About Progress

Hey, I see you! I see how hard you've worked this holiday season to show up for your family, friends, coworkers, church and community responsibilities, and whatever else has needed you this month. It's time to take a deep breath, and give back to yourself. One way you can do this is by joining me and other women live, and online, for the Rediscover You Workshop at the beginning of January. If you do this, I think it will end up on your "best things I spent money on" list, too!If you're anything like me, it's kind of fun to hear about other people's favorite things. There are whole parties this time of year surrounding them, right?? So, I thought I'd share my tried and true favorite things from 2019. From Disney+ to the natural cleaner you've seen me use on Instagram, I'm covering all the things that our entire family has been enjoying the very most.And it's not all about the material things. I also share what intangible things have been my favorite buys this year. This includes help with my home and kids, help with my business, as well as super memorable dates with my husband. And if you'd like to share any of your "Best of 2019" submit a soundbite for the 'Dear Progressor' episode that will air next week!ABOUT A FEW OTHER THINGS…So many of you asked for this and I'm finally able to deliver! Sign up for the now online Rediscover You Workshop. Join me and other women live, right from your couch, to learn how to reconnect with yourself. This will only be offered once in 2020, so don’t miss out!After an overwhelming response this summer, Monk Manual has come back to sponsor the podcast. You can get one of these intentional planners (the only kind I’ve ever stuck with!) for 20% off with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ and it stacks with their bundle, too!SHOW NOTES Monthly group beta launch WAITLIST Check out the newly online Rediscover You Workshop Get your Monk Manual for 20% with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE Join the free and private FB group Join Monica on Facebook, Instagram, and by newsletter 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

Merry Christmas friends! If you find yourself reflecting on this past year, especially as you look forward to the new year, I want to encourage you to remove the negative "failure filter". There are good lessons to be learned from what we often consider failure. Today I'm sharing the best failures I had and lessons learned in 2019.I like to learn, I want to learn, so I've had to come to terms with failing. For example, I'm being very transparent in this episode about my goals for the podcast and what happened that helped me realize them. There were also failures in my relationships, and not the all-is-lost kind, but the kind that helped me realize where I need to improve.My hope in sharing those as well as some business and spiritual related failures (you might be surprised by what I say!) is that you, too, can learn to reframe failures into growth. And I'm really not just saying that, because I've lived it. I'm going to keep putting in the work, even if it keeps taking me years to grow. Through my own personal development I've learned my worth is independent of my success, so failures do not define me. Tune in, maybe let me know if this shifts your perspective going into the new year.ABOUT A FEW OTHER THINGS…So many of you asked for this and I'm finally able to deliver! Sign up for the now online Rediscover You Workshop. Join me and other women live, right from your couch, to learn how to reconnect with yourself. This will only be offered once in 2020, so don’t miss out!After an overwhelming response this summer, Monk Manual has come back to sponsor the podcast. You can get one of these intentional planners (the only kind I’ve ever stuck with!) for 20% off with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ and it stacks with their bundle, too!SHOW NOTES Monthly group beta launch WAITLIST Check out the newly online Rediscover You Workshop Get your Monk Manual for 20% with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE Join the free and private FB group Join Monica on Facebook, Instagram, and by newsletter 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

