About Progress

If you're an accomplished athlete, maybe you've heard of this topic. If you're not really an athlete (like me!) this still applies to you. Ready for a sort of cheesy analogy? You are an athlete of growth, and me and our guests are your progress cheerleaders! Today you're going to learn why overloading is the key to growth.Heather Fuller is a personal trainer who really advocates for wellness in all realms. She runs Happier Than Skinny with her sisters, an online platform sharing physical wellness tips with mindful messages behind them.The overload principle is best explained by Heather's marathon training analogy she gives in this episode. In super short summary it is pushing yourself in order to improve, or grow. This may seem only relevant to sport athletes, but reflect on how you can apply it to areas of your life. Where are you looking to change, perhaps you need a challenge. Where have you become too comfortable, would slight discomfort propel you forward?And before you tune in, rest assured we also talk about the important of rest! There is a takeaway in this episode for each of us that are just trying to become our best selves, with Heather's reminder "You are meant to be you."About a few other thingsI finally found a planner that keeps me on track and actually wanting to plan. The Monk Manualplanners have daily, weekly, and monthly pages - plus they are truly beautiful! For the month of July you can get 20% off with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS', after that the discount is 10%.I'm honored to be speaking at the Women's Wellness retreatin September, hosted by Heather and Happier Than Skinny. I'd love to see you there! Use code 'MONICA' for $100 off.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 Heather's Instagram, Website for retreat information - use code 'MONICA' for $100 off! Get 20% off Monk Manuals with code ‘ABOUTPROGRESS’ My very favorite lipstick - 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the new month comes a new theme, and I'm starting this episode off asking you to reconsider calling this one "dumb", ha! It's time to allow yourself to dream big. I suggest downloading the Progress Plan so you can work through it as you listen to this episode. I'm going to offer several shifts you can make in the way you look at dreams, as well as get realllly vulnerable and share 10 of my big dreams.Why dream big?I know what you're going to say, really I do. Dreaming big is often met with resistance - mostly from our own selves. So right away I'm tackling the excuses we're all using when it comes to following our dreams. This includes give you permission to get outside of your priorities.In this episode I also want you to understand that dreams can change, and they certainly look different for everyone. Nothing is too big or too small, so take action and claim them. But how?? I'm going to encourage you to write them down. And then something a little scarier: say them outloud. In fact, I believe so much in this idea that I wrote down my dreams (in present tense!) and read them to you at the end of the episode.Some of them are very specific, "I am a New York Times Best Selling Author." Some of them resonate with many of our dreams, "I am a world traveller." And some are a manifestation of who I want to be, "I am loving, passionate, fun, and stable." If I can share these personal dreams with thousands of you, I know you can do this in a way that works for you. I hope you take my challenge and tune in for the rest of this month's dream big inspired interviews!About a few other thingsI have always tried to write things down - you know this about my Do Something Lists, Progress Plans and more. But, using a planner has sometimes been a struggle. I found Monk Manuals on my own and this has been the only planner I've found myself totally committed to and really loving. They have been so generous to sponsor the podcast this month, and to offer an extra special (and huge!) discount of 20% off with code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' for July only.SHOW NOTES Get 20% off Monk Manuals 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 Apply for the Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (applicants taken monthly!) Join Monica on Facebook and Instagram Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas & Joakim Karud (Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/VF9_dCo6JT4) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This month the theme was "You Are Creative", and you heard guest interviews and my take on what creativity really means and how you can become the creative person you already are. Ashmae Hoiland, who I consider creativity personified, gave us permission to just create even if you might be "bad" at it. In the interview with Womb Sisters we heard from 3 women (so fun!) who gave their perspective on non-artistic creativity- my biggest takeaway was to create intention.Then Heidi Swapp, whose big heart you can just feel in her interview, shared her surprising creativity story that has benefitted her business and her family.I chose this month's theme because I am so passionate about creativity. Whether it's exercising, interior decorating, making dinner, podcasting, or whatever else I do almost daily I know I can be creative and that has given me purpose. If you don't know where to start, it's okay to mimic. And if you're just making up excuses, let me remind you that you are not lazy.Enough about me and even our special guests, this week's episode features