Are you thinking of becoming a digital nomad? It can be tricky staying productive on the road; with cocktails and fun in the sun, you can easily forget your work. I’ve collected a few tips from highly productive people to stay productive and get shit done as soon as possible.

1. They have a daily plan to attack the day

Successful people take some time to plan the day. Every morning. This is necessary to do when traveling because in about 5 – 10 minutes you give some structure to your day.

2. They prioritize their to-do list

Once you’ve your daily list, write number behind them and only work from 1 and up. If your list is too long to complete within 24 hours (or your work day), move some items to tomorrow’s list. Take care of quick tasks (can me done in 5 minutes or less) immediately and after small tasks, always start with the biggest task. If your list is too long to complete within 24 hours (or your work day), move some items to tomorrow’s list. Take care of quick tasks (can me done in 5 minutes or less) immediately and after small tasks, always start with the biggest task.

3. They know when they’re most productive

Something that works for me personally is getting up early to get some work done. This works in warm countries because the warmth is manageable and on the other side of the world because of the time zone, it’s the time when everybody at home is working so it’s great to get things done. This works in warm countries because the warmth is manageable and on the other side of the world because of the time zone, it’s the time when everybody at home is working so it’s great to get things done.

Find out what works for you, it can be mornings or afternoons, maybe even at night and try to stick to those working hours. I found out it’s also possible to have two productivity windows. I like to work in the morning, go to the beach or explore in the afternoon and start working again after dinner. I found out it’s also possible to have two productivity windows. I like to work in the morning, go to the beach or explore in the afternoon and start working again after dinner.

4. Highly productive people take breaks

Especially if you’re traveling and living the digital nomad lifestyle, it’s important to enjoy the places you’re at too.

Don’t focus on work all day every day, but try to take small breaks in between your work tasks. You can get active (go for a swim in the ocean or pool!), try some local food at the market or read an inspiring book or magazine. This will all help you getting more productive when you’re back to work.

5. They know when to multitask

I’m not a big fan of multitasking because I don’t believe it works. I always think that focus is the most important thing when it comes to finishing things quickly. But highly productive people know when they should multitask and when not to. There is a difference between multitasking and being distracted. Working (for example writing an article) and checking your social media accounts at the same time is probably NOT working 😉

6. They’re realistic about how much time things take

I’m always optimistic when it comes to do lists for the day. Sure, five interviews and 10 articles? I can do that! But actually, I can’t. So ‘to do’s’ keep moving to the next day. And the next day. No good. Highly productive people find that sweet spot where they can accurately estimate how much time it will take to finish a task.

7. They keep track of things

Highly productive people keep track of accomplishments. I’d recommend keeping an ‘accomplishment’ diary to see how much you actually accomplish in a day (or a week, a month..). Seeing all of your accomplishments at one place will motivate you to accomplish more. Set daily goals to accomplish a little bit more than yesterday and you’ll soon be the king of productivity.

8. They focus on positivity instead of negativity

Focus on all the things that you did get done, instead of what you didn’t. I know it can be really stressful knowing what else you need to do but focus on the positive things of the day, like everything you already finished.

9. They are perfectionists, but only when it counts

I’m guilty. When it comes to wanting to do perfectly and ending up dread all day long doing it or working on it. Apparently, the key to being a perfectionist and a highly productive person is knowing when to be a perfectionist. If every single task, no matter how small, has to be completed without flaw or error, you will probably never finish anything. Know when to do the extra spelling check and when not (your long email to friends abroad? It’s okay to make a typo, not when you’re emailing clients).

Oh and my personal tip? Work ahead as much as possible! It’s been too often for me that the wifi connection is not as strong while traveling as at home, so try to not depend on the wifi while traveling!

You might also like to read:

• Work smarter, not harder. Time management + productivity hacks you need to know (incl. free download!)
• How To Be Productive When Working From Home
• 7 Digital Nomad Startups And Apps All Digital Nomads Should Know
• New reader? Start here!
• How to effectively run a business from home