As we head in to 2020, are you ready to put yourself first? By paying attention to your own growth and development you will be able to more fully give to all of the various roles you fill. The most immediate way you can do that is by joining me live and online for the Rediscover You Workshop (only offered once in 2020!). You can also join the new membership group that will be launching, get on the waitlist for the beta group. Now on to the best food I ate and shows I watched in 2019...If you've been around here for a little while, you actually know food has been the source of a lot of struggle for me. In recovery from my disordered eating I've worked hard on my relationship with food, so I'm excited to say that this year I have a list of food I loved and thought would be fun to share with you. Some you can grab if you have a Trader Joe's nearby, others you'll have to travel to Texas for, but each one has me salivating just talking about them.And in the spirit of these more lighthearted favorites, I'm telling you all my must watch shows...and it turns out they're all on Netlifx! The list of British shows shouldn't come as a surprise, but maybe some of the documentaries I watched will. I'll just tell you, go watch One Strange Rock right now - it's my absolute favorite!I hope some of these recommendations can make it on to your lists in the new year, and if you have any suggestions for me please let me know! Nothing is too big, or too small, when it comes to exploring your interests, trying new things, and discovering what makes you you!ABOUT A FEW OTHER THINGS…If you’re looking for a way to realllly kick off your new year in the right direction, sign up for the now online Rediscover You Workshop. Join me and other women live, right from your couch, to learn how to reconnect with yourself. This will only be offered once in 2020, so don’t miss out!After an overwhelming response this summer, Monk Manual has come back to sponsor the podcast. You can get one of these intentional planners (the only kind I’ve ever stuck with!) for 20% off with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ and it stacks with their bundle, too!SHOW NOTES Monthly group beta launch WAITLIST Check out the newly online Rediscover You Workshop Get your Monk Manual for 20% with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE Join the free and private FB group Join Monica on Facebook, Instagram, and by newsletter 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

We are used to being taught that everything starts with your thoughts, but have you ever struggled to make actual change that way? There is another way and it is far more doable. Tony Overbay, therapist (and fellow podcaster!) is giving us actionable ways to change the story we tell ourselves. You can learn how to stop hating yourself.Tony Overbay, father of 4 and married to his high school sweetheart, is a podcaster and marriage and family therapist. Funnily enough, this is his second career and you'll hear him share about his complete industry switch - as well as the opinions others had about it.Using a different model of therapy, Tony shares tactics to take action about the way you're thinking about yourself. Maybe hate is a strong word for you, but you probably have some stories you're telling yourself that do hinder your personal growth. This episode has stuck with me allll year, and especially as you head into this new year I wanted you to hear it again. So, as we say in the episode, learn how to say to yourself "Tell me more" and go after the growth.ABOUT A FEW OTHER THINGS…If you’re looking for a way to realllly kick off your new year in the right direction, sign up for the now online Rediscover You Workshop. Join me and other women live, right from your couch, to learn how to reconnect with yourself. This will only be offered once in 2020, so don’t miss out!After an overwhelming response this summer, Monk Manual has come back to sponsor the podcast. You can get one of these intentional planners (the only kind I’ve ever stuck with!) for 20% off with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ and it stacks with their bundle, too!SHOW NOTES Tony’s website, podcast, and Instagram+ Value Model Monthly group beta launch WAITLIST Check out the newly online Rediscover You Workshop Get your Monk Manual for 20% with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE Join the free and private FB group Join Monica on Facebook, Instagram, and by newsletter 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

In the first Rediscover You workshop I was inspired by Rachel Nielson to determine what I wanted more of in motherhood. (Interestingly, you'll know this question is part of the exercise from the monthly theme!) My answer was more reading. I used to always have my nose in a book, and I wanted to get back to that as much as possible. Now I can officially share the best books I read and podcasts I found in 2019.If you are also wanting to make reading more of a priority for you - or if you are already good about that - I put together the best of the best from my year, because there's nothing like a good book recommendation, right?! In this episode I'm sharing from lots of categories: non-fiction, fiction, light hearted, self development, you get the idea! (They are all linked here if it's easier than writing them down.)I also discovered some new-to-me podcasts that I wanted to share. They include: Brooke Snow Podcast, Pod Save the Queen, Live Free Creative, Second Life, and Don't Keep Your Day Job. If you tune in I'm sharing some of the best episodes that I think you must listen to!I hope this helped you get to know me a little better (big fan of the Brits!) and gave you some encouragement to work on discovering your own bests in the coming year.ABOUT A FEW OTHER THINGS…If you’re looking for a way to realllly kick off your new year in the right direction, sign up for the now online Rediscover You Workshop. Join me and other women live, right from your couch, to learn how to reconnect with yourself. This will only be offered once in 2020, so don’t miss out!After an overwhelming response this summer, Monk Manual has come back to sponsor the podcast. You can get one of these intentional planners (the only kind I’ve ever stuck with!) for 20% off with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ and it stacks with their bundle, too!SHOW NOTES Monthly group beta launch WAITLIST Check out the newly online Rediscover You Workshop Get your Monk Manual for 20% with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE Join the free and private FB group Join Monica on Facebook, Instagram, and by newsletter 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

