interviewed by Carey-Lee Dixon

Pauleanna Reid is a motivational speaker and best-selling author who inspires women to unleash their greatness and take immediate action to realise their dreams.

Her brand has become a healing tool of empowerment for many, especially millennial women who are ready to overcome obstacles and experience the best wins in life.

In her personal guide, she shares her advice on making things happen, investing in your well-being, and the importance of women doing it all. We are constantly inspired by the work and impact of women like Pauleanna, who bring something unique to the table.

You are known for setting and achieving big goals. What is your personal guide to making things happen? 

My guide is to walk by faith, not by sight. I've always been a big dreamer and believer. I trust that if I take a risk, God will put out a safety net to catch me. When setting goals, I always create a vision board so that it's the first thing I wake up to and the last thing I see before I sleep. I live with intention. I build relationships. I work tirelessly on my goals. It's a mindset. I don't always know how the puzzle pieces will come together but I proceed forward anyway knowing that things will work itself out. 

So often, we doubt the greatness within us. What's your advice to women who don't feel like they have it within them to realise their dreams?

My advice is to surround yourself with people who lift you higher. Sometimes, it takes a friend or a mentor to help hold you accountable for your actions. We were not born to pay bills and die.

There is a greater purpose for all our lives. To help you move forward establish great friendships and seek out mentorship from a successful individual who can guide your next steps. 

You have shared your story about your battle with depression and mental health issues. Today, we see so many of our women struggling with health issues but are fearful of asking for help. What is your advice to women on taking care of their well-being?

a. If you think you are suffering from depression or anxiety, seek help from a medical professional or trusted friend/family member. 

b. When you learn how to become your own best friend, life gets easier. 

c. Self-love should come from within, but we often look outside ourselves to fill a void. Personal development is important. It always feels uncomfortable at first, but soon you’ll learn that the more you invest in yourself the more control you have over your life.

d. Create a vision board and set goals to help you look forward to the future. Try to focus on the next positive step and along the way celebrate small victories.

e. Start making small life changes such as: exercise, reading, writing in a journal, reciting positive affirmations, listening to music, and any activities that make you happy. I truly believe that happiness is the secret to all beauty.

f. Your mind is a sacred space. Limit your time with negative people.

What's the toughest lesson you have had to learn about taking care of your well-being while chasing your dreams?

Set boundaries. My biggest mistake growing up was listening to so many people who thought they knew what was "best" for me. This is what led to a downward spiral. Once I learned that not all people and things deserve my time, life seemed a lot clearer. So now I am very selective who I choose to open up to or listen to. Really, I trust my gut feeling. It never leads me astray.

You shared on your blog ways to survive 2015 without feeling overwhelmed, overworked and intimidated by success. How do you recharge when you feel like you can't keep going?

Here's a secret. I am obsessed with learning so on tough days I will stay in bed with a tub of ice cream and watch interviews which feature inspiring entrepreneurs. Everyone from Oprah, Jay-Z, Rico Love, Nas, Steve Stoute, Melanie Duncan, Marie Forleo, Tony Robbins. It's such a random list, but so necessary. I love listening to their come-up stories and how they were able to rise above their challenges. It pushes me to work smarter.

I also have an emergency kit which is what I use when I am not feeling at my best. It's a basket filled with photographs, books, music, my journal and more... all the things that make my heart smile.

As women, we sometimes think we can do everything on our own. What are your thoughts on this?

You can have and be everything and anything you want to be. I truly believe we are all moving towards something and you have to decide what that something is. But the secret is that you cannot do it alone. You will need help, advice and guidance from mentors and peers. I've never been shy about the fact that I've had help along the way. When chasing your dreams, the process becomes a lot easier when you raise your hand. 

How important is having a support system to help you achieve your goals?

It is extremely important. Every woman should have two things: A list of non-negotiables and a mentor. Support, whether emotional or mental, is an essential part of success because on days when you want to throw in the towel, an accountability partner can use their words of encouragement to lift you higher.

What is your go-to resource that helps you to get back on track of your goals?

My go-to source is my vision board. I have a giant one on my bedroom wall. I make one every year, and it has produced many of my most treasured accomplishments, from being featured in ESSENCE Magazine to purchasing a home. My thoughts have become things. I don't just set goals; I conquer them. 

We would love to hear your favourite takeaway from our chat with Pauleanna.