members of our community just like you. Thank you for supporting these women who share their motivation, mindset shifts, and most importantly their hearts in this episode.About a few other thingsWith the new month coming up I will be accepting new applicants to the Progress Program. I would love to have you as part of our small group growth coaching!Our sponsor this month has been Come Follow Me FHE, a $5/month online subscription that provides you with New Testament based lessons every week. My family has really enjoyed learning together using these. You can use code 'ABOUTPROGRESS' for one month free!Thank you for celebrating my birthday all month long leaving a rating and review for the podcast. Next week I'm choosing one review from the month of June and will be spoiling that person with a ton of goodies! There's still time to leave one if you haven't already.Lastly, thank you for the outpouring of support for Podcast U! You can still enroll through June. There is ONE MORE free class, too.SHOW NOTES Podcast University is now live! Enrollment closes at the end of June. Join me live in my FREE class this month: 3 Things You MUST Know to Start Your Podcast 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

Sometimes I'm here to give you a bit of tough love, a kick in the pants as I like to call it! Today that looks like this: no more excuses! How many times have you pushed aside the spark of an idea with the excuse of laziness? You know what, you are not lazy. It's time to unpack why you're saying that and what to do about it.This month we have focused on creativity - getting started, what it looks like, what it doesn't look like, even how to mimic! If you have listened in, maybe even worked on your progress plan, and had any creativity sparks I sure hope you haven't pushed them aside. And if you have, it's time to figure out why you did that.I'm talking about the real reasons behind the laziness excuse, and maybe one or more will really resonate with you. There have been many instances in my life where I've chosen to pursue something scary, and I know it's hard work. I also know it's okay if you have to fail your way to the top. Remember, you are not lazy, but you may be using some of the tactics I discuss in this episode to talk your self out of your dreams.Apply this topic to almost anything, really. For me it's been a wide range: blogging, podcasting, baking, exercising, and more! Before you think that I think you should do everything all at once, I also believe in owning the things we just don't want that bad - again no excuses, though. I had to accept that I cared enough to put my fears aside and pursue my passions. I believe you can own that same mindset.About a few other thingsIf you feel inspired by something you've learned this month, would you share that with our community? Send me a voice message at hello@aboutprogress.com to be featured on the last episode of the month, the "Dear Progressor" episode.I am also celebrating my birthday all month long by spoiling those that leave a rating and review for the podcast. Each week I'll select a name and send them something fun to say thank you!Lastly, thank you for the outpouring of support for Podcast U! You can still enroll through June. The first of my 3 free classes is tomorrow! Check out the other dates if you are interested.SHOW NOTES -Podcast University is now live! Enrollment closes at the end of June. -Join me live in my FREE class this month: 3 Things You MUST Know to Start Your Podcast -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

Do you ever feel down about yourself when really you're just feeling down about your talents and abilities? It's time to stop and figure out what the story is that you're telling yourself. And please, rewrite if necessary to connect to your own creativity story. But what exactly is that?About connecting to your own creativity storyToday's guest is a scrapbooker. You remember the days of scrapbooking don't you?! Well she was scrapbooking before that, and still continues to do so to the tune of a very successful business, while being a mother and podcaster among other things. Heidi Swapp has a creativity story you may not expect by looking at her - she shares that creativity was actually discouraged by her family! Maybe that rings true for you too. Her story also includes losing her teenage son to suicide. And if in those darkest moments she could do it, you also can connect to your own creativity story.Yes, when it came to planning her 16-year-old's funeral Heidi allowed herself to be creative. And even when it wasn't popular, she recognized that her creativity was a gift she could give to her son, and continues to give to her people. All that is to say, don't be intimidated or discouraged, the ability to become creative lies within you, too. Feel free to look for it in moments and in ways that you, and others, may least expect to find it.Also part of Heidi's story? The opportunity to work with her idol, Martha Stewart! ...sort of. Listen in to hear the rest of that story and for the encouragement to let your little creative spark catch fire.About a few other thingsPodcast University has finally launched and I am excited and grateful for all of your support in making this dream a reality. You can check out the course (enrollment closes at the end of June) or you can take my FREE class offered three times this month: 3 Things You MUST Know to Start Your Podcast.When it comes to teaching my young children about the New Testament I have been so grateful to use Come Follow Me FHE as a resource for new and interesting ideas. For just $5/month we receive weekly lessons, activities, and pictures that everyone enjoys.SHOW NOTES Heidi's Website, Instagram, Facebook Podcast University is now live! Enrollment closes at the end of June. Join me live in my FREE class this month: 3 Things You MUST Know to Start Your Podcast Come Follow Me FHE for New Testament lessons meant for the whole family. 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

