#302 - THE WONDER MINDSET, with Sarah Pirie-Nally

 

Welcome to another episode of Your Dream Life podcast!

Today, I’m thrilled to bring you an inspiring conversation with my dear friend, Sarah Pirie-Nally.

Sarah is a globally recognized innovation strategist, author, and speaker whose life’s work centers around harnessing wonder to drive personal growth and sustainable change. Her approach has transformed countless lives—including my own!—by empowering people to explore the curiosity and playfulness that brings us closer to our dreams.

In this episode, Sarah shares her journey from struggling with self-doubt to embracing what she calls “The Wonder Mindset.”

She opens up about the techniques that have helped her and others reignite their sense of wonder and live intentionally. Sarah’s methods are both practical and inspiring, helping you reconnect with your dreams by making small but powerful shifts.

If you’re ready to step out of your comfort zone and rekindle that childlike curiosity within, this episode is for you.

Let’s dive into “The Wonder Mindset” together.

As always, I’d LOVE to hear what resonates with you from this episode and what you plan to implement after listening in. So please share and let’s keep the conversation going in the Dream Life Podcast Facebook Group here.    

Have a wonderful weekend… and remember, it all starts with a dream 💛

Enjoy! 

Kristina 💛

Dream Life Founder  

SHOW NOTES:

• Melbourne Breakfast Event with Kristina and Sarah - Kristina and Sarah are hosting a breakfast event in Melbourne at the end of November. It’s a unique opportunity to meet them in person, receive a Dream Life Journal and Sarah’s book, and engage in inspiring discussions. Keep an eye out for the date here...

• Sarah's Book: The Wonder Mindset - Discover Sarah’s book, for practical tools, exercises, and insights on harnessing wonder to unlock your potential. Perfect for anyone looking to make meaningful life changes

• Join my Platinum Coaching Program - where in November the focus is on SETTING YOUR MINDSET FOR 2025, and Sarah will be our superstar speaker, leading a special workshop focused on mindset. If you’re interested in going deeper into the Wonder Mindset, join us Learn more here.
• Join my virtual book club GROW for November where we meet weekly on Zoom to discuss and squeeze the learnings from this brilliant book, The Way of the SEAL by Mark Divine - which offers a fresh perspective on mental toughness. Perfect for navigating the chaos of modern life, with practical tools to strengthen focus, overcome self-doubt, and push beyond comfort zones—empowering you to step up as the confident, resilient leader of your own story.
• Dream Life Community Facebook Group: Connect with like-minded dreamers.

RESOURCES:

• Sign up to our email list here to hear about upcoming workshops.
• Take your first step to getting clarity on what you want from life with this free bonus dreaming exercise here 101 Dreams Audio Guide 
• Buy Kristina's book, Your Dream Life Starts Here

TRANSCRIPT:

Today’s episode is for those of you who are curious, growth-hungry, and ready to rewrite your life.

I’m talking to my dear friend Sarah Pirie-Nally. Sarah is a globally-renowned innovation strategist, author, and speaker who has had an incredible career spanning corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and creative direction.

With her passion for neuropsychology and behavioral science, Sarah has inspired so many people, including me, to embrace wonder, unlock potential, and shape a better future. She’s one of my favorite people, and I can't wait to dive into this conversation with her.

And before we start, just a quick note: Sarah and I are hosting a breakfast event together at the end of November in Melbourne, and she’ll be our superstar speaker in the Dream Life coaching program in November, focusing on mindset. So, if you want to dive deeper, join us! I’ll link to it in the show notes.

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Sarah: Thanks for having me back!

Kristina: I’m so excited. You know, as I walked from downstairs to my home office just now, I thought, “We actually call this work!” Isn’t that amazing?

Sarah: It’s already made my day! And, for those who can’t see, we’re actually wearing matching outfits just to make it extra fun. 

Kristina: I love it! When we first met, so many people were surprised we hadn’t met sooner, and I quickly saw why they thought that. Now we’re wearing our matching “Bestie” T-shirts—mine is pink for today because that’s Sarah’s color.

Sarah: That’s right! I don’t know if I’ll wear pink or yellow—maybe we’ll switch next time.

Kristina: Pink it is! The whole breakfast event in November will be pink-themed. You’ll have your book there, and there will be pink flowers—it’s going to be wonderful.

Sarah: I’m so touched, Kristina. You’re such an inspiring person, and you give so much to those around you. Thank you!

Kristina: Well, today is all about you, so let’s dive in. Before we get into everything, I’d love to ask you a question I ask all my guests: did you have a dream as a child, something you wanted to be or do?

Sarah: I wanted to do it all! I wanted to be a lawyer, a ballerina, a farmer, and most importantly, a mom. And now I get to be that, which is wonderful.

