Newsletter Issue #482

                                 

Entrepreneur & Author
JeffCorbett.com

              

The New Age of Uncertainty

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
— Winston Churchill

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If there is one word that defines today’s world, it is uncertainty. Every day seems to bring another headline capable of stirring anxiety—geopolitical tensions, volatile markets, rapid advances in artificial intelligence, shifting economic policies, and an endless stream of opinions competing for our attention. While none of us can control these events, we can control how we respond to them. History reminds us that uncertainty is not a new phenomenon. What changes are the circumstances. What endures are the principles that help us navigate them with confidence, discipline, and common sense.

This week’s issue is built around those enduring principles. We’ll explore why uncertainty can steal our sleep—and how resilience helps us regain it. We’ll discuss why successful entrepreneurs avoid the cost of waiting, why disciplined investors look beyond frightening headlines, and why simple habits continue to outperform complicated solutions in nutrition, longevity, and travel. You’ll also discover how something as simple as intentional eye contact can strengthen your relationships and why stepping away from the nonstop news cycle may be one of the healthiest decisions you make all week. My hope is that you’ll finish this issue feeling not only better informed, but better equipped to thrive in this new age of uncertainty.

Jeff Corbett

Publisher | Global Common Cents

Jeff’s Favorites:

One of the benefits of publishing Global Common Cents is the opportunity to discover companies developing practical solutions to everyday problems. This week I’d like to introduce ShadowGPS, a company focused on helping individuals, families, and businesses better protect their vehicles and valuable assets through modern GPS tracking technology.

Vehicle theft remains a persistent problem across the United States, and while no security device can prevent every theft, real-time GPS tracking can significantly improve the chances of locating and recovering a stolen vehicle while also providing valuable peace of mind. ShadowGPS offers easy-to-use tracking solutions with features such as real-time location monitoring, instant movement alerts, and geofencing for both personal vehicles and business fleets. If protecting one of your most valuable investments is important to you, I believe ShadowGPS is a company worth exploring.

Please visit their website to learn more.

Shadow GPS:
Learn more at ShadowGPS

When Uncertainty Steals Your Sleep

“Why resilient people learn to manage uncertainty instead of fearing it.” 

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Uncertainty has a unique way of capturing our attention because the human brain is naturally wired to seek predictability. According to the American Psychological Association, uncertainty is a common driver of stress and anxiety because it limits our ability to anticipate and control future outcomes. Looking back, there were times in years past when I would lie awake at two or three o’clock in the morning worrying about my business—wondering how I was going to meet payroll, attract new clients, or navigate an unexpected setback. Ironically, those sleepless nights rarely solved a single problem. They simply left me exhausted the next day, making it harder to think clearly and make good decisions. In time, I discovered that the real challenge wasn’t the uncertainty itself—it was allowing it to consume my thinking.

Looking back, those difficult nights became some of my greatest teachers. They showed me that resilience is built one decision at a time. I learned to stop obsessing over everything that might go wrong and instead focus on the next productive step I could take. Do I still backtrack from time to time? Absolutely. I’m far from perfect. But I’ve made tremendous progress over the years, and if I can learn to manage uncertainty better, I believe you can too. According to research by psychologist Susan David of Harvard Medical School, developing emotional agility—the ability to recognize difficult emotions without being controlled by them—helps people respond more effectively to stress and change. Likewise, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, maintaining healthy routines, staying physically active, and focusing on what can be controlled are practical ways to reduce the impact of anxiety. As author Mark Twain famously observed, “I’ve had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened.” In this new age of uncertainty, resilience is not about eliminating life’s unknowns—it is about developing the confidence to face them, one thoughtful decision at a time.

The Cost of Waiting

“Why successful entrepreneurs make decisions before the future becomes obvious.”   

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One of the greatest risks in business is not making the wrong decision—it is waiting too long to make one. Entrepreneurs rarely have the luxury of perfect information. Interest rates change, tariffs shift, technologies evolve, and customer preferences can pivot almost overnight. Those who insist on certainty often discover that opportunity has already passed. According to economist Frank H. Knight, whose work distinguished measurable risk from true uncertainty, entrepreneurship inherently requires making decisions in situations where the future cannot be known with precision. Likewise, according to research published by the U.S. Small Business Administration, successful small businesses consistently demonstrate an ability to evaluate changing conditions and act decisively rather than remaining paralyzed by uncertainty.

