In today's rapidly evolving work environment, the allure of digital freelancing and entrepreneurship is undeniable. Gone are the days when a steady job equated to security and fulfillment. For many, like Digital Freelancer and Coach, Daniel who transitioned from a long-standing career in enterprise consulting and sales, the pandemic served as a stark wake-up call. This interview delves into the pivotal moments that spurred a successful professional to ditch the corporate ladder and embrace the freedoms and challenges of digital entrepreneurship.
What sparked your decision to transition into the realm of digital freelancing/entrepreneurship?
After a long career in enterprise consulting and sales working for other companies - enough was enough. I finally realised that the "easy" way of simply being an employee and working for other people was actually the most difficult and limiting thing I could do. Despite a paycheck (which is never enough), there is no stability or security in working for other people. At any moment, they can pull the rug out from beneath you (seen it happen countless times), forcing you to start over. Once COVID hit and the world was flipped upside down, that was my alarm clock to wake the F up and start living up to my potential.
They say the most secure place in the world is a prison, and that's what being a basic employee feels like to me. We are capable of making a greater impact, and that is what I aim to do as my own boss.
In what ways have you embraced the flexibility of a fully remote lifestyle?
Living a fully remote lifestyle has been the biggest blessing. As a Lifestyle Design and Mindset Coach, I practice what I preach. I've designed my life in a way that enables me to be location-independent. This way, I can chill and work anywhere I want, whether I want to post up on a beach, random city, or explore remote wilderness - it's up to me where I go and how I operate. As long as I have wifi I'm good. The biggest thing is you must be your own boss and the master of your time.
How do you successfully navigate the boundaries between work and personal life while working remotely?
Lifestyle Design is all about balance. The truth is, for high performers, there is not really a "work/life balance." There is just life—and we design it according to our personal rules and boundaries. This is a life mission, but once you find your "Ikigai" (you love it, you're great at it, the world needs it, and you can get paid for it), you will love your daily routine and the big bank you make from it.
More than theoretical, here are some practical best practices I use to run it globally:
- When working across global time zones, I enable a wide range of hours on my Calendly. I usually send out only 15-minute meetings unless 30 minutes are needed. I'm okay working nights but never mornings, so don't try me before 11 a.m. my time =).
- Never schedule meetings on weekends.
- Build a fitness routine you enjoy and can do anywhere. Health is wealth, and you have to stay energised to do anything well. Don't sacrifice your well-being for the sake of a buck. You're just going to waste it anyway.
- Ensure your many endeavors are in Alignment. For example, I run multiple businesses and am focused on many things, but they all build upon each other and collectively help me grow them all simultaneously. What you are focused on should not be conflicting. Otherwise, you are destined to waste energy, be mediocre, and ultimately fail.
- Remember the basics: Eat, Sleep, and Drink Water. I've seen so many people struggle in life because they neglect at least one of these.
When you are fired up, it doesn't feel like work. You are building your life, making your dreams come true, living the life you are destined for, and creating the biggest positive impact on the world around you. When you truly feel this, you are not going to waste your time or feel burnt out.
Once you are clear on your purpose, your mission, and WHY you want these things, you will figure out the HOW and certainly become successful. As a bonus, you will find you are more energised than ever before.
If someone is contemplating the shift from a traditional full-time job to the life of a digital nomad, what invaluable piece of advice would you offer them?
Don't let FEAR guide you anymore. Stop listening to all those voices in your mind telling you the reasons you can't do something. Change the script and tell yourself a good story instead.
Be honest with yourself, and have confidence that you will succeed as an entrepreneur by being your own boss.
Here are some practical hacks:
- If you're currently employed, you can enjoy your paycheck while allocating more and more time to your "side hustle." This side hustle should be something you want to be your main hustle. Work like a ninja, using the time for yourself instead of giving it to your employer at a fraction of your worth.
- Remember, there is no Loyalty in the game. Your employer doesn't care about you or your long-term success, and they don't care about your family. You do. Act accordingly.
- You are not alone! The power of a constructive community is invaluable. I've built business communities globally, and there are always resources you can leverage to help you. Join a community and grow.
- Focus on what you do best, and delegate the rest. I delegate everything I can to people who are better than me at those things. Inspire leaders to work with you, and spend your time on the things that energise you and bring you the dough.
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