About Progress

It feels good to be checking back in after taking a break this past month. I love this "Dear Progressor" episode each month because we get to hear from real people, members of this community who have learned something that they want to share. I also share what I've been up to and what I have learned - and this month it was a lot!"Dear Progressor," August EditionI like to check in each month and let you know what I've been up to, as well as what I've learned from this month's episodes. Thanks to the break I took around here I was able to spend time on other projects - like painting my whole entire house! It's kind of a funny story and I share it in this episode. This month I also had sort of a mental reset, and I'm sharing the specific boundaries I'm setting for myself moving forward.Did you realize I aired SIX encore episodes this month?? Many of you probably hadn't heard them before, but even if you had I bet you learned something new. Thank you to the women who sent in voice bites for this episode, each takeaway is so valuable. Listen in to these unique perspectives from the month!About a few other thingsI am speaking at the Happier Than Skinny retreat, which will be in September in Utah, and I would love to meet you there! You might remember Heather, who is one of the women organizing this amazing getaway. You can use code 'MONICA' for $100 off your ticket.Thank you to everyone who has left a Podcast review, I choose a winner each month and announce them on this episode!SHOW NOTES Get 10% off your Monk Manual with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' 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 may let it slip in this episode that this interview is my favorite, which I know is like claiming a favorite child but oh well, I said it! This month I've been able to share several of my verrrry favorite past episodes with you and if it isn't your first time listening I hope you've still learned something new, just as I have.You can still be you when life gets tough.Christopher Clark, father of five and an actor and director with an impressive resume, was recently diagnosed with ALS. He explains a little more about the degenerative disease in the episode, as well as his process of finding that diagnosis. But what's most amazing is that although his health is at the forefront of almost everything he can do (or not do) it isn't his only focus.His passion for the arts has not diminished, and he was working full time when this episode was originally published. His family remains close, and he even details the ways in which all of them have become his caregivers as needed. Amidst the physical need to kind of conserve his energy, Chris makes it clear he chooses to have a happy life.I also share this in the episode, but it's an honor to have this inspirational interview in the archives as Christopher has since lost the ability to speak. If you listen in and learn something I would love to have you share that with our community, here's how!About a few other thingsPodcast University is off to an amazing start and more courses will be launching this fall. If you’ve wanted to start a podcast, you’re going to want to know when enrollment opens. You can also receive free weekly tips when you sign up right here.P.S. If you want to stay in touch, especially while I'm taking a social media break, please subscribe to my weekly newsletter!SHOW NOTES Christopher's Instagram Sign up for weekly podcasting tips Get 10% off Monk Manuals 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 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

We're no stranger to big dreams around here! Write them down, say them out loud, chase them with open arms - no matter what they may be. But this month we've been "taking a break", and sometimes our dreams do that, too. Many of us may be in a season where we need to remind ourselves that paused dreams are not dead dreams.Paused Dreams are not Dead DreamsWith a voice discovered by her kindergarten teacher, Aubrey Greenan has spent the majority of her life developing her talent for singing. She owes a lot to a high school teacher, too, and of course the conservatory program at Carnegie Mellon. The way she describes it, her dreams of singing in large scale productions were not out of reach. But, she shares some other dreams she had - motherhood.Aubrey details a moment with one of her mentors that changed her perspective. Fast forward to now, she is a mother of 3 and performs in her kitchen. Tune in, the way she describes her life now, though, is still inspiring and beautiful. Will she one day grace an opera stage again? Maybe! She didn't give up on anything, she just shifted her priorities for this season.About a few other thingsThis month I've been taking a break, mostly from Instagram. I feel refreshed and like I have been able to focus my energy on allll the things coming to you in upcoming months. If you want some help with your social media usage make sure to snag my guide!P.S. If you want to stay in touch, especially while I'm taking a social media break, please subscribe to my weekly newsletter!SHOW NOTES Social Media Challenge Get 10% off Monk Manuals 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 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

It's a topic that comes up often and is surprisingly polarizing: asking for help. We each have our own views on what we will or will not ask for help with, but do we know why? Have we considered that asking for help could actually make us stronger? In this interview that was the reality, and it wasn't true for just Cara, it was true for her children and other close relationships around her.Asking for HelpFinding herself with 4 young children at 30 years old, and filing for divorce, Cara admits she had been "ground down to powder" when she humbled herself and moved back into her childhood home with her parents. The thing that kept her going was knowing she had to invest in the future of her children, and so also herself. She had to ask her mom to babysit for free for a few years so that after graduating law school she wouldn't have to ask that ever again.Yes, law school. Cara put herself through law school during the lowest point of her life. You just have to tune in to hear the perspective on inner strength that she has now. Many years later her life looks very different, and we did touch a bit more on that the first time this episode aired (this one is just edited for time). Essentially she believes life is what you create, and the one she has now is what she put her head down and worked to get.If one of the ways you need help is with your habits, did you know we spent a whole month on that?? One of the habits I needed the most help with was sleep. Chrissy Lawler and I put together a FREE 5-Day Sleep Makeover that has already helped hundreds, so check it out!P.S. If you want to stay in touch, especially while I'm taking a social media break, please subscribe to my weekly newsletter!SHOW NOTES Free 5-Day Sleep Makeover Get 10% off Monk Manuals 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 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

Sometimes we have to fall, even fail, and in the process of figuring out how and who can help us get back up we find real balance. We can even find real happiness. This episode talks frankly about mental health, suicide, relationships and self-discovery. Our guest's wife was interviewed here and they were both interviewed here.Slow Down to Start LivingMatt Davis' mental health struggles started when he was the sophomore football captain, curtailed his LDS mission, and came to a head when he lost his father to suicide at just 19. His outlook on that devastating event is one to be admired. Matt realized how important it is to get help and how set backs move us forward. He is now proudly outspoken about mental health awareness and finding balance.Matt went on to complete his LDS mission, have a family, and become very successful in business. By how own admission he is truly so happy. He is also acutely aware of the depression and anxiety that he will always have to keep in check. Tune in and hear the ways Matt, and his family, have slowed down because of their attitude on really living.Podcast University is off to an amazing start and more courses will be launching this fall. If you've wanted to start a podcast, you're going to want to know when enrollment opens. You can also receive free weekly tips when you sign up right here.SHOW NOTES Matt's Website Get 10% off Monk Manuals 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 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 know by now that this month the focus is on taking a break. For me, that's pulling back on Instagram, and a few other things, to refocus my energy in different areas that need it right now. It's not because Instagram is a bad thing, it's an amazing platform for sharing and real connection. BUT, it can consume us, so today's episode is a gentle reminder to stop letting social media hijack your life.Stop Letting Social Media Hijack Your LifeBrooke White, mother and American Idol finalist (!!), has an engaging social media platform that she values...and then one day she deleted Instagram from her phone and realized she could still dance even if no one was watching. She also shares a really heartbreaking realization about how our children are affected by parents using their phone.Listen to Brooke's real life experience, which walks that fine line of loving social media without losing yourself in it. You can apply some of what she has done immediately, and if you need a little more guidance I have a little email course just for that and you can get it right here.SHOW NOTES Brooke's Instagram, Website, and pre-order her album, Calico. Get 10% off Monk Manuals 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 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 I mentioned earlier this week, August is about taking a break. I will be re-airing some of my favorite (and on topic) episodes that I know you'll love. If you've heard them before, I bet you'll learn something new this time around. To kick things off, here is my very first interview and it's still so relevant!Heather Fujikawa is a longtime friend that agreed to be my first interview. I was so nervous, and before we began she asked if we could say a prayer. It is evident in her interview that she often pauses, in all kinds of ways and like she did with me. Heather has experienced, heartbreaking lows (infertility and cancer) but still managed to pursue multiple creative ventures. Since this interview she has released a book and TV show with her twin sister!Tune in to this conversation on learning from burn out, perfectionism, and habits. You can still follow your passions and try new things, while taking the breaks you need.About a few other thingsPodcast University has been going sooo well (thanks to those who have asked!) and I am excited