

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

Apr 15, 2020 • 41min
AP 253: You Don't Have to be the Sacrificial Lamb of Your Family || with Dr. Julie Hanks
Today's episode might make you uncomfortable, but remember, you can have the discomfort of not growing or the discomfort of growing. Let's get started by asking yourself, whose life are you living? Is it really yours and are you really doing it with purpose? Because if not, and you're living for your children, your partner, your parents, etc. then this episode serves to teach you that you don't have to be the sacrificial lamb of your family.Dr. Julie Hanks is lending her expertise as a wife, mother, author, and therapist. She is passionate about self growth even within motherhood and shedding light on finding your sense of self. Here are some spoilers: make your needs just as important as your family's, you are doing a disservice to your children if you each them the word revolves around them, and you can't be selfless without a self.If you feel a little bit lost, uncertain of where to start, or even what's missing, I have been there. In fact, I'm sharing an experience I had years ago that made me feel like pursuing anything outside of my children was selfish. Now I know that to be more selfless, to be able to give of myself to my family, I have to be my whole self first. Tune in to this episode for the practical push you need find your passions again.About a few other things...With all this time we have been spending at home, some of my organization struggles have been on the forefront of my mind. In January I released an organization audio course to help you learn how to cut the clutter and find clarity. That is still available to you before prices go up May 1st. There was also a free organization challenge that I've decided to reopen April 20th, so get signed up and join our Facebook group for all the encouragement and practical tips to get organized in your mind, space, and time.Make sure you're signed up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get each episode's Progress Pointers straight to your inbox every Thursday.SHOW NOTES
Julie's Website and Instagram
Better Help - 10% off first month with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
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

Apr 10, 2020 • 17min
AP 252: Why Your Personal Habits Matter || Growth Spurt
As the days sort of blur together during the current pandemic I want to remind you of something important. I believe in, and teach, anchoring in to yourself often, but during these hardest of times it feels that much more important. Tune in to this solo episode, a growth spurt, on why your personal habits matter, especially during the hard times.It really is the little things we've developed over time that keep us whole, even sane. Lean in to those personal habits to feel strong, so you can keep going. I recognize that our ability to keep up with routines may change with the seasons we're in. But, with patience and persistence you can stay committed.I'm sharing more specifics in the episode, but things like the daily exercise my body is used to, or maintaining the sleep habits I've worked so hard on, make all the difference. Think back to the routines and personal habits you maybe used to keep but have let slip, and pick just a few to get back into and help you anchor into yourself again.About a few other things...With all this time we have been spending at home, some of my organization struggles have been on the forefront of my mind. In January I released an organization audio course to help you learn how to cut the clutter and find clarity. That is still available to you before prices go up May 1st. There was also a free organization challenge that I've decided to reopen April 20th, so get signed up and join our Facebook group for all the encouragement and practical tips to get organized in your mind, space, and time.Make sure you're signed up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get each episode's Progress Pointers straight to your inbox every Thursday.SHOW NOTES
Join the FREE Organization 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

Apr 8, 2020 • 42min
AP 251: How to Find Purpose in the Groundhog Day of Life + Motherhood || with Sara Dean
With the COVID-19 pandemic we are all kind of losing track of what day it is. But, the topic of this interview is not specific to this time. In motherhood, and just life itself, we can sometimes feel like we're living a Groundhog Day. And even if that's how you're feeling, you can still find purpose.Sara Dean is a mother, coach, and podcaster at Shameless Mom Academy who believes in living bigger, bolder, and better. In this episode she's opening up about the parts of her story that helped her realize her purpose as she encourages listeners to do the same.This may sound a little harsh, but we're not afraid of a kick-in-the-pants around here, right? If you're putting off the challenge behind this month (living with purpose) is it because you are just sitting in the comfort of your excuses? Sara describes it as "picking your pain" when you choose between staying stagnant or growing forward. Both choices are actually uncomfortable, but really only one lends itself towards how to find purpose in your life and motherhood. Tune in for the hug I also always want you to feel, as Sara reminds us to "Shamelessly do the things that lights you up."About a few other things...With all this time we have been spending at home, some of my organization struggles have been on the forefront of my mind. In January I released an organization audio course to help you learn how to cut the clutter and find clarity. That is still available to you before prices go up May 1st. There was also a free organization challenge that I've decided to reopen April 20th, so get signed up and join our Facebook group for all the encouragement and practical tips to get organized in your mind, space, and time.Make sure you're signed up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get each episode's Progress Pointers straight to your inbox every Thursday.SHOW NOTES
Sara's Website, 15 Minute Manifest, and Instagram
Better Help - 10% off first month with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
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 the free and private FB group
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

Apr 1, 2020 • 30min
AP 250: Live With Purpose|| April's Theme
When I am asked, "How do I find my purpose?" I have kind of an unconventional response: nobody has one, lifelong purpose, to be found. Because it's not about what you do, but who you are. I want to encourage you to live a life of meaning and substance and purpose no matter what you do. Instead of trying to find your purpose, it's time to live with purpose.To help keep this manageable for you I'm breaking it down into 3 ways you can start right away to live with purpose.
Stop seeking for the what and live the how.
Believe you matter and live like you matter.
You get to decide, think deeper.
I really hope you take the time to tune in to this episode, to do something just for you, because it will truly benefit everything around you. I'm sharing a guided exercise that I've previously only shared in my workshops to help you dig deep and feel your worth. You will be empowered to live with purpose immediately, it is so important and you are so important.About a few other things...With all this time we have been spending at home, some of my organization struggles have been on the forefront of my mind. In January I released an organization audio course to help you learn how to cut the clutter and find clarity. That is still available to you before prices go up May 1st. There was also a free organization challenge that I've decided to reopen April 20th, so get signed up and join our Facebook group for all the encouragement and practical tips to get organized in your mind, space, and time.Make sure you're signed up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get each episode's Progress Pointers straight to your inbox every Thursday.SHOW NOTES
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 the free and private FB group
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

Mar 27, 2020 • 21min
AP 249: "Dear Progressor," March 2020 Edition
Each month I ask for you, the listeners, to send in a soundbite sharing how you've grown or what you've learned this month. Given the way our world has been turned upside down this month I'm not surprised there was only one submission. As you listen, though, I know her perspective on comparison will resonate with you. I also give my (hopefully encouraging) thoughts on life and growth during these uncertain times.I share more in the episode about how this year I'm focusing on the specific purpose of this podcast and community. I want to serve you, in ways that really count, because this has never been a fan club for me. Earlier this year I launched our private membership group, and it has quickly become the best example of this community. In that group the women share openly, support one another, find accountability, and more all with my attention. There are coaching calls, a book club, challenges and other ways for you to find connection as you grow.I share more in the episode about how this year I'm focusing on the specific purpose of this podcast and community. I want to serve you, in ways that really count, because this has never been a fan club for me. Earlier this year I launched our private membership group, and it has quickly become the best example of this community. In that group the women share openly, support one another, find accountability, and more all with my attention. There are coaching calls, a book club, challenges and other ways for you to find connection as you grow.SHOW NOTES
Math Revolution - first month free with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Prenda - Keep your child learning at home!
Enroll in Podcast U
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

Mar 25, 2020 • 40min
AP 248: Ways to Boost Your Productivity as a Busy Mom || with Brittney Hanks
At the time we are publishing this episode our country, and world, is facing the pandemic of COVID-19. With respect to the gravity of this situation we do touch on its applicability as part of this topic. We also hope that the tips shared here can support you through this time, but also beyond. And before you totally write-off productivity, tune in for just a few minutes. You'll see that there are ways to boost your productivity as a busy mom regardless of your season in motherhood.Brittney Hanks, of Homegrown Traditions, is a mother of 4 who focuses on teaching other moms simplify and focus on what is essential in their lives. She believes in quality time with family, and promotes even the easiest of ways to accomplish that. In today's episode she shares how her season of motherhood have changed, and how that affects productivity.Regardless of your season, she teaches that feeling productive each day actually refuels us. Her tips include doing one thing each day that can't be undone, how to capitalize on your energy, and a fun trick that always motivates her. Don't resign yourself to living a "Groundhog Day" existence, instead implement just a few of these tools to ignite the satisfaction that even a small accomplishment can bring.About a few other things...Enrollment for Podcast U is now open! Save yourself the struggle of getting your podcast off the ground. Learn how to start and grow it in with the 3 month course that's right for you. You'll receive video instruction, a workbook, office hours and support.If you want to sample the teaching style of Podcast U, check out these completely free classes: How to START Your Podcast and How to GROW Your Podcast. Stop procrastinating your potential and do something about this goal!Make sure you're signed up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get each episode's Progress Pointers straight to your inbox every Thursday.SHOW NOTES
Brittney's Instagram, Website
Math Revolution - first month free with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Prenda - Keep your child learning at home!
Enroll in Podcast U
Take a free podcasting 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

Mar 20, 2020 • 18min
AP 247: Stay Strong || Growth Spurt
Just like all of you, these last couple weeks have been weird as we navigate a new, and changing, normal. I'm right there with you with all of my family at home in our small home, all the time, still needing to fulfill many of our obligations. Instead of crumbling under the pressure I am focusing on how to stay strong. This episode is simply my thoughts on finding strength and stability during this uncertain time.I want you to know that you are a leader, amongst your family and community. You can lead with clarity and confidence. Tune in for ideas on how to seek meaning, employ radical self care, and lean into intentionality. It's time to anchor into yourself, for your own sake, but also for any that depend on you.About a few other things...Enrollment for Podcast U is now open! Save yourself the struggle of getting your podcast off the ground. Learn how to start and grow it in with the 3 month course that's right for you. You'll receive video instruction, a workbook, office hours and support.If you want to sample the teaching style of Podcast U, check out these completely free classes: How to START Your Podcast and How to GROW Your Podcast. Stop procrastinating your potential and do something about this goal!Make sure you're signed up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get each episode's Progress Pointers straight to your inbox every Thursday.SHOW NOTES
Enroll in Podcast U
Take a free podcasting 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

