About Progress

It was only three years ago that I got back into goal-making (the right way) and that year it took me three months to even decide on them all. I've been on both sides of the all-or-nothing pendulum of attitudes towards goals, so I understand wherever you are. In this episode I'm teaching you how to make goals that won't kill you, with four reasons you're likely struggling and what to do about it....

Licensed marriage and sex therapist, Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife is well known to this community. Today she is joined by her sister, Carolyn Bever who is an acclaimed violinist. Through their respective careers they have both seen how a lot of people become overwhelmed at the prospect of getting from where they are, to where they can go, because of perfectionism. Together they teach the importance...

If you've been around here for a little while you may know the story of how this blog, and now podcast and community, got started. Years ago, I was a shell of myself, an underachieving perfectionist, but I had an idea. I made a bucket list of sorts, 30 things to do before I turned 30. This list is now what I have coined a "Do Something List" and I make a point to recreate it every year, you can ev...

Goals are GREAT. But, what if you are simply too tuckered out from 2021 to overhaul alllll of the things right now? What if you are empty inside from a year of giving so much, FROM so very little? What if you'd of course like to work on your habits, but you first need to figure out who you are SO that you can decide what those habits should even be? 5 years ago, I accidentally changed my life. And...

As always, I'm sharing a little bit about what my family and myself have been up to, and why I'm actually recording from out of town. Plus, a little update about our future home and current homeschooling. I'm also excited to share my latest "good hard," meaning something that was really hard but has made me really proud.   For this episode I called on you, the listeners, to share what this unexpec...

During this time of year, and going into a new year, it's so important to know who you are. I am re-airing my favorite episode from 2020 to help you get started!   Arielle Estoria is a creator, writer, and speaker spreading light and positivity. She was also a self described “professional wallflower” for many years. Her description of not wanting to take up too much space may resonate with many of...

Amidst the lengthy lists we make this time of year, including gifts to buy and service to render, are you on the list? While it's extra relevant throughout this holiday season, it matters all year long, too. In this episode I'm sharing why it's such a big deal to prioritize yourself, and the ways in which you start doing it right away.   About a few other things...   The Strive Hive helps Progress...

Are you a little bit tired of the "rah-rah" messages of positivity despite all circumstance messages out there? What if you could lean into growth, while acknowledging the vast array of disappointment that all of us are experiencing to some degree. In fact, the reasons we become discouraged are often appropriate and logical, so would it help you to learn why discouragement is a gift?   Suzy Boyce...

If you've been around for any amount of time you know this, but our premise here is that life is about progress, not perfection. As a recovering perfectionist I know the highs are so high, but the lows can destroy your sense of self. There is no overnight cure for breaking out of that cycle. Sometimes we are taught the opposite is true, but really once you see how perfectionism is getting your way...

I really don't like the word "should." Whether you've found others "shoulding" on you, or you "should" on yourself, it usually doesn't feel very good. Instead, say "I could do this..." or whatever else you could do. As we've been discussing that it's never too late I want to also impress upon you that there are times and seasons for all things.   In this episode I'm sharing two very personal times...

Was there something you really loved as a child and gave up on? Or, even a passion you found more recently, but you convinced yourself was too late to pursue. What if you instead looked at those things as seeds. Even if realizing your dreams as you once dreamed them seems impossible, it is possible to learn to evolve alongside your gifts and grow from those seeds.   Carol Lynn is a personal friend...

All month long we've discussed our theme "Never Too Late" with several guests here on the podcast and on Instagram. So, today's Growth Spurt may seem confusing, I get it! But, I wanted to share my bite-sized thoughts on this idea.   It may be realistically too late to pursue a very specific career choice, for example, and that's okay. Don't give up on the seeds to that dream, whatever it may be. L...

