Claim OwnershipAbout Progress
Subscribed: 1,739Played: 81,514
Subscribe
© All content is copyrighted to Monica Packer. Do not use without permission.
Description
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.
827 Episodes
Reverse
If you've ever ended a full, busy day feeling strangely unfulfilled, this episode is for you. Tanya Dalton joins us to talk about the mindset shifts and daily habits that actually lead to personal growth and development — without burning out or running on empty. We dig into how to stop being a perfectionist and why your to-do list might be working against you. Whether you're in a season of self care for mothers or just craving more clarity in your everyday life, this conversation will help you feel happier and more grounded in what actually matters.
Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-to-be-more-productive-and-less-busy-at-the-same-time
Preorder Sticky Habits book today!
Check out my workshops!
Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!
Full Show Notes
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Recently, I tackled my "Read the Shelf Challenge" and picked up a fantasy novel that had been collecting dust. Imagine my surprise when I found it just okay, only to see it was adored by tens of thousands of others! This stark difference in opinion reminded me of a life lesson—we won't be everyone's cup of tea, and that's perfectly okay.
This concept hit home for me during a challenging time at church with my child. Grappling with being misjudged, a friend's words became my mantra: Have the courage to be misunderstood. It's about processing difficult feelings and choosing to act from a place of inner strength, not resentment. As hard as it is, embracing this mindset helps us navigate misunderstandings with grace and continue on our progress journey.
Preorder Sticky Habits book today!
Join the Book Launch Committee for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book.
Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good.
Get the free DSL Training.
Go to https://www.quince.com/monica for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home; Join Masterclass for 15% off at masterclass.com/progress
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Life can sometimes feel like a relentless to-do list, and it's easy to lose ourselves amidst the responsibilities. I've discovered firsthand the transformative power of hobbies in reclaiming my sense of self. When I hit a funk last fall, I realized I needed more than just productivity. It was during this time I understood that hobbies could help me reconnect with who I am beyond the roles I juggle daily.
Hobbies provide a much-needed break from life's pressures, giving us a chance to pursue our interests without the weight of expectations. Whether it's painting sourdough loaves or taking a dance class, the focus shifts to enjoyment rather than perfection. By making time for hobbies on a regular basis, I've learned to embrace imperfection and cherish the joy of simply trying something new.
Complementary episodes: I’m in a Funk; Episode on Rest; How Do You Quilt
Preorder Sticky Habits book today!
Join the Book Launch Committee for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book.
Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good.
Get the free DSL Training.
Leave a rating and review.
Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!
Full Show Notes
Get your AirDoctorPro air purifier with the discount code “MONICA.” Transform your space now. Go to https://www.quince.com/monica for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home; Join Masterclass for 15% off at masterclass.com/progress
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What if the key to personal growth and development isn't doing more — it's learning to show up for yourself in small, meaningful ways? In this clip, Christy Joy shares how building simple daily habits around movement can be one of the most powerful forms of self care for mothers and women who give everything to everyone else. She gets honest about why self-compassion — not perfectionism — is what actually creates momentum, and how lowering the bar isn't giving up, it's how you finally start to feel happy and whole again. If you've been waiting for motivation to strike before you begin, this one's for you.
Preorder Sticky Habits book today!
Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good.
Leave a rating and review
Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!
Full Show Notes
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This monthly series features an episode sharing my recent highs and lows, how my habits are going, a Do Something List update, plus what I'm loving lately and my commitments for the upcoming month. I hope this glimpse into my life, my family, my work, and my own self development encourages you in your own journey.
Around here the goal is never perfection, just to keep trying, even if in very simple ways. I think you'll see that with all of the big changes going on for me, taking the smallest of steps has helped to keep me afloat and feeling like myself. As always, I encourage you to get messy, too!
Preorder Sticky Habits book
Check to see if you won a prize from our Favorite Things Giveaway.
Get the free DSL Training. Check out Monica’s DSL for 2026.
Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good.
Join the Book Launch Committee for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book.
Transform your space now. Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home; Join Masterclass for 15% off at masterclass.com/progress
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you've ever stood in your kitchen at 5:00 PM wondering if everyone really needs to eat again, you're not alone. The constant planning and responsibility can be overwhelming, but Shannon Lyon offers some great strategies. By planning only two to three real meals a week and always cooking extra protein, you can significantly lighten your load. Matching your meal plan to your actual life, giving yourself permission to make dinners simple, and building in one special meal each week are doable steps towards a more enjoyable family dining experience.
It's all about creating a joyful and sustainable routine that includes meals your family loves and moments you cherish together, even if it’s just over grilled cheeses. Let's embrace these small, consistent efforts to make feeding our family an achievement rather than an obligation.
Preorder Sticky Habits book today!
Get 50% off More for Moms All-Access Pass with code LISTENER at checkout.
