I once wrote a rejection email and had it posted online by the recipient. Sounds dramatic, doesn't it? Sometimes the thought of rejecting someone or something, by saying no, sounds too dramatic. So we say yes. And then we start to feel resentment, we stop showing up, or we drop the ball on important responsibilities. Sometimes we have to learn to just say no.

In this bite-sized episode I give you the whole rejection email story (it has a happy ending!) and my reasoning behind why a generous no is so much better than a guilted yes. I hope this tip helps you feel prepared heading into a typically very busy season!

To celebrate 6 years of the podcast I'm giving away packages of my favorite things! Write (or update) a rating and review for a chance to win!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First of all, thank you for being here with me to celebrate SIX YEARS of the About Progress podcast! This is a fun episode because we get to hear from you, the listeners, as well as me and my husband, Brad. I'm answering questions about general faves, favorite guests and interviews, and my biggest successes. Plus, I'm sharing some non-favorites and tough stuff that has gone on behind-the-scenes.

Thank you to everyone who submitted a voice note, they are all a great example of the special community we have here at About Progress. I am looking forward to the years to come and hope you'll continue to grow with me!

P.S. Remember the ongoing giveaway right now where you can be entered to win some of my favorite things when you leave or update a review on Apple podcasts.

This episode is brought to you by ZocDoc. Download the free app at zocdoc.com/progress and start your search for a top-rated doctor today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's bite-sized episode is inspired by a conversation I had with my membership group, the Strive Hive. And it falls under the umbrella of something we talk about often, which is how to avoid the all-or-nothing mentality. So the question is, can you take self-compassion too far? The short answer is yes, but I want you to understand the why, and how to refocus if you need to.

If you've found yourself becoming apathetic, or self-enabling, I have some tips to help you zoom out and take action while still feeling aligned with your values, the things that matter most and help you feel like you.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I have been surprised by something as an adult...I stink at friendship. When it comes to making new friends, or even staying connected with old friends, it has just become harder and harder. I also find myself become more and more introverted as I get older. And I think many of you can relate. Making and keeping friends as an adult has always seemed to be a hot topic, so if we're all feeling this pull then why is it still so tough?

Psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Marisa G. Franco joins me today to offer the science backed reasons behind loneliness and relationships in a way that will have you nodding along in agreement. Honestly, you may even audibly gasp at some of her explanations - in a good way! The hard things you have been experiencing when it comes to friendship are real, and they have names, and there are ways to really support yourself through them.

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!

To celebrate 6 years of the podcast I'm giving away packages of my favorite things! Write (or update) a rating and review for a chance to win!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I used to let my inner critic be the loudest voice in the room. It was forcing me to be an over achieving perfectionist that was never satisfied with anything, and only ever increasing in demands. This cycle persisted for years, until I began a little experiment that led to where we (you and me!) are today.

My whole life changed when my inner voice went from being one of criticism, to one of self-compassion. I used to think that if I was gentler on myself, it would work against me. The opposite turned out to be true. This episode is a retelling of my own progress-over-perfection journey with an emphasis on the few key things that have made all of the difference. Plus, a little more on that initial experiment that turned into the podcast and teaching platform I never knew I needed.

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/progress and get on your way to being your best self.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is there something that has made you think other people can do that, but not me? This is part of a monthly series to convince you otherwise.

These episodes feature real women from this community who are answering the question "How do you...?" about their various passions and pursuits. Today's episode features my friend, Sarah, and whether rock climbing is something you are curious about or not, she will inspire you to pursue (or find) your own passion.

Her unique story actually starts with heartbreak and, with some real bravery, turns into hope. It's about getting outside of your comfort zone, finding something that excites you, and even making new connections. Maybe that won't be rock climbing for you, but it's time to figure out what your version of rock climbing can be.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I had a personal experience earlier this year that led me to realizing I was deeply exhausted, and seeing the affects of it in several areas of my life. In particular I noticed that my, like many of our, relationships had taken a beating. Whether that is with family, friends, co-workers, or even the relationship we have with ourselves.

I invited my friend, author Carol Lynn Pearson, to return to the podcast to discuss all things relationships. She is a woman who has changed thousands of lives through her story, and storytelling. One of those lives is mine. In this conversation she teaches us how to deeply love and accept people, including yourself.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I really hope I'm not alone in feeling this way sometimes...and the feeling I'm talking about is when you have something you realllly don't want to do, but you realllly need to do it. This could range from something small, like sorting papers for scrapbooking, to something big like a long term project or habit you want to adopt. So, I have ONE easy way to get things done when you don't feel like doing them to share with you today.

In this short episode you will hear my simple tip and the ways that I apply it in my real life, and how that has helped me. It involves using something you love, something that brings you joy, and pairing it with something you're less excited about doing. It sounds simple enough, but hopefully my explanation will give you the motivation to get started and make some of the progress that you really want.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever found yourself in a "What's next?" phase of your life? Lots of possibility, and the opportunity to even explore them, is a good thing! So, why can it be so hard to take action?

Sometimes when we lack certainty, it feels uncomfortable to start something new. That's why today's coaching call is focused on answering this question, "How can I take action without knowing the end form the beginning?"

In this episode I talk to Madeline, who finds herself with the ability to think of lots of good ideas, and the inability to act on any of them. Once we discover that her fear is a result of not knowing exactly how things will end up, we unpack how she can address that. If this resonates with you, you'll leave this episode with two questions you can ask yourself and a better understanding of why it's okay to move into your discomfort zone to finally feel some good growth.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices