Why Self-Care Feels Impossible for Moms and How to Make Habits Actually Stick with Monica Packer – Podcast Ep 197

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If you’ve ever started a new routine on Monday only to abandon it by Thursday, I can confidently say that you are not alone. So many moms feel like they lack discipline when in reality… they’ve simply been taught habits the wrong way.

But what do I mean when I say, “the wrong way?” Well, between caring for children, managing a household, working, and trying to squeeze in a little time for themselves, it’s obvious why so many women feel like personal growth always ends up at the bottom of the to-do list. And when life inevitably gets messy, those carefully planned routines are usually the first thing to disappear.

In this episode of Chick Chat, I sat down with Monica Packer, habit and identity coach, bestselling podcaster, and founder of About Progress, to talk about why perfectionism quietly sabotages our growth and what it actually takes to build habits that last. Her approach is refreshingly realistic and gives women permission to stop chasing perfection and start making meaningful progress instead.

Meet Monica Packer

Monica Packer is a recovering perfectionist, habit and identity coach, writer, and the founder of About Progress, a community dedicated to helping women embrace sustainable growth through progress instead of perfection.

She’s the host of the top-rated About Progress podcast, which has reached millions of listeners, and has coached thousands of women through lasting personal change. Her upcoming book, Sticky Habits, explores why so many traditional approaches to habits fail and introduces a practical framework for building routines that actually fit real life.

A former middle school teacher, mom of five, sourdough enthusiast, and beginning gardener, Monica understands firsthand the constant balancing act mothers face. Her work helps women stop measuring themselves by impossible standards and instead build lives rooted in consistency, self-compassion, and realistic growth.

What We Discussed

In this episode, Monica and I explored why so many women struggle to maintain healthy routines and how small changes can create lasting transformation.

Some of the topics we covered include:

• Why perfectionism is often the biggest obstacle to creating lasting habits.
• What Monica means by “progress made practical.”
• The hidden habit saboteur that quietly derails so many women.
• Why self-care often feels like a luxury instead of a necessity.
• The societal pressures that leave moms feeling overwhelmed and why so much of that stress isn’t their fault.
• Why traditional habit advice doesn’t work for many women.
• What actually makes a habit “sticky.”
• Monica’s five categories of Sticky Habits and how to identify which area deserves your attention first.
• Where to begin if you feel like you’ve failed at every routine you’ve ever tried.
• One small shift you can make this week to build real momentum.
• What Monica wants every woman who believes she’s “not disciplined enough” to know.

This was such a great conversation filled with practical encouragement for moms who are tired of feeling like they’re constantly starting over. Monica’s approach replaces guilt with grace and perfection with progress, making personal growth feel possible again.

Final Thoughts

One of my favorite reminders from this conversation is that growth happens when we keep showing up, even imperfectly.

If you’ve been waiting until life feels less busy, your kids get older, or you finally feel motivated enough to become the person you want to be, I hope this episode gives you permission to stop waiting and the guidance on how to start. You don’t need a complete life overhaul. You simply need one small next step.

Whether you’re hoping to build healthier routines, take better care of yourself, or finally let go of perfectionism, Monica’s wisdom offers a refreshing and sustainable path forward.

Be sure to listen to the full episode of Chick Chat, and if this conversation resonates with you, share it with another mom who could use the reminder that progress will always matter more than perfection.

Monica’s Resources:

• Website: aboutprogress.com
• Instagram: @aboutprogress
• Her podcast: About Progress
• Her Book: Sticky Habits