Do you want to change your life? Including your relationships? Work? Parenting? Fitness? Spirituality? And more? You need to start by knowing who you are. That's right, find and grow within yourself and you'll see everything else thrive, too.Many women have lost touch with their inner selves–what makes them light up, including their natural interests, passions, hobbies, and gifts. They somehow have received the message that working on their own growth is selfish and will take away from what matters most in their lives. But, the opposite is true!Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife is a leading expert on marriage, relationships, and sexuality. The foundation to everything she does involves guiding women back to the root of who they truly are. She teaches that a woman who brings her full, developed self to the table will advance everything else–and everyone–that matters in her life.Listen in to our most downloaded episode of 2019 to hear why knowing who you are is vital for growth and happiness, and how to start working on finding yourself again. If you're interested in part two, check it out here.ABOUT A FEW OTHER THINGS…If you’re looking for a way to realllly kick off your new year in the right direction, sign up for the now online Rediscover You Workshop. Join me and other women live, right from your couch, to learn how to reconnect with yourself. This will only be offered once in 2020, so don’t miss out!After an overwhelming response this summer, Monk Manual has come back to sponsor the podcast. You can get one of these intentional planners (the only kind I’ve ever stuck with!) for 20% off with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ and it stacks with their bundle, too!SHOW NOTES Jennifer’s Website, Instagram, and Facebook Monthly group beta launch WAITLIST Check out the newly online Rediscover You Workshop Get your Monk Manual for 20% with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE Join the free and private FB group Join Monica on Facebook, Instagram, and by newsletter 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

Hopefully you've already listened to this month's theme so you'll understand why I'm sharing these very personal and specific moments with you today. In short, by reflecting on the good I was able to gain clarity about what I wanted more of in the new year. So, tune in for my best moments of 2019, as well as some ways I want to help you recognize your good times, too.Interestingly, a lot of my best moments were due in part to me doing things that the old me would never have done. Things like performing with a dance troupe, taking flute lessons, attending a huge blogging conference (and teaching at it!), and slowing down more with my four children.Because of the personal growth that I'm always striving for, I've been able to have these amazing memories - and of course life is never without it's trials, but today we're focusing on the best! If you are struggling to think of the highlights of your year, even your life, I want to gently suggest you take some action. Work through the free progress plan, join the beta monthly membership group, or realllly put yourself first by singing up for the Rediscover You Workshop.ABOUT A FEW OTHER THINGS…If you’re looking for a way to realllly kick off your new year in the right direction, sign up for the now online Rediscover You Workshop. Join me and other women live, right from your couch, to learn how to reconnect with yourself. This will only be offered once in 2020, so don’t miss out!After an overwhelming response this summer, Monk Manual has come back to sponsor the podcast. You can get one of these intentional planners (the only kind I’ve ever stuck with!) for 20% off with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ and it stacks with their bundle, too!SHOW NOTES Monthly group beta launch WAITLIST Check out the newly online Rediscover You Workshop Get your Monk Manual for 20% with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE Join the free and private FB group Join Monica on Facebook, Instagram, and by newsletter 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