I used to think being creative meant doing something completely unique, whether it was in performance or product. I can see now the crippling effect that had on simply allowing myself to use my natural abilities and see them as creative. What shifted my mindset? Realizing you are allowed to mimic! If you're still not convinced, let me explain...In this Pinterest era you're hard pressed to find anything that truly hasn't been done before. In fact, we talked about that in this interview. But this isn't anything new; you can find famous works of art, historic architecture, even classic ballet performances that are continually replicated. The point is, this is OK.Tune in because I even share what this looks like in the podcasting world. Plus, the wise advice my mom gave to me that helped lead me to this resolve: you are allowed to mimic. When you feel stuck you can find something that resonates with you, observe it, love it, and then mimic it while making it your own. As I shared earlier this week on Instagram, more often than not, we would not be hurt by beginning.About a few other things:If you feel inspired by something you've learned this month, would you share that with our community? Send me a voice message at hello@aboutprogress.com to be featured on the last episode of the month, the "Dear Progressor" episode.I am also celebrating my birthday all month long by spoiling those that leave a rating and reviewfor the podcast. Each week I'll select a name and send them something fun to say thank you!Lastly, thank you for the outpouring of support for Podcast U! You can still enroll through June. Spots for the free classthis month have also been filling up, so check out the available dates for that if you are interested.SHOW NOTES Podcast University is now live! Enrollment closes at the end of June. Join me live in my FREE class this month: 3 Things You MUST Know to Start Your PodcastCome Follow Me FHE for New Testament lessons meant for the whole family. Get your first month+ FREE with Libsyn using code MONICA FREE Printables, including this month’s Progress PlanLend your voice and experience + be featured on the show HEREJoin the free and private FB groupApply 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

I love to paint, but it has been put on the back burner these days with all the other things I juggle. So, does that mean I'm not creative? I still come up with meals my whole family eats, squeeze in my favorite workouts, interview incredible podcast guests (like these ladies!) and I just launched a 10 lesson online podcasting course. And that's not at all to toot my own horn, but it is to say that I DO still create daily. The shift I've had, and hope to teach you, is in cultivating your non-artistic creativity.About non-artistic creativityThe Womb Sisters, comprised of sisters Gentry and Bergen plus sister-in-law Sarah, created an online community for women of faith to grow in sovereignty. They do not shy away from complex, even taboo, issues. Instead, they have created a safe place for heartfelt discussion (and with a gorgeous aesthetic to boot!) between women.In this interview all three ladies chime in about what creativity looks like for them. Gentry shares how she creates family time, with inspiring and doable examples. Bergen challenges us to use our energy to create, rather than consume - with a poignant message about the benefits of social media. Then Sarah teaches how creativity can emerge from chaos.You'll see that some pursuits deliver beautiful products, while others may only be identifiable to the creator themselves. Regardless, no one idea of creativity is less than another. You already hold your unique piece to the creativity puzzle, you just need to dust it off and enjoy it for what it is.About a few other thingsPodcast University has finally launched and I am excited and grateful for all of your support in making this dream a reality. You can check out the course (enrollment closes at the end of June) or you can take my FREE class offered three times this month: 3 Things You MUST Know to Start Your Podcast.Me and my family have been using and loving Come Follow Me FHE to learn more about the New Testament. For just $5/month we receive weekly lessons, activities, and pictures that everyone enjoys.SHOW NOTES Womb Sister's Instagram. Podcast University is now live! Enrollment closes at the end of June. Join me live in my FREE class this month: 3 Things You MUST Know to Start Your Podcast Come Follow Me FHE for New Testament lessons meant for the whole family. 