How to get sh*t done (and enjoy your nomad life)


Hey Freaking Nomads,

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind. Just wrapped up an epic adventure through Central and South America, then did a quick family hop to London and Italy, and now I'm finally back in my nomad base (Sofia) – whew!

Trying to balance catching up with loved ones while keeping work on track definitely threw my productivity into a loop, I must admit.

Sometimes being a digital nomad feels like trying to stay on top of a wild wave. On the one hand, we're living our best life: hopping between epic locations, building businesses, experiencing freedom unlike anything we could have imagined back in cubicle-land.

But on the other hand... there's that constant nagging feeling of needing to get stuff done. Emails pile up, projects loom, clients wait, and sometimes all you want to do is lay on the beach and forget you ever had a laptop.

I get it. I've been there. That whole burned-out, overwhelmed, "what did I sign up for?!" feeling hits us all from time to time. But here's the thing I've learned:

It's not about working MORE, it's about working SMARTER.

We choose this life for its freedom, but freedom can be a double-edged sword. No one's setting our schedule for us – the discipline has to come from within.

So, here are some tricks that I've been applying to try to get stuff done:

  • The "Eat the Frog" Principle: Sounds gross, I know, but it's actually an effective productivity principle explained in detail in this awesome Bryan Tracy's book. According to this method, you should tackle your biggest, most daunting task FIRST thing each day. Get it out of the way and the rest of your day will feel like a victory lap.
  • Embrace the Time Block: Instead of open-ended "work days," break your time into focused blocks. "Client A emails from 9-11, then coworking space for deep work from 1-4." This focus is pure magic.
  • Travel Days are NOT Work Days: When you're in transit, be present in the journey. Trying to work on a bumpy bus leads to crappy work and missing out on the adventure.
  • Find YOUR Rhythm: Some of us thrive with early mornings, others hum with the night owls. Don't fight your natural flow – lean into it.

And most importantly:

Cut yourself some slack.

We didn't become nomads to replicate the corporate grind in prettier places.

Remember why you chose this crazy, beautiful life. Sometimes, the best thing you can "get done" is ordering a cocktail and watching the sunset.

Let me know: what are YOUR best productivity hacks when you're out in the world?

Cheers,
Luca

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🧑‍💻 Nomad Story of the Week

Nomad story of the week
@freelifepassport: “1 Year Abroad: Lessons Learned (the hard way!) ✈️🌏 Can’t believe it’s been a whole year since Dennis and I took the leap and moved abroad! It’s definitely been a rollercoaster ride, filled with amazing experiences and some serious challenges. Here’s a slice of humble pie: 🏝️ Bali Bliss... turned Bust? We initially set our hearts on Bali, but after 8 months it just wasn’t the right fit. Costs skyrocketed, construction took over Canggu, and our dream island life wasn’t quite what we pictured. Lesson learned: trust your gut! If a place doesn’t feel like home, move on (even if you have an apartment contract... Phuket, anyone?). 🚫 Self-Employed Struggles are Real! Ditching our full-time jobs to be our own bosses sounded glamorous, but staying focused and building routines proved harder than we thought. (Exploring ALL of Bali was epic, but our business definitely suffered for it!) Patience is key, building something successful takes time! 🤝Friendship Fallout: Sadly, (most) friendships just don’t survive the distance (and a totally different lifestyle). It can be tough, but it also allows space for new connections to blossom. 🌱 ❤️ Love Makes it Work (Most of the Time!): Being together 24/7 has definitely had its moments, but we’re so grateful to have each other on this crazy adventure.📸 Content Creator Confessions: Shifting from a food blog to travel content was a learning curve! Who knew losing 2,000 followers could happen so fast? It took some trial and error, but we figured out what works and what doesn’t (and free stays aren’t always the best compensation!). 🏨❌”

✨ Nomad Quote of the Week

"I travel because I become uncomfortable being too comfortable." – Carew Papritz

📸 Nomad Postcard of the Week

@binibeny: “When in Sri Lanka, you cannot miss the scenic train ride 🚂🍃 Just a few tips & recos: ✔️ Take the train from Ella to Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya) which takes around 5 hours. You may also opt to cut the trip short. Most tourists take the opposite route so no advanced bookings are required for this route. After a few stations (less than an hour), the train is mostly occupied by locals. ✔️ Opt for the less crowded red train (Goods trains) around noon instead of the blue one for a more authentic and less touristy experience. ✔️ Keep an eye on Google Maps for #Pattipola! One of the best scenic spots I’ve seen along the route. Despite not planning to take this exact route, this 3rd-class train ride has been such a FUN experience with amazing views of the valleys, forests, and peaks of Sri Lanka, all for only Rs 300 😉”

🔥 Our Nomad Resource of the Week

Remote Year

Remote Year offers curated travel and work programs that cater to professionals looking to combine their careers with the opportunity to explore the world. With a diverse range of itineraries, from four-month stints to year-long programs, you'll visit multiple countries while maintaining your remote work responsibilities. 

As a participant, you'll benefit from a structured program that takes care of travel logistics, accommodations, and workspace needs. You'll join a community of like-minded peers, creating professional connections and sharing cultural experiences that can enrich your personal and work life.

Discover Travel & Work Programs

👉 If you want more digital nomad resources, check them all on our website 📚

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