About Progress

You know by now that this month the focus is on taking a break. For me, that's pulling back on Instagram, and a few other things, to refocus my energy in different areas that need it right now. It's not because Instagram is a bad thing, it's an amazing platform for sharing and real connection. BUT, it can consume us, so today's episode is a gentle reminder to stop letting social media hijack your life.Stop Letting Social Media Hijack Your LifeBrooke White, mother and American Idol finalist (!!), has an engaging social media platform that she values...and then one day she deleted Instagram from her phone and realized she could still dance even if no one was watching. She also shares a really heartbreaking realization about how our children are affected by parents using their phone.Listen to Brooke's real life experience, which walks that fine line of loving social media without losing yourself in it. You can apply some of what she has done immediately, and if you need a little more guidance I have a little email course just for that and you can get it right here.SHOW NOTES Brooke's Instagram, Website, and pre-order her album, Calico. 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

As I mentioned earlier this week, August is about taking a break. I will be re-airing some of my favorite (and on topic) episodes that I know you'll love. If you've heard them before, I bet you'll learn something new this time around. To kick things off, here is my very first interview and it's still so relevant!Heather Fujikawa is a longtime friend that agreed to be my first interview. I was so nervous, and before we began she asked if we could say a prayer. It is evident in her interview that she often pauses, in all kinds of ways and like she did with me. Heather has experienced, heartbreaking lows (infertility and cancer) but still managed to pursue multiple creative ventures. Since this interview she has released a book and TV show with her twin sister!Tune in to this conversation on learning from burn out, perfectionism, and habits. You can still follow your passions and try new things, while taking the breaks you need.About a few other thingsPodcast University has been going sooo well (thanks to those who have asked!) and I am excited for the future of it. Enrollment is closed, but if you would like to receive our free weekly podcasting tips please sign up here for the emails!SHOW NOTES Heather's Instagram, Website, and Joyful Living Book 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

I know, I know, it seems a little counterintuitive after our month about dreaming big. But it's true, resting when and where you need to can actually help you grow. This month's theme, Take a Break!, is meant to fill you back up and enrich your life. I'm going to share what inspired me to try this (sort of scary) thing.Take a break!I had a strong impression a couple months back to SLOW DOWN. You can hear the full story in the episode, but as a result here we are! There are so many things in store for this community and in order for me to make them really happen I actually have to let go a little. I'm not abandoning ship, but I am going to ease up in some areas.This month's progress plan will realllly guide you through this. I don't want you to drop your priorities, but I do want you to outsource and make space so you can feel truly restored. Because that's my goal this month! I'm letting go in two big areas so I can essentially rearrange my priorities for the time being. You might be surprised what I'm moving up on my list.Grab this month's progress plan, catch up on your Do Something list, and stick with me here when it serves you. You'll see less of me on social media, so sign up for my weekly newsletter where I'll still check in and am always happy to hear back from you.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 need to start with a THANK YOU for dreaming big with me this month. It was one of my very favorite themes and I hope you were able to learn and grow as much as I was. In today's episode a few listeners share their big dreams, tune in to be inspired by what they have to say!"Dear Progressor," July 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. Spoiler: turns out I hate canoeing. But on a more serious note, I was able to share some of my very favorite interviews with valuable takeaways. If you're still holding back, remember, you can be more than one thing, start small, and you have the right to dream.Though small in number, the listeners that sent in submissions for this episode really showed up for all of us. From mindset shifts, to pushing themselves, encouraging you to aim high, and totally opening up about their 10 biggest dreams, you can't help but feel inspired.P.S. I've got a slight programming change coming up next month, but that means big things are in store. I hope you enjoy what I've got planned! If you want to know first, then just sign up for my weekly newsletter that's always full of exclusive content.About a few other thingsIt's the very last day (July 31st) for the big, big discount code with Monk Manual, but every day after today you can still get a (little smaller) discount using code 'ABOUTPROGRESS'. I have loved sharing this planner that integrates your goals and values into your daily life.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'm back on my soapbox again today to gently give you permission, but also enthusiastically cheer you on, in your pursuit of your dreams. If it wasn't for a dream I had, oh, ten years ago then none of this would be here. Not this blog, this podcast, or this incredible community. And certainly none of my own personal growth from it all! So let's talk about you, what are the lies you believe about dreaming?Lies You Believe About DreamingIf you've been tuning in this month you already know what we're talking about, so what's holding you back from doing it?? Dreaming, that is. I think that sometimes we discount our dreams. And this happens to our dreams of all sizes - either we think it's too small to matter or too big to accomplish.Stop discounting your dreams, stop discounting yourself. You deserve to dream, to reach for something greater than yourself. I was reminded of something we talked about last month, that more often than not we would be more sad if we didn't just try.In this episode I'm sharing how I feel about my failures and successes, but most importantly how that taught me to take all dreams seriously. I hope you listen to this short episode because I want that for you too!About a few other thingsThis month when you share the podcast you are entered into a weekly drawing for something from my favorite skincare and beauty line! Just tag me @aboutprogress or DM/email me to let me know you've shared.These Growth Spurt episodes always feature something I like to call "Amazon made me do it!" This week I'm admitting what I bought that made me feel like a true millennial - a selfie light. This little thing is powerful and works wonders while I work from my bedroom/office. All my favorites are always right here.SHOW NOTES Amazon Made Me Do It: the ring light I wish I had gotten 2 years ago to brighten my face while on camera 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 Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!) 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

