by Leonardo Varroni
I've been living as a Digital Nomad for the last 2 years. These are the 5 most important things i learned about this lifestyle.
I hope this can help you.
PLANS ARE MADE TO BE CHANGED
Traveling full time Is an exciting and extremely rewarding way of living life, but it's not as easy as It sounds.
Being a Digital Nomad doesn't mean being on vacation. You have a job, and weather you are a freelancer or an employee, finding your perfect work life balance Is not easy. That's why you need to schedule your daily routine in advance. Making long term plans and organizing your days Is crucial and more than fine, as long as you don't over do It.
When you do this kind of life you're much more exposed to new experiences. By constantly stepping out of your comfort zone, you're more likely to live moments you haven't planned. You'll meet a lot of people, you'll see many places, you'll live so many different experiences. All of these things will change your perspectives -- that's why we travel -- and you'll have to change your plans according to them.
You must embrace change, no matter how hard It can be.
If you like a place, stay there as much as possible.
If it fulfills your needs and you feel great in it, why should you leave it? Being a digital nomad opens up a lot of opportunities for constantly exploring new countries and cultures, but sometimes settling down in a place for longer than you've planned is the best idea. Take more time to know it and stay there until you won't feel the desire to leave again.
If you find a person you love, do everything you can to stay with her/him.
You'll connect yourself with a lot of people, and you'll have many more chances to fall in love. You never know when this can happen, as it always comes unexpectedly, but if it happens it will surely change your life. And so will your plans.
Go with the flow and follow your Heart.
IT'S NOT ABOUT THE PLACE, IT'S ABOUT THE PEOPLE
As Alex Supertramp once said, "happiness Is only real when shared."
No matter where you are, everything is just about the vibe and the people. They always make the difference.
You can be in the best place in the world, but if you can't share that with people who make you feel good, you won't ever like that so much. Great people always create great memories, great places don't always do the same. No matter what.
Sourrend yourself with positive people who like you for who you are. The best side of yourself will reveal and you will shine.
DONT COMPARE YOURSELF WITH OTHER PEOPLE
Yeah I know you already know this, but I don't want you to forget about it.
There are 8 bilions people on this planet and the Internet is full of digital nomads who got popular and viral in the last few years. Never compare yourself to them. Why? We only share some parts of our lives on social networks. The best parts.
Life as a digital nomad isn't as it is pictured by these people. It is not about drinks on the beach, or lying by the pool on a sunny day in November. There's so much more than that and it is just the surface of a much more complicated way of living life. There are palm trees and beaches, but they are just a part of this. A very little part. Don't trust people who only flex these elements. They are fake. The background is fake. Their online life is fake.
I think social media are great and we shouldn't stop using them, but keep the following things in mind.
Everyone is different and everyone has its struggles. We are all unique and special in our own way, we are all on different paths. Humans are the most complex form of life on earth: you don't know how people really feel inside, and they are the only ones who know what they've been through. You will rarely find these stories on Instagram.
Let other people inspire you, but never compare yourself with them. The only person you should compare yourself with is you.
Have you done better than yesterday? Have you learned something new? Do you feel you're a better person than who you were in the past?
These are the only things that really matter.
Comparing yourself to other people Is the death of happiness. And i know you wanna be happy, right?
TRUST THE JOURNEY
The average age of a digital nomad Is 32. I'm 24 and i've been a digital nomad since i was 22. I'm living my dream life and It took me over 2 years to do what i'm doing now. I did 5 different jobs, from bartending to cleaning hostels restrooms, i thought outside the box, i suspended my degree, i studied every single day and i never stopped believing in myself. It was hard, but it was absolutely worth It.
I failed a lot, i lost money and i had to spend a lot of time at work while my friends were having fun. It was hard, but i knew i was on the right path. So i never left It.
Remember that things take time and age Is not a problem. Some people start at 18, others start at 40. You'll always be considered as "too young" or "too old" to do something by society, but you must not care about this. Follow your path, no matter how old you are.
If you think you can do it, you will. If you think you can't do it, you won't. As simple as that.
Love yourself. Believe in yourself. Prioritize yourself. Be yourself. You will reach all of your goals.
SLOW DOWN
Remember: no lives are perfect.
Even if this Is my dream life and i love it, living It is though.
Managing money, work and relationships Is hard for everyone, but doing all of that while traveling full time Is harder. Why? Think about it.
Adapting yourself to new environments always requires an extra effort. Jet lags, culture gap, language barriers, finding a place to work and focus, being without your friends and your family... all of this can be overwhelming. Sometimes the only thing you should do Is taking a break.
Slow down, Take a deep breath and be grateful for what you have. Focus on the positive things and everything will be alright. Because trust me, it will.