Join the Book Launch Committee for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book.
Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good.
Get the free DSL Training.
Leave a rating and review
Check out my workshops!
Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!
Full Show Notes
Get your AirDoctorPro air purifier with the discount code “MONICA.” Transform your space now. Go to https://www.quince.com/monica for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home; Join Masterclass for 15% off at masterclass.com/progress
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If personal growth and development is important to you but you're constantly running on empty, this conversation is for you. Janssen Bradshaw joins us to talk about one of the most overlooked forms of self care for mothers — how you spend your weekends. We dig into the daily habits that quietly drain us (screens and endless chores, anyone?), and how a little self-compassion and realistic thinking can help you stop being a perfectionist about how your weekends "should" look. If you've been wondering how to feel happy without a total life overhaul, this episode offers a refreshingly doable path toward more joy, rest, and connection — right where you already are.
Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/take-back-your-weekends
Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
More for Moms Conference use code “LISTENER” for $20 off
Leave a rating and review
Check out my workshops!
Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!
Book Launch Committee
Full Show Notes
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2018 was a pivotal year for my podcast, marking its second full year and a transformative period for me personally. From the rollercoaster of welcoming my fourth child, who faced significant health challenges, to the excitement of turning my podcast into a budding business with the support of my first team member and a business coach, it was a whirlwind.
In the same year, I took a significant leap by discussing my faith journey publicly, an experience both unifying and daunting. Episode 123, "Navigating LDS Faith Crises," became a standout moment, connecting me with many listeners on a deeper level. Although reflecting back I see where I was naive or hopeful, I am still proud of my courage in sharing my story. These experiences shaped who I am today and taught me to be vulnerable while preserving parts of myself for my own growth and understanding.
Preorder Sticky Habits book today!
Get 50% off More for Moms All-Access Pass with code LISTENER at checkout.
Join the Book Launch Committee for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book.
Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good.
Get the free DSL Training.
Leave a rating and review
Check out my workshops!
Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!
Full Show Notes
Get your AirDoctorPro air purifier with the discount code “MONICA.” Transform your space now. Go to https://www.quince.com/monica for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home; Join Masterclass for 15% off at masterclass.com/progress
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As parents, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the technological temptations that our children face daily. I recently spoke with Catherine Price about her latest book, "The Awesome Generation," a powerful guide for families aiming to cultivate a healthier relationship with technology, especially for kids. Technology is pervasive, and while it's reshaping childhood, it’s vital that we guide our children to use it wisely.
It’s about balance and taking small, collaborative steps as a family to navigate this digital age. What do our kids gain when they look beyond the screen? A whole world of possibilities where they can reclaim their time for hobbies, adventures, and moments that create lasting memories. Let’s help them become the pioneers of change, choosing to live life fully, beyond the digital realm.
Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good.
Join the Book Launch Committee for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book.
Get the free DSL Training.
Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
More for Moms Conference use code “LISTENER” for $20 off
Leave a rating and review
Check out my workshops!
Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!
Book Launch Committee
Full Show Notes
Get your AirDoctorPro air purifier with the discount code “MONICA.” Transform your space now. Go to https://www.quince.com/monica for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home; Join Masterclass for 15% off at masterclass.com/progress
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Trying to build better daily habits but life (and kids) keep interrupting? In this conversation with Ashley Brown, we talk about why starting small is the key to lasting personal growth and development. Instead of chasing perfect routines, you’ll learn how simple daily habits can support self-improvement, self-compassion, and real self care for mothers.
If you’ve ever wondered how to feel happy while juggling motherhood, responsibilities, and personal goals, this episode offers practical ideas that actually work in real life. We discuss how letting go of perfectionism, focusing on small wins, and building flexible routines can support your personal development and help you create a life that feels lighter and more aligned.
This episode is for anyone working on personal growth, learning how to stop being a perfectionist, and looking for sustainable ways to feel happier through small daily habits.
Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/3-routines-to-consider-right-nowSign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
More for Moms Conference use code “LISTENER” for $20 off
Leave a rating and review
Check out my workshops!
Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!
Book Launch Committee
Full Show Notes
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I've often heard from Progressors who question how to prioritize personal time amidst a bustling life. Practically speaking, the steps to prioritize yourself include putting your interests on the calendar, seeking support, and ensuring accountability. Rewarding yourself afterward and starting small makes this process more enjoyable and manageable. When using your Do Something List (DSL), keep it visible, adjust it as needed, and don't hesitate to reach out for a bit of accountability from others. I've found that sharing my progress openly encourages consistency. So, to all Progressors out there, place just one thing on your calendar this month and witness how this small step can lead to valuable growth.
Get the free DSL Training.
Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
More for Moms Conference use code “LISTENER” for $20 off
Leave a rating and review
Check out my workshops!
Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!
Book Launch Committee
Full Show Notes
Transform your space now. Go to https://www.quince.com/monica for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home; Join Masterclass for 15% off at masterclass.com/progress
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If there's one thing I learned from my coaching call with Madeline, it's that taking action without having all the answers right away is a challenge that many of us face. It's so easy to get stuck in the comfort of indecision, paralyzed by the fear of making the "wrong" choice. But what if I told you that the true transformation lies within the process itself, not just the destination? This insight can make the path forward seem less daunting and more about embracing the learning journey.
Whether it's updating an old dresser or deciding the next big life move, the key is in taking that first action to start building momentum. So, if you're at a crossroads, consider what excites you, what you truly want, and begin your journey by doing something small. Remember, the magic happens not in the final outcome, but in the process of getting there.
Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good.
Join the Book Launch Committee for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book.
Get the free DSL Training.
More for Moms Conference use code “LISTENER” for $20 off
Leave a rating and review
Check out my workshops!
Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!
Book Launch Committee
Full Show Notes
Transform your space now. Go to https://www.quince.com/monica for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home; Join Masterclass for 15% off at masterclass.com/progress
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why do we procrastinate even when we care about the outcome? In this episode of H&K with Monica Packer and Rachel Nielsen, we explore how perfectionism and emotions can quietly hold us back from the life we want. If you’ve ever wondered how to stop being a perfectionist, build healthier daily habits, and feel happier in your day-to-day life, this conversation will give you a new perspective. We talk about self-compassion, personal development, and simple mindset shifts that support real personal growth and development—especially for women and mothers who want to prioritize self-care without the pressure to be perfect.
Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-to-disrupt-your-procrastination-loops
Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
More for Moms Conference use code “LISTENER” for $20 off
Leave a rating and review
Check out my workshops!
Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!
Book Launch Committee
Full Show Notes
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Writing my book has been one of the most personal and challenging experiences of my life. When editing, the scariest part was opening myself up to feedback from editors, advanced readers, and even my husband. This vulnerability pushed me out of the perfectionism I used to hide behind, teaching me that true growth comes from allowing others to see our true selves and accepting their insights without personalizing the criticism.
It's not just about the book—it's a metaphor for life. When we let the right people in, those we love and respect, we open ourselves to deeper, more meaningful relationships. This openness is how we refine not just our projects but ourselves. I invite you to embrace the discomfort of vulnerability and let trusted loved ones provide feedback, because that's how we truly grow and connect.
Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
More for Moms Conference use code “LISTENER” for $20 off
Leave a rating and review
Check out my workshops!
Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!
Book Launch Committee
Full Show Notes
Transform your space now. Go to https://www.quince.com/monica for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home; Join Masterclass for 15% off at masterclass.com/progress
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In today's fast-paced world, finding focus can often feel like an impossible feat. Cody Cook-Parrott shared that when our attention is scattered due to overstimulation and technology addiction, we unintentionally lose a part of ourselves. Addressing this requires us to step away from shame, gently asking what we might be avoiding, and experimenting with practices that reclaim our attention through small, intentional changes.
Through Cody's insights, we learn that being present starts with small actions—whether it's logging out of social media, turning off your phone for a few hours, or taking conscious walks. Such practices help center us, improve our health, and revitalize our ability to show up in our lives. As I work towards intentional living, I invite everyone to explore these practices and experience the profound benefits of being fully embodied and present.
Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
More for Moms Conference use code “LISTENER” for $20 off
Leave a rating and review
Check out my workshops!
Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!
Book Launch Committee
Full Show Notes
Transform your space now. Go to https://www.quince.com/monica for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home; Join Masterclass for 15% off at masterclass.com/progress
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What if learning how to be happier isn’t about fixing your circumstances, but shifting your perspective? In this honest conversation, Mandi Winkleman shares how she navigated NICU stays, motherhood overwhelm, and everyday chaos with self-compassion and humor. We talk about personal growth and development in real life, daily habits that support emotional resilience, and how to stop being a perfectionist when everything feels out of control. If you’re craving personal development that feels grounded, gentle, and practical — especially as a mother — this episode will remind you that self improvement often starts with allowing yourself to feel… and then choosing to move forward.
Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/https:%2F%2Faboutprogress-com%2Flaugh-mandi-winkelman%2F
Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
More for Moms Conference use code “LISTENER” for $20 off
Leave a rating and review
Check out my workshops!
Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!
Book Launch Committee
Full Show Notes
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This monthly series features an episode sharing my recent highs and lows, how my habits are going, a Do Something List update, plus what I'm loving lately and my commitments for the upcoming month. I hope this glimpse into my life, my family, my work, and my own self development encourages you in your own journey.
