In keeping with something I've done on the podcast for a few years now, I'm thrilled to share with you my Do Something List for 2026. This list isn't about setting strict goals, but prioritizing daily fulfillment. Each item on the list encourages me to honor my interests and passions, from baking something new monthly to hosting girls' nights and rediscovering hobbies like sketching wildflowers.

Monica’s DSL for 2026!

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Book Launch Committee aboutprogress.com/bookcommittee

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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

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Ever find yourself stuck in the same argument over and over? Therapist KC Davis sheds light on how hidden defense mechanisms and vulnerabilities fuel these cycles. Her insights reveal that the stories we tell ourselves about our partners can turn simple pain into full-blown panic. By recognizing these patterns, we can transform conflicts into opportunities for growth and connection.

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!

Book Launch Committee aboutprogress.com/bookcommittee

Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!

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

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In this powerful clip from one of today’s most loved self help podcasts, Cathy Heller breaks down why perfectionism keeps us stuck — and how embracing messy beginnings is the key to real personal growth and development. This conversation explores how to be happier, practice self-compassion, and build sustainable daily habits that support self improvement without shame. A must-listen for anyone navigating personal development, especially those seeking gentler self care for mothers and more freedom in their personal growth journey.

Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/do-you-believe-you-matter

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Join Monica for February's Book Report, where she shares her latest literary adventures—from touching novels about unlikely families to eye-opening reads about tech and teens. This month's lineup features some real gems, including three rare five-star reads: a cross-country journey with an unforgettable hero, a graphic guide that might just change how you think about smartphones, and a beautifully crafted story told entirely through letters.

Monica dishes out honest ratings for all her recent reads, including quick takes on everything from fantasy epics to romance novellas, and updates on her Read the Shelf Challenge—complete with a live book selection using her fun prompt system. Whether you're hunting for your next great read or just love hearing about books that make you feel all the feelings, this episode is your cozy companion!

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.

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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! 

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!

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

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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.

Here to Stay Drive: Join the ⁠Supporters Club⁠ to keep About Progress around + participate in a whole month of special prizes. A little from many makes this work sustainable!

Get your Sticky Habit Rainstorm printable HERE 

Complementary past episode to listen to: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/4-habits-that-are-helping-me-show-up; https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/habits-that-are-helping-me-show-up-right-now; https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/take-back-your-weekends; https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/an-alternative-to-block-scheduling

Book Launch Committee: aboutprogress.com/bookcommittee

Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!

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

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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 that actually helps, this clip will feel like a breath of relief.

Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/3-big-reasons-you-struggle-with-being-authentic

Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!

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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, was a leap into the unknown, full of technical challenges and self-doubt, yet it ignited a passion for creating a community based on real, unvarnished stories. Today, as I look back to where it all began, I’m proud of the progress and the supportive community we've built, proving that life truly is about progress, not perfection.

Here to Stay Drive: join the ⁠Supporters Club⁠ to keep About Progress around + participate in a whole month of special prizes. A little from many makes this work sustainable!

Get your Sticky Habit Rainstorm printable HERE 

Complementary past episode to listen to: First episode ever!; First interview ever!

Book Launch Committee: aboutprogress.com/bookcommittee

Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!

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

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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 money. She highlighted that much of the stress stems not from personal failure, but from the systems that aren't designed to work with our unique lifestyles. In this episode we learn how to shift focus from attempting to perfect rigid systems to creating personalized systems that truly support our financial goals, leading to a more peaceful and grounded financial life.

 Here to Stay Drive: join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around + participate in a whole month of special prizes. A little from many makes this work sustainable!

1-on-1 COACHING ENROLLMENT OPEN NOW! BOOK A CURIOSITY CALL NOW to be considered for one of my limited spots for 1-on-1 coaching this Winter.

Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!

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

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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 mothers through real life.

Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/lysha-smith

Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!

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