The Power Of Open-Mindedness In The Digital Nomad Lifestyle With Elle

“The digital nomad lifestyle doesn’t have to look like what you see on Instagram.”

What are your expectations of the digital nomad lifestyle

When you start the work and travel lifestyle, you can expect cool adventures while exploring the world. This lifestyle has so much more to offer though. Especially when it comes to discovering who you are and how you design a lifestyle that works for you. The episode with Elle shares many tips about mindset and the transformation from leaving your “normal” life behind to building a new way of living. One thing is for sure – it doesn’t have to look like what you see on Instagram.

Before Elle began her digital nomad journey, she went backpacking. She left her job as a director of finance operations for an international non-profit in Washington DC. During this trip, she wasn’t working online and mainly focusing on self-reflection and seeking clarity. Maintaining an income as a digital nomad is crucial and Elle did this as a consultant in finance. At the same time, she was connecting the idea of a new business with things closer to her heart. This helped her slowly transition and move away from her consulting career as she had financial stability while building her coaching business. In episode 21 with Anne, we also touched on this and more tips about entrepreneurship for digital nomads and online businesses.

In episode 19: 5 Benefits Of Joining A Digital Nomad Travel Group With Craig, we talk about the five benefits of joining a digital nomad travel group. He is not the only one who loved joining a travel group! Elle shares that her experience was not only amazing but also saved her a lot of hassle organizing her trip. The biggest benefit of joining a digital nomad travel community is that everything is arranged for you.

‘‘I literally showed up and there was a guy with a sign at the airport. I had an apartment, I had a roommate, I had a group of friends, I had a co-working space and I had a SIM card. They just made it so easy for that first month of being a nomad.’’

Saying goodbye to your old life and starting the digital nomad lifestyle can be super overwhelming. You need to take care of many things, and a travel group can ease a part of that process. Other benefits of joining a travel group are:<br>
🌟 You are surrounded by like-minded people and it’s easy to make friends<br>
🌟 There is a safety factor which is especially helpful if you don’t know the local language<br>
🌟 It’s perfect if you are new to this lifestyle or want to live it part-time

Expectations and mindset

One thing Elle is passionate about and she had experienced firsthand is the mental transformation the digital nomad lifestyle has to offer. Through her travels, she open-up and learned a lot about herself and her thoughts about who she wants to be in this life. This meant letting go of culture, traditions, and things her parents had taught her. This requires ongoing reflection with the self and discovering the consistently challenging stuff she carried around and what she didn’t need/want anymore.

She realized that no matter the reasons you are frustrated or not happy – the external factors that come with traveling will not solve it. These things you still carry with you and that’s why to be successful in this lifestyle, any lifestyle, self-awareness and personal development are key to growth.

Connect with our Nienke Nina and our guests

Your host Nienke Nina

More digital nomad tips and life advice via instagram @digitalnomadsdaily

Connect with Nienke Nina on LinkedIn @Nienke Nina Keizer

Find Nienke Nina on Instagram @nienkeninatravels

Meet digital nomad Elle

Find her on Instagram @beyondtheitinerary

Check out her website www.beyondtheitinerary.com

Other episodes you might like:

🎧  Episode #19: 5 Benefits Of Joining A Digital Nomad Travel Group With Craig 

🎧  Episode #39: The 5 misconceptions of the digital nomad lifestyle with Charlie 

🎧  Episode #51: How To Live A Balanced And Joyful Remote Life With Ali