About Progress

Seven types of rest?! Yep. But don't worry, you're likely not lacking in each of those areas. And actually, if you can see where your bucket needs filling and focus on that area then you will feel real restoration. Our guest actually has a rest quiz you can take to determine those areas! Today's episode looks at why you are so exhausted and how to change that.Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is a wife, mother, physician, speaker, and author. As an internal medicine doctor she began to notice that her patients were complaining of exhaustion despite sleeping 8 hours a night. She thoroughly explains this phenomenon in the interview, but essentially there are different areas of rest you need and different ways to restore a lacking area.You will totally relate to Dr. Dalton-Smith's own story of lying on the floor in her foyer, flanked by her young children, feeling at a loss. She offers perspective on the way her life looked, versus how it felt to her. Making the changes to recover your life (her book's tagline) and restore yourself will be hard but is doable.About a few other thingsDo you like to use a weighted blanket? Personally the traditional type feel too heavy for me, but a little weight does feel good. I think the Saranoni Blankets are juuuust right (this one is my favorite!). They make their own fabric to control the weight and softness, and you feel that difference! You can use code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' to take 20% off your order all month.SHOW NOTES Saundra's Instagram, Facebook, Website, Rest Quiz FREE 5-Day Sleep Makeover Get 20% off Saranoni Luxury Blankets with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE Join the free and private FB group Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before you dismiss the topic of outsourcing, I promise it does apply to you! Consider all of the things you think you need to, are supposed to, HAVE TO do in a day...then consider how that makes you feel. If it's not a good feeling you can and should outsource your normal life.This is something I did not used to understand, because I wasn't raised in a family that outsourced anything! It's only been recently that I've been able to see the huge benefit in asking for help - paid for and not. When I asked the women in our private Facebook group about this it brought up a lot of hesitation, so this episode is to encourage moving past that with practical solutions.Get creative with your outsourcing: my small children can help with chores, my husband can cook dinner, we can all clean together! If money is your concern, trade favors with friends and ask your family to help. I also share the one way I outsourced that I've stopped, well actually changed and I'll keep you posted on how it works out!About a few other things...During these episodes I share my latest and greatest Amazon find. Remember how in this month's intro episode I admit that 'beauty' is one of my top values? Well I love when my nails are done, but don't love everything about going to a salon to have them done. I have found a gel nails system that's been a game changer! It's easy to use, works super well, and allows me to do something more often that brings me joy.LAST CALL! The Progress Program has been officially relaunched and is now more accessible and affordable than before. It is a 12 week program housed under the new Work In Progress Academy and you can read alllll about it at those links.SHOW NOTES Sign up for my NEWLY overhauled Progress Program (enrollment ends Sept. 15th!) Amazon made me do it! This weeks find. Get 20% off Saranoni Luxury Blankets with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE Join the free and private FB group Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time to face your fears. Not the heights and spiders kind, but the kind that you are creating for yourself. Are you afraid of breaking routine, trying something new, or letting others down? Chances are, the control freak in you has created those fears to do just that...control you. Let's talk about breaking free and finding yourself.Becky Proudfit is a fellow podcaster, mother, and cancer survivor. She is also a self proclaimed perpetual goal-chaser and control freak. Or should I say, she WAS those things. A cancer diagnosis changed her life drastically, and in surprising ways.Once finding herself in the validation of others, Becky was forced to pull back. She talks about the ways she used to micromanage her children, but after she simply could no longer do that they flourished. She details a spur of the moment trip to Iceland and embracing a new way of thinking that embodies more adventure and so much less fear.About a few other thingsThe Progress Program has relaunched and is now more affordable and accessible than ever before! You will receive weekly lessons and a workbook to get you unstuck in ways that stick. This is small group coaching, so enrollment will be capped and ends on the 15th.I am working with Saranoni Blankets this month to bring you the most luxurious blankets for everyone in your family. You can use code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' to take 20% off your order all month!SHOW NOTES Becky's Instagram, Facebook, Podcast Sign up for my NEWLY overhauled Progress Program (enrollment ends Sept. 15th!) Get 20% off Saranoni Luxury Blankets with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE Join the free and private FB group Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don't worry, the title of this episode is meant to be a little dramatic! It's also meant to make you pause, and think. Because it's true, we all evolve or die (ever heard what doesn't kill you makes you stronger?). But I know from experience, this is harder than it sounds. This month we're focusing on CHANGE. How, why, when, and all the messy in-between.Evolve or die.Twelve years ago I was not the person I am today. I'm sharing some of the major struggles that consumed my ability to evolve in hopes that you can do the same for yourself. I also touch on the difference between quitting and stopping, as well as what it means to pivot and keep growing. This has been applicable in my personal development, but