Lately, I've been pushing myself to step out of my comfort zone and build connections through hosting. As an introvert, it’s been easier for me to stay in my comfort bubble, especially after the habit of isolation I developed during the pandemic. But I realized that having people physically in my space, sharing laughs and stories, truly enriches my life.

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(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.)

In this candid "Working on Things" episode, Monica shares her 10 personal goals for 2026 as she approaches her 40th birthday. 

You'll hear about her complicated relationship with goal-setting, ways she makes goals doable but motivating,  and how she's learning to celebrate milestones instead of bouncing right over them.

Monica also gets real about the challenges: feeling like two ships passing in the night with her husband, struggling with tech boundaries while running a business, the endless cycle of high-conflict children, and the weight of launching a book on a shoestring budget. But she also shares what's lighting her up—her hobby year (including returning to ballet!), plans for adventures, and her word of the year: reclamation.

Listen if you:

This isn't a polished how-to. It's a real-time look at someone figuring it out.

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Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Cedric Howard about a topic that resonates deeply with many moms in our community: returning to school later in life. Dr. Howard shared powerful stories from his own family, illustrating the generational impact of pursuing higher education. We talked about the importance of embracing your role as a mom in the classroom and how those experiences can be your greatest asset, not a hindrance.

Dr. Howard's book

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!

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 a recent coaching call with Janie, a mother navigating the shift from a professional career as a social worker to a stay-at-home mom, we delved into the deep-seated challenges that accompany such a monumental transition. Janie, like many, found herself yearning for personal connection and a sense of self amid the continuous tasks of motherhood.

Throughout our discussion, we addressed practical strategies to help Janie reclaim her identity while embracing her chosen responsibilities as a mother. By exploring pressure-free mindset shifts and grounding habits, Janie is starting to balance self-care with motherhood. The journey towards progress involves small, consistent steps, focusing on what resonates personally rather than rigid routines.

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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What if feeling happier didn’t require more control, stricter rules, or perfect habits? In this powerful conversation, we explore how personal development, daily habits, and self-compassion intersect with our relationship to food and our bodies. Beth Summers breaks down why fear, perfectionism, and self-distrust keep so many women stuck—and how personal growth and development can begin by learning to trust yourself again. A grounding listen for anyone craving more peace, self-care for mothers, and a gentler path to self-improvement.

Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/why-you-dont-need-to-be-afraid-of-intuitive-eating

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Join Monica and Taylor for a thoughtful (and surprisingly layered!) chat about the "not like other girls" conundrum. What started as a casual comment during recording turned into a fascinating exploration of how we as women pit ourselves against each other—and for what?

In this episode, we unpack:

Plus: We get real about raising daughters, the cafeteria-style approach to life choices, and why "let people like what they like" might be the most important phrase ever.

Bottom line? We're all just humans having individual experiences. The sooner we accept ourselves (and each other), the better off we'll all be.

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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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!

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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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

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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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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