I wanted to share with you that I've revamped my Do Something List for 2026, and it's all about flexibility and self-reclamation. Remember, this list isn't about ticking off resolutions but rediscovering myself through tasks like baking new recipes or attending cultural events. As life shifts, so does my list, ensuring it remains a source of joy and personal growth throughout the year. Remember, it's never too late to start your own list and find what makes life more meaningful! Check out Monica’s DSL for 2026 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. Get 50% off last year’s More for Moms All-Access Pass with code LISTENER at checkout. Get your AquaTru water purifier with the discount code “MONICA.”  Get your teen Knix with code “PROGRESS.” Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When I was pregnant with my first baby, I was consumed with preparing for the needs of the little one, spending hours reading books and researching products. But what I didn’t prepare for was the transformation within myself - a lesson that each pregnancy unveils a new version of who I am, shifting my identity, expectations, and even my understanding of motherhood. In our discussion, Nina Spears emphasized the importance of preparing for the mother just as much as the baby. We often forget that with each baby born, a new mother is also born, requiring just as much care and support. This journey pushes us to redefine what success looks like, challenge our predispositions, and ultimately build a support system that acknowledges and nurtures the endless, often invisible labor we undergo. If there’s one thing I wish for expectant mothers to take away, it's this: you deserve to prepare and care for yourself just as much as you do for your child. Nina's website, Instagram, Podcast 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. Get 50% off last year’s More for Moms All-Access Pass with code LISTENER at checkout. Get your AquaTru water purifier with the discount code “MONICA.”  Get your teen Knix with code “PROGRESS.” Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Finding yourself after years of putting everyone else first isn't a straight path and Kayley knows that better than most. In this clip, she gets real about what it actually felt like to be a stay-at-home mom of seven while quietly carrying a dream she didn't think she was allowed to have. She opens up about the depression, the identity loss, the guilt, and the slow, hard work of building a marriage that actually goes both ways. What she discovered along the way? The biggest obstacle was never the logistics. It wasn't the kids, the schedule, or even the MCAT. It was believing she was worth inconveniencing her family for. That's the self-compassion work no one talks about, the daily habit of reminding yourself that your needs, your goals, and your growth matter too. If you've ever talked yourself out of something because it felt selfish, or if personal development has felt more like a luxury than a necessity, this one's for you. Because how you feel about yourself shapes everything…your marriage, your happiness, your ability to keep going on the hard days. https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-do-you-get-into-medical-school-as-a-busy-mom ⁠Preorder Sticky Habits ⁠⁠book today! ⁠⁠Leave a rating and review⁠⁠ ⁠Get the free DSL Training⁠. Follow About Progress on ⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Exciting news - my debut book, Sticky Habits, is hitting the shelves on September 8th! We often think only a certain "habit person" can master habits, but I'm here to flip that idea on its head. Habits are here to help you, not control every second. They're meant to support pivotal parts of your day, like your morning routine or evening wind-down, so you can focus on what truly matters. Consider where a small habit might bring ease and alignment into your life. Embracing habits isn’t about filling your day with robotic tasks but being real about where they can genuinely support you. If this resonates with you, visit stickyhabitsbook.com to pre-order Sticky Habits and snag some awesome bonuses before the big launch! Thanks for being a part of this 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. Get 50% off last year’s More for Moms All-Access Pass with code LISTENER at checkout. Get your AquaTru water purifier with the discount code “MONICA.”  Get your teen Knix with code “PROGRESS.” Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In my recent conversation with Nir Eyal, a best-selling author and behavioral expert, we delved into the nature of beliefs, underscoring how they are neither facts nor fixed. Nir shared an enlightening perspective on how beliefs can be either limiting or liberating. It's fascinating to learn how our minds can be both our greatest allies and our heaviest burdens when clinging to outdated beliefs. The takeaway? We have the power to rewire our perception and shift those beliefs, treating them as tools rather than truths, which allows us to nurture motivation and reduce suffering. Applying this idea to everyday life, I find it empowering to tackle the "muck"—those sticky areas where we feel stuck—by reassessing my beliefs. It resonates with how I coach women to see their identities dynamically. This is a gentle reminder to all of us: let’s hold our identities lightly and focus on who we want to become. Nir's book, guide, journal, website, Instagram 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. Get 50% off last year’s More for Moms All-Access Pass with code LISTENER at checkout. First episode with Nir on distraction: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-to-become-indistractable Get your AquaTru water purifier with the discount code “MONICA.”  