About Progress

What if becoming your best self didn’t require perfection? In this personal growth podcast clip, Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife and Carolyn Bever explore how to feel happier and more fulfilled by leaning into the process, not the outcome. Their conversation touches on self-compassion and the kind of personal development that actually lasts. If you’ve been trying to stop being a perfectionist or looki...

As I sat glued to the couch with my flu-stricken voice, I found myself reflecting on my goals for 2026 with unexpected waves of fear and overwhelm. Goals and I have had a complicated history; they once defined my life, yet I stepped away from them for nearly a decade. However, the Do Something List, born from a need to explore rather than achieve, has become an anchor in my life. Looking back at 2...

For years, I battled with the idea that being ambitious made me appear too eager and self-serving. But I've learned that real ambition should ebb and flow, much like nature itself. It's okay to redefine ambition as a desire for more life, while also allowing ourselves periods of rest and recalibration. From my discussion with Amina AlTai, it's clear that ambition must be intentional and aligned wi...

What’s on the other side of fear, food rules, and constant self-criticism? In this personal growth podcast clip, we talk about how self-compassion, nuance, and letting go of perfectionism can create more mental space, deeper connection, and lasting happiness.  Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/the-power-of-eating-without-fear Sign up as a Supporter to get access t...

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 simpl...

As we step into this new year, there's a part of us that remembers the dreams we once had. I'm on a mission to invite that dreaming girl inside us back into our lives. We often let responsibilities, fears, and past failures dim our dreams, but it's time to change that. Dreams are not only powerful, but they're also necessary for living a meaningful life. Whether they're big or small, our dreams ma...

In this personal growth podcast clip, licensed therapist Kimberley Quinlan, LMFT explains how anxiety quietly shapes our behaviors through avoidance, perfectionism, people-pleasing, reassurance seeking, and rumination. If you’re navigating personal development, trying to build healthier daily habits, or wondering how to be happier without burning out, this conversation offers compassionate insight...

Have you ever considered that the most profound growth happens in the stillness of life's winters? Katherine May's concept of "Wintering" challenges us to view these quiet times not as setbacks but as necessary periods for renewal and introspection. It's about recognizing that slowing down and stepping back can rejuvenate our spirits. By appreciating these quiet seasons, we allow space for persona...

In this conversation with Kolbie Blume, we explored how embracing imperfection can lead to deeper fulfillment in our creative pursuits. We discussed the concept of focusing on tiny moments of wonder rather than the final product, highlighting that the magic lies in the process, not the outcome. Our chat reminded me of the importance of investing in oneself and making room for personal joys, despit...

Discover how healthy boundaries can transform your personal growth, daily habits, and overall happiness. In this conversation with Julie Hanks, we explore why boundaries are essential for personal development and self-compassion. If you love self-help podcasts and want practical tools for feeling better, this episode is for you. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/h...

In a recent podcast episode, I walked through my quest to rediscover personal interests and prioritize them amid the whirlwind of daily life. Like many women, I'm navigating the busy demands of motherhood and work while yearning for outlets that are just for me—without needing them to be productive or result in a tangible outcome. I realize that it's not always easy to carve out these moments, but...

As we head into the holiday season, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to orchestrate the perfect celebration. The key takeaway from this conversation? Simplify and choose experiences that foster self-compassion and joy. Instead of clinging to traditions that no longer serve your family, tailor activities to meet everyone’s needs, ensuring that these moments of self-care bring true happ...

In this personal growth podcast episode, Dina Alexander shares simple, research-backed ways to help kids build real confidence—while also supporting your own personal development as a parent. This conversation is perfect if you love self help podcasts and want daily habits that make family life smoother. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/dinaalexander Sign up as a...

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 simpl...

I know we're all rushing to look forward and plan our goals, but I want to help you create your "Did Something List" to reflect on 2025 first. This list is a bit different from my Do Something List; it's time-centric and helps us look back so we can better look forward. By reflecting, we can honor the past year, validate our progress, and gather the practical information needed to set a better, mo...

Learning how to relate to your in-laws isn’t just about family harmony — it’s a powerful step in your personal growth and development. In this conversation with couples coach Natalie Clay, we explore why shifting your mindset can make you feel happier, reduce perfectionism, and strengthen your daily habits for better emotional well-being. Perfect for anyone wanting self-improvement, more peace at...

I love learning and talking about books, and I've found that getting back into reading—starting with just one or two books a month—is a key daily habit for my own personal development and learning how to be happier. That's why I dedicate a whole episode of More Personal to sharing my favorite reads every month! Today I'm sharing the best books I read in 2024 to give you a taste of what you get—it’...

In my latest episode, I had the pleasure of talking with Kathie Gwilliam about how gratitude can play a pivotal role in our personal development and self-improvement. We delved into the sneaky nature of comparison and how it can erode our self-worth, leading to unhappiness. But Kathie presented simple, actionable steps on how to be happier by shifting our mindset towards gratitude. By acknowledgin...

This personal growth podcast episode dives into how to be happier by challenging the belief that “normal women” shouldn’t dream big. Monica shares practical personal development tools and daily habits that support self improvement, including how to feel happy without burning out and how to stop being a perfectionist in your everyday life. If you love self help podcasts and are searching for the be...

Feeling overwhelmed by the holiday rush? In this episode I'm sharing how I've found that small joys, like a quick YouTube break or a swipe of bright lipstick, can significantly boost happiness and ease perfectionistic pressures. These tiny habits help inject self-compassion into my day, allowing me to fully enjoy the present. For me, pairing mundane tasks with mood-boosting moments has made a huge...

Can a midlife crisis actually become a turning point for happiness and personal development? In this episode I'm exploring this idea with the inspiring Wendy Valentine, who transformed her life through self-care and self-compassion. Unlocking self-improvement isn’t just about overcoming challenges; it's about envisioning a new future fueled by choices that prioritize self-care. In this episode, di...

This personal growth podcast episode dives into personal development and self improvement through the lens of intimacy—covering how to be happier, how to feel happy, daily habits, self-compassion, and how to stop being a perfectionist. A smart, self help podcasts–style convo for personal growth and development and self care for mothers—ideal if you’re hunting the best podcasts for self improvement...

It's been a wild ride since our first episode aired in November of 2016, and today I'm reflecting on what it's like to pursue something for this long. Pursuing a passion project like this has taught me about personal development, resilience, and how daily habits can lead us toward self-compassion and growth. It's been so much more than a podcast. I wan to thank you for your support as we continue...

In today's episode we're covering some deep territory with my returning guest, Trevor Hanson, as we explore anxious attachment. It's crucial to understand how our attachment styles, shaped by our upbringing and personal experiences, influence our daily habits and relationships. Learning to trust ourselves and engage in self-care can transform insecurities into self-compassion. Trevor shares profou...

In this personal growth podcast episode of with Patrice Washington, we dive deep into what resistance really means on your journey of self-improvement and personal development. Patrice shares how to stop being a perfectionist, build self-compassion, and create daily habits that help you grow instead of burn out. This is one of the best podcasts for self improvement if you’re a mom or a woman cravi...