Reawakening Wonder: Why Innovation Starts From Within

by Kristina Karlsson

What if the key to innovation isn’t found in the boardroom or a to-do list — but in stillness, presence, and curiosity?

This week in our GROW Book Club session, we began a powerful new book, The Wonder Mindset: Innovate from Within by Sarah Pirie-Nally — and let me tell you, it’s exactly what many of us needed.

We explored the Introduction, and from the very first page, it stirred something in all of us.

Sarah shares a deeply personal story of burnout — a space many of us have landed in at some point — and how that experience led her to rediscover a powerful truth: we already have everything we need inside us.

We just need to pause long enough to hear it.

🔍 The Call to Innovate from Within

Sarah challenges a deeply embedded cultural narrative: that innovation and growth come from doing more, pushing harder, running faster.

Instead, she gently invites us to explore the radical idea that true innovation — the kind that’s sustainable, soulful and inspiring — starts with stillness. With cultivating wonder. With turning inward.

“Stillness creates the space for innovation.”
– Sarah Pirie-Nally, The Wonder Mindset

💛 What We Talked About in Our Session

Our group explored what it really means to embrace a Wonder Mindset. The insights and reflections were deep, raw, and uplifting — a testament to the incredible energy this book sparked.

Here are five themes that emerged:

1. Stillness isn’t optional — it’s essential.

“I hadn’t realised how noisy my inner world was until I read this. I’ve been craving quiet.”
– Cathy, GROW member

Sarah’s story resonated with many of us. In a world obsessed with doing, the idea that we could access more by slowing down felt radical — and healing.

2. Burnout is not a badge of honour.

“That part about unlearning burnout culture hit me hard. It’s so refreshing.”
– Sally, GROW member

There was a collective exhale in the group as we talked about redefining success — not by how much we do, but by how aligned we feel.

Sarah’s perspective reminded us that true productivity starts with energy and intention, not exhaustion.

3. Curiosity is a superpower — not a luxury.

“I’ve been treating curiosity like a luxury instead of a necessity.”
– Jen, GROW member

This shift in mindset was huge. We’re taught to focus, to deliver, to produce. But asking questions, exploring, wondering — these are the roots of creativity.

And creativity is not just for artists. It’s for all of us.

4. Presence reconnects us with purpose.

“When I’m in that headspace, I feel more connected to who I want to be.”
– Eliza, GROW member

When we pause, we can hear our inner voice again. This session reminded us that our truest ideas and desires don’t shout — they whisper.

But you have to slow down to hear them.

5. Small shifts make space for big changes.

Throughout the session, we talked about tiny, intentional changes that can lead to deep transformation. Things like:

• Leaving five minutes unscheduled

• Sitting in silence before starting the day

• Letting yourself daydream

• Journaling without judgment

These small acts, repeated over time, create room for creativity and inner clarity to flourish.

📚 The Power of Starting

There was something really special about starting with the Introduction of this book. It felt like an invitation — not just to read and learn, but to experiment and experience.

It also brought up some beautiful questions we’ll carry forward:

• Where have I been operating from autopilot rather than wonder?

• What would it look like to innovate from within in my own life?

• What am I ready to unlearn?

✨ Your Action This Week

At the end of our session, I offered this gentle challenge — and I’d love for you to try it too:

Take five minutes each day for stillness.

No phone. No distractions. Just you.

Notice what arises in that space.

Maybe an idea. A feeling. A memory. A desire.

Whatever comes up — honour it. This is where innovation begins.

💬 Ready to Join the Journey?

Every Monday night, our GROW community gathers to connect, reflect, and grow together through powerful books like this one.

It’s more than just a book club — it’s a weekly space for intentional living and real transformation.

If you're not already part of it and this blog sparked something in you — consider this your nudge.

Come and explore what’s possible when you pause, reconnect, and lead from within.

Let’s build our Wonder Mindset together 💛

📍Want to join us?

Learn more about GROW here: NEW Member trial offer - just $9!