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

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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! 

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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.

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Complementary episodes: Rhythm vs. Block Scheduling episode 

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If you've ever talked yourself out of a hobby because you don't have enough time, it's not productive enough, or it just doesn't "count" — this one's for you. Monica and Sarah Hart-Unger get real about why personal growth and self-care for mothers has to include joy, not just optimization. They break down the cultural guilt that keeps women from allowing themselves fun, why your daily habits don't need to include a polished, passionate pursuit to qualify, and how a little self-compassion goes a long way when you're just trying to feel like yourself again. If you want to know how to be happier without a major life overhaul, the answer might be simpler — and a lot more fun — than you think. Dabble, friends. Just dabble.

Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-to-find-and-better-prioritize-hobbies

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You know that middle-of-the-night thought spiral, the one where you're suddenly calculating how your family would survive if your spouse didn't come home?  In this preview from my premium feed, More Personal, me and my podcast manager are talking about it out loud, and it turns out, a lot of us have been quietly doing that math for years.

In this Casual Convo we get real about one of the most uncomfortable truths of being a primary parent: the financial precariousness hiding beneath the surface of every “traditional” family life. From the fear of losing your spouse, to the trad wife movement and MLM's, we cover it all while grappling with what we actually can control when solutions feel out of reach.

This one doesn't have a tidy resolution. But it might be the most honest conversation you hear about what it really costs to be the one who stays home.

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I've always believed that more self-discipline could solve all my problems, from achieving my goals to becoming a better version of myself. But in my conversation with Yashi Srivastava, I learned that discipline isn't the only way to make progress. Yashi introduced the concept of "inner alignment," shifting my perspective on how we can achieve our goals by harmonizing our minds, bodies, hearts, and souls.

This approach challenges the traditional notion of discipline, encouraging us to explore what's truly happening inside us. Instead of jumping straight to action, we need to pause, listen to ourselves, and support our inner needs. This journey isn't about being the most disciplined person; it's about finding fulfillment and making meaningful strides toward the life we envision.

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If you've ever picked up your phone when what you really needed was rest, connection, or just a moment to breathe — this clip is for you. Monica Packer shares a simple, judgment-free process for recognizing numbing behavior and turning it into a moment of genuine self-care. This is personal growth and development in the most practical sense: no shame, no perfectionism, just getting curious about what you actually need and making a choice that feels aligned with who you are. If you're working on daily habits that support your well-being, or looking for self-compassion practices that are realistic for busy moms, this one will resonate. Because how to feel happy often starts with just asking yourself one honest question: What do I need right now?

Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/what-i-do-with-numbing-behaviors

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As I continue to explore the intersection of creativity and life’s daily demands, I can't help but reflect on a lesson that keeps coming back to me: creativity isn't a luxury; it's essential. In my recent conversation with Sarah Welch, we dove into how creativity helps us reconnect with who we truly are outside of the roles we cater to for others—whether it be as a parent, partner, or professional.

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Sarah’s Authors with Crayons Guide.

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In a recent coaching session, Shelly shared her journey of grappling with shifting roles and the pressing question, "Who am I now?" This resonates with many women in transition, as life’s changes often unravel our established identities. The path to rediscovering ourselves doesn’t require an Eat, Pray, Love-type journey; instead, it’s about embracing small, meaningful actions that gradually rebuild our identity and trust.

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Get your AirDoctorPro air purifier with the discount code “MONICA.” 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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If you've ever felt like something was missing even when life looked perfect from the outside, this clip is for you. Vanessa Quigley opens up about the season of her life when she had everything she thought she wanted — and still wasn't happy. She shares how learning to embrace all parts of herself, not just her role as a mother, became the key to genuine personal growth and development. Whether you're craving more "me time," dreaming of a new chapter, or just trying to figure out how to feel happy again, Vanessa's honest take on seasons of life and self-care for mothers is both refreshing and freeing. Because being a good mom and becoming more fully yourself? Those aren't opposites — they're the same journey.

Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/you-can-be-more-than-one-thing
⁠Preorder Sticky Habits ⁠book today!

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