Kristina: I love that! Maybe not the lawyer or ballerina, but you’re certainly doing it all. I always get inspired when we talk because you never put limits on yourself. So, before we get into your book, can you give us a quick overview of your journey?

Sarah: Of course. I grew up in Hobart, Tasmania. My family is originally from Tasmania, though I was born in Melbourne. After my dad got a new job, we moved to Melbourne, where I completed high school and university. I struggled with anxiety and depression during those years, which makes writing a book about wonder even more meaningful. Rediscovering my sense of wonder became a personal journey for me.

At university, I studied Business HR and psychology, and I remember sitting in a dream psychology class, totally fascinated that there was an entire subject on dreams. University was where I found my true passion for learning and connecting. Since then, I've had a varied career in corporate roles and my own businesses, each allowing me to adapt and explore new things. And now, I’ve published my first book and shifted my business to focus on mindset, lifelong learning, and transformational experiences.

Kristina: I love that! And I know you have some exciting plans for next year that we’ll discuss later. But first, let’s talk about your book, The Wonder Mindset. Could you tell us why you felt compelled to write it?

Sarah: I felt a calling because I know I’m not the only one who has lost their sense of wonder. My journey to rediscover it brought me to these amazing tools and frameworks that I wanted to share so others could also bring wonder back into their lives.

Kristina: That’s amazing. And writing a book is such a journey! We actually have a theme in our Dream Life Coaching Program right now about sharing your story, whether that’s writing a book or something else. Writing is such an incredible experience, and I believe everyone should try it, even if it’s just for themselves. Tell us about your journey with this book.

Sarah: Writing it took me a while because I wanted to be sure I was embodying everything in it. I didn't want to publish something that wasn’t fully true to me. So, I evolved through the process, and the final book is very different from the first draft. For me, it was about living and fully experiencing what I wanted to share. It took me twelve years to get to the point where I felt ready to share my truth. It’s been a profound journey of growth.

Kristina: I love that! I think it’s different for everyone. I’m quite impatient, so I wrote my book quickly, but the years of experience I was pulling from were long and rich. That’s why I believe all of us have our own unique processes.

Sarah: Absolutely! I think it’s less about the writing itself and more about the living and embodying the message. I felt that if I wasn't fully living my truth, I wasn’t ready to put it out there. And over those twelve years, I had huge shifts in my life—I got married, divorced, remarried… my life evolved so much, and the book evolved with it. I kept reworking it until it was a true reflection of where I am and what I’ve learned.

Kristina: That resonates so much. And I know your book is full of wonderful exercises that readers can work through slowly, which I love. It’s a book you can revisit each year and take something new from each time.

Sarah: Yes! I love that idea too. It’s very much a practice. I still go back to my own book, do the exercises, and even involve my family. There’s no magic bullet in life, but there are practices that work, and having tools that you can turn to in challenging times is incredibly powerful.

Kristina: Absolutely. And I think mindset practices like that make a huge difference. Let’s dive into what you call “The Wonder Mindset.” What does that mean to you?

Sarah: For me, the Wonder Mindset is a blend of curiosity, design thinking, and intentional living. Wonder is both an experience and a practice. It’s about choosing to be open to possibility and finding ways to create and design your life thoughtfully. Often, we operate on autopilot because our brains seek efficiency. But wonder challenges us to take a step back, disrupt our patterns, and be fully present with what’s real.

It’s also about using our brain’s capacity to shift perspectives. We can sometimes miss small opportunities to change our thinking because of our biases or habits. Wonder is a practice that helps us break free from those limitations.

Kristina: I love that because so many of us are teaching or coaching things that we’ve had to overcome ourselves. For example, starting this podcast was once one of my biggest fears, and now it’s something I truly love. We often turn our biggest challenges into strengths and passions, which is inspiring for others.

Sarah: Yes, exactly. I share in my book that I had a transient ischemic attack—a mini-stroke—when I was in my twenties. That experience forced me to look at my health and explore what was happening in my brain. Through that, I discovered so many tools and practices that brought “magic” back into my life. It reminded me that life doesn’t have to be all about seriousness and rigidity; there’s room for play, creativity, and joy at every stage. 

Kristina: I love that. You often talk about the subtle shifts that can unlock dreams and unleash wonder. How can someone start making those shifts?

Sarah: Start with curiosity! Often, people wait for a life crisis to inspire change, but you don’t have to wait for that. One simple question—"Is there a different way I could approach this?"—can change everything. That little interruption to your routine can create an opportunity for something new. It’s like breaking out of autopilot. By asking different questions and interrupting our emotional patterns, we can start to see life differently.

Kristina: That’s powerful. I often get my best ideas when I’m doing something challenging, like running. It’s amazing how doing hard things opens us up to new ideas. So, for those who are ready to start embracing wonder, what small steps do you recommend?

Sarah: One fun exercise I always recommend is going on a four-leaf clover hunt. It sounds simple, but it’s symbolic. You start looking for something “magical,” and soon, you’re seeing it everywhere. It’s a reminder that there’s magic around us if we choose to see it. Another simple tip: switch up small routines, like wearing your watch on the opposite wrist or taking a different route to work. These little changes break the monotony and keep your mind open and curious.

Kristina: I love that. And I often talk about doing something different, like going to a new café or taking a new route to keep things fresh. It’s such a simple, powerful way to keep growing. 

Sarah: Exactly! And it’s all about recognizing what works for you. For some people, wonder might come from finding joy in routine, while for others, it’s about disrupting the routine. It’s all about finding balance.

Kristina: I think travel is a great way to experience that. Being in a new country or environment forces you to adapt, which can be both exciting and grounding.

Sarah: Absolutely! Travel is such a great mindset shifter. When we’re out of our comfort zones, we’re naturally more open to new experiences. But even when we’re home, adopting a “holiday mindset” can help us bring that openness and curiosity into our daily lives.

Kristina: So true. Another big challenge for many people is self-doubt and fear. What advice do you have for people who might feel drawn to the Wonder Mindset but feel held back by self-doubt?

Sarah: I always say, remember that you have the power to change. Neuroplasticity research has shown us that our brains are capable of adapting. It’s about choosing where you put your focus. There’s a story I love about the “Two Wolves”—one wolf represents fear, and the other represents love. Whichever wolf you feed is the one that grows stronger. We need to acknowledge fear without letting it dominate. Practices like journaling, meditation, or even just asking questions help us stay aware of our patterns and choose love over fear.

Kristina: Beautiful advice. I think it’s all about building that awareness. And speaking of awareness, I know you’re into biohacking. How has biohacking helped you nurture a Wonder Mindset?

Sarah: Biohacking is a great way to support our mental and physical well-being. Simple things like quality sleep, proper hydration, and journaling before bed make a big difference. I also love using new tools and supplements, like greens powder and electrolytes, to stay energized and focused. But it’s important to remember that anyone can benefit from biohacking, regardless of budget. Practices like breathwork, meditation, and daily gratitude are free but powerful ways to improve your well-being.

Kristina: So true. I love sitting quietly with my coffee in the morning, taking a few moments for gratitude. It sets the tone for the day and makes such a difference.

Sarah: I agree! Gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful practices. It trains your brain to see the positive, which builds resilience and optimism over time.

Kristina: You also have a deep journaling practice. I remember seeing you journal every morning. Why do you think journaling is so important?

Sarah: For me, journaling is like therapy. It’s a tool for gratitude, clarity, and self-reflection. I journal to understand myself better, to process my thoughts, and to document my growth. I even involve my kids in journaling, and we do it together as a family. There’s something powerful about putting pen to paper—it connects you to your thoughts and emotions in a way that digital tools can’t. It’s a beautiful way to stay grounded.

Kristina: I completely agree. I think best when I’m putting things down on paper, organizing my ideas visually. Journaling is such a powerful way to do that.

There’s a quote in your book that I love: “This is your life, live it how you choose. Make choices that work for you, because you’re the one who has to live with them.” Could you expand on that?

Sarah: That line came from a very personal experience—my divorce. I spent so many years making choices for everyone else’s happiness, ignoring my own needs and values. I reached a point where I had to remind myself that this is my life. I can’t live it for others. It’s about honoring your heart and being true to yourself, even if that means making tough decisions. That message is a call to live authentically.

Kristina: That’s so powerful. I think many people worry about making mistakes, but I believe the real worry should be not pursuing your dreams at all.

Sarah: Exactly. We’re so afraid of getting things wrong, but the real tragedy is not taking the chance to live fully. Life is short, and we’re here to make it meaningful for ourselves.

Kristina: You’re so right. Let’s talk about another big part of your journey—pivoting your work. You’ve recently moved toward offering family-centered experiences and retreats. Could you tell us about that?

Sarah: Yes, I’ve always been passionate about family growth. My husband Steve and I were doing these transformational retreats, but we noticed a need for family-focused experiences. Our new retreat concept, which you joined, brings parents and kids together to grow as a family. It was such a beautiful experience, and the feedback has been amazing. Now, we’re partnering with Club Med to offer a program that allows families to learn and grow together, creating stronger bonds and shared memories.

Kristina: I love that. Bringing my daughter Tiffany to your retreat was such a special experience. I remember doing our dream journals together, which is something I’ll cherish forever.

Sarah: It’s all about modeling positive behavior. Children learn from what they see, and when parents engage in growth practices, it becomes normal for the family. That’s the foundation of our new family program, MVP (Most Valuable Parent), which provides tools for families to grow together. It’s such a privilege to bring this vision to life.

Kristina: That’s incredible, Sarah. Thank you

Sarah: It’s such a joy to see families connect and grow together. Kids pick up on our habits and routines, so when we model healthy practices, it has a lasting impact. One of the new things we’re working on is a card game called “Neurosparkle,” which helps families identify and celebrate each person’s unique brain strengths. It’s about embracing everyone’s differences and learning to support one another’s strengths in a fun, interactive way.

Kristina: I love that so much! It’s amazing how we can help kids feel proud of who they are by making these positive behaviors normal. Watching my son start his own business after seeing entrepreneurship at home has been so rewarding. It really shows the power of leading by example.

Sarah: Absolutely. We’re constantly showing our kids how to be in the world, whether we realize it or not. When we model things like journaling, meditation, or even vulnerability, they absorb it. They see it as part of life. For example, my kids and I journal together, and now they ask me to go to the gym or join them in meditation. I love that it’s becoming their normal too.

Kristina: Yes, and it’s so inspiring to see them pick up on those habits. I also find that when you’re open about your journey, like you have been, it empowers others to embrace their own paths. And I know your morning ritual is something you hold dear. Can you share a bit about it?

Sarah: Absolutely. My mornings start with a cup of coffee in a special hand-painted cup that my grandmother gave me. I take a moment to enjoy the view from my home and soak in a bit of gratitude. If it’s a week when my kids are with me, I love making their school lunches—adding little touches that I know will make them smile. And, of course, I journal and meditate, which are two of my essential practices.

Recently, I’ve also started taking more time with my morning routine, inspired by my daughters and their self-care practices. They see skincare as a moment of mindfulness, which was so refreshing to me. It’s a lovely reminder to approach self-care in a gentle, loving way.

Kristina: That’s beautiful. It’s funny how skincare has become such a big thing for teens now! And it’s great to see it framed as self-care rather than vanity. On a different note, are there any books that have had a huge impact on you?

Sarah: So many! A few that come to mind are Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown, which taught me about courage and vulnerability, and The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F, which helped me let go of caring so much about others’ opinions. I also love The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker. And, of course, your book has been so inspiring too, Kristina!

Kristina: Oh, thank you! I know our listeners love hearing about books that have impacted guests. So, knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to your younger self?

Sarah: I think I’d say, “What makes you weird is actually what makes you wonderful.” When we’re young, we often want to fit in, but it’s our unique qualities that make us stand out. I’d tell my younger self not to dull her sparkle to please others because, ultimately, that won’t make you more friends, and it will distance you from yourself. Love yourself fully and be true to who you are.

Kristina: That’s such valuable advice. It’s easy to forget that being true to ourselves is the most important thing. Before we wrap up, I’d love for you to share more about your new family program. I think it’s so unique and would resonate with our listeners.

Sarah: Thank you! We’ve recently pivoted to focus more on family-centered programs. One of our new offerings is called MVP, which stands for Minimum Viable Parent, though we also say it’s for the Most Valuable Player of the family. It’s about creating meaningful, growth-oriented family experiences. We noticed that many parents want to bring their families into their personal growth journey, so we created a program that offers families tools and activities to do just that.

It’s all about fostering connection, understanding, and collaboration within families. We’re also working with Club Med to create family retreats that blend fun with growth—there’s ice baths, yoga, workshops, and other activities that everyone can enjoy. It’s been so fulfilling to see families bond and grow together through these experiences.

Kristina: That sounds incredible! I know when I brought my daughter Tiffany to your retreat, it was so special to see her engaging in those growth activities with me. It really does make a difference.

Sarah: Yes, it’s about building lasting bonds through shared experiences. We’ve also been working on something we call “Monkey See, Monkey Do,” where parents model the behaviors they want to see in their kids. If we show gratitude, curiosity, and resilience, our kids will learn to adopt those qualities too. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch.

Kristina: I couldn’t agree more. Kids really do pick up on everything we do. Thank you, Sarah, for sharing all of this with us. It’s been such an inspiring conversation. I always feel energized after our chats!

Sarah: Thank you so much, Kristina. I’m honored to be here, and I always love our conversations. And, yes, I’ll be joining you as the superstar speaker for the Dream Life coaching program in November, plus we’ll be hosting that breakfast event in Melbourne. It’s going to be such a great opportunity to dive deeper with everyone.

Kristina: Absolutely! I’ll link all the details for our coaching program and the breakfast event in the show notes, so anyone interested can join us. Thank you again, Sarah.

Sarah: Thank you, Kristina, and thank you to everyone listening. It’s been a joy to share this time with you.

Kristina: And to everyone tuning in, thank you for joining us for this conversation. As always, I’ll be back on Monday with a new Monday Morning Motivation episode. Can’t wait to see you then!