That does not mean acting recklessly. The best entrepreneurs gather the facts available, weigh the risks, and then move forward with confidence, knowing they can adjust if conditions change. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has often emphasized that many business decisions are reversible and should be made quickly, noting that “most decisions should probably be made with somewhere around 70% of the information you wish you had.” Waiting for 90% or 100%, he argues, usually means you’ve waited too long. In this new age of uncertainty, competitive advantage increasingly belongs to those who combine sound judgment with timely action—not to those who wait for the future to become obvious.

Discipline Beats Drama

“The headlines change, but sound investing doesn’t.”

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Financial markets have always climbed a wall of worry. Wars, political turmoil, inflation, tariffs, and recession fears often dominate the headlines, yet history shows that disciplined investors are generally rewarded for maintaining a long-term perspective. Recent events in the Middle East provide a good example. As tensions surrounding Iran escalated, oil prices experienced sharp swings, creating significant gains for some experienced traders in the oil futures market—and equally significant losses for others. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), geopolitical developments remain one of the primary drivers of short-term oil price volatility. Meanwhile, according to research from Dimensional Fund Advisors and data compiled by S&P Dow Jones Indices, attempting to consistently time market movements has proven exceptionally difficult, while remaining invested over long periods has historically produced stronger outcomes than reacting to every headline.

The lesson is not that everyone should trade commodities or chase market volatility. Quite the opposite. Successful investing is built on preparation, diversification, and patience rather than emotion. Legendary investor Warren Buffett famously advised investors to “be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful,” a reminder that emotional headlines often create both risk and opportunity. In this new age of uncertainty, the greatest investment advantage may not be predicting tomorrow’s news, but having the discipline to follow a sound strategy when everyone else is reacting to today’s headlines.

Please keep in mind this information should not be considered as financial advice. Investment decisions should be based on individual research and consultation with a qualified financial professional. The value of investments can fluctuate, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Always consider your risk tolerance and financial goals before making investment decisions.

How Eye Contact Transforms Every Connection

by Candace Smith
The Etiquette Blog
Candace Smith Etiquette

Biography:  Candace Smith, wife of Nobel Prize-Winner Professor Dr. Vernon Smith and owner of the extraordinary blog, “Etiquette for the Business of Life” as featured by BBC, Chicago Tribune, and USA Today, offers her insights.

“The unspoken rules that drive outcomes.” 

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Eye contact is one of the most powerful tools in human communication, yet most of us use it without much thought. When practiced intentionally, it becomes a skill that builds trust, conveys confidence, and strengthens relationships. From the moment we’re born, we’re wired for connection. Studies show that infants naturally seek and follow a caregiver’s gaze, demonstrating that eye contact is one of our earliest forms of human communication. That instinct never disappears—it simply becomes more refined. Looking at someone with a relaxed expression and genuine interest offers two gifts every person quietly craves: acknowledgment and validation.

Eye contact also shapes first impressions. A firm handshake means little if your attention is elsewhere. Good etiquette encourages us to meet another person’s gaze throughout a greeting, signaling that we are fully present. During conversations, our eyes often communicate more than our words: I’m listening. You have my attention. What you’re saying matters. You matter. Communication researchers consistently find that eye contact helps convey presence, emotion, and intention while increasing engagement and memory. Paired with a natural smile, it creates warmth and approachability. During serious conversations, a calm, steady gaze communicates respect and empathy even when discussing difficult subjects. Across cultures, however, balance is important. Prolonged staring is generally considered impolite, making natural breaks in eye contact both expected and appropriate.

Like any social skill, meaningful eye contact improves with practice. Use it intentionally when greeting someone, making introductions, interviewing for a job, or having an important conversation. For individuals who are blind or have limited vision, the same principle applies by turning toward the speaker and offering full attention through other senses. The goal is never to stare but to be genuinely present. It’s often said that the eyes are the windows of the soul. In a world filled with distractions, the simple act of truly seeing another person may be one of the most generous expressions of respect we can offer.