If all of our talk about dreams this month actually has you feeling stuck, that's okay. Let's get back to the basics about why you need a dream and give you a little help on how to find it. This is a no pressure approach, our life coach guest even says so.Why You Need a DreamJanelle Alexandra is a life purpose coach with a clear and faith driven mission to build up women. She believes in passion and purpose and advocates for how dreams can help you find those things. But what about obstacles? Those can actually be okay, too. Tune in to understand how and why.No matter their size, Janelle believes you were designed with your dreams in mind. She explains a helpful exercise to aid in uncovering those dreams then encourages you to lean in and go for it! So, once you know why you need a dream you'll already be well on your way to achieving it.About a few other thingsIt's not too late to become a planner! Start now with Monk Manual, especially while you can get 20% off with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' for the rest of July ONLY (after that the discount is 10%).Remember this month that everyone who shares the podcast is entered into a giveaway of some of my favorite things! If you do this on social media tag me @aboutprogress, otherwise just message me and let me know. One of the prizes is something from my very favorite makeup and skincare line.SHOW NOTES Janelle's Instagram and Website (exclusive free lifestyle guide here!) Get 20% off Monk Manuals with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ Makeup favorites: best-selling concealer - share the podcast for a chance to win one! 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 Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!) 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, "Take it Easy" by "Bad Shacks" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You know the phrase "when the going gets tough, the tough get going", right? What does 'going' look like for you? When things get hard do you dig in or do you get out? I think there is a common misconception that just because something is good, it should be easy. A lot of the time that just isn't true, because hard is good.Hard is GoodIf you think about it, you've probably seen this principle in your life even if you haven't liked it. In personal growth you kind of have to stretch yourself, and it doesn't always feel easy. It's hard, but it's good because you're getting somewhere! In this episode I explain why I think life is hard, but not bad. We can simply switch up some of our verbiage to shift our thoughts!I also discuss the ever present comparison traps we all face. Don't assume that the progress you see in others was met without struggle - and don't discount the growth that probably happened during that. And I'm opening up about a recent revelation I had, and will be following, that feels hard but I know is good.As you tune in for this little bit of tough love, remember that your worth is not measured in outcomes and you CAN do hard things.About a few other thingsThis month when you share the podcast you are entered into a weekly drawing for something from my favorite skincare and beauty line! Just tag me @aboutprogress or DM/email me to let me know you've shared.These Growth Spurt episodes always feature something I like to call "Amazon made me do it!" I'm sharing the breathable mesh hats that my kids actually like to wear to keep them protected from the sun when we're doing our favorite things outdoors. All my favorites are always right here.SHOW NOTES Amazon Made Me Do It: the best hats to protect your kids from the sun. 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 Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!) 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