for the future of it. Enrollment is closed, but if you would like to receive our free weekly podcasting tips please sign up here for the emails!SHOW NOTES Heather's Instagram, Website, and Joyful Living Book Get 10% off Monk Manuals 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 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 know, I know, it seems a little counterintuitive after our month about dreaming big. But it's true, resting when and where you need to can actually help you grow. This month's theme, Take a Break!, is meant to fill you back up and enrich your life. I'm going to share what inspired me to try this (sort of scary) thing.Take a break!I had a strong impression a couple months back to SLOW DOWN. You can hear the full story in the episode, but as a result here we are! There are so many things in store for this community and in order for me to make them really happen I actually have to let go a little. I'm not abandoning ship, but I am going to ease up in some areas.This month's progress plan will realllly guide you through this. I don't want you to drop your priorities, but I do want you to outsource and make space so you can feel truly restored. Because that's my goal this month! I'm letting go in two big areas so I can essentially rearrange my priorities for the time being. You might be surprised what I'm moving up on my list.Grab this month's progress plan, catch up on your Do Something list, and stick with me here when it serves you. You'll see less of me on social media, so sign up for my weekly newsletter where I'll still check in and am always happy to hear back from you.SHOW NOTES Get 10% off your Monk Manual with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' 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 need to start with a THANK YOU for dreaming big with me this month. It was one of my very favorite themes and I hope you were able to learn and grow as much as I was. In today's episode a few listeners share their big dreams, tune in to be inspired by what they have to say!"Dear Progressor," July EditionI like to check in each month and let you know what I've been up to, as well as what I've learned from this month's episodes. Spoiler: turns out I hate canoeing. But on a more serious note, I was able to share some of my very favorite interviews with valuable takeaways. If you're still holding back, remember, you can be more than one thing, start small, and you have the right to dream.Though small in number, the listeners that sent in submissions for this episode really showed up for all of us. From mindset shifts, to pushing themselves, encouraging you to aim high, and totally opening up about their 10 biggest dreams, you can't help but feel inspired.P.S. I've got a slight programming change coming up next month, but that means big things are in store. I hope you enjoy what I've got planned! If you want to know first, then just sign up for my weekly newsletter that's always full of exclusive content.About a few other thingsIt's the very last day (July 31st) for the big, big discount code with Monk Manual, but every day after today you can still get a (little smaller) discount using code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'. I have loved sharing this planner that integrates your goals and values into your daily life.SHOW NOTES Get 10% off your Monk Manual with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' 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'm back on my soapbox again today to gently give you permission, but also enthusiastically cheer you on, in your pursuit of your dreams. If it wasn't for a dream I had, oh, ten years ago then none of this would be here. Not this blog, this podcast, or this incredible community. And certainly none of my own personal growth from it all! So let's talk about you, what are the lies you believe about dreaming?Lies You Believe About DreamingIf you've been tuning in this month you already know what we're talking about, so what's holding you back from doing it?? Dreaming, that is. I think that sometimes we discount our dreams. And this happens to our dreams of all sizes - either we think it's too small to matter or too big to accomplish.Stop discounting your dreams, stop discounting yourself. You deserve to dream, to reach for something greater than yourself. I was reminded of something we talked about last month, that more often than not we would be more sad if we didn't just try.In this episode I'm sharing how I feel about my failures and successes, but most importantly how that taught me to take all dreams seriously. I hope you listen to this short episode because I want that for you too!About a few other thingsThis month when you share the podcast you are entered into a weekly drawing for something from my favorite skincare and beauty line! Just tag me @aboutprogress or DM/email me to let me know you've shared.These Growth Spurt episodes always feature something I like to call "Amazon made me do it!" This week I'm admitting what I bought that made me feel like a true millennial - a selfie light. This little thing is powerful and works wonders while I work from my bedroom/office. All my favorites are always right here.SHOW NOTES Amazon Made Me Do It: the ring light I wish I had gotten 2 years ago to brighten my face while on camera 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 Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!) 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