About Progress

Confession...I haven't actually seen "Mean Girls" all the way through, but I feel like I lived it and that was enough! Making adult friendships just isn't like it was in preschool, but having those connections is more important than ever. Today we're discussing why that is and what to do about it, including loneliness, expectations, and boundaries.Chantel Allen is a mother and life coach ready to equip you with tools you can use right away to make friends and mend yourself. It's true, friendship with others starts with YOU. She dives right in with advice on gaining leverage over your thoughts and why you need to flip the script on friendship.It's simpler than you think; be your own best friend and let go of the expectations you're placing on others. Does it sting a little to see pictures of other women at a girl's night, or on a fun trip? Chantel offers two examples of actual clients that worked through that, successfully. Tune in to learn what it means to "drop the manual" and cultivate connections.About a few other thingsRevolution Math has ended the long struggle we faced in our house when it came to math and our young daughter - she just hated it! The format is super small group tutoring with updates provided to parents. You can test it out with your family for 4 weeks FREE when you sign up here and use code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'.Did you know I have two free email courses? They're super bite-sized tips sent straight to your inbox, and I always encourage you to respond and let me know how they're working for you! Both are totally free, join my Social Media Challenge or try the 5 Day Sleep Makeover.P.S. This month I'm doing weekly giveaways when you leave a rating and review for the podcast!SHOW NOTES Chantel's Instagram, Website Get 4 weeks FREE with Revolution Math use code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ Free Podcasting E-Courses 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 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

If you find yourself constantly wanting to change something about your partner, you're not alone...they probably want to change you, too! Maybe that's not the case for everyone, but it does reframe your feelings of "Help! I want to change my spouse!" a little bit, doesn't it? Tune in to this interview to understand why you feel this way and a better way to approach it.Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife is a fan favorite around here, in fact this is our seventh interview, so if you love her insight as much as many of us do check out the others here. In short, she is a LDS relationship and sexuality coach and licensed therapist. She often pulls from specific examples in her practice to shine light on issues that many of us may be having, but aren't otherwise hearing about.In this episode she starts right away by addressing one of our (please say we all feel this way, ha!) biggest vulnerabilities: we are all a little bit needy. She explains how that is getting in the way of the successful marriages we all want. And, of course, the things you can do to still make the changes you both need! Can I give away the analogy I took from all of it? Sometimes the most growth comes after the biggest earthquake.About a few other thingsAfter using Revolution Math for a few months my daughter is finally learning and loving math. The format is super small group tutoring with updates provided to parents. You can also test it out with your family for 4 weeks FREE when you sign up here and use code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'.P.S. This month I'm doing weekly giveaways when you leave a rating and review for the podcast!SHOW NOTES Jennifer's Instagram, Website Get 4 weeks FREE with Revolution Math use code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ Free Podcasting E-Courses 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 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

There are still a few tickets left for my last live workshop of the year and the big party I'm throwing to celebrate 3 years of About Progress!! I would love to meet you in person there! P.S. If you purchase 2+ tickets to the party you'll get 25% off each.I shared in my newsletter a few weeks ago that I recently took the Enneagram test and although interesting to see it all explained, I wasn't that surprised by my results. It's kind of what got me thinking about today's topic, because I know I can be people pleaser. But, is that bad? Is that good? And how many more of us can relate?Spoiler alert for this short little episode: I don't think it's all bad! I talk about something I call the "shield of perfectionism" and if your people pleasing nature is to maintain that cover, then you have some work to do. However, it is good to care what others think in the right ways.So, no, I don't want you to give up on what other people think about you. I do want you to stop hinging your worth on the approval of others, though. It is possible to anchor into yourself, have internal strength, and still be real with people. I have recently gone through this process with myself (after who knows how many times) and am happy to share exactly what that has looked like for me.About a few other thingsAmazon made me do it! If you've been around for a little while you've heard me talk about this special clock for little ones that helps them understand when it's time to get out of bed in the morning. In short, no more super early wake up calls! I have my 8-18 month old kids all using this, it's a game-changer for starting off our days.SHOW NOTES Amazon find: Ok to Wake! Clock 3 Year Anniversary Workshop + Party! 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

There are still a few tickets left for my last live workshop of the year and the big party I'm throwing to celebrate 3 years of About Progress!! I would love to meet you in person there! P.S. If you purchase 2+ tickets to the party you'll get 25% off each.Has anyone else noticed how so many of the conversations we've had surrounding relationships actually stem from the same place? That place is YOU. Do you believe you matter? Because without that, everything is else is going to be a whole lot more difficult. In short, YES, you do matter, but tune in for the why (it's basically science!) and how.Cathy Heller is a mother, podcaster, author, and coach with a lifetime of experiences including living in Jerusalem for 3 years and being signed by a music label in LA! With all of the things she has done and tried she really aims to hit home on this: life is to live with purpose. In fact, her podcast quickly became one of my personal favorites because of the way it has inspired my growth and gratitude.In this episode you'll first learn how to identify your purpose - what do you love, what makes you YOU? Cathy calls it "coming home to yourself" and it's not as daunting as you think. Then, we discuss joy and purpose and belief in ourselves. You do matter! The world needs you. Once you accept that about yourself you will be equipped to do so much good for yourself and others.About a few other thingsMy young daughter was literally afraid of math and it was becoming a real problem at our house. Together, we trialled Math Revolution and are now paying customers because it has changed everything for her! You can also test it out with your family for 4 weeks FREE when you sign up here and use code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'.P.S. This month I'm doing weekly giveaways when you leave a rating and review for the podcast!SHOW NOTES Cathy's Instagram, Website, Book Get 4 weeks FREE with Math Revolution use code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ 3 Year Anniversary Workshop + Party! 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 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

There are still a few tickets left for my last live workshop of the year and the big party I'm throwing to celebrate 3 years of About Progress!! I would love to meet you in person there! P.S. If you purchase 2+ tickets to the party you'll get 25% off each.Surely this question has crossed many (all??) parents' minds: whyyy is my kid so poorly behaved?! You, and your little ones, are not alone. The relationship between parent or caregiver and child is complex for many reasons. So what do you do when you can't, and likely don't want to, throw in the towel? This episode is FULL of easy-to-recall tips on how to help in this exact situation.Monica Sutton is an early childhood education expert on behavior with 18 years of experience and a knack for boiling it down for even the most fried parent brains. Right away she gives us 3 reasons children misbehave to help you see they are not trying to be bad, they are really just developing and expressing needs.I even told her I wanted to title this episode "Why do my kids hate me??" and with a laugh she gets into the reasons we shouldn't take parenting personally. Perhaps the most simple takeaway of them all? She says, be calm and then respond. Though an interview meant to focus on how to handle children, much of it centers around YOU. Ya know, put your oxygen mask on first kind of thing. Tune in to feel empowered to handle your parenting with consistency and connection!About a few other thingsBIG NEWS: Podcast University is open for enrollment!! Podcasting 201: How to Grow Your Podcast has launched and doors close on November 1st. You can sign up for just the new course, or bundle with Podcasting 101: How to Start Your Podcast. If you want to sample our teaching style check out these free courses.If journaling seems like a paralyzing task, get a Promptly Journal that will make the process so much less overwhelming. You might even realize you love to journal! Use code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' for 20% off this month. If you'd rather use the app, sign up here and get 30% off using code REMEMBER30 (sign up there, then download the app!).SHOW NOTES Monica's Instagram, Website BIG NEWS: Podcast University is open for enrollment!! Sign up for a FREE podcast e-course! Get 20% off Promptly Journals with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ 3 Year Anniversary Workshop + Party! 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 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 couldn't shake the thought in my head that stemmed from a comment made in one of my free online classes a few weeks ago. An attendee brought up some issues and we concluded the root of her problems was fear of failure. And if that doesn't sound familiar, let's talk more about it. I bet this fear has played its part in your life, too.When you are daring greatly you will fail in someway or another. Of course we're all aiming for success, we're all aiming to grow in the direction we think we need to, so naturally failures will occur sometimes. It's in the way we view failure that we can really find success. And in this episode I share what that has looked like for me.Very early on in the podcast I interviewed Jaimee Davis who was training for an Ironman. She shared that in her preparation she failed every day. Every day! And now she is an Ironman. See, failure doesn't mean we have to stop it just means we have to shift. I hope when you listen you get that encouragement to grow, fail, and keep trying anyway.About a few other thingsAmazon made me do it! If you've been around for a little while you know I love sharing my favorite skincare and makeup finds. These Korean facial sheet masks have been the best I've found! I love them when I want to treat myself, but especially to throw in anygift for a friend.SHOW NOTES Amazon find: Korean Facial Sheet Mask Podcast University is open for enrollment! Get 20% off Promptly Journals with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ Get 30% off the Promptly Journals app with code 'REMEMBER30', sign up here then download the app! 3 Year Anniversary Workshop + Party! 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

Odds are that almost every couple has asked this question: how do we handle different parenting styles? So many factors contribute to the differences we already have as individuals, that combining on the super important matter of raising little individuals can be a challenge. And what’s even harder? Maintaining a healthy partner relationship while parenting together. But it can be done and this episode tells you exactly how.In this episode we’re tackling even the tough questions (it’s true, opposites attract!) with one of our most requested guests, Ralphie Jacobs, and her husband Brian. Having taught many classes on the subject, they share what you can do if you and your partner in parenting have different approaches.Remember, even two good people come from different paths - and that is reflected in our parenting! Ralphie and Brian each have valuable insight into what has worked for them as parents, but also as a couple. Tune in to hear actionable tips (did you know doing nothing counts for something??) and watch out for when they turn the tables on me. The message of this episode, much like they believe parenting should be too, is one of hope and grace for allll of us.About a few other thingsBIG NEWS: Podcast University is open for enrollment!! Podcasting 201: How to Grow Your Podcast has launched and doors close on November 1st. You can sign up for just the new course, or bundle with Podcasting 101: How to Start Your Podcast. If you want to sample our teaching style check out these free courses.This episode is about parenting...but it's also about couple relationships. So, what does your love story look like? Have you ever written it down? Use Promptly Journals love story journal for this exact purpose and create a family treasure. Use code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' for 20% off this month. If you'd rather use the app, sign up here and get 30% off using code REMEMBER30 (sign up there, then download the app!).SHOW NOTES Ralphie's Instagram, Website BIG NEWS: Podcast University is open for enrollment!! Sign up for a FREE podcast e-course! Get 20% off Promptly Journals with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ 3 Year Anniversary Workshop + Party! Use code ‘PROGRESS’ for discount 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 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

