Three personality characteristics necessary for a successful expat life
Do people who become expats have a specific personality?
What is it about some people that makes them more likely to have the urge to live elsewhere in the world, and then to make a great success of it?
I asked for feedback on this topic on my Facebook page a while back. The results are displayed in the image above, and listed here.
Top three expat personality traits
- Flexibility
- Sense of humour
- Resilience
Equal in fourth place are:
- Adaptability
- Open-mindedness
- Optimism
- Curiosity
- Patience
And the runners up:
- Positivity
- Enthusiasm
- Spontaneity
- Foolishness
- Persistence
- Determination
- Organisation
- Bravery
- Sociability
- Adventurousness
- Tolerance
- Self-confidence
- Willingness to learn
Of course, there are many more qualities that help you get the most of your expat life,
“Flexibility, social sensitivity, optimism. Not to mention patience, good observation skills to work out how things work, curiosity, friendliness and a willingness to make a fool of yourself.”
“Just like with any partner – tolerance, a sense of humor, and honesty (not every single day was a happy one in your home country, etc.)”
“Sense of adventure, willingness to adapt and open minded tolerance and understanding for other cultures.”
“Be accepting of change and at time embrace it. Try to live the local way rather than hoping to live your old life in a new place, otherwise you may be set up for disappointment.”
“To be open minded, to be willing to learn new languages (and to embrace their cultures), to be optimistic.”
Even more skills you will require in your expat life
And finally, you’ll go far if you have these vital talents as recommended by Alexandra,
1. Knowledge of two ways to skin a cat
2. Fluent in expansive international hand gestures
3. Glass-half-full personality
4. Military level logistical skills
6. The ability to prepare a meal 1000 miles from the nearest M&S food hall
7. Devil-may-care attitude towards ludicrous local rulings
5. Accurate lists 🙂
Even if you don’t have any or all of the above traits now, you’ll soon develop them!
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You've stumbled upon a fascinating exploration of the key personality characteristics necessary for a successful expat life. The insights shared on the Facebook page provide a rich tapestry of experiences and opinions. Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:
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Flexibility:
- The ability to adapt and embrace change is crucial for expats. It involves adjusting to new environments, cultures, and situations.
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Sense of Humor:
- A good sense of humor can act as a social lubricant, easing interactions and helping expats navigate cultural differences with grace and lightness.
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Resilience:
- Resilience is the capacity to bounce back from challenges and setbacks. Expats often face various obstacles, and resilience enables them to overcome adversity.
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Adaptability:
- Similar to flexibility, adaptability involves adjusting to new circ*mstances. Expats need to be open to change and capable of acclimating to different lifestyles.
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Open-mindedness:
- An open-minded approach allows expats to appreciate and understand diverse perspectives and customs, fostering positive interactions with people from various backgrounds.
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Optimism:
- Maintaining a positive outlook can be a driving force for expats. It helps them approach challenges with a constructive mindset and see opportunities in the midst of difficulties.
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Curiosity:
- A curious nature encourages expats to explore and learn about their new surroundings, fostering a deeper connection with the local culture and community.
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Patience:
- Patience is crucial for dealing with the inevitable delays, misunderstandings, and cultural differences that may arise in a new country.
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Positivity:
- A positive attitude contributes to a healthier expat experience, allowing individuals to focus on the good aspects of their new life rather than dwelling on challenges.
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Enthusiasm:
- Being enthusiastic about the expat journey fuels motivation and a willingness to engage with new experiences wholeheartedly.
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Spontaneity:
- Embracing spontaneity adds a sense of adventure to the expat life, encouraging individuals to step out of their comfort zones and try new things.
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Foolishness (Playfulness):
- A willingness to make a fool of oneself suggests a playful and lighthearted approach to social interactions, breaking down barriers and building connections.
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Persistence:
- Persistence helps expats tackle challenges head-on, pushing through difficulties and staying committed to their goals.
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Determination:
- Determination is the drive that keeps expats focused on achieving their objectives, even when faced with obstacles.
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Organization:
- Having organizational skills aids expats in managing the logistical aspects of their new life, from paperwork to daily routines.
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Bravery:
- A degree of bravery is necessary for expats to step into the unknown, face uncertainties, and take risks in pursuit of a fulfilling life abroad.
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Sociability:
- Sociability enhances the expat experience by facilitating connections with locals and fellow expats, creating a supportive social network.
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Adventurousness:
- A spirit of adventure encourages expats to explore their new surroundings and engage in novel experiences.
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Tolerance:
- Tolerance is crucial for navigating cultural differences and building harmonious relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
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Self-confidence:
- Self-confidence empowers expats to navigate challenges with assurance and to interact confidently in new social and professional settings.
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Willingness to Learn:
- A continuous eagerness to learn, especially new languages and cultural nuances, enriches the expat experience and facilitates smoother integration.
Now, armed with these insights, you're well-equipped to embark on your expat journey or support others in navigating theirs!