Are Blue Light Glasses Worth the Hype?

by Morayma MaKay
Writer / Blogger & Content Creator
Adulthood Rewired

Biography:  Morayma Makay is a fashion model, mother, and writer.  She has
dedicated the last 20 years to working in the fashion and health fields as
both a researcher and content creator.

“Support your wellness.”     

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Remember a time, long long ago, when most of us only looked at a screen during working hours, and maybe a little TV in the evenings?  Seems unreal, doesn’t it?  Now our eyes are glued to our computer for work, our phone during lunch, the tablet while we’re cooking, the TV in the evening, and that one last scroll through social media before bed…it’s no wonder our eyes are tired.

If you’ve ever finished the day with dry eyes, blurry vision, or that grainy, heavy feeling that makes you want to close your eyes for a few minutes, you’re in good company…and this is why blue light glasses have become an important addition to many people’s routines for a reason.

Blue Light Glasses for Tired Eyes.

When we stare at digital devices as much as we do, we naturally tend to blink less. In fact, studies suggest our blink rate can drop significantly while we’re focused on a screen. Less blinking means our eyes dry out faster, which can lead to things like irritation, burning, and that familiar feeling of eye fatigue by the end of the day. Blue light exacerbates that.

Blue light glasses can help our tired eyes by reducing glare and, depending on the lenses, filtering a portion of the blue light emitted from our digital devices. Some people notice that their eyes feel more comfortable after wearing them, especially if they spend several hours each day working on a computer or tablet.

Blue Light and Your Sleep

Another reason blue light gets so much attention is how it impacts our sleep quality. Our brains naturally respond to light as part of our body’s internal clock, and bright blue light, particularly later in the evening, can signal to the brain that it’s still daytime, making it harder for some people to wind down before bed. So while blue light glasses aren’t a substitute for good sleep habits…if you find yourself answering emails at 10:00 p.m. or watching a favorite show before turning in, they may help reduce some of that evening light exposure. You can also opt to pair them with other healthy habits like dimming household lights and putting phones away a little earlier.

Is Blue Light Damaging Your Eyes?

One thing that’s worth clearing up is the idea that blue light from screens is actually damaging your eyes. As of right now, there isn’t a lot of strong evidence that everyday exposure to blue light from phones and computers causes permanent eye damage. What many eye care professionals do agree on, however, is that digital eye strain is very real.

The symptoms are familiar to almost anyone who spends a full day on a computer and include tired eyes, headaches, dry eyes, neck tension, blurry vision, and difficulty focusing after hours of screen time. Blue light glasses can be one helpful piece of the puzzle, but they’re even more effective when combined with a few simple habits worth making.

Looking away from your screen every 20 minutes, blinking more often, adjusting your monitor so it’s at a comfortable height, and making sure your workspace has good lighting can all help reduce eye strain along with a spiffy new pair of blue light glasses. At the end of the day, blue light glasses are easy to wear, they don’t require a major lifestyle change, and for many people, they make long hours in front of a computer feel just a bit more comfortable…and they come in every size, shape, and color for the fashionistas among us.  (Prescription lens versions are aplenty as well!)

Considering how much time most of us spend looking at screens these days, giving our eyes a little extra support seems like a pretty reasonable investment. So, are blue light glasses worth the hype?  I think we can venture to say that our eyes would absolutely say they are!

Stay the Course

“Why consistency matters most when life feels uncertain.” 

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When life becomes unpredictable, healthy routines are often the first things we abandon. A missed workout becomes a missed week. Home-cooked meals give way to convenience foods. Sleep schedules drift, and stress quietly accumulates. Yet research suggests these are precisely the moments when our routines matter most. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet remain among the most effective ways to reduce the risk of chronic disease and improve overall well-being. Likewise, the National Institute on Aging emphasizes that consistent exercise—including both aerobic activity and strength training—helps preserve muscle, maintain balance, and support independence as we age. While we cannot control the headlines, we can control many of the daily habits that shape our long-term health.