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 been surprised by discovering something new about yourself recently? So many of us are surprised by where our creativity can take us. Don't stop here if you think you're not creative, because you are. You may just need to give yourself permission to create. Whatever that looks like for you, you can explore it with grace, curiosity, and simply just for you.Ashmae Hoiland shares that, despite writing several works, she only recently became comfortable calling herself a writer. If you have also struggled to claim your creativity you will feel inspired by her journey towards doing that. She is also an illustrator and a mother, as well as navigating a significant health challenge, which she opens up about in this episode.Perhaps you have given up on being creative, but here is the assurance that creative periods do ebb and flow. It's like any relationship, really! Ashmae encourages you to create for no one except yourself, and see how that feels. Your life is constantly contributing to your ability to create - sometimes you need to take the time to process and acknowledge that, and sometimes you can jump right in and run with it. Either way, tune in for the permission to create you maybe didn't even know you needed.About a few other thingsIf you would like to learn more with Ashmae, check out her course here, where you can use code ABOUTPROGRESS to get $25 off until June 12th.I also share a valuable resource my family loves for New Testament learning, Come Follow Me FHE. With a $5/month subscription you receive weekly lessons meant to inspire and bring families together in a positive way.Sign-up for tips on podcasting and be one of the first to hear my big announcement coming up this month!SHOW NOTES Ashmae's Website (use code ABOUTPROGRESS for $25 off the course) and Instagram. Come Follow Me FHE for New Testament lessons meant for the whole family. 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

With the new month comes a new theme, and I really hope this one doesn't scare anyone off! We are going to dive into creativity - what it is, what it isn't, and how to have more of it in our daily lives. I suggest downloading the Progress Plan so you can work through it as you listen to this episode where I remind you of something that maybe you've forgotten: you ARE creative.About creativity myths and motivationThere are a lot of myths about creativity, for instance saying it needs to be artistic, traditionally fun, produce a product, etc. You know the myths and maybe that's why you're nervous. Because as a result you've simply told yourself you're not creative, and that's now the story you believe. But, you are!In this episode I give countless examples of what creativity can look like, and share specifically what works for me. I urge you to consider your natural gifts and interests, to pursue those creatively. For me, a "30 by 30" bucket list along these lines launched everything you're a part of here today. I had no idea that would happen at the time, but I sure am grateful.SHOW NOTES Podcast episode with Lisa Funk "Developing our Creativity and Using it as a Tool to Fight Depression" Book "Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear", Netflix "The Creative Brain", Time Magazine "The Science of Creativity", Cultivate a Good Life Podcast "What Creativity Really Means" 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 HeidlasGive yourself permission to create, and to do so in whatever way it happens to look like for you. Also to redefine what creativity is at this point in your life, if you need to. I'll link several more resources to get those juices flowing below in the show notes. I can't wait to hear from you this month as we progress in our talents and grow in our willingness to try new things.About a few other thingsYou may have noticed something about last month's solo episodes - I opened up a lot about the behind-scenes-of my life and this podcast. There is a reason and I cannot wait to tell you everything on June 13th. If you want to be one of the first to know just sign up here.Last thing, did you hear me read that podcast review? Those mean the world to me, thank you!! I'm celebrating my birthday month by asking you to leave a rating and review if you haven't already, then I'm rewarding one each week with some of my favorite things as prizes. Even something short and sweet will help our community grow, so we can reach everyone who needs to hear these lessons and messages.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This month the theme was "Progress is Messy", and you heard guest interviews and my take on what that looks like in real life. Natalie Norton shared her perspective on "How to Get Out of a Funk" - with simple tips for you and stories from her own life. Patrice Washington discussed "What to do When the Growing gets Tough" - including her own rise and how to deal with resistance. Rachel Nielson let us in on her tips for "Narrowing In and Buckling Down on your Personal Habits" - giving her take on saying no, and the domino effect of even one good habit.I also got personal this month, with 3 bonus episodes related to my own journey here, as a podcaster! Over the past 2 years my growth has been slow, and I shared my real feelings about that. More specifically related to podcasting, I also finally answered the questions, "Do I make any money from podcasting?" and "How do I podcast as a SAHM?" Hopefully you found inspiration in any one of these episodes to keep moving forward with your growth, because progress is messy - for all of us!About today's episodeEach month I ask for listener submissions from you, and every month I am blown away. Real women shared their personal stories and what they learned this month. Tune in and you will feel the community that has been cultivated here, where we truly know life is about progress, not perfection.SHOW NOTES 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 Sign up for my weekly newsletter. Songs Credit: Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices