2018: Innovator or Invader? Elation or Intimidation? Embracing Chat GPT for Global Communication

Chat GPT is undeniably becoming the talk of the tech world in 2023. Although I've only recently begun to explore its capabilities, I've found myself leaning on it extensively. In fact, I opted for the premium version, Chat GPT-4, in August, recognizing its immense potential for my business endeavors and thought processes. While there are numerous guides available on its usage, I'd like to share my insights on how you can harness its power effectively, especially in a professional context.

Currently, I work for an international corporation based in Japan. While our day-to-day interactions are primarily in Japanese, the global nature of our operations necessitates frequent communication with international stakeholders in English. A notable challenge, however, is that many Japanese employees are not proficient in English. This leads to a stark polarization between those who can operate on a global scale and those who are more domestically oriented. Most of my team members fall into the latter category, focusing mainly on domestic projects that seldom require international coordination.

But times are changing. As organizations evolve and global guidelines and incentives unify—particularly in areas like general affairs and HR—domestically-oriented employees find themselves having to interact more frequently with their international counterparts. This global outreach is not just about communication; it significantly impacts performance evaluations and disclosures. Basic English proficiency is becoming non-negotiable. For those facing this challenge, I'd like to offer a solution: integrating Chat GPT with Deepl.

While Chat GPT can translate, its capabilities, in my opinion, are not as refined as Deepl's. On the flip side, while Deepl excels at producing polished translations, it lacks the creative problem-solving skills inherent to Chat GPT.

Hence, my strategy is a collaborative approach: use Chat GPT for content creation or drafting in your native language, then refine and translate your final draft using Deepl. This synergy enables you to produce high-quality content in any language without the steep learning curve typically associated with language acquisition.

Remember: "Words spoken vanish like mist, but words written endure like stone."

This ancient wisdom underlines the power of written communication. I plan to introduce this strategy to my team in the coming week. I'm confident that with these tools, even our domestically-experienced members can swiftly transition into global assets. Their expertise, coupled with the power of Chat GPT and Deepl, can make them global talents overnight, rivaling even seasoned bilingual professionals.

2317: Are You an Introvert? Here's Why Networking is Essential for You

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? This age-old question has sparked countless debates and discussions. If you're curious about the topic, I recommend Susan Cain's best-selling book, "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking." The book starts with a 19-question quiz designed to help you identify whether you lean towards introversion or extroversion. When I took it, I scored 13 out of 19, placing me in the ambivert category, although I lean slightly towards introversion. This was consistent with what I had always believed about myself.

Historically, I leaned towards the introverted side, often hesitating before diving into seminars or group discussions. Those familiar with me might find this surprising. Today, while I'm not shy, and I often accept invitations to various events, my preference remains clear: I'd always choose a one-on-one conversation over a group discussion.

The Challenges and Rewards of Networking for Introverts

If you're introverted, you might wonder: "Do I really need to step out of my comfort zone? Can't I succeed without making too many connections?" While it's possible, my experience has taught me that networking, although challenging for introverts, offers unmatched benefits.

During my MBA, I gradually overcame my introverted tendencies. I admit, I initially lacked a proactive attitude towards my highly self-aware classmates. However, from day one, the importance of networking was emphasized. It was pitched as a secondary benefit of the MBA, but for many, including me, it turned out to be the primary gain. Networking opened my eyes to different perspectives, expanding my thought horizons.

Dr. Takeshi YORO, an anatomist and author known to many in Japan, wrote "The Wall of Fools." This book sheds light on how humans create barriers for themselves due to their limited knowledge. It suggests that many people hit a metaphorical wall when they feel they're not progressing despite their efforts. Overcoming these barriers often requires persistence and facing significant challenges.

The Rewards of Personal Networking

• One effective way to break down these barriers is by networking. It offers numerous advantages:
• New Opportunities: A strong personal network can unveil job offers, partnerships, and collaborations.
• Knowledge Sharing: Networking introduces you to diverse perspectives, enriching your own understanding.
• Career Advancement: Many job or promotion opportunities arise from recommendations within one's network.
• Increased Confidence: Interacting with a variety of individuals hones your interpersonal skills.
• Friendship and Support: Networking can birth long-lasting friendships and a reliable support system.

For introverts, stepping into the world of networking can feel like a huge leap. But remember, even prominent introverts like Mahatma Gandhi achieved greatness. His historical achievements, like leading India to independence, were made possible by the vast network he built through personal connections.

So, whether you're an introvert, extrovert, or somewhere in between, embrace networking. It could be the bridge to a stage in your life you hadn't even imagined.

2316: My Journey with Alcohol and Embracing the Sober-Curious Life

 This blog chronicles my authentic experience grappling with alcohol consumption, a topic currently in the spotlight under the buzzword "sober curious".

I embarked on my drinking journey at 20. Hailing from Generation X, I simply emulated the behaviors of the older generations from the 70s and 80s. For us, drinking and smoking were rites of passage into adulthood. A heavy drinker was looked upon with admiration. There were times I feigned sobriety, despite having had one too many.

As I transitioned into my 30s, I limited my drinking to weekends. This decision was influenced by my realization that alcohol was dampening my work productivity and zeal. Looking back, that was a pivotal moment, over 15 years ago.

On March 4th of this year, I took the plunge and decided to quit drinking. While I had upcoming exams and seminars, they weren't the primary catalysts for this decision. My real motivation? To bolster my resilience and vigor for my business and personal life.

Recent reports from institutions like WHO and national health surveys unequivocally state that there are no health benefits to alcohol consumption. Although health wasn't my primary driver, I'll share some tangible and intangible changes I noticed:

1. Weight Reduction: Over a span of 226 days, my weight steadily decreased by 3 kg, moving from 66.8 kg (on March 4th) to 63.8 kg (on October 16th). This reduction wasn't the result of deliberate weight management or added exercise. In fact, I might have consumed more calories than before.
2. Boosted Productivity: Embracing a sober life means no more hangovers. Even moderate evening drinks can affect the liver, particularly during its nocturnal process of metabolizing alcohol.
3. Enhanced Sleep Quality: Consuming alcohol before bedtime burdens the liver. Instead of processing essential nutrients like proteins and fats, the liver prioritizes detoxifying alcohol, converting it into harmless enzymes. This is why, even after an extended 10-hour sleep following heavy drinking, one might still feel exhausted. Our bodies, especially the liver, are hard at work throughout the night.

Conclusion:

Personally, I've yet to find a downside to this sober-curious lifestyle. Some might fear losing cherished evening pastimes or question how to maintain relationships with drinking buddies. In subsequent posts, I plan to discuss these challenges and their potential impact on one's life.

To conclude, life offers a plethora of hobbies and experiences beyond alcohol consumption. If you're intrigued by this sober-curious lifestyle, I urge you to give it a shot. Especially for daily drinkers, by Day 5, you'll start noticing a refreshed vigor and heightened mindfulness as your bloodstream purifies and your liver operates optimally. Expect a surge in energy, positivity, and self-esteem. Stay tuned for more updates on my journey.

2315: Embracing Change: My Journey Through Job Transitions

The "Long Game" series by Dorie Clark, initiated in 2308, has been a stimulating exploration into how daily routines sculpt our eventual success. Previous entries have pondered life-altering influencers like house and car ownership. Today, I’ll delve into a paramount influencer: Job changes.

Although my specific job histories are known to my regular readers, the focal point here is not the 'what,' but the 'why' behind leaving Toyo Engineering in 2016. It's about the driving forces behind that decision and what was gleaned through those job transitions.

Toyo Engineering was the incubator for my professional knowledge and career growth. Despite not having a deliberate interest in the energy and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) industry, I found myself immersed in it. The EPC business, with its micro-perspectives, adherence to procedure, and disciplined project processes, starkly contrasted with my penchant for autonomy, continuous improvement, and macro perspectives. Yet, it shaped my essential business conduct, fundamentals, and both my soft and hard communication skills.