I have found that routines also provide something less tangible but equally valuable: a sense of stability. Whether it is getting to the gym, taking a morning walk, preparing a healthy meal, or simply maintaining a regular bedtime, these small commitments create momentum when everything else feels unsettled. As author James Clear writes in Atomic Habits, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” In this new age of uncertainty, the healthiest people may not be those with the perfect plan, but those who continue showing up for the habits that have served them well all along.

Back to Basics

“Evidence over trends.” 

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Nutrition advice can sometimes seem as confusing as the daily headlines, but the fundamentals have remained remarkably consistent. Rather than focusing on fad diets, today’s U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate model emphasize building meals around vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy or fortified alternatives while limiting added sugars, saturated fats, and excess sodium. According to the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services, small, sustainable improvements in overall eating patterns are associated with better long-term health than short-lived, restrictive diets. In a world filled with conflicting nutrition claims, returning to these evidence-based principles is often the simplest path.

Good nutrition also means thinking beyond individual meals. According to the American Heart Association, preparing more meals at home can make it easier to control ingredients and portion sizes while increasing the consumption of nutrient-rich foods. Fresh produce, beans, nuts, fish, poultry, and minimally processed foods remain the foundation of a healthy diet for most people. The goal is not perfection but consistency. In this new age of uncertainty, following established dietary guidance instead of the latest food trend can help you eat well, feel better, and build habits that support your health for years to come.

Step Away from the Headlines

“Take a walk.” 

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The modern news cycle never seems to pause. Breaking stories, market swings, political debates, and global conflicts arrive around the clock, making it easy to feel that every alert demands immediate attention. I will admit that I sometimes struggle with this myself. As someone who believes strongly in free enterprise and individual liberty, I find the growing acceptance of socialist ideas in parts of our culture genuinely disturbing. It is easy to spend too much time reading articles, watching interviews, and following political debates. Yet constant exposure comes at a cost. According to the American Psychological Association’s annual Stress in America survey, many adults report that following the news contributes significantly to their stress levels. Research published in the journal Health Communication has also found that repeated exposure to distressing news coverage is associated with greater psychological distress for some individuals. Staying informed is important, but consuming every headline rarely leads to better decisions or greater peace of mind.

That is why I have learned that sometimes the healthiest response is simply to step away. An afternoon on a hiking trail, a baseball game with friends, reading a good book, or exploring a nearby town reminds me that the world is much larger than the latest headline. These moments are not about ignoring important issues—they are about regaining the perspective needed to think clearly and respond wisely. As author and naturalist John Muir observed, “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” In this new age of uncertainty, protecting our peace of mind may be one of the most productive things we can do, allowing us to return to the issues that matter with renewed clarity rather than heightened anxiety.

Why Flexibility Wins!

“In the New Age of Uncertainty, adaptability can be your greatest travel advantage.” 

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If the past few years have taught travelers anything, it is that flexibility has become a valuable asset. Geopolitical events, shifting airline schedules, changing entry requirements, weather disruptions, and fluctuating demand have made rigid itineraries increasingly risky. Yet there is an upside. Travelers willing to adjust their departure dates by a day or two, consider alternative airports, or visit destinations during shoulder seasons are often rewarded with lower airfares, better hotel availability, and a more relaxed experience. According to the travel booking platform Hopper, airfare prices can vary significantly depending on the day of travel and how far in advance tickets are purchased, while the U.S. Department of Transportation continues to encourage travelers to monitor schedule changes and understand airline policies before departure. In today’s environment, flexibility is no longer simply convenient—it is often a financial advantage.

International travel also underscores the importance of preparing for the unexpected. Medical emergencies, trip interruptions, evacuation expenses, or lost baggage can quickly turn a dream vacation into a costly ordeal. The U.S. Department of State advises Americans traveling abroad to consider purchasing travel insurance before departure, noting that Medicare generally does not provide coverage outside the United States and that medical evacuation can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Likewise, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that travelers review their health insurance coverage before leaving home and consider supplemental travel medical insurance when appropriate. In an era defined by uncertainty, the smartest travelers are not necessarily those with the most detailed itineraries—they are the ones who remain adaptable, prepared, and properly protected.