also in my marriage and even on this podcast.Speaking of this podcast, happy 200th episode to US! I had no clue where sharing my message via microphone and internet would lead me, I just knew I needed to do it. Thank you for being here old friends and new, and thank you for making this a true community. Tune in today and even hear me stumble over a few words because I hope it goes without saying now, life is about progress, not perfection.About a few other things...During these episodes I share my latest and greatest Amazon find. Today I bring you...pretend makeup! Sound silly? Well the havoc my little boys were wreaking on my real makeup and bathroom was no laughing matter. Now I can get ready in peace while they happily play. Check it out, it looks soooo real!The Progress Program has been officially relaunched and is now more accessible and affordable than before. It is a 12 week program housed under the new Work In Progress Academy and you can read alllll about it at those links. I'm also teaching a FREE online class next week about procrastination - one of the most requested topics, so make sure you join us live or sign up and get the replay.SHOW NOTES Sign up for my FREE class: Why You Procrastinate and How to Change Sign up for my NEWLY overhauled Progress Program (enrollment ends Sept. 15th!) Amazon made me do it! This weeks find. Get 20% off Saranoni Luxury Blankets with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE Join the free and private FB group Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a little ironic, but I actually changed this month's theme at the last second. We're going to treat September sort of like the New Year (it feels like it in so many ways, don't you think??) and dig deep to discover what AND how we need to dare to change.Why am I daring you to do this? Because it's going to be hard, but it is going to be worth it. And this isn't some blanket statement where you need to feel totally overwhelmed that you aren't good enough and the only answer is to completely change. Instead, I'm spelling out just 3 areas where you can make changes that fit your values.And of course, I'm spilling my guts about the changes I'm personally making, as well as my top 7 values. One of them I sort of wanted to go back and change, but I didn't! When you do this exercise I'm curious if you find yourself feeling the same.Lastly, I quickly summarize the upcoming podcast guests by sharing just a little about each of them. There is so much in store for all of us this month and I hope you find and take advantage of whatever best guides you towards the growth you deserve.You know how I'm here to give you a hug and kick in the pants? Well this month's sponsor, Saranoni Luxury Blankets, has got the hug part covered. These are the highest quality and softest blankets that come in allll sizes and literally feel like a hug. All month long you can take 20% off your Saranoni Blanket purchase with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'.SHOW NOTES Sign up for my FREE class: Why You Procrastinate and How You Can Change Join the NEWLY overhauled Progress Program (enrollment ends Sept 15th!) Get 20% off Saranoni Luxury Blankets with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE Join the free and private FB group Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It feels good to be checking back in after taking a break this past month. I love this "Dear Progressor" episode each month because we get to hear from real people, members of this community who have learned something that they want to share. I also share what I've been up to and what I have learned - and this month it was a lot!"Dear Progressor," August EditionI like to check in each month and let you know what I've been up to, as well as what I've learned from this month's episodes. Thanks to the break I took around here I was able to spend time on other projects - like painting my whole entire house! It's kind of a funny story and I share it in this episode. This month I also had sort of a mental reset, and I'm sharing the specific boundaries I'm setting for myself moving forward.Did you realize I aired SIX encore episodes this month?? Many of you probably hadn't heard them before, but even if you had I bet you learned something new. Thank you to the women who sent in voice bites for this episode, each takeaway is so valuable. Listen in to these unique perspectives from the month!About a few other thingsI am speaking at the Happier Than Skinny retreat, which will be in September in Utah, and I would love to meet you there! You might remember Heather, who is one of the women organizing this amazing getaway. You can use code 'MONICA' for $100 off your ticket.Thank you to everyone who has left a Podcast review, I choose a winner each month and announce them on this episode!SHOW NOTES Get 10% off your Monk Manual with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan Lend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HERE Join the free and private FB group Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I may let it slip in this episode that this interview is my favorite, which I know is like claiming a favorite child but oh well, I said it! This month I've been able to share several of my verrrry favorite past episodes with you and if it isn't your first time listening I hope you've still learned something new, just as I have.You can still be you when life gets tough.Christopher Clark, father of five and an actor and director with an impressive resume, was recently diagnosed with ALS. He explains a little more about the degenerative disease in the episode, as well as his process of finding that diagnosis. But what's most amazing is that although his health is at the forefront of almost everything he can do (or not do) it isn't his only focus.His passion for the arts has not diminished, and he was working full time when this episode was originally published. His family remains close, and he even details the ways in which all of them have become his caregivers as needed. Amidst the physical need to kind of conserve his energy, Chris makes it clear he chooses to have a happy life.I also share this in the episode, but it's an honor to have this