Can Digital Nomads Really Stay Productive? Strategies for Success
Can you be productive while working as a digital nomad from exotic places?
I believe so. There isn't a simple yes or no answer to this question. From my experience, it requires discipline and commitment. It can be very easy to get caught up in the novelty and excitement each place offers and spend all your time sightseeing or on vacation, especially when you're in a touristy location and everyone else around you is on holiday—it becomes very tempting to do the same.
When working while traveling, you need to constantly remind yourself that you're not on vacation. You might be in a beautiful place with lots to see, but you need to get your priorities straight. You need to be disciplined enough to tell yourself, 'I will get X, Y, and Z done before I visit this attraction.' You might even need to accept that you won't see everything if work demands more of your attention.
What helps is having a clear vision, something to work towards—a 'Why.' It helps you stay focused when your mind starts to wander.
At the moment, I probably work an average of 6 hours a day, 7 days a week. Around 3 or 4 hours in the afternoon and 2 or 3 hours at night. It's a nice balance, and it gives me time to enjoy the place I'm in. In the afternoon, I enjoy working from a cafe or a co-working space, and at night, from our accommodation. I've also automated many aspects of my business, which means that if I need or want to, I can work fewer hours, and things will still run smoothly.
I don't think there's a one-size-fits-all solution to this. Some people need stability and structure to work efficiently, while others can handle constant change, and that's perfectly fine. Too often in our society, we try to find 'the method' that will work for everyone. But I don't believe it exists. We are all unique beings with different needs, personalities, and preferences. 'The system' may want us all to fit into the same box and follow the same path, but there are alternative ways to do things, to live life, and to work. What works for me may not work for you, and vice versa, and that's okay. It doesn't mean one method is better than the other.
✅ Be realistic and have enough self-awareness to know if you'll be disciplined enough to work from a 'vacation place.'
✅ Have a clear 'Why,' as it will help you stay focused.
✅ Don't deceive yourself; otherwise, you'll quickly fall short.