Do you, like so many women, struggle with even starting something because you're unsure if it’s “worth it?” I want to suggest that what you're really struggling with is if YOU are worth it. This episode is allllll about trying things just for the sake of the potential joy, fulfillment, and growth that can come from them. Take it from us, or find it within yourself, this is your permission to try....

My aspirational views of motherhood began when I was a young child, and translated to impossible ideals once I actually had my own children. I was a shell of myself trying to chase what I thought it meant to be an "angel mother." Today's episode is sort of part two after our last conversation in April, where we discuss how to value your motherhood.   Dr. Julie Hanks shares her desire for her own c...

Most of you have heard me tell the story before, of how this podcast got its start. From a bucket list of sorts, that led to a multi-subject blog, to an Instagram, then a podcast, and now a beautiful community. Monica of four years ago had no idea what this would become, but kept going with it anyway. So, now with 300 episodes in the books, I'm sharing everything I learned and answering the questi...

Amongst perfectionists the idea of failure is really scary, it's something to be avoided at all costs. I know that because I've been there, stuck and afraid of moving forward due to fear of failure. Through years of self development I now actually know why you must fail your way forward. Every "failure" is a learning opportunity, and it's never too late for that.   Courtney Rich was one of my very...

Whether you're goal averse or goal obsessed, it is essential to have a vision to know who you want to be. That's because we have to have purpose. I have felt hopeless and anxiety ridden when I don't see the point to what I'm doing, when I lack purpose. If you've ever asked yourself, "Do I really need goals?" The answer is, in alignment with my anti-perfectionism teachings, yes you do.   Goals are...

New goals in November?! Yep! You can make new goals whenever you want to. You are not too old, too far down your path, and you are never too late. I'm sharing an update of my own Do Something Plan, and you'll see how I constantly shift and alter, and still grow. Starting, even without seeing the end in sight, is better than nothing.   I'm sharing some stories of personally inspiring people who ach...

Did September and October kick your trash? Same here. That's why I am SO happy to share some notes from our fellow Progressors. Listen in to get the boost you need, straight from the people who "get" you, me included. About a few other things... As we near the 4th anniversary and 300th episode of About Progress I'm doing a "300 giveaway" where you can win daily gifts. There will also be a drawing...

Are you guilty of looking around, comparing yourself to others, feeling less than, then choosing your path based on those (likely terrible) feelings? The goal of this interview is to help you understand that when you really thin, about it, almost everyone is doing something different from what you think of as the norm. You can forge your own path based on your unique values and by taking small ris...

Only once before have I woken up in the night writing an episode in my mind, and that was my big faith crisis episode. The subject of this episode is the second time that has happened. I grew up seeing things in a very binary way and over the years have experienced a huge shift that has allowed me to embrace nuance. This has affected all aspects of my life: my body, my morals, politics, and a whol...

It's all too easy to look at our selves and pick apart the areas in which we lack, the areas where we feel most scarce. It is so much more important to see ourselves in abundance, by identifying our strengths. Whether you can rattle off a long list, or need help even finding one, this episode is for you. Learn how to shine a light on yourself, operate at your highest capacity, and how to maximize...

Though we're spending the whole month discussing living abundantly, this is the only interview specifically about money. Yep, money. That thing you're not supposed to talk about. If you're already uncomfortable, like me, you're probably living in a scarcity mindset. But, this conversation is not the place to look for permission or encouragement to spend frivolously. It is, however, about how to sh...

I once went down a long line of memories from my life due to a coaching prompt, in which I discovered my own feeling towards abundance. I explain further in the episode, but you may be able to do the same in an effort to understand if you are living abundantly, or in scarcity. You know me, so this is not some overnight dream-it-achieve-it speech. Instead I have 3 tips for shifting away from fear,...

It has been almost two years since I first publicly shared about my faith crisis. It was something that I had battled with in my mind for many years, but took a long time to share with close friends and family. And then I shared it on this podcast. The response was overwhelming and wonderful, and to this day I have talked with many of you about it. Today I bring the follow up, letting you know whe...