Mar 18, 2020 • 36min
AP 246: How to Know When You've Done Enough Each Day || with Ceri Payne
You may have noticed somewhat of a trend this month as we discuss meaningful productivity - it's priorities! In this episode you'll hear the questions to ask yourself to identify just a few of your top priorities. You will be able to better plan your days, and attain actual balance in your day-to-day life. With a clear idea of these values, you'll understand how to know when you've done enough each day.Ceri Payne is a private life coach helping mompreneurs and creatives discover their priorities in life so that they can plan and organize their day and time with purpose and intention. In this interview she gives you tools to narrow down on your priorities, so you can focus on just you. You can stop comparing yourself to others, or even to other versions of you, to live each day intentionally and feel fulfilled.Don't let your expectations set you up for failure. Ceri shares exactly what this looked like in her life; including what she actually had to give up to better herself. You can consider your "not priority" list, maybe, to help you gain clarity on where you actually want to focus your precious time.About a few other things...Enrollment for Podcast U is now open! Save yourself the struggle of getting your podcast off the ground. Learn how to start and grow it in with the 3 month course that's right for you. You'll receive video instruction, a workbook, office hours and support.If you want to sample the teaching style of Podcast U, check out these completely free classes: How to START Your Podcast and How to GROW Your Podcast. Stop procrastinating your potential and do something about this goal!Make sure you're signed up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get each episode's Progress Pointers straight to your inbox every Thursday.SHOW NOTES
Ceri's Instagram, Website
Monk Manual - 10% off with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'
Enroll in Podcast U
Take a free podcasting 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

Mar 13, 2020 • 19min
AP 245: Do Things You Don't Want To Do || Growth Spurt
We can't only do the fun things all the time. You sometimes need to say yes and do things you don't want to do, in order to move our progress needle forward. Think about the rule of law, driving the speed limit for instance. Think about an olympic athlete putting in insane hours of practice that they might not want to, but need to because they do want the outcome.For you, what are some of the things you don't like to do but are willing to lean in to? As you develop yourself and step into your true values, you'll see the ultimate benefit of this practice. In this episode I'm sharing ways this has worked in my life, even with things like getting my laundry done.I've determined three ways you can move things from the dreaded "should" list, to the "I want to" list. Remember, this month is focused on meaningful productivity so these tips are meant to be simple and doable. I also talk a lot about your values in this episode, so if you haven't taken this quiz yet to narrow those down, start there.About a few other things...Enrollment for Podcast U is now open! Save yourself the struggle of getting your podcast off the ground. Learn how to start and grow it in with the 3 month course that's right for you. You'll receive video instruction, a workbook, office hours and support.If you want to sample the teaching style of Podcast U, check out these completely free classes: How to START Your Podcast and How to GROW Your Podcast. Stop procrastinating your potential and do something about this goal!Make sure you're signed up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get each episode's Progress Pointers straight to your inbox every Thursday.SHOW NOTES
Referenced in the episode: Adam Moore Motivational Styles and Gretchen Rubin Tendencies Quiz
Enroll in Podcast U
Take a free podcasting 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

Mar 11, 2020 • 43min
AP 244: How to Dramatically Shift Your Time Management || with Steven Lawson
When you finally lay down in bed at night, where is the first place your mind goes? Are you frantically reviewing your half finished to-do list, feeling shame and guilt over it? You're not alone! So many of us do this, then the next day we either over manage our time and become obsessed, or under manage out of fear. It's an exhausting cycle and I, for one, am over it! In today's interview learn how to dramatically shift your time management starting with just 5 minutes a day.Steven Lawson won't be a total stranger if you've been a listener for a little while now. He is the founder of Monk Manual, the planner that radically improved my time management and productivity. But don't worry, this is not an episode devoted to using a planner. Steven is giving us his insight and tips that will help anyone looking to put some soul back into their productivity.To start, we discuss what you're doing wrong with your time management and learn how to shift your outcome based mindset. Tune in to feel empowered to cut your to-do list in half, respect the season you're in, find your top 5 priorities, time block, and more. With a little bit of planning, in whatever form works best for you, your time can truly be well spent. About a few other things... Enrollment for Podcast U is now open! Save yourself the struggle of getting your podcast off the ground. Learn how to start and grow it in with the 3 month course that's right for you. You'll receive video instruction, a workbook, office hours and support. If you want to sample the teaching style of Podcast U, check out these completely free classes: How to START Your Podcast and How to GROW Your Podcast. Stop procrastinating your potential and do something about this goal! Make sure you're signed up for the Go Getter Newsletter to get each episode's Progress Pointers straight to your inbox every Thursday. SHOW NOTES
Steven's Instagram, Monk Manual (10% off with code ABOUTPROGRESS)
Enroll in Podcast U
Take a free podcasting 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