Thanks to 2019 I now know what I want more of in 2020 - the beginning of a new year and a new decade! In reflecting on this past year, and considering the very best moments, it's clear what I want more of in my future. In this episode I guide you through recognizing your "Best of 2019" and of course encourage you to work through this month's Progress Plan (p.s. it's the last time that will be free...details to come!).As far as podcast episodes this month you're going to hear some of the BEST episodes I've aired - including a re-edit of one in particular. I will likely also pop on with Growth Spurt episodes meant to guide you in closing out this year, and decade, so you can really grow into the new year. To do that I'm asking two big questions in this episode: what do you want more of and what do you want less of?I'm sharing my real answers to these questions, opening up about plans for my family, my business, and my continuing personal development. My hope is that you may resonate with a few, or feel sparked by your own ideas, and leave equipped with your plan.About a few other things...If you're looking for a way to realllly kick off your new year in the right direction, sign up for the now online Rediscover You Workshop. Join me and other women live, right from your couch, to learn how to reconnect with yourself. This will only be offered once in 2020, so don't miss out!After an overwhelming response this summer, Monk Manual has come back to sponsor the podcast. You can get one of these intentional planners (the only kind I've ever stuck with!) for 20% off with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' and it stacks with their bundle, too!SHOW NOTES Check out the newly online Rediscover You Workshop Get your Monk Manual for 20% with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' Monthly membership group beta waitlist Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan 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

I hope you enjoyed spending two whole months on relationships, with guest interviews ranging from raising children to dealing with in-laws, and of course friendship. These episodes taught me so much and hearing how they served you, both from this "Dear Progressor" episode and elsewhere, tells me you likely felt the same.In addition to what you (and I) have learned from the podcast, I'm sharing what I've been up to these past two months. There have been some highs, and some lows, but isn't that usually true for all of us?? One of the highs was definitely the Rediscover You Workshop that was held in Salt Lake City, Utah. Fortunately, for allll of us, this workshop has now moved online!! That means anyone and everyone can participate from the comfort of their couch.From now through November 30th you can get $30 off with my first ever Black Friday sale, using code "BLACKFRIDAY". This workshop is for anyone looking to find clarity in their purpose, to gain confidence in their identity and to choose progress over perfection. Remember it's live, so choose from two dates to show up for yourself and learn from me and the other amazing women, like you, who do the same.Lastly, thank you to everyone who has left a rating and review on the podcast, I'm announcing two more winners in this episode and will have two more next week.SHOW NOTES Sign up for The Rediscover You Workshop, now online! Monthly group beta launch WAITLIST Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA Free Podcasting E-Courses Social Media Challenge and 5 Day Sleep Makeover FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE Join the free and private FB group Join Monica on Facebook, Instagram, and by newsletter 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

I can't believe this little experiment is 3 years old! Yes, this podcast was kind of an experiment when it first started. I had a message I needed to get out and every day I'm grateful for where that leap of faith has taken me. So much of that is owed to you - the listeners, readers, and sharers of the About Progress community. In full transparency, here is the 2019 State of the Podcast Address.Along with the ups and downs of this past year I have to start by sharing the big lessons I've learned: outcomes don't define us! We all have failures, and successes, but our worth is constant. With that in mind, and in the spirit of record keeping, I'm sharing a brief numbers update, and even let you in on the big number goals I have for next year.I also recap the big launches we had, and the best and hardest parts of growing this year. Some of the 2019 podcast changes (monthly theme, new segments, Dear Progressor episodes, etc.) have been super well received and will be sticking around in to next year.And of course, I'm opening up about changes on the horizon. I'm making changes to achieve my goals for serving you through this podcast, as well as changes for the ways in which you can really participate in your growth. Tune in to hear about the exclusive beta launch of a new membership group, and get your name on the wait list to be the first to know when it's ready. I believe in keeping the inspiration that many of you have found here, but upping the application so that you are totally equipped to make the changes towards growth that I know are possible for you.SHOW NOTES Monthly group beta launch WAITLIST Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA Free Podcasting E-Courses Social Media Challenge and 5 Day Sleep Makeover FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE Join the free and private FB group Join Monica on Facebook, Instagram, and by newsletter 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