My departure from Toyo in 2016 was propelled by an amalgamation of declining corporate finances, due to consecutive project overruns, and a simple lack of confidence in the entity as a lifelong workplace. Although I held affection and pride for my work at Toyo, the decision to leave was straightforward and swift.

Job transitions have occurred four times in total on my journey. Were they always meticulously considered? Honestly, no. My decision-making often hinged on System 1: fast and emotional reasoning.

Yet, each job change brought forth unforeseen revelations and experiences. Simply put, each change meant new circumstances, interactions, and cultural communities. Transitioning to Yokogawa was one pivotal turn where I reclaimed my private time. After almost two decades with Toyo, where my life orbits around project assignments, I found reprieve and even indulged in an MBA pursuit, despite the consequent temporary loss of weekends.

In the aftermath of earning my MBA in 2021, my professional journey began to weave into a new tapestry of opportunities and ambitions. The pathway led me to Air Liquide, symbolizing not just my fourth career transition but a continuation of my quest for aligning passion with profession. Even as substantial future plans percolate behind the scenes (details of which must remain under wraps for now), my journey has blossomed into ventures like this very blog and planning on a notably larger scale.

In Conclusion

I stand as an advocate for job change, a catalyst that can illuminate hidden desires and swiftly usher in fresh thoughts. For those tethered to one organization since graduation, the fear of faltering in new professional arenas might loom large. Yet, altering your circumstances can pave the way not only towards an unexpected life journey but also towards unearthing unconscious dreams and desires. They bubble up, much like magma, from the depths of our subconscious.

If you find yourself at a crossroads in life, perhaps take the leap with ease into a role that aligns more seamlessly with your skills. You might just unveil a fresh panorama of success.

2314 Between Now and Later: Cancer, Time Discount, and the LRM Perspective

 Today, I delved into a thought-provoking book by Takeshi Yoro, a renowned doctor and anatomist from Japan. The book's core theme revolves around the daunting decisions we face when confronted with a terminal illness.

A particular episode from my own life serves as a poignant reminder of this topic. This experience taught my spouse and me invaluable lessons about the approach to time discounting and the Last Responsible Moment (LRM).

Japan grapples with some of the world's highest rates of stomach cancer. Moreover, stomach, lung, colorectal, and breast cancers rank among the top causes of cancer-related fatalities in the nation.

Imagine being diagnosed with cancer and given an estimated three years to live. What would you choose - aggressive treatment or palliative care? The former leans towards a time discount orientation, while the latter might be more in line with the LRM philosophy.

Jan in 2011, tragedy struck our family. My brother-in-law, a prodigious talent who was on the verge of becoming a certified public accountant (CPA), was diagnosed with lung cancer. At the young age of 38, he chose aggressive treatment. As a single man with dreams yet to be realized, it was unsurprising that he made this choice, believing he had much life left to live. He passed away at age 38,Jan in 2012

To answer my earlier question: if faced with the same decision today, I would lean towards palliative treatment, despite my inherent belief in time discounting. Why? Because of my brother-in-law's ordeal. While the anti-cancer agents targeted the cancer cells, they also harmed his normal cells. His health deteriorated rapidly, and despite doctors trying various treatments, his battle with the disease lasted less than 10 months.

With medical technology advancing every day, In the event for me now (Age 47), I would prefer to make such a critical decision as late as possible, drawing from the LRM theory.

One cannot ignore the systemic issues plaguing Japan's medical sector. The prevailing doctor incentive system might partly be to blame for the inclination towards aggressive treatments. This system rewards doctors based on a point system, where each medical procedure or treatment corresponds to a certain number of points. While this might increase healthcare revenue, it often exposes patients to undue risks.

I hope that sharing my perspective aids in your decision-making process, even if you never have to face such a decision.

Lastly, a tribute to my brother-in-law: even during his treatment, he cleared the first stage of the CPA examination. Had he lived a few more months, I have no doubt he would have become a brilliant CPA. His intellect and potential were undeniable.