inspirational interview in the archives as Christopher has since lost the ability to speak. If you listen in and learn something I would love to have you share that with our community, here's how!About a few other thingsPodcast University is off to an amazing start and more courses will be launching this fall. If you’ve wanted to start a podcast, you’re going to want to know when enrollment opens. You can also receive free weekly tips when you sign up right here.P.S. If you want to stay in touch, especially while I'm taking a social media break, please subscribe to my weekly newsletter!SHOW NOTES Christopher's Instagram Sign up for weekly podcasting tips Get 10% off Monk Manuals with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE Join the free and private FB group Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're no stranger to big dreams around here! Write them down, say them out loud, chase them with open arms - no matter what they may be. But this month we've been "taking a break", and sometimes our dreams do that, too. Many of us may be in a season where we need to remind ourselves that paused dreams are not dead dreams.Paused Dreams are not Dead DreamsWith a voice discovered by her kindergarten teacher, Aubrey Greenan has spent the majority of her life developing her talent for singing. She owes a lot to a high school teacher, too, and of course the conservatory program at Carnegie Mellon. The way she describes it, her dreams of singing in large scale productions were not out of reach. But, she shares some other dreams she had - motherhood.Aubrey details a moment with one of her mentors that changed her perspective. Fast forward to now, she is a mother of 3 and performs in her kitchen. Tune in, the way she describes her life now, though, is still inspiring and beautiful. Will she one day grace an opera stage again? Maybe! She didn't give up on anything, she just shifted her priorities for this season.About a few other thingsThis month I've been taking a break, mostly from Instagram. I feel refreshed and like I have been able to focus my energy on allll the things coming to you in upcoming months. If you want some help with your social media usage make sure to snag my guide!P.S. If you want to stay in touch, especially while I'm taking a social media break, please subscribe to my weekly newsletter!SHOW NOTES Social Media Challenge Get 10% off Monk Manuals with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE Join the free and private FB group Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a topic that comes up often and is surprisingly polarizing: asking for help. We each have our own views on what we will or will not ask for help with, but do we know why? Have we considered that asking for help could actually make us stronger? In this interview that was the reality, and it wasn't true for just Cara, it was true for her children and other close relationships around her.Asking for HelpFinding herself with 4 young children at 30 years old, and filing for divorce, Cara admits she had been "ground down to powder" when she humbled herself and moved back into her childhood home with her parents. The thing that kept her going was knowing she had to invest in the future of her children, and so also herself. She had to ask her mom to babysit for free for a few years so that after graduating law school she wouldn't have to ask that ever again.Yes, law school. Cara put herself through law school during the lowest point of her life. You just have to tune in to hear the perspective on inner strength that she has now. Many years later her life looks very different, and we did touch a bit more on that the first time this episode aired (this one is just edited for time). Essentially she believes life is what you create, and the one she has now is what she put her head down and worked to get.If one of the ways you need help is with your habits, did you know we spent a whole month on that?? One of the habits I needed the most help with was sleep. Chrissy Lawler and I put together a FREE 5-Day Sleep Makeover that has already helped hundreds, so check it out!P.S. If you want to stay in touch, especially while I'm taking a social media break, please subscribe to my weekly newsletter!SHOW NOTES Free 5-Day Sleep Makeover Get 10% off Monk Manuals with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE Join the free and private FB group Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes we have to fall, even fail, and in the process of figuring out how and who can help us get back up we find real balance. We can even find real happiness. This episode talks frankly about mental health, suicide, relationships and self-discovery. Our guest's wife was interviewed here and they were both interviewed here.Slow Down to Start LivingMatt Davis' mental health struggles started when he was the sophomore football captain, curtailed his LDS mission, and came to a head when he lost his father to suicide at just 19. His outlook on that devastating event is one to be admired. Matt realized how important it is to get help and how set backs move us forward. He is now proudly outspoken about mental health awareness and finding balance.Matt went on to complete his LDS mission, have a family, and become very successful in business. By how own admission he is truly so happy. He is also acutely aware of the depression and anxiety that he will always have to keep in check. Tune in and hear the ways Matt, and his family, have slowed down because of their attitude on really living.Podcast University is off to an amazing start and more courses will be launching this fall. If you've wanted to start a podcast, you're going to want to know when enrollment opens. You can also receive free weekly tips when you sign up right here.SHOW NOTES Matt's Website Get 10% off Monk Manuals with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress Plan Send in a soundbite + be featured on the show HERE Join the free and private FB group Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram Songs Credit: DRIVE by Dj Nicolai Heidlas @nicolai-heidlas Music provided by FREE MUSIC FOR VLOGS AND VIDEOS bit.ly/freemusicforvlogs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices