

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

Feb 26, 2021 • 19min
AP 321: 3 Tips to Becoming a Book Worm || Growth Spurt
As a young child you could hardly find me without a book, as reading was something I truly loved and carried a passion for into adulthood. As I became a mother, it continued, but slowed to a halt after my third child was born. When I created my first Do Something Plan I nervously wrote down "read 20 books" thinking I might never reach that goal. But slowly, I got back into my book worm ways and this year hope to read 80 books. See my top book recommendations here! Tune in to hear the 3 ways you can make reading a part of your life again, or for the first time. These tips will work for anyone because I'm addressing your approach to reading. With these tricks you can create this habit, even if it starts small, and develop a really fulfilling relationship with reading. About a few other things... Can you help me out really quickly? Take this 3-5 minute survey that let's me know how to better serve you, the women of this community. I'll select 5 participants to receive a thank you gift! Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday. SHOW NOTES Get my sleep makeover or social media challenge here
Take this quick survey to help me improve the podcast! Get started on belonging to yourself with this free resource
Visit &Collar and get free shipping with code 'PROGRESS' Get the Organization Overhaul audio course Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 24, 2021 • 46min
AP 320: Easy Ways to Find Yourself, No Matter How Late || with Mikayla Johnson
When I created my first ever Do Something Plan 5 years ago it was simply to try to dig my way out from under a quarter-life identity crisis. I say simply not because it was a small task, but because I had no idea what it would become, just that I needed to do something. If you also find yourself feeling stuck, or unfulfilled, (even if you have the things you want!) then this episode on easy ways to find yourself, no matter how late, is just for you. Mikayla Johnson is a Progressor, a member of this community, just like you. In this episode she details the many hats she has worn, from hobbies to businesses, as well as her own quarter-life crisis. Through pursuing even the smallest of interests, without the pressure of perfection, Mikayla is more secure in her identity than ever. Tune in and see if you can catch her "I am" proclamation about her current pursuit, it is truly inspiring! About a few other things... Can you help me out really quickly? Take this 3-5 minute survey that let's me know how to better serve you, the women of this community. I'll select 5 participants to receive a thank you gift! Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday. SHOW NOTES Mikayla's Instagram, Website
Take this quick survey to help me improve the podcast! Get started on belonging to yourself with this free resource
Better Help – online therapy Visit &Collar and get free shipping with code 'PROGRESS' Get the Organization Overhaul audio course Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 17, 2021 • 42min
AP 319: Ways to Practice Deep Self Care Beyond the Treat Yourself Variety || with Taylor Elyse Morrison
If you've been a part of this community for a little while, you already know I'm not opposed to treating yourself, but I am opposed to the idea that it is the same as true self care. Instead of just sticking a bandaid over what can be a real wound, it's time to learn the ways to practice deep self care, beyond the treat yourself variety. Podcaster and coach, Taylor Elyse Morrison, is on the show today to share her expertise on self care. She teaches us hard-hitting definitions, as well as the five dimensions you actually need to focus on. Plus, an example of where to start right now when it comes to those areas: physical, energetic, mental, emotional and bliss. You are unique, no one can tell you what your self care looks like, so it's time to develop your own self expertise to be your strongest self in any situation. About a few other things... Can you help me out really quickly? Take this 3-5 minute survey that let's me know how to better serve you, the women of this community. I'll select 5 participants to receive a thank you gift! Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday. SHOW NOTES Taylor's Instagram, Website, Podcast
Take this quick survey to help me improve the podcast! Get started on belonging to yourself with this free resource
Visit &Collar and get free shipping with code 'PROGRESS' Get the Organization Overhaul audio course Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 10, 2021 • 45min
AP 318: How to Overcome Body Obsession and Come Home to Yourself || with Lexie Kite, PhD
When the opportunity arose to have one of our previous guest's twin sister on the show, I rearranged a lot because this interview is exactly what so many of us need to hear. In episode 97, Lindsay Kite taught us how to build a resilient body image. Today, Lexie Kite brings us up to speed with their recent accomplishments and delivers another powerful episode on how to over come body obsession, and as she says, come home to your self. Since they both received their PhD's in media and body image, Lindsay and Lexie Kite are the sisters behind Beauty Redefined and "More Than a Body," their most recent book. Having faced the same pressures and unrealistic ideals of female body image, Lexie knows where each of us is and meets us there with simple steps to overcome an ingrained obsession. It's time to stop holding yourself back, the world needs you. Tune in for the mantra you need to remember, how to deal with shame, and one super practical tip for social media usage that you can implement right away. About a few other things... Can you help me out really quickly? Take this 3-5 minute survey that let's me know how to better serve you, the women of this community. I'll select 5 participants to receive a thank you gift! Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday. SHOW NOTES Lexie's Instagram, Website, Book
Get started on belonging to yourself with this free resource
Visit &Collar and get free shipping with code 'PROGRESS'
Better Help – online therapy Get the Organization Overhaul audio course Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 3, 2021 • 40min
AP 317: Be Wholehearted || February 2021 Theme
Years ago I shattered a bottle of balsamic vinegar, and in the nightmarish process of cleaning it up I lost it. It made me rage, scaring myself and my young children. I knew something had to change. My life was everything I wanted, but I was still stuck. If you've been there, or are there now, I want to share my approach to feeling different even when things looks the same. By belonging to yourself, learning to be wholehearted in your approach, you will feel more fulfilled and have more energy and love to give to others. Much of what I've learned has stemmed from my original, and subsequent, Do Something lists, and you can see this year's here. Listen to the episode and the interviews this month for hopeful ways to begin, with experiences from my personal past and those I've worked with. About a few other things... This year I want to bring on members of this community as sponsors for the podcast! If you are interested in partnering please send me an email at hello{at}aboutprogress.com with the subject line "Sponsor." Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday. SHOW NOTES Get started on belonging to yourself with this free resource
Visit &Collar and get free shipping with code 'PROGRESS' Join the FREE January Joiner Challenge Get the Organization Overhaul audio course Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 27, 2021 • 35min
AP 316: Shake Off Your Past for a Better Future || with Michael Arterberry
You don't need to ignore your past, or shove it deep down. There is a fine balance between acknowledging it and moving beyond it - whether that's lifelong struggles or even just this past year. Tune in to this inspiring story about how to effectively shake off your past for a better future. Against all odds, Michael Arterberry has pushed through immense struggle since childhood, to be the motivational speaker and author that he is today. He is also the creator of an intensive program for youth, which he describes as only being possible due to his own healing. His heart wrenching story is one of resilience, with a practical application so that you can also move forward in a way that is in alignment with your goals and doesn't dismiss your past. About a few other things... One or two times a year I open enrollment to my small group coaching Progress Program, where we focus on transforming your body, mind, and spirit by combining mindset and action. If you're searching for your identity, feeling like you don't have purpose, then this group with will provide the guidance and accountability that you need. You can read all of the details here, as well as hear testimonials from former participants in their own words. Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday. SHOW NOTES Michael's Facebook, Website, books
Enrollment is now open for my small group coaching Progress Program
Get your Monk Manual for 20% with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' through January 31st Join the FREE January Joiner Challenge Get the Organization Overhaul audio course Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 20, 2021 • 56min
AP 315: Major Secrets You Need to Know to Accomplish Your Biggest Goals || with Noelle Pikus-Pace
Olympic athletes...they're just like us! Or at least that's what this interview with medalist Noelle Pikus-Pace will have you thinking. Her major secrets you need to now to accomplish your biggest goals are based on mindset, purpose, values, and relationships. She offers three simple tips, and ultimately reminds everyone to start super, super simple. Listeners from this community will especially resonate with her approach to habits, and her unique bucket list (spoiler: it's a lot like a Do Something plan!) Plus, the stories from her Olympic and World Cup victories, intertwined with family and travel, offer a fascinating perspective. About a few other things... One or two times a year I open enrollment to my small group coaching Progress Program, where we focus on transforming your body, mind, and spirit by combining mindset and action. If you're searching for your identity, feeling like you don't have purpose, then this group with will provide the guidance and accountability that you need. You can read all of the details here, as well as hear testimonials from former participants in their own words. Sign up for your spot in my FREE class, How to Make Habits that Stick, where I guide you towards narrowing in on your goals through habits. You can have more control and live with intention, and it starts here. Choose from 3 dates and times. See you there! Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday. SHOW NOTES Noelle's Instagram, Website, e-Course
Enrollment is now open for my small group coaching Progress Program
Get your Monk Manual for 20% with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' through January 31st Join the FREE January Joiner Challenge Sign up for the FREE Habits That Stick Class
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 15, 2021 • 32min
AP 314: How to Make Goals that Won't Kill You || Bonus Episode
It was only three years ago that I got back into goal-making (the right way) and that year it took me three months to even decide on them all. I've been on both sides of the all-or-nothing pendulum of attitudes towards goals, so I understand wherever you are. In this episode I'm teaching you how to make goals that won't kill you, with four reasons you're likely struggling and what to do about it. Through my experience, and through working with others, I've seen the mistakes we all tend to make when goal-setting. Whether or not you've made your yearly list, you can tune in to learn something that may surprise you. Set yourself up for success this year with my formula, it's easier than you are probably making it for yourself right now. About a few other things... The Strive Hive helps Progressors who are eager to take action and strive for daily progress access LEARNING, CHANGE, AND COMMUNITY, so that they can find more and lasting personal growth and fulfillment. Join us for weekly chats, monthly masterclasses, self development book club, accountability and more! One or two times a year I open enrollment to my small group coaching Progress Program, where we focus on transforming your body, mind, and spirit by combining mindset and action. If you're searching for your identity, feeling like you don't have purpose, then this group with will provide the guidance and accountability that you need. You can read all of the details here, as well as hear testimonials from former participants in their own words. Sign up for your spot in my FREE class, How to Make Habits that Stick, where I guide you towards narrowing in on your goals through habits. You can have more control and live with intention, and it starts here. Choose from 3 dates and times. See you there! Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday. SHOW NOTES Enrollment is now open for my small group coaching Progress Program
Get your Monk Manual for 20% with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' through January 31st Join the FREE January Joiner Challenge Sign up for the FREE Habits That Stick Class
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 13, 2021 • 55min
AP 313: How to Strive for Excellence (and Still Be Human!) || with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife and Carolyn Bever
Licensed marriage and sex therapist, Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife is well known to this community. Today she is joined by her sister, Carolyn Bever who is an acclaimed violinist. Through their respective careers they have both seen how a lot of people become overwhelmed at the prospect of getting from where they are, to where they can go, because of perfectionism. Together they teach the importance of knowing your strengths, your own capacity, and how strive for excellence in a way that works for you. Tune in to hear how Carolyn went from musician to marathoner, by taking it literally one block at a time. As well as, a "bad Jennifer story" where she shares an insecurity that may resonate with many listeners. Ultimately remember that the struggle with perfectionism is a very human struggle and how to move the needle anyway. About a few other things... The Strive Hive helps Progressors who are eager to take action and strive for daily progress access LEARNING, CHANGE, AND COMMUNITY, so that they can find more and lasting personal growth and fulfillment. Join us for weekly chats, monthly masterclasses, self development book club, accountability and more! Sign up for your spot in my FREE class, How to Make Habits that Stick, where I guide you towards narrowing in on your goals through habits. You can have more control and live with intention, and it starts here. Choose from 3 dates and times. See you there! Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday. SHOW NOTES
Jennifer's Instagram and Website, Carolyn's Instagram and Website
Get your Monk Manual for 20% with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' through January 31st
Join the FREE January Joiner Challenge
Sign up for the FREE Habits That Stick Class
Better Help – online therapy
Get the Organization Overhaul audio course
Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA
Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 6, 2021 • 38min
AP 312: Reach for More || January 2021 Theme
If you've been around here for a little while you may know the story of how this blog, and now podcast and community, got started. Years ago, I was a shell of myself, an underachieving perfectionist, but I had an idea. I made a bucket list of sorts, 30 things to do before I turned 30. This list is now what I have coined a "Do Something List" and I make a point to recreate it every year, you can even read my list for 2021! You deserve more and you are ready for more, let me help. I encourage you to start with last week's episode, Do Something to Unlock the Best Version of You. In this episode I want to do away with the negative stereotype of being a January Joiner, so that whatever you start right now will set you up for success. There is even a free handbook you can get that will really guide you towards getting started. In this episode I detail 3 pitfalls that I think you may be facing, and specifically how to avoid those. This isn't magic, friends, but to me it is magical when I see the women of this community understand that the transformation lies in the process, and then get to work. About a few other things... The Strive Hive helps Progressors who are eager to take action and strive for daily progress access LEARNING, CHANGE, AND COMMUNITY, so that they can find more and lasting personal growth and fulfillment. Join us for weekly chats, monthly masterclasses, self development book club, accountability and more! Sign up for your spot in my FREE class, How to Make Habits that Stick, where I guide you towards narrowing in on your goals through habits. You can have more control and live with intention, and it starts here. Choose from 3 dates and times. See you there! Sign up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get Progress Pointers in your inbox every Thursday. SHOW NOTES Get your Monk Manual for 20% with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' through January 31st Join the FREE January Joiner Challenge Sign up for the FREE Habits That Stick Class
Episode 280 "You'll Never Make It"
Episode 311 "Do Something To Unlock the Best Version of Yourself" Get the Organization Overhaul audio course Join the monthly membership group
Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE
Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram
Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


