Newsletter Issue #493

                                 

Entrepreneur & Author
JeffCorbett.com

              

Challenging Conventional Wisdom

“Sometimes the most interesting stories are found in the contradictions.” 

——- 

There’s something fascinating about how often life challenges our conventional wisdom. We’re told that persistence is the key to success, yet knowing when to walk away can be just as valuable. We spend billions searching for ways to improve our health, while sometimes overlooking the remarkable systems our bodies already possess. And in professional baseball, where enormous payrolls are supposed to buy championships, the smaller markets occasionally remind everyone that money doesn’t guarantee victory. Perhaps that’s what I find most interesting about putting together Global Common Cents each week. The stories may come from entirely different corners of life, but they often challenge assumptions we’ve carried around for years.

This week’s edition is a particularly interesting mix. We examine everything from the psychology of simply showing up to the investment potential of fitness franchises, the ongoing debate surrounding statins, and the increasingly complicated art of communicating through a simple text message. We also visit Vermont for a little autumn tradition before heading overseas to Paris, where we will be making our first visit this coming weekend. With unsettling headlines coming out of the French capital, it’s certainly added an unexpected dimension to our travel plans. But then again, life rarely follows a perfectly written itinerary.

The real trick may be knowing when to change course, when to stand your ground, and when to simply enjoy the ride.

Enjoy this week’s edition!

Jeff Corbett

Publisher | Global Common Cents

• To review other editions of our newsletter please see our website: GlobalCommonCents.com
• For more about my personal wonderings please see my blog: JeffCorbett.com

The Power of Showing Up

“Why consistency beats motivation in business and fitness.”

——- 

Whether you’re building a business, working toward a fitness goal, or simply trying to improve your daily routine, there’s one ingredient that often matters more than enthusiasm…consistency! We’ve all experienced those mornings when motivation is nowhere to be found. The gym doesn’t sound appealing, the workday looks overwhelming, and putting things off until tomorrow seems perfectly reasonable. But here’s something worth remembering. Successful people don’t necessarily feel motivated every day. They’ve simply developed habits that help them keep moving forward. According to research led by Phillippa Lally at University College London, published in the European Journal of Social Psychology, repeating a behavior in a consistent setting helps it become increasingly automatic. Interestingly, the researchers also found that missing a single opportunity to perform the behavior did not materially disrupt the habit-forming process. In other words, consistency matters, but perfection isn’t required.

The psychology behind this is equally interesting. According to psychologists Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, whose research helped establish Self-Determination Theory, lasting motivation is supported by three fundamental psychological needs…autonomy, competence, and connection with others. When we feel in control of our choices, recognize our progress, and have meaningful support, we’re better positioned to sustain our efforts. Think about how this applies to business and fitness. A successful entrepreneur doesn’t build a company with one brilliant decision, just as an athlete doesn’t develop strength with one outstanding workout. Both require patience, repetition, and the willingness to keep going when progress seems painfully slow. And perhaps that’s the real lesson here. Motivation may get us started, but consistency is what gives us the opportunity to succeed.

The Takeaway: Don’t wait until you feel motivated. Establish realistic routines, give yourself room for an occasional setback, and concentrate on making steady progress. Whether in the boardroom or the gym, sometimes the most important accomplishment of the day is simply showing up.

The Business of Knowing When to Quit

“Why walking away can be a winning strategy.”

——-

Entrepreneurs are constantly reminded that persistence is the key to success. Never give up, push through adversity, and keep chasing your dream. Sounds like good advice, right? Well, not always. Sometimes the smartest business decision is recognizing when something simply isn’t working. Whether it’s an underperforming product, an unprofitable venture, or a business model that has outlived its usefulness, knowing when to walk away can be just as important as knowing when to persevere. According to research by psychologists Hal Arkes and Catherine Blumer, published in the journal Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, people often continue investing time, money, and effort into an unsuccessful endeavor simply because they’ve already invested so much. Psychologists call this the “sunk cost effect,” and it’s one of the reasons otherwise intelligent businesspeople sometimes throw good money after bad. The emotional attachment to an idea can become stronger than the financial evidence suggesting it’s time to move on.

Of course, there’s an important difference between giving up too early and recognizing when the odds have fundamentally changed. According to management researchers Freek Vermeulen and Niro Sivanathan, writing in Harvard Business Review, business leaders can become trapped in what’s known as an “escalation of commitment,” continuing to support unsuccessful strategies despite mounting evidence that a different approach is needed. The challenge is learning to separate determination from stubbornness. One practical approach is to establish measurable goals, financial limits, and realistic deadlines before committing additional resources. Then ask yourself a simple question: Knowing what I know today, would I make this same investment again? If the answer is no, perhaps it’s time to reconsider. After all, closing a business, abandoning a project, or changing direction doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve failed. Sometimes it means you’ve learned enough to recognize a better opportunity.

The Takeaway: Successful entrepreneurship isn’t just about having the courage to start something. It’s also about having the judgment to recognize when it’s time to change course. Persistence is admirable, but knowing when to walk away can protect your capital, preserve your energy, and open the door to your next great opportunity.

Are Fitness Franchises a Good Investment?

“Strong growth but are the profits there?”

