🛋️ Are you too comfortable?

🛋️ Are you too comfortable?

Hey There Nomadic Solopreneur!

I hope you’ve had a great week!

I’m currently house sitting in a lovely little house in Retford, Nottinghamshire, UK. I’m looking after a beautiful Border Collie named Bonnie, and Tilly the elusive black cat. It’s my second house sit in the UK, and it's been a surreal experience so far.

At first, house sitting felt quite awkward. Moving into someone else’s home, sleeping in their bed, using their kitchen and bathroom – it’s a strange feeling. (Not sure I’d want a stranger in my house while I was away.)

For the first week, I felt unsettled, though the beautiful Welsh Springer we were looking after (Red), made it easier. But for a few days, all I wanted was to go back to my own house, my own bed, my own dog, and my comfortable, predictable life.

Now, however, just into my second house sit, I’m already feeling much more at ease. I’ve started creating a routine and systems around organizing clothes and toiletries, the homes are very welcoming, and the animals are a joy.

It just proves to me how adaptable we are as humans and how quickly we can adapt to a new style of living. 

I was becoming acutely aware of how ‘unresilient’ I had become in the last few years. Menopause is certainly playing a part (you know what I’m talking about ladies). What I used to take in my stride without a glance sideways, creates far more anxiety these days. 

But much of it has also been ‘comfort’. It’s been years since I truly stepped out of my comfort zone and challenged myself to ‘make it happen.’ (Reference to my old Monday vids & emails).

And sure I’m only house sitting, not jumping out of a plane or climbing Everest, but the last few weeks have been a leap, and I’m grateful for it. It’s a reminder that stepping out of our comfort zones, even in small ways, builds resilience and strength.

As David Goggins says, ‘You have to build calluses on your brain how you build calluses on your hands.’ Embracing discomfort is your brain’s workout, strengthening your mind, building resilience, and preparing you for life’s challenges.

If you’ve been feeling stuck or too comfortable lately, maybe it’s time to try something new. Step out of your comfort zone, even just a little, and see how quickly you adapt and your confidence starts to grow. You’ll likely surprise yourself with what you’re capable of!

Stay adventurous and keep pushing your boundaries!

Forwards,

Jo 😊

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⚒️ The Working Traveller Resource of the Week

‘You can do anything, but you can’t do everything’

My favorite quote from Greg McKeown’s book Essentialism.

Since I've been travelling full-time, my daily routine has been turned on its head. Trying to working around my travels is pushing me to reassess what's truly essential in my life and business.

I’ve read this book before and loved it, so in my current circumstance, I decided it was time for a re-read.

Essentialism teaches us to focus on what's truly important, eliminating the unnecessary to make the highest possible contribution. Here are some key points:

• Prioritisation: Determine what matters most and allocate your time and energy accordingly. As McKeown says, "If you don't prioritize your life, someone else will."

• Boundaries: Learn to say no to tasks and commitments that don't align with your priorities. “Remember that if you don’t take control of your time, others will.”

• Focus: Concentrate on doing less, but better. Quality over quantity.

Actionable Task: One of the practical exercises from the book is the "90 Percent Rule." Here’s how to apply it today:

1. Identify a Decision: Choose an upcoming decision, whether it's a new project, a meeting, or a social commitment.

2. Evaluate: On a scale of 1 to 100, rate this opportunity. If it’s not a 90 or above, it's a clear no. For example, if you're considering attending a networking event, ask yourself, "Is this event a 90 or above in terms of importance and alignment with my goals?"

3. Act: Decline opportunities that don't meet the 90 percent threshold. This helps you focus only on what truly matters.

Or in the words of fellow author Derek Sivers;

‘If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a No!”

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Choice: McKeown emphasizes that we have the power to choose how we spend our time and resources. By being more selective, we can focus on what truly matters.

• Trade-Offs: Recognize that making choices often involves trade-offs. Accepting this helps in making better decisions about where to invest your efforts.

• Simplicity: Embrace simplicity in both thought and action. McKeown advises us to eliminate clutter and focus on fewer tasks that have a greater impact.

• Routine: Establish routines that support your essential priorities. Consistency helps in maintaining focus and achieving long-term goals.

Essentialism is a guide to cutting through the noise and focusing on what really counts.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list or struggling to find balance, this book is a game-changer. It’s helping me streamline my life while travelling, and I’m sure it can do the same for you.

If you want to focus on what matters most, pick up a copy of Essentialism and start simplifying your life today!

✈️ Nomadic Solopreneur Tip of the Week

🚧 3 Common Roadblocks in Online Entrepreneurship

I’ve been working in the online business industry for over 14 years wearing many hats along the way, from coaching and creating courses to affiliate marketing, email marketing, e-commerce, blogging and more.

Throughout my journey, I’ve learned a lot about what it takes to solve some of the biggest problems people face in our industry. In fact, they are a lot easier to solve than most people think. You just need to change how you're thinking about them.

Here they are, and how to solve them:

1. The Challenge of Differentiation

In the vast digital marketplace, standing out can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. With so many businesses vying for attention, it’s easy to get lost in the noise.

Take an Audience-First Approach

Start by identifying your ideal audience. Who do you want to serve? Narrowing down your audience helps you tailor your message to their specific needs and interests.

Define The Problem

For example, I focus on helping 50+ nomads come up with ways to fund their travels. By defining this specific problem, I can create content that resonates deeply with my audience.

2. Overcoming Content Creation Hurdles

Creating consistent, engaging content is a common struggle for many online entrepreneurs. It’s easy to get overwhelmed or lose motivation.

Focus on Your Audience's Needs

Create genuinely helpful content consistently. If you know your audience, you’ll know the kind of content that can help them. Start with one platform where you're comfortable and where your audience spends time.

Build an Email List

Begin building an email list from day one by offering a lead magnet or newsletter. An engaged email list is a powerful tool for creating a feedback loop and encouraging subscribers to engage with your content.

3. Navigating Information Overload

New online business owners often face information overload, making it difficult to find trustworthy guidance and mentorship.

Be Selective in Learning and Mentorship

Join relevant online communities in your niche. Look for respected figures in your industry and follow their advice. Seek recommendations from peers and colleagues.

Find Quality Guidance

Focus on finding one or two mentors who genuinely care about your success. Quality guidance is more important than quantity. Don’t try to follow everyone’s advice; instead, select a few key sources and stick with them.

First Principle Thinking

First principle thinking involves breaking down problems into their most basic elements and building solutions from there. This approach helps you focus on the core issues and find clear, practical solutions.

By applying first principle thinking to the common roadblocks in online entrepreneurship, you can cut through the noise and confusion.

There are a million things to consider when growing your online side hustle, but if you focus on understanding your audience, creating valuable content, and finding quality guidance, you'll simplify your path to success and make meaningful progress.

Have a fab week! :)

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That’s All Folks!

That’s it from me this week. I hope it’s been useful!

Make sure to come and join the group to connect with me and meet fellow nomads.

Have a fabulous week, live your best life and as always get out there and make it happen!

Jo 😊 

Affiliate Disclaimer; Please assume some of the links in this email are affiliate links. Clicking on an affiliate link doesn’t cost you anything, but might generate enough for me to buy a cold one at the end of a long travel day! 😎 I only recommend products, services, businesses or people I've personally used or connected with, and believe can add value to your business & life. If you choose to purchase from any of my links, thanks so much for your support! 😊