Maybe one of the reasons we hold back from dreaming big is because it feels too...big! In this week's episode learn how small steps take you big places. Don't believe it? Because of that method today's most instagrammable blogging conference was born before the app even existed.How small steps take you big placesGabrielle Blair, mother of 6 blogging at Design Mom, co-founded Alt Summit 10 years ago and remains a champion for female entrepreneurship. Her motto could be described as dream big, then execute small. In fact, she admits in this episode that if she had known from the beginning where her dreams would have taken her she probably never would have attempted them.She opens up about the business "failures" turned important lessons, how she moved her family (of 8!) to France for years despite not even having passports to begin with, and speaks aloud her big personal dreams just like you've been encouraged to do this month.The size of your dreams doesn't matter to anybody but you, and your ability to accomplish them isn't up to anybody but you! See a pattern here? Tune in and be inspired to know how small steps take you big places.About a few other thingsIf your to-do list is getting the best of you, you need a Monk Manualplanner. Designed with intentional preparation in mind you can be successful at planning! For the month of July you can get 20% off with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS', after that the discount is 10%.Remember this month that everyone who shares the podcast is entered into a giveaway of some of my favorite things! If you do this on social media tag me @aboutprogress, otherwise just message me and let me know. One of the prizes is something from my very favorite makeup and skincare line.SHOW NOTES Gabrielle's Instagram and Website Get 20% off Monk Manuals with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ Makeup favorites: tinted moisturizer and foundation - share the podcast for a chance to win one! 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 Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!) Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas, "Role Player" by Au.Ra, "Summer shower" by  Quincas Moreira Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you felt intimidated by this month's theme, dream big? Well that was not my intention! But, let's break that feeling down. We sometimes equate big dreams to big numbers - like monetary earnings or Instagram followers or other attributes of fame. I want you to hear me when I say, you don't have to be famous to dream big.You don't have to be famousI hope you felt inspired when I opened up about my 10 big, rarely-said-out-loud dreams, to do the same. Dream them, write them, speak them is what I'm asking you to do. Why? Because whatever they are, no matter how small or big they seem to you (not others!) they are important. You are important, so whatever it is that you do is important.And yes of course, our life and our dreams have seasons. Let go of any guilt you have created over not accomplishing every little thing right this second. To help with that I share an eye-opening exercise that has worked in my small group coaching and workshops. Just know that often it's not about what you do, it's about how you view what you do.I know that if you think about it, there are probably people in your regular life that are dreaming big without the big numbers. And even though they don't need it to keep being rockstars, let's give them a big shout out this month. Help remind all of us that you don't have to be famous, submit a soundbite for this month's Dear Progressor episode and tell us about the big dreamers in your life.About a few other thingsThis month when you share the podcast you are entered into a weekly drawing for something from my favorite skincare and beauty line! Just tag me @aboutprogress or DM/email me to let me know you've shared.These Growth Spurt episodes always feature something I like to call "Amazon made me do it!" Today I'm talking about the sun hat you see me wearing quite a bit, but all my favorites are always right here.SHOW NOTES Amazon Made Me Do It: the straw hat you always see me wearing outside! 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 Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!) Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever asked yourself, what even is self development and where do I start with all that it entails?! It is much simpler than you think and totally achievable with baby steps. This month as we dream big listen to this interview that reminds you that you can be more than one thing. More than likely, you already are.You can be more than one thing.Vanessa Quigley is a mother of 7, founder of Chatbooks, opera singer (you gotta tune in to make sense of that one!), and now podcaster. She boldly lists off all of the 'ands' that make up her personality, in hopes to encourage you to embrace your own multifaceted personality.As you start to uncover all that you are, remember you don't need to do all the things all at once. This interview also discusses seasons, meaning that life ebbs and flows and that is okay. So, forget chasing balance and instead allow yourself to be present. Explore your interests and speak your ideas. Vanessa shares how doing that, even in the thick of motherhood, has led to groundbreaking entrepreneurship.Don't be overwhelmed! Own your passions and dig in. Ask for support, instead of permission. Need a community? Tune in and know that you are welcome here.About a few other thingsI no longer have planner guilt! The Monk Manual planners have daily, weekly, and monthly pages that allow for intentional and purposeful planning. For the month of July you can get 20% off with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS', after that the discount is 10%.Remember this month that everyone who shares the podcast is entered into a giveaway of some of my favorite things! If you do this on social media tag me @aboutprogress, otherwise just message me and let me know. One of the prizes is something from my very favorite makeup and skincare line.SHOW NOTES Vanessa's Instagram, #MomForce Podcast Get 20% off Monk Manuals with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ The game-changing brow gel - share the podcast for a chance to win one! 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 Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!) Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas, Sea of Ancestry by Jesse Gallagher, Safety Net by Riot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices