Three tips for working remotely

My name is Crystal Veness, and I’m living the dream.

I’ve been traveling full time for more than two years, with no home base and nothing but a kite bag, a carry-on suitcase, and a backpack in tow. This journey has spanned 5 continents, 19 countries, and created more than 1,000,000 memories, and the journey continues today.

I’ll be honest, my bank account isn’t exactly growing, but I have accumulated an indescribable wealth of experiences, wonderful connections, and skills that will have a positive impact on the rest of my life. I feel filthy rich. If that’s not wealth, I don’t know what is!

I'm excited to share this journey with you via my Vlog series. "Chasing the dream" where every Thursday morning I'll be sharing my adventures, and insights with you. I'll be covering anything and everything you ever wanted to know about kiteboarding, traveling and well being. 

For my first Vlog, I thought it would be appropriate to start where it all began for me Alberta Canada. In this episode I would like to share three very important lessons that I have learned while working remotely.  It can be tricky getting anything done if you don't have your priorities in order. Weather it's windy or the ski conditions are perfect, finding balance is a breaze if you apply these three tips to every trip. 

First, Know your priorities 

Kiteboarding is a huge priority 

Ask yourself why you are here and what do you need to get done on this trip. If you have a clear outline of what you want and need to do. It's a lot easier to do it. I try and limit my priories based on the length of my trip and my current deadlines. If I had to pick a number, I would say go with three priorities. 

On this particular trip my priorities are work a bunch, visit my family and snowboard. That's really it. I only have time for three. If I add anything else, like partying or meeting new friends, chances are I'm not going to get anything done. 

So know your priories, write them down, keep them close to you. Every person and every location can have different priorities. If I'm in a beach location, my priorities might be to kite board, film some kite videos, and explore the local culture. If i'm in some city in Europe It would be to learn about the place I'm in, meet new friends and maybe some locals. 

Second, have a schedule and a plan

Make sure to leave some flex days in that plan 

For example on this trip I have one week and three priories. My schedule is three hardcore work days. Days where I will shut myself in and focus solely on getting work done. Two snowboarding days, one day to hang with my family, and a flex day. I highly recommend a flex day. Just because your working does not mean spontaneity is dead! Knowing exactly what your going to do everyday can get pretty boring. When I first started traveling I never had a plan. I would wake up and open myself to the place and people around me. It's amazing what life will bring you if you just open yourself up to it. Yes can be a empowering word. For this reason you must have one flex day. The greatest opportunities often come when you don't have a plan. That said, no can be even more liberating if your trying to accomplish something.  So remember, If you do not have a plan, you will not get any work done. 

Third. commit fully to what you are doing.

If you're with family or friends, Commit fully to being in the present moment with them. 

If you're snowboarding, get up early and get the first chair! Put some fresh tracks down. If you're working, get off facebook and turn off your phone. Don't let yourself become distracted. Get it done so you can get into the next thing. If you're with family or friends, be in the moment with them. Don't let your work get in the way or become distracted by other things happening in the world. Just enjoy it and be in the moment with them.

So there it is. three of the most valuable tips I have for living the remote lifestyle.  I hope I've inspired you to travel a bit more and to perhaps to even chase your dreams as well. I'll see you next Thursday at 6 am eastern! 

Crystal Veness

Originally from Canada, she now calls the entire world her playground and simultaneously her workplace. Whether that's an impromptu office in the back of a rental car on top of a mountain or a hut on kite beach Cabarete, she is a true embodiment of the work-life balance movement.

Website: CrystalVeness.com

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