Living a digital nomad lifestyle can be an exhilarating journey, filled with unique experiences and incredible opportunities that most people can only dream of. However, it also comes with its own set of challenges and uncertainties.
Unlike a cookie-cutter 09:00 to 05:00 job, a Xolopreneur's work involves scouting new clients, selecting projects that align with their personal values and carefully planning timelines and time-offs. With the freedom and flexibility this lifestyle offers, it's easy to get caught up in the allure of what the future holds, and you may just develop an unhealthy obsession with what lies ahead.
At the end of the day, being a digital nomad requires finding a delicate balance between personal growth and embracing the unknown — like navigating through the turbulent years of your twenties and early thirties
Here are three research-backed tips to help you navigate the digital nomad lifestyle with confidence.
#1. Trust your instincts
As a digital nomad, you may encounter a myriad of opinions and advice from others. It's important to sort through these and stay true to yourself and your own aspirations.
A study published in Personality and Individual Differences suggests that the ability to resist external influence is a crucial part of personal development. Here's how you can tap into your authentic self:
Be selective with opportunities. Embrace curiosity, but avoid saying "Yes!" to everything that comes your way. Asking questions, seeking advice from multiple sources, and weighing your spontaneous decisions can lead to more informed decisions on the types of clients and colleagues you choose to work with.
Reflect on your decisions. In the fast-paced digital nomad lifestyle, reflection may seem like a luxury. However, taking the time to reflect on your decisions and their consequences can foster self-awareness and personal growth.
Establish boundaries. Setting healthy boundaries with your relationships, work commitments and personal time will bring stability to your nomadic lifestyle. It's a strong indicator that you are living life on your own terms.
#2. Embrace the journey of connections
Digital nomads have the opportunity to connect with diverse cultures and communities. Developing the skill of building meaningful connections can greatly enhance your nomadic lifestyle. Consider these tips before, during and after meeting up with potential connections:
Seek intellectual matches in clients and collaborators. Engage with individuals who challenge you intellectually, especially if they come from different backgrounds. Research shows that dating someone who stimulates your mind fosters long-lasting relationships. Apply the same logic to the clients you choose to associate with, and don’t settle for projects that don’t resonate with you.
The best clients are often the ones with whom you can comfortably open up to, as this lends itself to collaborative opportunities for self-improvement and skill-building.
Be mindful of the connections you keep. Exploring new work connections is quite similar to exploring romantic connections, in that being attentive and curious about the desires, emotions and needs of others will go a long way.
According to psychologist Tasha Seiter, focusing on how you connect, rather than solely on who you meet, can help you cultivate deeper and more fulfilling relationships. There’s an in-depth look at fostering top-notch business relationships as a Xolopreneur if you’re curious to learn more.
#3. Embrace patience and self-acceptance
Transition and change are inherent to the digital nomad lifestyle and journey. Embrace the notion that each experience during this phase contributes to shaping your character. Remind yourself of these insights:
You're not falling behind. Let go of the pressure to constantly achieve or compare yourself to others. Understand that your journey as a digital nomad is unique, and there is no universal timeline for success.
Find meaning in the present. Rather than fixating on the future, focus on finding purpose and contentment in the present moment. Embrace the process of slow, measured personal growth, and you'll find yourself more secure and fulfilled.
A great way to live in the present is to express gratitude. Psychologists have found that doing so boosts happiness over time.
A study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology offers these tips on how you can cultivate gratitude in your life:
- Spending a few minutes every day in quiet reflection of all the experiences you are thankful for
- Basking in the sunshine outside
- Showing appreciation for others through simple gestures of gratitude e.g. writing a thank you note
- Keeping an evening gratitude journal
Final thoughts
Navigating the digital nomad lifestyle requires courage, self-discovery and adaptability. Embrace the challenges, learn from your experiences, and remember that this nomadic journey is an incredible opportunity for personal growth and discovery.
About Mark
Mark Travers, Ph.D., is an American Psychologist with degrees from Cornell University and the University of Colorado Boulder. Xolo helps him run his online therapy practice, Awake Therapy, from whatever part of the world he is currently living in.