13 Reasons Relocating Abroad Is A Good Move
1. You develop grit.
Venturesome, inquisitive and courageous are attributes anyone would like to have, but if you don’t have the perseverance to relentlessly pursue your dream life, that daydream would eventually serve no purpose.
Your ability to persevere will give you the nudge to take action and finally make a move to a different country. Envision your goal, to be in the right place, with the right people, where you are treated best. Whether it is a societally, financially or enviromentally motivated move.
2. You redefine success.
A corner office on Wall Street, a Grammy award or a book deal may seem like surefire achievements to let you know you’ve “made it.” But, when those milestones are hard to come by, you learn to appreciate even little victories: a move to an exotic climate, learning a new language, a chance to change career, finding love abroad etc.
Ultimately, the big things are composed of little things, so each stepping stone will seem like it carries far more weight than you probably imagined.
3. You learn to seek a feeling, rather than a “something.”
Often, we overestimate what or how much it would take to make us feel happy, successful or safe. And ultimately, whether it’s through money, recognition or health, that’s what we’re all after.
Sometimes, when we recognise what we want to feel rather than what we want to have, we allow ourselves to be fulfilled in ways we never would be expected. Like a move to a quaint town in Portugal, or living around nature with a view in Indonesia or a snowy nomadic escape to Andorra.
4. You have a chance — and permission — to change your mind.
We can spend so much time and energy focusing on one possible outcome of relocating abroad that we forget why we even considered it at all. Sometimes, being pointed in another direction provides the opportunity and affirmation we need to know that it’s okay to experience something new, re-evaluate and make informed decisions.
5. You become more creative.
When you really want a change, you won’t take no for an answer, no matter how many times you hear it. Being highly dissatisfied with an uninspired life leads you to think outside the box and go off the beaten path to get to your ultimate destination, making you not just happier, but also incredibly innovative.
6. You no longer fear the worst-case scenario.
One of the best realisations in taking steps to try a new environment is that it won’t end your world. When you’ve already faced the worst-case scenario, (high taxes, high cost of living, corrupt governments, lack of jobs) you’ll be bolder in what you will ask for or go after.
7. Your chances of inspiring someone else are far greater.
Winning the lottery of life seems to be a tempting option, but when you have to work for your dreams and others see you making those dreams come true, you become someone to admire.
You allow your journey — the ups, downs and everything in-between — to serve as the inspiration that someone else needs to get what he or she wants out of life.
8. You learn to trust people.
It’s often said that there’s no such thing as a self-made success because of all the effort and investments others have to make for you to get you there — and it’s true.
When you make a huge life change like moving somewhere new, the invitation is there to pull away from people. But, those who are committed to integrating well into new circles know that leaning on others is the quickest way to feel right at home in an unfamiliar country. And, it’s the surest way to ultimately “make friends and meaningful connections”
This is why Settlu is a helpful tool in helping you navigate and connect with the best freelancers and local people.
9. You find out who you are.
It’s easy to be comfortable, routined and uninspired when you have not experienced outside cultures, but who you are when you face infinite possibilities that you might not have dreamed of in a new culture might surprise you. You might relate to the chilled vibes of South American cultures after all!
Finding out who we are gives us the opportunity to build on our strengths and learn something new.
10. You get comfortable being uncomfortable.
For example, being the only American in a Thai community, or a different ethnicity in a new country pushes you out of your comfort zone. Ultimately, that’s where you have to get comfortable living to make a noticeable difference in your life or in the world. You learn to see what makes you different and unique as an individual.
11. You learn to work SMART.
Being comfortable with a life in the same environment can slow us down long enough to recognise the surplus of energy we sometimes devote to working hard, but not working smart. The downtime you get from a “no” can help you re-strategise and re-approach a challenge elsewhere with a new perspective. While it wasn’t easy to live a luxurious lifestyle in Sweden, you might live like royalty in Indonesia.
12. You learn to use negativity positively.
Anger, frustration and fear are all emotions that can be seriously toxic to your success, wellbeing and relationships. But, when you change environments, you perhaps find yourself happier. A sunny climate might be all you need to change your mood (Yaassss to Vitamin D!).
Frustration can turn into friendliness, and fear can turn into courage. These are emotions that reflect growth, a new chapter and can be used productively.
13. You get a story.
At the end of your life, it won’t be the times you stayed in an unfulfilled lifestyle that are the most interesting, inspiring or exciting. Someday, it may very well be the struggle that possesses the sweetest part of you finding happiness somewhere new and the memories, friendships and experiences your travels gifted you with.