Ever feel overwhelmed by all the small decisions in your day? In my May newsletter, I share a business travel hack that saves me time, stress, and brainpower. You’ll also get insider tips on the best places to eat and visit in Paris, my thoughts on the pitfalls of #AI translation and a recommendation for a brilliant book that’s helped me transform my work-life balance. I also talk about the added value that interpreters can bring to in-person business meetings.
This month I’ll be hopping aboard the Eurostar for a three-day assignment at the Paris HQ of a client in the defence sector.
Paris is one of my favourite places in the world, so I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to visit frequently. I have several long-standing clients based in the city, and my oldest daughter now lives there, too.
Some clients always book me into the same hotel, near their HQ. I even try to get the same room if I can.
Staying in the same place eliminates the unknown and saves me time, energy and stress. I know how to operate the shower, I know what’s on offer at breakfast, and I’ve found a hairdresser nearby who gives me a fabulous blow-dry.
This familiarity reduces my cognitive load, preserving brainpower for an intense day of interpreting.
The same trick of paring down decisions works for daily life, too. This is why Steve Jobs always wore the same black polo neck and jeans, and Barack Obama only wore blue or grey suits.
I love fashion too much to adopt a work uniform, but I try to simplify my life whenever I can.
Which decisions could you systemise to reduce decision fatigue? Give it a go!
Also in today’s newsletter:
- Capturing the magic of in-person meetings
- An insider’s guide to visiting Paris
- The book that’s helping me transform my work-life balance
- Why you should beware the uncanny valley of AI translation
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Happy Reading!
Luciana
