The Small, Painfully Slow Wins That Make Change Last

At 20, Monica’s eating disorders and suicidal thoughts led her to seek urgent help at her university counseling office. Years later, as a young mother of three, severe depression returned—and a therapist helped her see that perfectionism hadn’t disappeared; it had shifted into all-or-nothing thinking. Monica joins Emily Cleghorn to explain how she spent a decade rebuilding her life through small steps, self-compassion, and a new definition of progress. She also shares the unexpected relief of being told recovery might take a lifetime—and how, 20 years later, those once-overwhelming thoughts have become “like a little fly.”

Bullet Points

- Perfectionism, overachievement, and the cost of tying self-worth to outcomes- Eating disorder recovery and mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety- The impact of trauma and life experiences on perfectionistic patterns- Rebuilding identity beyond achievements, failures, and productivity- The relationship between beliefs, identity, habits, and behavior- Using awareness, self-compassion, and small attempts to support lasting change- Replacing shame and all-or-nothing thinking with patience and flexibility- The courage required to change familiar patterns and accept gradual progress- Developing sustainable habits that fit real life and interruptions- Finding support through therapy, self-help resources, and habit-building guidance

Connect with Monica: https://stickyhabitsbook.com

https://aboutprogress.com

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