6 Months, 5 Countries, 1 Mission: How I Stayed Focused on the Move

Last year, I fully embraced the digital nomad lifestyle. Six months, five countries, countless time zones, and one mission: keep my full-time job running smoothly while growing my own company, LIDOR Consulting . This wasn’t just about working remotely—it was about exploring productivity, connection, and growth across different cultures and continents.

In this post, I’ll share the main insights I gained from this experience, and I’d be more than happy to discuss any of them further if you’d like to reach out!

Staying Productive on the Move

Time Zones Don’t Dictate Your Life—Structure Does

Setting up a routine across different landscapes was essential. In New York and Mexico, I started my day with the sunrise at 5 a.m. and finished by 2 p.m. This schedule wasn’t just for the early morning calm; it allowed me to stay in sync with my main client in Europe. By aligning my hours with theirs, I was fully available during their peak hours. Research shows that remote workers who establish consistent routines not only boost productivity but also experience lower stress levels, regardless of time zone differences. Consistency, I learned, isn’t about a strict 9-to-5—it’s about knowing when to start, when to stop, and shaping each day so that every hour has purpose.

Prioritize Deep Work Time

Uninterrupted, focused work time is invaluable. Cal Newport’s “deep work” concept emphasizes setting aside hours for high-focus tasks without distractions. Studies show that even one to two hours of deep work per day can boost productivity and creativity. For example, a 2012 study published in Science showed that interruptions can significantly increase the time required to complete tasks, sometimes by as much as 50%. By limiting distractions, deep work sessions allow workers to enter a “flow state,” a psychological term coined by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. Flow states increase cognitive engagement and can lead to a 500% increase in productivity, according to a study by McKinsey & Company.

When balancing multiple roles, deep work sessions become essential. For me, dedicating specific time blocks each day allowed me to stay effective despite changing environments and responsibilities.

Use Visual Cues for Structure

When you’re moving between locations, visual cues help create a sense of continuity and structure. Studies on productivity suggest that having a defined workspace, even a temporary one, helps the brain switch into “work mode.” Visual tools like planners, sticky notes, and digital calendars can be invaluable. I relied on a planner to outline daily tasks and set priorities, creating a sense of routine even in new spaces.?

The Right Gear is Your Armor

Moving between coworking spaces and coffee shops in places like Buenos Aires and Tel Aviv, I quickly learned which tools were essential. My noise-canceling headphones became more than an accessory—they were a sanctuary. Research from Stanford and MIT supports this: reliable tech, like high-quality audio gear and stable internet, can improve focus and cut down on mental fatigue. I’ll admit, I missed my dual monitors back in my Paris office, but with the beach as my backdrop, it was easy to let that go!

Keep Communication Human and Intentional

Staying connected remotely means focusing on quality, not just frequency. Two practices made a difference for me: weekly video calls and in-person meetups every two months. Weekly video calls became a consistent touchpoint, not just for work updates but for real connection. Research shows that video meetings help reduce isolation and build team bonds. Meanwhile, our bi-monthly meetups allowed us to strategize, share meals, and reconnect on a personal level, which built trust and unity that video calls can’t fully replicate.

Networking in New Markets: The Hidden Benefit of Nomad Life

Traveling isn’t just about changing scenery; it’s a firsthand way to understand global markets. Each region has unique needs and business opportunities. Networking over a mate in Argentina or attending a tech meetup in Tel-Aviv wasn’t about collecting contacts; it was about expanding my understanding of different trends and challenges. Studies by McKinsey highlight the value of cross-cultural exposure for innovation, and for me, every conversation brought fresh insights, sparked new ideas, and showed me business in a more complete, vibrant way.

Why Being a Digital Nomad is More Than a Job Perk

Living as a digital nomad isn’t just about avoiding the office. It’s about blending work with exploration, business with curiosity, and connection with new perspectives. I learned that innovation doesn’t come from looking at the same screen every day; it comes from seeing the world through different lenses, understanding the needs of diverse markets, and letting travel expand the way we view work.

Now, looking back on those six months, I see each country, each person I met, and each challenge as another step on the journey—not just of a digital nomad but of someone bringing a global perspective to every client, every project, and every new idea.

What’s your take on balancing work and travel? Share your perspective on working remotely while exploring the world!

#DigitalNomad #RemoteWork #ExploringCultures #GlobalMindset