Beating Procrastination While Working from Kenya: Productivity Tips for Digital Nomads
Let’s be honest: no matter how dreamy that sea view is or how many inspiring people you meet at your latest coliving, staying productive as a digital nomad can feel like chasing a mirage. 🌴
I’ve worked from Kenya, Spain, and South Africa, survived deadlines from Barcelona to Cape Town, and yet, some days still ended with only half my plans done. Sound familiar?
When there’s no one looking over your shoulder, even the best intentions can drift away. You might be surrounded by magic (new friends, new places, new ideas!) but at the end of the day, it’s still just you and your laptop. And that can get lonely.
What made the real difference for me?
👉 Accountability.
Shared goals. Real check-ins. The gentle nudge of people who get it.
Rituals are important, we learned it, but even more important are the people you share them with. Now, my goals feel lighter, doable, and way more fun.
Here’s how that transformed the way I work (and live):
🌅 Morning Accountability Circles
At every goldenweeks retreat, we start the day with a 9 a.m. coffee and a short check-in.
Each person shares their mini-goal for the day, admits where they might get stuck, and promises to celebrate one tiny win later.
It’s quick, honest, and deeply motivating: accountability turns intention into action you can see.
🔥 Weekly Public Challenges
At the start of each week, everyone shares one top priority. It could be “launch my landing page” or “send my first client pitch on Thursday.”
By week’s end, we check-in on progress to celebrate and learn. That friendly nudge is often all you need to move forward.
💻 Digital Tools, Real Life
Yes, I love Notion checklists and Focusmate sessions, but what really works is using them together.
We share open dashboards, run virtual Pomodoro sprints, and even announce our breaks — “See you in 25 minutes for a dance party!” 💃
It keeps things human, playful, and consistent.
🌙 Honest Reflection & Small Wins
Every evening, we gather, whether around a real kitchen table or a digital one, for a quick 5-minute check-in.
What did we actually finish today? What do we want to do differently tomorrow?
Celebrating small progress (and even small fails) keeps things real. That’s where growth starts and where the best hacks are born.
✨ Small Rituals. Big Change.
You don’t need to hustle harder, just create consistency in small, meaningful habits:
- Every morning write one sentence on why your goal matters today
- Share one micro-commitment in your group chat
- Try a buddy system, swap roles each week between “supporter” and “tough love” partner
- Missed a goal? Call it a reset, not a failure.
🌍 From Solo Work to Shared Growth
You don’t have to be in a retreat to build these rituals, but there’s something special about doing it with others.
Accountability turns any space into a community that challenges you to grow.
The magic isn’t in doing more — it’s in doing it together.
✨ Ready to experience this kind of energy in real life?
Join the upcoming Goldenweeks Retreat in Kenya this June 2026 and get 10% off when booking through Nomad Retreats.
Because sometimes, all it takes to stop procrastinating, is having someone cheering you on. 💛
We’d love to see you there — and maybe help you build your next best routine under the Kenyan sun. 🌍☀️
About the Author
Lakisha Adu is a retreat host, SEO strategist, and digital nomad who believes that growth feels better when shared. With a background in communication and event management, she’s passionate about creating spaces where accountability meets ease; helping nomads turn big intentions into steady, real-world progress — one focused day at a time.
When she’s not hosting retreats or optimizing content, you’ll probably find her with a notebook, a strong coffee, and a group of curious minds somewhere under the sun. ☀️
This story is part of the Nomad Retreats Community Series, featuring hosts, creators, and retreat founders shaping the future of nomad life. Want to share your story? Submit yours here.
