Taking the leap and becoming a location independent expat is an exhilarating adventure and can be a deeply intoxicating experience. The opportunity to redefine your life whilst exposing yourself to new cultures and opportunities is a valuable pursuit indeed. However, the reality also includes plenty of challenges that you will need to navigate if you are to be successful as a global expat.

For many, the decision to relocate abroad is, typically, driven by a desire for more personal liberty, personal growth, better quality of life, or simply to have a fresh start. However, thriving on this journey requires more than just desire and you will need a mindset that focusses on resilience, adaptability, as well as a penchant towards ongoing personal development. These factors make up what I call the ‘essential expat mindset.’

Embracing the Expat Mindset

Living as an expat involves more than just moving to a new country; it’s about adopting a mindset that, happily, embraces the unknown. Life as an expat is often full of contrasts with moments of thrilling discovery paired with the difficulties of living in a foreign land and, sometimes, even navigating annoyances and frustrations. To thrive, you will need to be adaptable, open minded, and to accept setbacks with a smile on your face.

The most crucial personality trait for global citizens is that of adaptability. Every foreign locale possesses its own set of customs and social norms. Subsequently, it’s likely that some of these practices may not exactly jive with your personal values or behaviours. Navigating these differences is a significant challenge for new expats but also provides plenty of social rewards when done correctly.

Whether it’s learning a new language, undertaking different workplace practices, or coming to grips with new social norms, the ability to be flexible and understanding is the key to a smooth transition.

It’s incredibly important to approach each day as an opportunity to learn and grow in your new country. A new expat needs to wake up every day with the understanding that their ongoing process of adaption is not only about survival but is really their to evolve and enrich their lives in so many profound ways.

Resilience is another essential quality for global citizens and the journey towards a successful expatriation has its ups and downs. It’s guaranteed that you are going to have some very low moments throughout the early part of your shift where you will experience everything from loneliness to significant frustration. However, what will get you through these periods is a dedication to personal resilience. Personally knowing that, whatever the challenge may be, you will surmount them and maintain a positive outlook.

Finding Your Purpose in a New Environment

Consulting with many global expat clients over the years has taught me one significant truth. The path to success as an expat requires a dedicated purpose in your new locale. Typically, moving abroad leaves behind established careers, your friend networks, and daily routine. This can leave a huge whole in your life and leave you feeling unfulfilled and adrift.

Subsequently, you need to start reflecting on what you genuinely want out of your new life. What passions have you delayed for years due to your work schedule? What dreams have you put on hold? Becoming an expat offers you a fresh start in life, a chance to redefine yourself and your aspirations. Do yourself a favour and make a written plan with your ‘dream’ life and start working towards achieving it in your new host country.

Use these aspirations to anchor yourself and give you a focus to work towards every single day. It will give you a defined purpose in life and provide you with a gameplan towards daily fulfilment and success.

Building a Supportive Community as a Global Expat

In my experience, the lack of a local support network (or the wrong network) has finished more expat experiments than any of the other factors. Moving to a new place can be, incredibly, isolating if you lack a social outlet. I have personally experienced this isolation and it’s difficult to really enjoy a new country unless you can share it with others.

Subsequently, making local connections is critical in your new journey. It’s important to start seeking out local networking groups or social connections at the earliest possible convenience. Most cities have local expat groups where you can meet other likeminded individuals. These people can be an invaluable source of local intelligence and help guide you through the settlement process.

Additionally, look for opportunities to connect with locals. Whether through language exchanges, cultural events, or volunteer work, engaging with the local community can help you feel more integrated and provide a deeper connection to your new home.

Don’t underestimate the power of online communities as well. Social media platforms and expat forums offer a wealth of information, from practical tips on navigating bureaucracy to emotional support during tough times. Connecting with others online can provide a sense of belonging, even when you’re far from home. However, be aware that many online forums for expats are populated with people that are toxic.

Final Words for Global Expats

Making the move to a new country, or becoming a global expat is a journey like no other. It offers up endless challenges and frustrations but also provides some of the richest cultural experiences and personal rewards. The reality is, for those that can surmount these challenges, the opportunity to redefine your life and experience significant personal growth abounds. However, to be successful you need to cultivate an ‘expat mindset’ of adaptability, open mindedness, and resilience. By cultivating these attitudes, you too can experience the joys of successful expatriation.

Remember, the experiences you gain as a global expat will not only shape your life but also leave you with a wealth of memories, insights, and growth that you’ll carry with you for the rest of your life.