
AP 813: How I’m Feeling the Day Before My Book is Published || + Why Writing This Book Felt Personal and What I Hope it Changes in the Self-Help Industry at Large
About ProgressShow Notes
In this episode I'm getting real with you the day before my book Sticky Habits officially publishes. This isn't a heavily outlined or scripted episode — it's a fireside chat where I'm sharing honestly about what this moment feels like from the inside. I talk about the intense, exhausting year it's been, the stress that's shown up in my body, the self-doubt that keeps creeping in alongside the excitement, and how publishing a book that's so deeply personal feels like standing at mile 25 of a marathon with no idea what waits on the other side of the finish line.
I also share my hopes for what this book can do — not just for my own work and family, but for women everywhere who deserve a better, more realistic approach to habits. And I get honest about the choice I know I'll have to keep making: to pay attention to the empty chairs or the full ones. This episode is my way of thanking you for being part of this journey, and asking you to help me carry this book across the finish line.
Complementary episodes: The BTS episodes: Here and Here; Messy Middle of Dreams
Order Sticky Habits!
Sign up for the More for Moms Conference with $10 early bird pass: “LISTENER.”
Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good.
Get the free DSL Training.
This episode brought to you by Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; and from REBEL, your next favorite find is waiting at fromrebel.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More from About Progress
In this Growth Spurt, I share a moment from narrating my audiobook for Sticky Habits when I spotted small errors that survived countless rounds of editing. Spiraling into self-doubt, I had to remind myself that even masterpieces like Harry Potter and Oppenheimer aren't perfect — and that mistakes aren't just unavoidable, they're a necessary part of the path. The only way to avoid mistakes is by not trying, and that's the biggest mistake of all.
How many times have you caught yourself scrolling and immediately thought, "Oh no, I did it again. I seriously need more self-control"? I've done this too. We all do. But what if scrolling isn't proof that you lack discipline? In this episode, I talk with Ruby Ryba, author of How to Stop Scrolling, about a much more compassionate way to use our phones less.
Ever wonder why you feel like you have to hustle for everything, or why one critical comment can undo a whole good day? In this clip, Jessica Hottel gets honest about growing up in survival mode and how those early beliefs followed her into adulthood: the approval-chasing, the trouble resting, and the shutting down when she felt triggered.
After months of interviews for my book Sticky Habits, one question kept coming up: "How do you make time for self-care habits?" And it stopped me in my tracks. We love to say "just make time," but honestly? I think that reeks of toxic positivity. I spent a year and a half waking up at 5:00 AM to write my book while walking, doing strength training, and running on fumes — and it nearly broke me. You will never make time for everything — need, good, or worthy — and that's not just okay, it's the whole point. So let's talk about what it really means to make time for what matters, without losing yourself in the process.
Have you ever looked around your home and thought, "I'm just bad at this"? I've been there too — wrong-size rugs, bad paint colors, the works. In this episode, I talk with interior decorating educator Dani Watson about why perfectionism — not lack of talent — is what really keeps us stuck. Dani shares her own messy learning journey and teaches us that decorating is a skill anyone can build.