You may have noticed I've been a little quieter these past few weeks, especially on Instagram, and I'm ready to address why. I'm no stranger to critics, but a recent cruel review left on my podcast really shook me. I've decided to share it with you, my personal feelings, as well as how to deal with the naysayers in your life.There are different categories of naysayers, not all with bad intentions either. It's important to distinguish the critics you may be facing in order to appropriately deal with them. In this episode I'm giving specific examples that I've encountered and that may resonate with you.After sharing the words that really brought me down (and crying on air for maybe the first time ever) I wrap things up with a list of ways to help you grow past the critics. At the very end of this episode you'll hear one of Brooke White's newest songs with the most poignant message, thanks so much to her for letting me share!About a few other thingsIf this podcast has ever left you more encouraged to keep trying, to keep growing, to develop your full potential, can I ask you a favor? Will you let others know by leaving a podcast review? When someone stumbles upon these episodes we want them to feel welcome and that the possibility to progress in their own lives is here for them.SHOW NOTES Podcast University is open for enrollment! Get 20% off Promptly Journals with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ Get 30% off the Promptly Journals app with code 'REMEMBER30', sign up here then download the app! 3 Year Anniversary Workshop + Party! 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

There are still a few tickets left for my last live workshop of the year and the big party I'm throwing to celebrate 3 years of About Progress!! I would love to meet you in person there!In-law relationships are a challenge, even the good ones! Because there is always going to be expectations, shifts, comparisons, and allll the things that come with the merging of different backgrounds. But there are so many benefits to more support, more understanding, and more love that can come from these relationships. So let's dive into why it's difficult to relate to your in-laws and how to try.Natalie Clay, podcaster and couples coach, helps you understand why your current relationship with your in-laws is what it is and shares her expertise tricks and tips for cultivating the relationship you want. Here's a huge spoiler, you may learn more about your relationship with yourself than anything else in this episode - and for good reason! Her advice really centers around reframing the story you tell yourself, about others and about you.After you listen you'll be well equipped to move forward and take action, if you need to. Natalie explains that the work we do towards growth creates friction, but we often times enjoy the successes we achieve as a result more than we might have without the work. So, be encouraged to take the necessary steps to improve your relationships and if nothing else, come to know you have to be your biggest fan - important to remember as we cover all types of relationships this month and next.About a few other thingsBIG NEWS: Podcast University is open for enrollment!! Podcasting 201: How to Grow Your Podcast has launched and doors close on November 1st. You can sign up for just the new course, or bundle with Podcasting 101: How to Start Your Podcast. If you want to sample our teaching style check out these free courses.Promptly Journal has made documenting my children's history so much easier, and now I'm excited to play a little bit of catch up so we can all look back on those fun memories some day. Use code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' for 20% off this month. If you'd rather use the app, sign up here and get 30% off using code REMEMBER30 (sign up there, then download the app!).SHOW NOTES Natalie's Instagram, Website, Podcast, 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Divorcing BIG NEWS: Podcast University is open for enrollment!! Sign up for a FREE podcast e-course! Get 20% off Promptly Journals with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ 3 Year Anniversary Workshop + Party! Use code ‘PROGRESS’ for discount 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 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

Today I'm opening up about this important topic, how you can choose courage over comfort and why doing so will benefit you. If you're looking to act on this challenge I have to put in a plug for my last workshop of the year that's coming up next month. Entitled "Rediscover You", I will help you work through discomfort and be courageous. Plus, I'm throwing a big fun party that night and would love to see you there!Choose courage over comfort.A happenstance run-in with Brooke White at the airport last week gave me the push to get my thoughts on this matter into a short and hearty episode for you. It's so easy to stay in our comfort zones, even when we know it can be holding us back. I want to encourage you to keep your eyes on moving forward, and I share a long-time favorite quote of mine that can give you one perspective on that.About a few other thingsThis lash and brow serum has been an Amazon favorite of mine for years, and I always go back to it even if I try something new. It's simple, it's cheap, and it gives me the full and fun lashes that I just love!SHOW NOTES Amazon made me do it: Lash & Brow Serum Sign up for a FREE podcast e-course! Get 20% off Promptly Journals with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ Get 30% off the Promptly Journals app with code 'REMEMBER30', sign up here then download the app! 3 Year Anniversary Workshop + Party! Use code ‘PROGRESS’ for discount 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 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