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! 

Celebrate 9 years of About Progress by submitting to our annual Favorite Things Giveaway! Simply leave a rating/review on Apple Podcasts. Favorite things + details on who won HERE.

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

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, get up to 40% off at ⁠⁠Cozy Earth⁠⁠ with code "COZYPROGRESS" and by goPure Beauty, get 25% off @goPure with code PROGRESS at https://www.goPurebeauty.com/PROGRESS #goPurepod

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I know we're all rushing to look forward and plan our goals, but I want to help you create your "Did Something List" to reflect on 2025 first. This list is a bit different from my Do Something List; it's time-centric and helps us look back so we can better look forward. By reflecting, we can honor the past year, validate our progress, and gather the practical information needed to set a better, more practical course for 2026.

Don't skip this chance for personal growth—it will help you make 2026 the year you establish better daily habits and figure out how to be happier and how to feel happy without the exhaustion. Grab the free guide to create your list now at aboutprogress.com/did-something-list.

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

 This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth. Get up to 40% off at ⁠⁠⁠Cozy Earth⁠⁠⁠ with code "COZYPROGRESS"

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Learning how to relate to your in-laws isn’t just about family harmony — it’s a powerful step in your personal growth and development. In this conversation with couples coach Natalie Clay, we explore why shifting your mindset can make you feel happier, reduce perfectionism, and strengthen your daily habits for better emotional well-being. Perfect for anyone wanting self-improvement, more peace at home, and practical tools for how to feel happy in real life.

Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/why-its-difficult-to-relate-to-your-in-laws-and-how-to-try

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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I love learning and talking about books, and I've found that getting back into reading—starting with just one or two books a month—is a key daily habit for my own personal development and learning how to be happier. That's why I dedicate a whole episode of More Personal to sharing my favorite reads every month! Today I'm sharing the best books I read in 2024 to give you a taste of what you get—it’s packed with recommendations across genres like historical fiction, romance, and non-fiction.

Whether you're working on self-compassion, figuring out how to stop being a perfectionist, or looking for self-care-for-busy-moms ideas, joining the Supporters Club will get you exclusive access to all my book reviews and behind-the-scenes content!

 Celebrate 9 years of About Progress by submitting to our annual Favorite Things Giveaway! Simply leave a rating/review on Apple Podcasts. Favorite things + details on who won ⁠HERE⁠.

Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal, including my upcoming 2025 Best Books Read Review!

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth. Get up to 40% off at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Cozy Earth⁠⁠⁠⁠ with code "COZYPROGRESS"

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

In my latest episode, I had the pleasure of talking with Kathie Gwilliam about how gratitude can play a pivotal role in our personal development and self-improvement. We delved into the sneaky nature of comparison and how it can erode our self-worth, leading to unhappiness. But Kathie presented simple, actionable steps on how to be happier by shifting our mindset towards gratitude.

By acknowledging our own unique gifts and appreciating others for their strengths, we can stop being perfectionists and enhance our daily habits for a more fulfilling life. This episode is a self-help resource perfect for mothers seeking self-compassion and personal growth.

Celebrate 9 years of About Progress by submitting to our annual Favorite Things Giveaway! Simply leave a rating/review on Apple Podcasts. Favorite things + details on who won HERE.

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

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, get up to 40% off at ⁠⁠Cozy Earth⁠⁠ with code "COZYPROGRESS"

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

This personal growth podcast episode dives into how to be happier by challenging the belief that “normal women” shouldn’t dream big. Monica shares practical personal development tools and daily habits that support self improvement, including how to feel happy without burning out and how to stop being a perfectionist in your everyday life. If you love self help podcasts and are searching for the best podcasts for self improvement, this conversation will help you reframe ambition, practice self-compassion, and create sustainable personal growth and development. It’s especially powerful self care for mothers who want to honor their own dreams while still showing up for the people they love.

Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/why-normal-women-need-to-have-dreams-goals-and-ambitions

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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Feeling overwhelmed by the holiday rush? In this episode I'm sharing how I've found that small joys, like a quick YouTube break or a swipe of bright lipstick, can significantly boost happiness and ease perfectionistic pressures. These tiny habits help inject self-compassion into my day, allowing me to fully enjoy the present. For me, pairing mundane tasks with mood-boosting moments has made a huge difference and I hope these ideas help you bring genuine joy to your holiday season!

Celebrate 9 years of About Progress by submitting to our annual Favorite Things Giveaway! Simply leave a rating/review on Apple Podcasts. Favorite things + details on who won HERE.

Old episodes to support: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/have-you-ever-thought-to-romanticize-your-life-growth-spurt 

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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Can a midlife crisis actually become a turning point for happiness and personal development? In this episode I'm exploring this idea with the inspiring Wendy Valentine, who transformed her life through self-care and self-compassion.

Listen to my interview on The Midlife Makeover Show: https://wendyvalentine.com/progress-over-perfection/

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

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth. Get up to 40% off at ⁠⁠Cozy Earth⁠⁠ with code "COZYPROGRESS"

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This personal growth podcast episode dives into personal development and self improvement through the lens of intimacy—covering how to be happier, how to feel happy, daily habits, self-compassion, and how to stop being a perfectionist. A smart, self help podcasts–style convo for personal growth and development and self care for mothers—ideal if you’re hunting the best podcasts for self improvement without the shame spiral.

Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/what-to-do-when-you-hate-sex

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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It's been a wild ride since our first episode aired in November of 2016, and today I'm reflecting on what it's like to pursue something for this long. Pursuing a passion project like this has taught me about personal development, resilience, and how daily habits can lead us toward self-compassion and growth. It's been so much more than a podcast. I wan to thank you for your support as we continue to learn and grow together! Help me celebrate 9 years of About Progress by submitting to our annual Favorite Things Giveaway! Simply leave a rating/review on Apple Podcasts. Favorite things + details on who won HERE.

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

This episode is brought to you by cozy Earth, get up to 40% off at ⁠⁠Cozy Earth⁠⁠ with code "COZYPROGRESS"

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