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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