at the end of her day. Whether or not this is your specific concern, the methods of identifying the emotions you're seeking, then breaking down your routine and attaching some new habits, can work for many self-sabotaging behaviors. Tune in and try out what you learn! Full Show Notes + Transcript NEW!! Habits Course Presale Podcast Sponsor Finding Me Course Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 21, 2022 • 11min
AP 394: Habits Should be Supportive || Growth Spurt
Habits shouldn't be "shoulds," they should be supportive. And yes, I see the irony in that statement, but I think you'll agree! How many times have you set out to create a new habit based on a should, like one of these? I should weigh this much... I should be this type of mom... I should wake up earlier... I should be a reader... How many times have those habits failed? Your habits should support you as your most authentic self. In this short episode I'm sharing how times and seasons have changed my habits, and why that's been okay as I've allowed my habits to be supportive and not forced. Full Show Notes NEW!! Habits Course Presale Podcast Sponsor Finding Me Course Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 18, 2022 • 41min
AP 393: 3 Big Reasons You Struggle With Being Authentic || with Amber Price
Before you think this is just another flowery conversation on authenticity that seems too far out of reach for you, listen up. First you need to understand what it means to be authentic, and you're going to want this for yourself: being authentic means you get to stop hiding who you are from other people. With that gift, you can then cultivate meaningful relationships with those around you, and more importantly with yourself.Amber is a mom of 4 working on her PhD in marriage and family, who loves to share about authenticity and intimacy. She breaks down the biggest barriers to finding your authentic self and the simple ways to work towards breaking them down. Tune in to explore how living up to impossible standards, comparison, and body objectification are hindering your growth, and what you can gain from being authentically you.
Full Show Notes + Transcript
NEW!! Habits Course Presale
Podcast Sponsor
Finding Me Course
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 14, 2022 • 9min
AP 392: How to Conduct a 'Progress Audit' || Growth Spurt
Something that I'm constantly working on is leaving behind the all-or-nothing mindset that used to cause me to spiral into the vicious cycle of perfectionism. I now like to reflect where I'm at with my own progress in a mindful way, without assigning any negative, or even overly positive, emotion to it.An audit is where you objectively take a look at the facts, and let that inform what to do next. In this episode I'm giving you some very simple steps to perform your own 'progress audit' and there is even an acronym so you can do this any time you need a personal check-in.
Full Show Notes
NEW!! Habits Course Presale
Podcast Sponsor
Finding Me Course
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices