About Progress

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! 

FINAL CALL to get on the waitlist for Italy: https://www.femalefoodie.com/food-tours/aboutprogress/

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I used to think that a true "habit person" had the perfect routine lined up every day without a hitch, but that's not reality. Life is unpredictable, and being flexible is crucial. From rethinking my morning routine with five kids in different schools to embracing the early wake-up calls from my toddler, alterations are unavoidable. It's a reminder that being a habit person is more about adaptability than rigid schedules.

By learning to honor the needs of each day—whether that's managing unexpected changes or giving grace to myself—I discovered that progress isn’t about having it all together. Instead, it’s about continually adjusting and finding what works in the moment, recognizing that everyone has to revamp routines as life shifts.

WATCH the DITL here: https://youtu.be/B7_I-bMgNVM

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This episode is brought to you by goPure Beauty, get 25% off @goPure with code PROGRESS at https://www.goPurebeauty.com/PROGRESS #goPurepod

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Struggling to get along with your parents as an adult? Learn why differentiation spikes when you become an adult, how to swap judgment for empathy, and the exact conversation skills that move relationships from parent–child to adult–adult.

Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-to-get-along-better-with-your-parents

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In a conversation that originally aired on my private podcast feed, I spoke with my podcast manager, Taylor, about our personal experiences with multi-level marketing (MLM) companies. We delved into the icky factor of being approached by acquaintances with business propositions and the wider implications of these ventures. While these experiences did provide some social benefits and occasional income, they also left a cringey aftertaste.

Despite the mixed feelings, I don't regret my forays into MLMs. They taught me a lot about sales, personal value, and authenticity. I've grown since then, understanding the importance of being true to myself and my audience. If you're curious to learn more about this subject make sure to check out my most recent deep dive!

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Thank you to Activations for sponsoring this episode and providing listeners with an exclusive, limited-time offer now at activations.com/progress a 14-day free trial + 61% off the yearly Activations membership, all with a generous money-back guarantee.

There is a tool that activates our personal growth, and it’s not exactly a secret: visualization. While elites in their respective fields, from athletes to musicians to business people, have used this tool for years to increase their progress and performance, us everyday folks can also unlock the power of visualization to transform our lives. In this inspiring episode of About Progress, host Monica Packer sits down with Mimi Bouchard, founder of the Activations app, to explore how visualization can help you reprogram your self-image, break free from shame-driven beliefs, and embody your future self—no quiet and still meditation required. Mimi shares her personal journey from feeling stuck and insecure to now helping over 100,000 people–most of whom are women–make real, lasting change by utilizing her personal development guided audio. Discover practical strategies for habit stacking, overcoming perfectionism, and developing a “bounce back” mindset, plus an exclusive offer for listeners to try Activations for free. If you’re ready to stop waiting for the perfect moment and start living as the person you’re meant to be, this episode is your roadmap to making change doable, energizing, and even fun. 

Please head to activations.com/progress to secure a special offer of a 14-day free trial + 61% off the yearly Activations membership! Be sure to go to the site to do so.

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Chanelle shares practical, mom-tested strategies to build a morning routine that survives nap schedules, night wakings, and real life—no perfection required.

Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/creating-a-morning-routine-that-works-with-chanelle-neilson-of-the-moms-who-know-podcast

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Our identity influences our behavior and vice versa, creating a cycle that can elevate or drag us down. By focusing on how we see ourselves and affirming the identity we aspire to, we interrupt negative patterns and cultivate growth. It's a transformative tool not only for my kids (I explain in the episode!) but for anyone seeking to improve their lives. Identity is indeed the key to unlocking potential.

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In a recent coaching call with Sheila we explored the challenges she faces at a career crossroads. After overcoming cancer, Sheila is determined to return to work part-time, yet faces employer resistance to her accommodations. Together, we addressed her fears of ageism and the struggle to find fulfilling, part-time work.

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This episode is brought to you by goPure Beauty, get 25% off @goPure with code PROGRESS at https://www.goPurebeauty.com/PROGRESS #goPurepod

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Licensed therapist and sleep expert Christine Lawler shares the surprising connection between sleep and mental health—including postpartum depression, anxiety, and burnout. In this powerful conversation, we break down why sleep isn't just self-care—it's survival. If you've been stuck, exhausted, or told “this is just adulthood,” this is the wake-up call you didn’t know you needed.

Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/christine-lawler-sleep-training

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The start of high school was a major leap for my daughter with special needs, magnified by her transition from a charter school. We both faced heightened anxieties about fitting in and managing sensory challenges. Our preparation included school visits and crafting a mental touchstone for her: to look for glimmers of light amongst potential darkness, akin to stars in a big, open night sky.

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