AP 772: Handling household chaos, juggling book edits, the thrill of surprise outings, the simple joys of theater and hobbies || Messy Middle April 2026

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!  Preorder Sticky Habits book Check to see if you won a prize from our Favorite Things Giveaway. Get the free DSL Training. Check out Monica’s DSL for 2026. Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good. Join the Book Launch Committee for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book.  Transform your space now. Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home; Join Masterclass for 15% off at masterclass.com/progress Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've ever stood in your kitchen at 5:00 PM wondering if everyone really needs to eat again, you're not alone. The constant planning and responsibility can be overwhelming, but Shannon Lyon offers some great strategies. By planning only two to three real meals a week and always cooking extra protein, you can significantly lighten your load. Matching your meal plan to your actual life, giving yourself permission to make dinners simple, and building in one special meal each week are doable steps towards a more enjoyable family dining experience. It's all about creating a joyful and sustainable routine that includes meals your family loves and moments you cherish together, even if it’s just over grilled cheeses. Let's embrace these small, consistent efforts to make feeding our family an achievement rather than an obligation. Preorder Sticky Habits book today! Get 50% off ⁠More for Moms All-Access Pass⁠ with code LISTENER at checkout. 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. ⁠Leave a rating and review⁠ Check out my ⁠⁠workshops⁠⁠! Follow About Progress on ⁠YOUTUBE⁠! ⁠Full Show Notes Get your AirDoctorPro air purifier with the discount code “MONICA.” Transform your space now. Go to https://www.quince.com/monica for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home; Join Masterclass for 15% off at masterclass.com/progress Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If personal growth and development is important to you but you're constantly running on empty, this conversation is for you. Janssen Bradshaw joins us to talk about one of the most overlooked forms of self care for mothers — how you spend your weekends. We dig into the daily habits that quietly drain us (screens and endless chores, anyone?), and how a little self-compassion and realistic thinking can help you stop being a perfectionist about how your weekends "should" look. If you've been wondering how to feel happy without a total life overhaul, this episode offers a refreshingly doable path toward more joy, rest, and connection — right where you already are. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/take-back-your-weekends Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! More for Moms Conference use code “LISTENER” for $20 off Leave a rating and review Check out my ⁠workshops⁠! Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE! Book Launch Committee Full Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2018 was a pivotal year for my podcast, marking its second full year and a transformative period for me personally. From the rollercoaster of welcoming my fourth child, who faced significant health challenges, to the excitement of turning my podcast into a budding business with the support of my first team member and a business coach, it was a whirlwind. In the same year, I took a significant leap by discussing my faith journey publicly, an experience both unifying and daunting. Episode 123, "Navigating LDS Faith Crises," became a standout moment, connecting me with many listeners on a deeper level. Although reflecting back I see where I was naive or hopeful, I am still proud of my courage in sharing my story. These experiences shaped who I am today and taught me to be vulnerable while preserving parts of myself for my own growth and understanding. Preorder Sticky Habits ⁠book today! Get 50% off More for Moms All-Access Pass with code LISTENER at checkout. 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. Leave a rating and review Check out my ⁠workshops⁠! Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE! Full Show Notes Get your AirDoctorPro air purifier with the discount code “MONICA.” Transform your space now. Go to https://www.quince.com/monica for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home; Join Masterclass for 15% off at masterclass.com/progress Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As parents, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the technological temptations that our children face daily. I recently spoke with Catherine Price about her latest book, "The Awesome Generation," a powerful guide for families aiming to cultivate a healthier relationship with technology, especially for kids. Technology is pervasive, and while it's reshaping childhood, it’s vital that we guide our children to use it wisely. It’s about balance and taking small, collaborative steps as a family to navigate this digital age. What do our kids gain when they look beyond the screen? A whole world of possibilities where they can reclaim their time for hobbies, adventures, and moments that create lasting memories. Let’s help them become the pioneers of change, choosing to live life fully, beyond the digital realm. Join the ⁠Supporters Club⁠ to keep About Progress around for good. Join the ⁠Book Launch Committee⁠ for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book.  ⁠Get the free DSL Training⁠. Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! More for Moms Conference use code “LISTENER” for $20 off Leave a rating and review Check out my ⁠workshops⁠! Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE! Book Launch Committee Full Show Notes Get your AirDoctorPro air purifier with the discount code “MONICA.” Transform your space now. Go to https://www.quince.com/monica for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home; Join Masterclass for 15% off at masterclass.com/progress Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trying to build better daily habits but life (and kids) keep interrupting? In this conversation with Ashley Brown, we talk about why starting small is the key to lasting personal growth and development. Instead of chasing perfect routines, you’ll learn how simple daily habits can support self-improvement, self-compassion, and real self care for mothers.  