We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Monica Packer. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Monica below.
Monica, we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?
2023 has rocked my world, for the best of reasons: we added a child to our family. With him being my 5th child, and my 3rd baby while working on my podcast and coaching, I thought I would be able to get into a rhythm quite quickly. Well, let’s just say I’ve been humbled. In working through this major adjustment, I felt like I could only give 10% to anything besides my baby and other children. The house fell to the wayside; email was moved far down the priority list; I delayed some programs I planned on launching. To be honest, I wanted to be just back to my normal productive self, and making progress with my business. But, one thing I KNEW I had to prioritize and as quickly as possible was taking care of myself SO that I could show up to my responsibilities as that self. That had to happen in small ways–taking a short walk, prioritizing going to bed earlier, making my lunches in advance each week–but those small ways I cared for myself not only helped me feel like me, it helped me by more efficient with my responsibilities. Slowly, but surely, I’ve been able to increase what I can do within a day. Things shifted to the back burner are being moved to the full flame. I’m taking back on coaching clients, I’m working towards big goals with my podcast. I’ve been able to go on more adventures around town with my kids. And I know it’s all owed to how I’ve done my best to care for myself where and how I could.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Most of my work energy goes into creating a podcast designed to change lives. It’s called About Progress for a reason, going back to a time in my life where I finally learned I had to embrace progress over perfection. 7 years ago, I felt lost in the beautiful life I always wanted. I was stuck on the sidelines of my own life for years. Why? Perfectionism. A lifetime of tying my worth to my outcomes led me to either work too hard, or too little. I recognized that I didn’t need my life to look different, I needed it to feel different. I had to start with rediscovering who I am and finding a new way to progress outside the all-or-nothing pendulum I’d been on my entire life. This became an accidental years-long experiment that completely changed all areas of my life, but without me abandoning my life. Along the way, I created a community of thousands of women who are ready to own that life is about progress, not perfection, and similarly transform their lives from the inside out. We learn together on the podcast, talking to major experts and everyday people who have profound lessons on what progress really looks like. As a former teacher, I love to teach on the show and coach individually with clients. Somewhere along the way, I went from having very few personally supportive habits to knowing that my everyday life had to match the deeper identity in me–but I had to form a new habit formation method that worked outside of perfectionism. I created the Sticky Habit Method to fill the gap I found in the industry. It’s designed for real women leading real lives. Their time is limited, their support is low, and their energy is languishing. But, that doesn’t mean they can’t form consistent habits–in fact, having a few supportive habits is what will improve the most important areas of their lives. The podcast, my course and coaching, and my upcoming membership group have created the most amazing and unexpected community in my adult life. I’d love for other women to check us out and join us in a pursuit of doable, but still dramatic, personal progress.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
My work is well-known for having people burn out, and fast. I’ve been an indie podcaster for coming up on 7 years. There’s been SO many ups and downs, so much so that I honestly believe creating and growing my podcast has been the ultimate way I’ve had to test what I teach on my show. When I look back on the last 7 years, I know that 3 qualities have helped me persist, and will continue to do so for hopefully many years to come:
1) A love of learning: not only do I find myself insatiable for the science and psychology of personal growth, I’ve also found that learning instrumental in the logistical side of doing my work. As an English major and former English teacher, I never expected marketing and business to be a big part of my life; but I’ve had to learn about it and I credit my love for learning, period, that has helped me do what I’ve had to do to make my work . . . work.
2) Perspective: I knew early on in working on my show WHY I was there and WHAT I wanted it to become. Having this big picture in mind has helped propel me when I’ve been crushed my self-doubt, a dip in ratings, and bad launches. It’s what’s kept me in this work, and finding great fulfillment in it, too.
3) A willingness to pivot: every part of my industry has changed and continues to change. I’ve had 6 cover arts for my show, just as an illustration! I know that in order to move towards my big picture, I have to be willing to pivot and do things differently. Right now, I know I have to shift from good audio to also learning how to do good video. It’s another learning curve, and one I know it’s time to make so my work can be seen by more women who desire a way to grow outside of perfectionism.
If someone is just starting out, I hope they can simply start by asking themselves WHY they want to do what they’re doing. As clearly as they can define that, the more likely they’ll be able to have the curiosity, dedication, and flexibility any entrepreneurial work will require of them.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed, I like to do a few things.
1) Go on a walk outside. Being in nature clears my head. It allows me to think–whether it’s about what I”m overwhelmed over, or anything but. I find clarity more in the fresh air + a needed respite.
2) Brain dump. Just get out alllllll the to-do’s. Then look them over and ask a few filter questions: “What really matters for my big picture? What needs to happen first? What can I delay? What can I drop? What can I simplify?” Greg McKeown’s book, Effortless, has helped me a TON the last few years as he pushes you to take even the essential things and make them easier. I was lucky enough to interview him in 2022; it’s a conversation I’ll remember the rest of my life.
3) Get creative OUTSIDE your job. I love to bake, especially with sourdough. I find using my hands to be very soothing and grounding. I’ve recently learned how to paint flowers on my bread so it becomes a little piece of art. Spending creative time outside of your work is energizing; that’s exactly what you need when everything feels too much.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.aboutprogress.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/aboutprogress
- Facebook: facebook.com/aboutprogress
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aboutprogress
Image Credits
Baley VanWagoner
