About Progress

Before you roll your eyes at another "new year, new you" post just know this is NOT that. Yes, we're talking organization, and yes that is a super popular topic this time of year. But, we're doing away with the big feelings of overwhelm and negativity that can come with it. Keeping with this month's theme, get started, here are 10 basics you need to know to organize your home - simply and with intention.In my just announced Organization Overhaul Audio Course we are covering three aspects of organization - mind, space, and time. Taking charge of organization in all aspects is possible and will help you change your life. To kick things off in the right direction, Mika (also a guest teacher in the course!) is talking about space. And even though we focus on the home, you'll hear how simply organizing her batteries freed up her time and allowed her to feel more control of her mind.Mika is a professional organizer, now using online platforms to help clients, as well as a wife, mother, and podcaster. She dispels organization myths - such as Pinterest-perfect spaces, and feeling limited by routine. Tune in for the mistakes you're making (Mika keeps it beautifully positive!) and the basics you need to know to get started. You can take back control of your time and mind, through your space.If you want this episode's Progress Pointers make sure you're subscribed to the Go Getter Newsletter and get them straight to your inbox each Thursday.About a few other things...Join the FREE 5-Day You Can Get Organized Challenge starting January 20th. Learn from me and 5 guest teachers as we address your most urgent organizational needs. Gain clarity and confidence to get organized, with the accountability to keep it up.Ready for an Organization Overhaul? Learn from myself and 11 experts on a wide variety of topics meant to teach you how to take charge of your organization and change your life. Listen to 24 lessons over 12 weeks, receive weekly emails, and tons of support to get your mind, space, and time organized. Podcast listeners get lifetime access for the lower yearly price with code 'PROGRESS' at checkout. Prices go up February 1st, don't miss out!SHOW NOTES Mika's Instagram, Website Get this episode's Progress Pointers Join the FREE 5-Day Organization Challenge Get the Organization Overhaul audio course - use code 'PROGRESS' Get your Monk Manual for 20% with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' Monthly membership group beta waitlist 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

I've gone ahead and done all the work for you on this one. What work is that? The thing where you look ahead to a new year, come up with new goals, and then use up all your energy throwing a million excuses at them. There are 3 big ones I'm talking about in this episode, and I'm sure well all have many more. But what I want you to hear is, get started ANYWAY.Have you ever considered that every day you get to decide to start again? It's such a refreshing thought, to remember that failure is never final. So yes, we're all excited to get started with the new year, but I want to motivate you to not let small things derail your new found progress. I share with you, in the episode, how I let myself (literally) sit in the wings many years ago and how that attitude persisted in my life.Now, after taking steps both big and small, I allow myself to move towards center stage in ways that previously would've paralyzed me. You, too, can start without knowing the exact finish line. If you've been here a while, remember when this was a baking/lifestyle/interior design blog?? I didn't know what About Progress would be 5 year in, but I just knew I needed to get it started.Tune in, at the end of the episode I'm guiding you through how to get started and take action on your own list, and ultimately your own progress.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 Get this episode's Progress Pointers 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 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

As the year (and decade!) come to a close, I have to say I'm so incredibly grateful for this community of "progressors". If not for you sharing your experiences, and growing together, this would just be a fan club and I never wanted any part of something like that. Tune in to hear some year-end thoughts in this "Dear Progressor," December Edition and read below for more ways to grow, with the help of this community, in the new year.After hosting the Rediscover You Workshop in California and Utah I'm so excited it's finally online! Now all of you can participate from the comfort of your own home, but interact live with me and other attendees. This will only be offered ONCE this year and it's at the very beginning of January. Get more details here and make your personal growth a priority.Also, the (still unnamed) membership group will be launching as a beta group very soon. You can get on the list to be notified of its launch here. This membership group will include coaching, accountability, insightful dialogue, and the Progress Plan you all know and love.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

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