About Progress

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! 

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Feeding our families is a never-ending task, one that can weigh heavily on both our minds and wallets. I used to feel overwhelmed by the constant need to plan, shop, and cook meals, but I've discovered a few strategies that have transformed our dinner routine into something manageable and even enjoyable. By keeping an essentials list, planning and shopping biweekly, and focusing on simple repeat meals, I’m not only saving money but also finding more peace around mealtime. These approaches have allowed me to reduce stress and spend more quality time with my family, enjoying meals rather than dreading them. I hope these insights help you reclaim your evenings and bring joy back to your family dinners this summer.

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Recent episodes on a similar topic: 3 Simple Ways to Take the Dread Out of Dinner, A Simpler Way to Feed Your Family, How I’ve Saved Major Money On Groceries; How to Dramatically Cut Your Grocery Bill

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What happens when your body finally says enough — even when you love your work, even when everything looks fine from the outside? Becky Higgins shares the moment an anxiety attack forced her to stop, let go, and make the biggest trade-off of her life. What she discovered on the other side — more confidence, more clarity, more alignment — is a reminder that rest isn't the opposite of personal growth and development. It might actually be the path to it. If you've been white-knuckling your way through your daily habits and responsibilities, wondering why you still don't feel happy, this one's for you.

Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/why-you-need-to-say-no-to-good-things

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As I reflect on 2020 in celebration of About Progress turning 10, I'm reminded of how the global pandemic altered life as we knew it, personally affecting our family with immediate, life-altering decisions. Looking back, I'm proud of how I showed up for my community, even when navigating difficult discussions online about race and politics.

Behind the mic, 2020 was both a professional boon and a personal gauntlet. Despite the upheavals, I remain grateful for the thriving support of my community and the success of Podcast University, proof that confronting discomfort can lead to profound opportunities. While I continue to balance openness with privacy, the common thread remains—curiosity and connection, the fuel of our shared journey on About Progress.

Old episodes to support: Interviews with Arielle Estoria, Nir Eyal, Brooke Snow, Jasmine Bradshaw, and Kolbie Blume, What to do When You Don’t Know What to do About Racism

 ⁠Get the Best Summer Ever Workshop at half-off⁠ old pricing!

 ⁠Preorder Sticky Habits ⁠book today!

Join the ⁠Book Launch Committee⁠ for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book.

Join the ⁠Supporters Club⁠ to keep About Progress around for good.

 ⁠Get the free DSL Training⁠.

Get your ⁠AirDoctor purifie⁠r for up to $300 off with the discount code “MONICA.”  Get your teen ⁠Knix⁠ with code “PROGRESS.” Go to ⁠Quince⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.
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Shang Saavedra is a personal finance expert who helped me rethink frugality in a liberating way. Our conversation explored the emotional roots of our money habits, revealing how mental health significantly impacts financial literacy. Shang shared her personal story of living off 20% of her income during her twenties, not out of scarcity, but with the goal of buying time and freedom later. This approach was truly eye-opening, showing me that frugality can lead to joy when it's aligned with our values. Shang's inspiring and compassionate approach left me feeling more empowered and hopeful about my financial journey, and I hope sharing her insights will motivate you to embark on your path to financial freedom too.

Shang's free investing guide, Instagram, website

Referenced ⁠IG post⁠

Preorder Sticky Habits book today!

Join the Book Launch Committee for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book.

Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good.

Get the free DSL Training.

Get the Best Summer Ever Workshop at half-off old pricing! 

Recent episode on a similar topic: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/you-re-not-bad-at-money-how-to-build-a-system-instead-of-a-budget-with-rebecca-palmer

Get your AirDoctor purifier for up to $300 off with the discount code “MONICA.”  Get your teen Knix with code “PROGRESS.” Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.
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