Women Who Soar Beyond the Corporate Grind
Author Natasha Robinson On Aligning Your Dreams and True Purpose
In "Walking In Your R.E.M: Your Path To Purpose author, speaker, and corporate professional Natasha Robinson embarks on a mission to rekindle the lost art of dreaming, especially among women who have felt their inner spark dwindle in the grind of Corporate America.
This book is not a mere career guide; it is a manifesto for personal and professional rejuvenation, aiming to inspire readers to rediscover their ability to dream and align those dreams with tangible goals.
At the heart of Robinson's narrative is the concept that to dream is to dare to envision a life beyond the confines of one’s current reality. It is an act of defiance against the inertia of complacency and a declaration of one’s capacity for change.
Drawing from her own experiences of feeling unfulfilled despite achieving conventional success, Robinson's revelation about the significance of R.E.M. sleep – and by extension, the act of dreaming – serves as a powerful metaphor for awakening to one’s latent desires and potential.
Robinson's journey from realization to action underscores the book's central thesis: that dreaming is the preliminary step toward actualizing a life of purpose and fulfillment. Through her own story of granting herself permission to dream without bounds, she offers a blueprint for women everywhere to embark on a similar journey of self-discovery and alignment with their aspirations.
The book shines in its ability to connect with readers through the universal themes of aspiration and struggle. Robinson articulates the essence of dreaming as an act of courage and resilience.
She emphasizes the dual identity of women as both dreamers and doers, highlighting the intrinsic value of nurturing one's dreams and the relentless pursuit to bring them to fruition. This duality is not presented as an easy balance to achieve but as a fulfilling challenge that defines the essence of a purpose-driven life.
Moreover, Robinson's professional background and her role as CEO of HerCorporate Path to Purpose lend credence to her insights on aligning personal dreams with professional development. Her emphasis on mindset shifts and the pursuit of purpose over position offers a refreshing perspective in a world often obsessed with titles and hierarchical ascent.
The book also serves as a call to action, urging women to listen to the "whispers of our authentic selves" and see dreams not as ephemeral wishes but as blueprints for the future. Robinson’s eloquent advocacy for dreaming as a strategic tool for personal and professional growth challenges the reader to view their aspirations as essential components of their identity and life’s work.
Critically, "Walking In Your R.E.M" does more than just inspire; it provides a pragmatic framework for integrating dreaming into daily life. Robinson's narrative is infused with practical advice, exercises, and reflections designed to guide readers through the process of identifying, nurturing, and actualizing their dreams. This methodical approach ensures that the book is not only motivational but also actionable.
This just published book is a clarion call for women everywhere to reclaim the art of dreaming as a fundamental right and necessity. It stands as a testament to the power of dreams to transform not just individual lives but the very fabric of society by inspiring a generation of women to pursue their passions with conviction and purpose.
Robinson’s work is a beacon of hope and a roadmap for anyone yearning to align their professional journey with their deepest desires, making it an essential read for those seeking to live a life defined by purpose, passion, and fulfillment.
My Interview With Natasha
💥In your own journey from recognizing the absence of dreaming in your life to actively pursuing new dreams, what were some pivotal moments or insights that are now guiding your future?
NR: During my own journey, there have been 3 pivotal moments that now guide my future.
Reflection – spending time getting to know who was, who I am and who I’m becoming! Self-reflection uncovered my passions, values, strengths, and weaknesses which is the key to understanding myself in every stage of my journey.
Empowerment – unlocking my power and gaining control over my own life.
Mindset Shifting – my 3rd pivotal moment was realizing that my old mindset doesn’t match my new dreams.
💥The concept of dreaming, both literally in REM sleep and metaphorically in life, plays a central role in your narrative. How do you perceive the relationship between our dreams during sleep and our ability to dream and aspire in our waking life?
NR: During REM Sleep, your brain activity looks very similar to brain activity while you’re awake. Our dreams during REM sleep include images, thoughts, and feelings. They are more vivid, realistic, and some believe that dreams provide insight and clarity.
Some say that they don’t dream or can’t remember dreaming while asleep and so while awake, we often forget about the dreams we had for the life we desire and deserve.
💥You mention the importance of giving oneself permission to dream without limits. Can you briefly share some strategies or exercises that have helped you and could help others to unlock this permission, especially for women who may feel constrained by societal expectations or personal limitations?
NR: Giving yourself permission to dream without limits is important for several reasons such as: become more creative, boost motivation, and expand possibilities and resilience.
Societal Expectation Mapping” is an exercise that I’ve used to identify and acknowledge societal expectations that I felt would be limiting me.
A good example is work-life balance.
Expectation: A woman is often expected to prioritize family over career advancement.
Mapping: List how this expectation affects your career choices and family life.
Action: Determine personal priorities independently of this expectation, and outline steps to achieve a balance that suits your individual desires and circumstances.
💥The book emphasizes the dual nature of being a dreamer and a doer. Can you elaborate on how one can balance these two aspects, especially in a world that often demands immediate results and productivity?
NR: There are a few strategies that can be used but you must first start with setting clear intentions by having a clear vision of your end goals. Your dreams provide the destination, but your actions provide the path to get you there.
💥Could you share a story or example from the book or your life where dreaming led to a significant change or achievement?
NR: Getting back to dreaming without limits again has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and step into my purpose of speaking, coaching, and becoming an author.
💥In the process of rediscovering your ability to dream and aligning with your purpose, how did you navigate the challenges of doubt, fear, and uncertainty that often accompany major life transitions?
NR: This involves a mix of self-reflection, empowerment and mindset shifting. Understanding who I am while learning coping skills helped me shift my perspective to where I could view challenges as growth opportunities, not obstacles.
💥What advice would you give to someone who feels they have lost their ability to dream or who is struggling to find their purpose?
NR: I encourage everyone to start with small steps to rediscover their passions, what excites and motivates them. It’s also important to set achievable goals and create a supportive environment.
💥Finally, what is your greatest hope in terms of what readers of your book walk away with?
NR: My greatest hope would be for readers to walk away feeling empowered, inspired, and equipped with practical tools and insights to align their purpose with their next level goals. I'd want them to feel more confident in their ability to manifest their destiny, rediscover their ability to dream, and take actionable steps toward personal fulfillment and success.
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Diamond-Michael
Independent Journalist and Global Book Ambassador
What an inspiring intereview! I love the combination of being a dreamer and a doer. I find visualizatitons very close to dreaming - after all we build a vision in our mind that can become a reality.
The concept of Societal Expectation Mapping had a fresh take on looking at one's dreams and goals. There are so many books about self-improvement that look alike. But this one sparked an interest in me.