Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Packer.
Hi Monica, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was the stereotypical overachieving perfectionist who lived by the “ALL” of the all-or-nothing model, until I hit rock bottom in my early 20s with a series of life-threatening and life-altering mental health crises. For nearly 10 years that followed, I swung to the other side of the perfectionism pendulum, staying safe in the “NOTHING.”
But, another series of lows as a young mother forced me to take a hard look at how perfectionism–in all of its forms–was keeping me stuck, creating deep suffering and insecurity, and making me resentful of the beautiful life I always wanted.
I knew I didn’t necessarily need my life to look different; it needed to feel different. And as part of that, I had to find another way to grow, to become, and to develop into the person I wanted to be–alllll outside the all-or-nothing model that failed me my entire life.
This became what has now been a years-long experiment as I have worked to uncover the truest model to lasting personal growth: it’s progress made practical.
As part of my path, I have hosted the top-rated podcast About Progress (approaching 3 million downloads!) to back not just my experiment (+ my experience of being a recovering perfectionist), but with real women who are finding similarly dramatic, life-changing progress all outside of the perfectionism model.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Progress is NEVER linear, and it’s never smooth. 🙂
I’ve faced tremendous struggles both personally and professionally, starting with digging my way out of a depressive hole. I’ve had to have the courage to do things differently, and that means being willing to have failures as part of the process, and fiercely believing in the power of small wins. The biggest test has become one of my biggest passions: identity. Figuring out who I am took years, and it’s been challenged over and over, from rejections on my show, failed launches with past courses, and personally as a mom of 4 (almost 5), two of whom have special needs. Knowing who I am and what matters to me has been a touchstone to all that I’ve worked on, especially advocating for and helping my children without falling into patterns of victimhood and resentment.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
About Progress is a community of women who believe in and practice the process to true growth: small wins build over time. We do personal development differently! From identity, to habits, to personal fulfillment, women learn how to compassionately get in touch with who they are and support that sense of self in their day-to-day lives.
My podcast has over 430 episodes. I’ve interviewed top NYT-selling authors, to award-winning theater directors, to everyday women who share their story of choosing progress over perfection.
My course, the Sticky Habit Method, has helped hundreds of women do habits differently. Real women with real lives aren’t able to follow the all-or-nothing model to habit formation that we’ve been taught from our childhoods; we’ve been set up to fail. There’s another way to create supportive habits–and it’s possible for women who have little time, low support, and a high demand for flexibility.
In addition to my podcast and my course, I’ve coached women in groups and 1-on-1 for almost 5 years. It’s deeply rewarding work, and it stretches both me and my clients to rise up to the truest versions of ourselves.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Listen to my podcast, About Progress, wherever you get your podcasts. And join the Sticky Habit Method! https://www.workinprogressacademy.co/sticky-habit-method
Pricing:
- SHM $67
- Podcast, free!!
- 1-on-1 coaching is currently booked out
Contact Info:
- Website: www.aboutprogress.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aboutprogress/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aboutprogress
- Other: https://www.workinprogressacademy.co/sticky-habit-method
Image Credits
Baley VanWagoner