Get your teen Knix with code “PROGRESS.” Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've ever fallen off a habit and spent more energy beating yourself up than getting back on track, this one's for you. Sandra Chuma breaks down why shame is one of the biggest blockers to real personal growth and development and why the path to lasting daily habits actually starts with self-compassion, not self-criticism. She makes a distinction that hit hard: there's a difference between being a failure and experiencing a failure. One crushes you. The other teaches you. If you're working on self improvement and wondering why you can't seem to stick with anything, the answer might not be discipline, it might be the way you're talking to yourself.  Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/keys-to-creating-big-routines-by-starting-with-small-habits ⁠Preorder Sticky Habits ⁠book today! ⁠Leave a rating and review⁠ Get the free DSL Training. Follow About Progress on ⁠YOUTUBE⁠! 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!  Get 50% off last year’s More for Moms All-Access Pass with code LISTENER at checkout. 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. Get your AirDoctorPro air purifier with the discount code “MONICA.”  Get your teen Knix with code “PROGRESS.” Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feeding our families is a never-ending task, one that can weigh heavily on both our minds and wallets. I used to feel overwhelmed by the constant need to plan, shop, and cook meals, but I've discovered a few strategies that have transformed our dinner routine into something manageable and even enjoyable. By keeping an essentials list, planning and shopping biweekly, and focusing on simple repeat meals, I’m not only saving money but also finding more peace around mealtime. These approaches have allowed me to reduce stress and spend more quality time with my family, enjoying meals rather than dreading them. I hope these insights help you reclaim your evenings and bring joy back to your family dinners this summer. Get Your Grocery Game Plan Guide 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. Get the Best Summer Ever Workshop at half-off old pricing!  Recent episodes on a similar topic: 3 Simple Ways to Take the Dread Out of Dinner, A Simpler Way to Feed Your Family, How I’ve Saved Major Money On Groceries; How to Dramatically Cut Your Grocery Bill Get your AirDoctor purifier for up to $300 off with the discount code “MONICA.”  Get your teen Knix with code “PROGRESS.” Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when your body finally says enough — even when you love your work, even when everything looks fine from the outside? Becky Higgins shares the moment an anxiety attack forced her to stop, let go, and make the biggest trade-off of her life. What she discovered on the other side — more confidence, more clarity, more alignment — is a reminder that rest isn't the opposite of personal growth and development. It might actually be the path to it. If you've been white-knuckling your way through your daily habits and responsibilities, wondering why you still don't feel happy, this one's for you. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/why-you-need-to-say-no-to-good-things ⁠Preorder Sticky Habits ⁠book today! ⁠Leave a rating and review⁠ Check out my ⁠⁠workshops⁠⁠! Follow About Progress on ⁠YOUTUBE⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As I reflect on 2020 in celebration of About Progress turning 10, I'm reminded of how the global pandemic altered life as we knew it, personally affecting our family with immediate, life-altering decisions. Looking back, I'm proud of how I showed up for my community, even when navigating difficult discussions online about race and politics. Behind the mic, 2020 was both a professional boon and a personal gauntlet. Despite the upheavals, I remain grateful for the thriving support of my community and the success of Podcast University, proof that confronting discomfort can lead to profound opportunities. While I continue to balance openness with privacy, the common thread remains—curiosity and connection, the fuel of our shared journey on About Progress. Old episodes to support: Interviews with Arielle Estoria, Nir Eyal, Brooke Snow, Jasmine Bradshaw, and Kolbie Blume, What to do When You Don’t Know What to do About Racism  ⁠Get the Best Summer Ever Workshop at half-off⁠ old pricing!  ⁠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. Get your ⁠AirDoctor purifie⁠r for up to $300 off with the discount code “MONICA.”  Get your teen ⁠Knix⁠ with code “PROGRESS.” Go to ⁠Quince⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shang Saavedra is a personal finance expert who helped me rethink frugality in a liberating way. Our conversation explored the emotional roots of our money habits, revealing how mental health significantly impacts financial literacy. Shang shared her personal story of living off 20% of her income during her twenties, not out of scarcity, but with the goal of buying time and freedom later. This approach was truly eye-opening, showing me that frugality can lead to joy when it's aligned with our values. Shang's inspiring and compassionate approach left me feeling more empowered and hopeful about my financial journey, and I hope sharing her insights will motivate you to embark on your path to financial freedom too. Shang's free investing guide, Instagram, website Referenced ⁠IG post⁠ 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. Get the Best Summer Ever Workshop at half-off old pricing!  Recent episode on a similar topic: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/you-re-not-bad-at-money-how-to-build-a-system-instead-of-a-budget-with-rebecca-palmer Get your AirDoctor purifier for up to $300 off with the discount code “MONICA.”  Get your teen Knix with code “PROGRESS.” Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you ever feel like you're good at something but it still doesn't feel like a strength? You're not alone — and there's actually a reason for that. In this clip, transformational coach and positive psychology expert Talia DelZotto breaks down the difference between skills and strengths, and why so many women miss their own strengths entirely because they're looking in the wrong place.If you've been on a personal growth journey but still struggle to answer "what are you good at?" without defaulting to your resume, this one's for you. Talia shares a simple but powerful framework — strength is who you are, skill is how it's expressed — and walks through reflective questions to help you finally identify what lights you up, energizes you, and pulls you into flow.This is the kind of self-awareness that makes daily habits feel more intentional, self-compassion feel more natural, and personal development actually stick. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-your-strengths-can-guide-your-path ⁠Preorder Sticky Habits ⁠book today! ⁠Leave a rating and review⁠ Check out my ⁠⁠workshops⁠⁠! Follow About Progress on ⁠YOUTUBE⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As someone who has historically had a complicated relationship with goals, I found Dr. Danielle McGeough's perspective refreshing and enlightening. One profound takeaway from our conversation was the concept of detaching self-worth from achievements. Danielle emphasized setting goals that focus on who you want to become on the journey, rather than just the destination. This shift in perspective transforms traditional goal-setting, allowing for personal evolution without the baggage of perfectionism or burnout. I’m excited to implement her insights and encourage you to explore this transformative approach. For anyone interested in similar conversations about practical progress, be sure to check out Danielle’s podcast, Plan Goal Plan. Danielle's assessment, website, LinkedIn, Podcast 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. Get the Best Summer Ever Workshop at half-off old pricing!  Get your AquaTru water purifier with the discount code “MONICA.”  Get your teen Knix with code “PROGRESS.” Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feeling like you have nothing to wear often stems from a disconnect with your evolving body and lifestyle. My chat with Angela Foster illuminated how personal style is more about authenticity than trends. We discussed the importance of understanding your body shape and dressing for your current life phase, rather than an idealized image. Angela's approach is about crafting a wardrobe reflecting your true self and simplifying your daily routine. By focusing less on fleeting trends and more on what resonates personally, you transform your closet into a space that supports who you are, enhancing both confidence and ease. Angela’s ⁠website⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠, Body shape quiz: ⁠angelafoster.co/monica⁠ 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. Get the Best Summer Ever Workshop at half-off old pricing!  Complementary episodes: 5 Steps to Reconnect with Your Style (episode on closet curation, referenced) Sponsors links + codes: Get your AquaTru water purifier with the discount code “MONICA.”  Get your teen Knix with code “PROGRESS.” Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do you do when life isn't where you hoped it would be — and you're just stuck in the waiting? Sean and Nicole Johnson get refreshingly real about how they keep moving forward through infertility without letting the hard seasons consume them. Their approach is simple but powerful: feel it, then redirect. Nicole talks about processing emotions and then consciously choosing to move on, while Sean shares a surprisingly beautiful insight from his service mission — that the Spanish word for "have fun," divertir, literally means "to divert." Sometimes joy isn't about ignoring the pain. It's about making a deliberate choice to stop rehashing what you can't fix right now and pour yourself into something — and someone — else instead. This is a quiet reminder that personal growth and daily happiness aren't about having a perfect life. They're about choosing connection, showing up for others, and refusing to let what's missing define what's possible. What's one small way you could "divert" your attention toward something life-giving this week? Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/heather-jenson-achieving-big-goals-in-small-ways ⁠Preorder Sticky Habits ⁠book today! ⁠Leave a rating and review⁠ Check out my ⁠⁠workshops⁠⁠! Follow About Progress on ⁠YOUTUBE⁠! ⁠Full Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I've been thinking a lot about a lesson from the book "Disillusioned" by Nicholas Binge: we can never see ourselves as our loved ones do. This isn't just about looks—it's about the way our essence shines through to those who care for us. Understanding that our reflection captures only a fraction of our true selves can offer us grace. By embracing this, we navigate life's changes with more compassion, recognizing the unseen beauty in how others perceive us. 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. Get the Best Summer Ever Workshop at half-off old pricing!  Sponsors links + codes: Get your AquaTru water purifier with the discount code “MONICA.”  Get your teen Knix with code “PROGRESS.” Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As I sat down with Diane Shiffer, I was awestruck by her radiant perspective on joy, especially in a world that often feels engulfed in darkness. Diane, known as the Internet's favorite nana, believes in the transformative power of small joys. As I listened, I realized that joy isn't about waiting for the grand moments; it's about practicing gratitude and noticing the little things that lift our spirits. Diane's journey is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and self-compassion. Her book, "The Smallest of Joys," teaches us that embracing imperfections and offering ourselves grace are essential steps to living a joyful life. This conversation reminded me of the importance of rest and grace as fuel for productivity, rather than distractions from it. If there's one takeaway from my conversation with Diane, it's that we should start noticing and celebrating those small moments of joy that we often overlook in our daily hustle. Diane's Book, Website, Instagram Complementary episodes: ⁠Interview with Tanmeet Sethi⁠ Get the Best Summer Ever Workshop at half-off old pricing! 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. Get your AquaTru water purifier with the discount code “MONICA.”  Get your teen Knix with code “PROGRESS.” Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After her third baby, Heather Jensen hit a wall. Postpartum depression had taken the happy, positive person she knew herself to be — and she needed to find her way back. What she discovered was that investing in her own goals and personal growth wasn't selfish; it was the very thing that made her a better mom. In this clip, Heather gets vulnerable about her mental health journey and how training for an Ironman became her self-care — not an escape from her family, but a way back to herself. She also shares the daily habits and mindset shifts that help her stop being a perfectionist about her training, keep family first, and still pursue big, scary goals. If you've ever wondered how to feel happy again after a hard season, or how to carve out space for personal development without the mom guilt, this one is for you. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/heather-jenson-achieving-big-goals-in-small-ways ⁠Preorder Sticky Habits ⁠book today! ⁠Leave a rating and review⁠ Check out my ⁠⁠workshops⁠⁠! 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!  Get the Best Summer Ever Workshop at half-off old pricing! 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. Get your AirDoctorPro air purifier with the discount code “MONICA.”  Get your teen Knix with code “PROGRESS.” Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As I geared up for summer, a unique approach sparked magic in our household. Instead of jumping straight into plans, I started by envisioning how I wanted the summer to feel, incorporating my kids' ideas as well. This strategy created the perfect recipe for a more intentional and structured summer, complete with visions of family connection and adventure. Reflecting on past years, it's clear that self-care played a crucial role in making this summer a success. Keeping these elements in mind, alongside the support of a family meeting to set the tone, ensured that our summer was more than just survival—it was an evolution into an enriching, joyous experience for all. While it may not always be perfect, loving my kids and doing my best is the ultimate goal. Get the Best Summer Ever Workshop at half-off old pricing! 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. Complementary episodes: Rhythm vs. Block Scheduling episode  Get your AirDoctorPro air purifier with the discount code “MONICA.”  Get your teen Knix with code “PROGRESS.” Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices