About Progress

Life can feel overwhelmingly chaotic, and I've often found myself needing help to navigate through it. During these tumultuous times, I've learned that small, consistent habits are crucial. By embracing habits that are personal, seasonal, and flexible, I can help myself feel more grounded and less overwhelmed. Recently, my life has been filled with professional demands like editing a book and prep...

Amber shares why connection gets deeper when we stop performing and start showing the real parts of ourselves — even the messy ones. We talk about how perfectionism and “shoulds” make it harder to belong, and how practicing self-compassion is one of the most underrated daily habits for feeling happier and more authentic in relationships. If you’re into gentle personal development and self-help tha...

This episode is a “Remember When,” a monthly episode to honor About Progress turning 10 years old. Looking back at 2016, I’m filled with a mix of nostalgia and awe at the start of my journey with About Progress. That year marked the beginning of a new chapter, not just for my blog and podcast, but for my personal growth. My first foray into blogging, followed by launching the podcast in November,...

Navigating the labyrinth of personal finance can often feel overwhelming, especially with societal pressures and the constant barrage of advice from various "experts." I myself have struggled with the anxiety of managing budgets and feeling as though I'm constantly missing the mark. Thankfully, Rebecca Palmer, a seasoned financial advisor, has shared insights that have reframed the way I view mone...

Lysha Smith opens up about how perfectionism, grief, and daily stress can coexist with joy, creativity, and growth. This conversation blends personal development with self-compassion and shows how to be happier by finding outlets that restore your energy. A self-help podcast favorite for women learning how to stop being a perfectionist, build healthier daily habits, and explore self care for mothe...

The Do Something List has been a game-changer, evolving from my personal challenge into a lifeline for so many women aiming to prioritize personal fulfillment. This year, I’m sharing new insights from our workshop to align with how our lives continue to shift. The simplicity of adding small, meaningful tasks to our lives—like embracing a “me day” or trying something new—enables us to reconnect wit...

What if joy in marriage isn't about chasing happiness, but embracing courage? Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife's enlightening perspective reshapes our understanding of joy—not as mere happiness but as a deeper, more embodied openness to love and goodness, even amidst life's challenges. This kind of joy is interwoven with eros love—an expansive, soul-reaching connection that pushes us beyond our comfort...

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...