If you’ve ever wondered how to feel happy while juggling motherhood, responsibilities, and personal goals, this episode offers practical ideas that actually work in real life. We discuss how letting go of perfectionism, focusing on small wins, and building flexible routines can support your personal development and help you create a life that feels lighter and more aligned.  This episode is for anyone working on personal growth, learning how to stop being a perfectionist, and looking for sustainable ways to feel happier through small daily habits. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/3-routines-to-consider-right-nowSign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! More for Moms Conference use code “LISTENER” for $20 off Leave a rating and review Check out my ⁠workshops⁠! Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE! Book Launch Committee Full Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I've often heard from Progressors who question how to prioritize personal time amidst a bustling life. Practically speaking, the steps to prioritize yourself include putting your interests on the calendar, seeking support, and ensuring accountability. Rewarding yourself afterward and starting small makes this process more enjoyable and manageable. When using your Do Something List (DSL), keep it visible, adjust it as needed, and don't hesitate to reach out for a bit of accountability from others. I've found that sharing my progress openly encourages consistency. So, to all Progressors out there, place just one thing on your calendar this month and witness how this small step can lead to valuable growth. Get the free DSL Training. Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! More for Moms Conference use code “LISTENER” for $20 off Leave a rating and review Check out my ⁠workshops⁠! Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE! Book Launch Committee Full Show Notes Transform your space now. Go to https://www.quince.com/monica for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home; Join Masterclass for 15% off at masterclass.com/progress Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If there's one thing I learned from my coaching call with Madeline, it's that taking action without having all the answers right away is a challenge that many of us face. It's so easy to get stuck in the comfort of indecision, paralyzed by the fear of making the "wrong" choice. But what if I told you that the true transformation lies within the process itself, not just the destination? This insight can make the path forward seem less daunting and more about embracing the learning journey. Whether it's updating an old dresser or deciding the next big life move, the key is in taking that first action to start building momentum. So, if you're at a crossroads, consider what excites you, what you truly want, and begin your journey by doing something small. Remember, the magic happens not in the final outcome, but in the process of getting there. Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good. Join the Book Launch Committee for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book. Get the free DSL Training. More for Moms Conference use code “LISTENER” for $20 off Leave a rating and review Check out my ⁠workshops⁠! Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE! Book Launch Committee Full Show Notes Transform your space now. Go to https://www.quince.com/monica for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home; Join Masterclass for 15% off at masterclass.com/progress Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do we procrastinate even when we care about the outcome? In this episode of H&K with Monica Packer and Rachel Nielsen, we explore how perfectionism and emotions can quietly hold us back from the life we want. If you’ve ever wondered how to stop being a perfectionist, build healthier daily habits, and feel happier in your day-to-day life, this conversation will give you a new perspective. We talk about self-compassion, personal development, and simple mindset shifts that support real personal growth and development—especially for women and mothers who want to prioritize self-care without the pressure to be perfect. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-to-disrupt-your-procrastination-loops Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! More for Moms Conference use code “LISTENER” for $20 off Leave a rating and review Check out my ⁠workshops⁠! Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE! Book Launch Committee Full Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Writing my book has been one of the most personal and challenging experiences of my life. When editing, the scariest part was opening myself up to feedback from editors, advanced readers, and even my husband. This vulnerability pushed me out of the perfectionism I used to hide behind, teaching me that true growth comes from allowing others to see our true selves and accepting their insights without personalizing the criticism. It's not just about the book—it's a metaphor for life. When we let the right people in, those we love and respect, we open ourselves to deeper, more meaningful relationships. This openness is how we refine not just our projects but ourselves. I invite you to embrace the discomfort of vulnerability and let trusted loved ones provide feedback, because that's how we truly grow and connect. Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! More for Moms Conference use code “LISTENER” for $20 off Leave a rating and review Check out my ⁠workshops⁠! Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE! Book Launch Committee Full Show Notes  Transform your space now. Go to https://www.quince.com/monica for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home; Join Masterclass for 15% off at masterclass.com/progress Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices