Start 2024 off right with these 13 must-do actions

1. Create a vision board

Prioritize the visualization of your aspirations by creating a vision board. Compile images, quotes, and symbols that represent your goals. This visual representation will serve as a daily reminder of your dreams, fostering focus and clarity. I use Canva to do mine which I then use on my phone as a wallpaper so reminds me daily.

• Action Point 1: Dedicate 30 minutes to brainstorm and collect images, quotes, and symbols representing your travel or relocation goals.
• Action Point 2: Use online tools like Canva to create a digital vision board and set it as your phone wallpaper for daily inspiration.

2. Set SMART Goals

Establish clear, achievable goals for your year. Break down larger objectives into manageable steps. This sequential approach provides a roadmap to success, allowing you to track progress and stay aligned with your aspirations. Make sure the goals are SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.

• Action Point 1: List three specific goals related to your international journey, ensuring they are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound (SMART). e.g.  Specific Goal – Secure a job in marketing in Paris.
• Action Point 2: Break down each goal into smaller tasks and assign deadlines, creating a roadmap for accomplishment e.g.
  • Week 1: Research job market,
  • Week 2: Update resume,
  • Week 3: Apply to three positions.

3. Time Management

Allocate dedicated time for these move – abroad, work abroad, study abroad, or travel-related tasks. Set boundaries to minimize distractions. Effective time management lays the groundwork for a well-organized and successful journey.

• Action Point 1: Block out a dedicated two-hour time slot in your calendar for travel-related tasks e.g. Block 3-5 PM every Tuesday and Thursday for travel-related tasks.
• Action Point 2: Turn off non-essential notifications during your dedicated time to minimize distractions and boost productivity e.g. turn off social media notifications during this time to enhance focus.

4. Financial Planning

Cut unnecessary expenses and redirect funds into a dedicated travel fund. Instill financial discipline as a foundational mindset for responsible and sustainable decision-making.

Explore side hustles and additional revenue streams, especially those generating income in foreign currencies. Consider international expat jobs, online work, or opportunities like cruise ship jobs for financial diversification.

Recognize the advantage of earning directly in foreign currencies rather than converting local earnings, optimizing your financial foundation for international endeavors.

Open and maintain a bank account with decent cash flow, crucial for demonstrating financial stability when applying for Permanent Residence or visas.

• Action Point 1: Review your monthly expenses and identify at least three areas where you can cut unnecessary costs e.g. identify unnecessary subscriptions and cancel them to redirect funds.
• Action Point 2: Research online platforms for potential side hustles or additional income streams compatible with your skills. Explore freelancing platforms for potential side gigs.

5. Skill Development

Invest in acquiring in-demand skills relevant to international job markets. Prioritize self-improvement through continuous learning, to enhance marketability, opening doors to career opportunities abroad. Prioritize self-improvement. Do not underestimate the value of short courses.

Explore Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) which are free online courses available for anyone to enroll, such as those offered by Coursera, for free online courses, enhancing your skill set and broadening your knowledge base.

Note that a high school diploma is often the minimum requirement for most immigration programs and cruise ship jobs, making it crucial to prioritize this qualification in 2024.

Recognize the significance of learning the language of your destination country. Language proficiency is a fundamental requirement for permanent immigration or successful academic pursuits. Consider obtaining certifications such as CELPIP for French, IELTS, Duolingo, or other recognized language assessments to enhance your proficiency and meet immigration or study criteria.

• Action Point 1: Enroll in one online course or workshop relevant to your career goals or international aspirations e.g. Enroll in a Coursera course on international marketing.
• Action Point 2: Research language learning apps, language learning YouTube videos, or a language school in your locality and commit to spending 15 minutes daily on language proficiency for your destination country. e.g. Spend 15 minutes daily on Duolingo to improve French language skills.

6. Health and Well-being

Prioritize physical and mental well-being through self-care practices. The correlation between well-being and a successful relocation experience underscores the importance of starting your journey in optimal health.

Recognize that for certain job opportunities such as cruise ship jobs, and immigration programs such as getting Permanent Residence you must pass the medical tests.

Consider these health prerequisites as part of your holistic well-being strategy for successful job placement abroad, travel, work abroad, study abroad, or even moving to a new country.

• Action Point 1: Create a daily self-care routine involving activities like exercise, meditation, or journaling e.g. Establish a morning routine involving yoga and meditation.
• Action Point 2: Schedule a health checkup to ensure you meet the medical requirements for potential opportunities e.g. Schedule a general health checkup for next week.

7. Networking and Relationship Building

Build a robust professional and social network, both online and offline. Understand the concept of social capital.

Recognize that the relationships you cultivate hold inherent value, providing access to opportunities, cultural insights, and a supportive system for navigating unfamiliar territories.

• Action Point 1: Connect with at least three professionals in your industry on LinkedIn, introducing yourself and expressing interest in their work e.g. Connect with marketing professionals in Paris on LinkedIn with personalized messages.
• Action Point 2: Join an online community or forum related to international travel or relocation and actively engage in discussions e.g. Join a forum for expats in France and contribute to discussions.

8. Build your online Personal Brand

Optimize your online profiles to present a cohesive narrative.

A strong personal brand attracts professional opportunities and shapes global perceptions, contributing to your overall success.

• Action Point 1: Update your LinkedIn profile with a recent photo, an engaging headline, and a concise summary that reflects your aspirations e.g. Update LinkedIn profile photo and headline to reflect international aspirations.
• Action Point 2: Share a post or article showcasing your expertise or thoughts on a relevant industry topic e.g. Share an article about cross-cultural marketing strategies..

9. Risk-Taking Mindset

Embrace calculated risks in career choices and decision-making. Cultivate a mindset that welcomes challenges, stepping outside your comfort zone for transformative opportunities.

Embrace uncertainty and be open to taking calculated risks. This might involve applying for jobs in unfamiliar locations, exploring unconventional career paths, or venturing into entrepreneurship.

• Action Point 1: Identify one calculated risk you can take in the next month, whether it’s applying for a challenging job or exploring a new avenue for personal or professional growth e.g. applying for a challenging job and create a step-by-step plan.
• Action Point 2: Take a small, calculated risk within the next week, such as reaching out to a professional contact for advice or opportunities e.g. Reach out to a mentor for advice on the identified risk..

10. Cultural Intelligence

Understand and adapt to different cultures. Learn about customs, etiquette, and languages, enriching your relocation experience and facilitating smoother transitions.

• Action Point 1: Research cultural nuances of your desired destination, focusing on customs, etiquette, and language e.g. Research French customs related to business interactions.
• Action Point 2: Engage in a cultural exchange activity, such as attending a virtual event or connecting with someone from the target culture e.g. Attend a virtual French language exchange event.

11. Flexibility in Plans

Acknowledge the inevitability of unexpected challenges in international travel. Maintain flexibility not only in plans by adapting to changing circumstances with grace and resilience, but also in considering potential countries for relocation.

Be willing to adapt your plans based on changing circumstances. This might include considering alternative destinations, adjusting timelines, or exploring new opportunities that arise.

Explore opportunities not just in the Western world but also in Africa, Asia, and beyond where expatriate jobs abound. If one avenue, such as Canada PR or nursing in Canada for foreign trained nurses seems elusive, remain open to alternative possibilities like pursuing a green card in the U.S. or nursing in Australia.

• Action Point 1: Evaluate and adjust your initial relocation plans based on new information or opportunities that arise e.g. based on updated visa processing times..
• Action Point 2: Research alternative destinations or career paths that align with your goals, broadening your perspective e.g. Explore job opportunities in other European cities as alternatives..

12. Documenting Your Journey

If its not on paper, it didn’t happen. Capture life events on paper, including births, marriages, and deaths. Organize essential documents systematically, creating folders for birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other crucial paperwork.

Consider certified translations for international use, streamlining bureaucratic processes and ensuring a seamless transition.

• Action Point 1: Create a digital folder for essential documents, such as passports, phots, educational certificates, birth certificates and marriage certificates.
• Action Point 2: Identify and bookmark certified approved language testing providers, streamlining the preparation for international transitions for future use e.g. IELTS, etc.

13. Declutter Across Realms:

Clear everything out that feels heavy in the physical, virtual/social media, mental, and emotional realms. Streamline your physical space, declutter your virtual presence, release mental baggage, and address emotional burdens. Create an environment conducive to focus, growth, and emotional well-being.

• Action Point 1: Spend 30 minutes every two days decluttering your physical space, starting with one area that feels overwhelming.
• Action Point 2: Conduct a digital declutter by unfollowing or unsubscribing from online platforms that no longer serve your growth and aspirations. Unsubscribe from newsletters and unfollow accounts on social media not aligned with your goals.