Around here the goal is never perfection, just to keep trying, even if in very simple ways. I think you'll see that with all of the big changes going on for me, taking the smallest of steps has helped to keep me afloat and feeling like myself. As always, I encourage you to get messy, too!
Special links: Sourdough Cookbook; Cinnamon foccaccia recipe (can use without sourdough); Undereye patches; Check to see if you won a prize from our Favorite Things Giveaway.
Get the free DSL Training. Check out Monica’s DSL for 2026.
Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
More for Moms Conference use code “LISTENER” for $20 off
Leave a rating and review
Check out my workshops!
Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!
Book Launch Committee
Full Show Notes
Transform your space now. Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home; Join Masterclass for 15% off at masterclass.com/progress
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In my experience, women often carry the mental and emotional weight at home, which goes unnoticed. This burden leads to feelings of being undervalued, even when performed willingly. Sharing this labor isn't just about dividing tasks evenly, but about mutual recognition and appreciation for every contribution, fostering a genuine sense of partnership within the family.
When I embarked on this journey to balance the labor in our home, it became clear that change must start with me. Through open conversations, I encouraged my family to recognize the invisible labor and prompted them towards owning more responsibilities. This process is gradual, but change arises from understanding our roles, communicating with compassion, and being willing to adapt together.
Here to Stay Drive: join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good + participate in a whole month of special prizes. A little from many makes this work sustainable!
More for Moms Conference use code “LISTENER” for $20 off
Leave a rating and review
Check out my workshops!
Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!
Book Launch Committee
Full Show Notes
Transform your space now. Go to https://www.quince.com/monica for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home; Join Masterclass for 15% off at masterclass.com/progress
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode is a special shortened preview from More Personal, Monica's premium, private, ad-free podcast for the Supporters Club, starting at just $5 a month. Join the HERE TO STAY: 250 SUPPORTERS DRIVE and help ensure About Progress doesn't just make it to its 10 year anniversary this Fall, but make it so it's here to stay. Join the club HERE.
What if the point of hobbies isn't to be good at them? (A novel idea for us recovering perfectionists, I know . . . )
Ever start a hobby with excitement, only to face the harsh reality that you're not good at it? Welcome to my February Hobby Year update.
This month I dove into sketching wildflowers, and QUICKLY discovered I'm bad at it. Really bad. But here's the twist: I promised to send these amateur drawings to new Supporters as handmade cards. Cue the inner perfectionist panic.
In this episode, I'm sharing what happened when I sat down with my sketch book, why promising these cards to people accidentally turned my hobby into a job, and the permission I had to give myself to be bad at something and share it anyway.
Plus: a ballet class update (spoiler: I haven't been back yet), why February was supposed to be my "easy hobby month" (oops!), and my plans to tackle quilting in March.
If you've ever struggled to make time for hobbies, felt embarrassed about not being instantly good at something, or wondered if it's okay to enjoy imperfect pursuits—this one's for you.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What if learning how to feel happy starts with letting go of perfectionism? In this conversation, we talk about personal growth and development for moms who are tired of carrying unrealistic expectations. You’ll hear how daily habits, self-compassion, and intentional self care for mothers can lead to real self improvement — without sacrificing your family. If you’ve ever wondered how to stop being a perfectionist and create space for personal development that actually fits your life, this episode will help you simplify and start again.
Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-to-simplify-in-motherhood-with-rachel-nielson
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States
These podcasts are filled with so much goodness!!!! Monica is smart, organized, and well spoken. I get so much out of every single one of her podcasts. She is also super relatable and friendly which makes her podcast my #1 go to! Thank you for sharing your time and talents with all of us Monica! You are enriching all of our lives one podcast at a time! ❤
I have been listening to Monica for several years. I even met her once in the wild and she felt like a friend I already knew from listening to her podcasts. She is real and vulnerable with herself to help her listeners open up to become the best version of themselves. She was just as genuine in person. She has helped me to realize settling for mediocrity is not enough and in addition to her well researched and educated self she has awesome expert guests on the podcast to help give new ways of improving different aspects of her listener's lives. Being an About Progress listener has definitely helped me improve my life and reach for more. Thanks, Monica!
Thank you Monica for all of your dedication and hard work in creating such well rounded and insightful content on your podcast. I really enjoy every episode you put out 🙏
I was surprised in this podcast that questions I had or anger I have worked through in my own faith crisis weren't touched on, but I also love how individual we all are. So... thank you for sharing! this was beautifully done and so interesting to listen to. I even cried at once point, when it hit so close to home.
Monica, thank you for having the courage to be vulnerable and to share your experiences. I could feel your love for Christ as well as people that are trying their best to follow him. Thank you for your words.
I just discovered your podcast this week through the interview you did with Neena. I loved that episode and I can't wait to listen to the rest of your episodes! Thank you for creating this space.