——-

The fitness industry continues to flex its financial muscles, attracting entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on America’s growing interest in health, wellness and longevity. From traditional gyms like Planet Fitness and Anytime Fitness to boutique concepts offering Pilates, strength training and specialized workouts, franchise opportunities are plentiful. But are they good investments? According to the Health & Fitness Association’s 2026 U.S. Health & Fitness Consumer Report, a record 81 million Americans belonged to fitness facilities in 2025, an increase of 5.2% over the previous year. Even more encouraging, the association’s 2025 Fitness Industry Benchmarking Report found that participating operators reported median revenue growth of 9.9% and a median EBITDA margin of 23.6% in 2024. Those are impressive industry figures, although they don’t necessarily reflect the profitability of an individual franchise. The attraction is understandable: established branding, proven operating systems and recurring membership revenue can provide a foundation for building a successful business.

However, before signing a franchise agreement, investors should remember that a growing industry doesn’t guarantee a profitable investment. Fitness franchises can require substantial upfront capital for equipment, construction and leasing, followed by ongoing expenses for staffing, maintenance, marketing and franchise royalties. According to the Federal Trade Commission, prospective franchisees should carefully examine the Franchise Disclosure Document, particularly Item 19, which addresses financial performance claims, and Item 20, which provides information about franchise growth and ownership turnover. Just as importantly, investors should speak directly with existing franchise owners and evaluate local competition, membership retention and realistic cash flow after expenses.

The Takeaway: Fitness franchises can represent an attractive investment opportunity, particularly as Americans increasingly prioritize healthy aging and physical activity. But don’t confuse enthusiasm for fitness with a sound financial investment. In my view, the best opportunities combine a recognizable brand, reasonable operating costs, strong local demographics and experienced management. After all, the objective isn’t simply to build a healthier community; it’s to build a financially healthy business as well.

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.

Texting and the Art of Communication

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.

“Why our messages don’t always mean what we intend.”

——-

Misunderstandings usually come down to perception. Our assumptions, preconceptions, and mood all shape how we read someone’s words. Because perceptions are as individual as people, it’s no surprise that miscommunication happens often.

Text messages are especially easy to misread. They feel immediate and personal because they show up right on your phone or watch. In the moment, a text can carry more weight than a recent face-to-face conversation.

Why Text Messages Are So Easy to Misread

Sometimes I think text messages should come with a warning label:
Attention: The message you are about to read may have been written in a hurry, changed by autocorrect, or sent before it was finished. Please confirm its meaning with the sender before taking it to heart.

How we understand what we read depends on our mindset, our mood, and how quickly we’re reading. Texting is often hurried on both ends, which leaves plenty of room for confusion. Many texts skip punctuation entirely, turning a simple thought into a puzzle. All caps can read as shouting. All lowercase can come across as careless, even when the sender doesn’t mean it that way.

And then there’s autocorrect. Many of us have learned, sometimes painfully, that a quick message can turn into something we never meant to type.

Once a text is sent, it’s hard to take back. The words are out there, an impression has formed, and a simple “Let’s talk later” may not undo an awkward moment.

Handle with Care

Thoughtful communication is at the heart of etiquette, and texting is no exception. With each message, we have a few choices. We can send it as it is and hope it’s understood. We can slow down to punctuate and proofread. Or we can skip the text and use our voice instead.

The right choice depends on the situation. We love text messages because they’re quick and convenient, and they tend to work best when:

The message is brief.
“Good morning! How are you?”
“Could you pick up a gallon of milk on your way home?”
“Meet me at Barney’s Pub after work?”
“Thanks for a terrific evening!”

The topic is light. Serious news, good or bad, is often better shared by phone or in person. It’s also wise to leave gossip and confidential information out of texts, since any message can be forwarded in an instant.

Your words carry little emotion. Deep feelings usually deserve a more personal setting. The one exception is “I love you.” Say those words any way you can, as often as you can. It’s a message we all need to hear.

You’ve read it over. Before you hit send, imagine how the recipient will read your words. Is your message as clear as you mean it to be? Sometimes the kindest choice is to set aside personal style and simply aim for clarity.When to

Pause Before Sending Text Messages

What we write is shaped by where we are, both physically and emotionally, as much as by how fast we’re typing. It may be best to hold off on sending text messages when you:

• Are feeling angry or stressed
• Are driving, crossing a busy street, walking the dog, or caring for a child
• Aren’t completely sure who the recipient is
• Need to talk about your relationship with the recipient
• Have something to share that will take a lot of time or typing
• Are unsure how your message will be received

Keeping Communication Clear and Kind

Text messages are a wonderful tool. They’re perfect for answering a quick question, checking in, or sharing a bit of good cheer. Sent at the wrong moment, though, they can lead to misunderstandings and even strain a relationship.

The Takeaway: The old saying “everything in moderation” applies to texting as much as anything else. Communication matters deeply to all of us. A little extra care helps keep our connections strong, whether that means taking a moment to proofread or choosing to pick up the phone.

What Does “Detoxing” Actually Mean?

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.

“Your body’s natural detox system needs healthy habits, not expensive cleanses.” 

——-

Every time we hop online we are bombarded with the latest in juice cleanses, detox teas, expensive supplements, special powders and programs promising to flush toxins from your body. The detox industry has found plenty of ways to get our attention, and our money, but here’s something interesting…your body has its own built-in system for processing and eliminating toxins, and it works around the clock. You don’t need to sign up for a seven-day cleanse to get it started either!

Now, that doesn’t mean that the idea of supporting your body’s natural detoxification processes is a bad one. Quite the opposite! It just helps to understand what detoxification actually involves and which everyday habits can help your body do its job as best as possible.

Meet Your Built-In Cleanup Crew

Your liver deserves a lot of credit here. It processes substances that enter the body, including alcohol, medications, and byproducts of normal metabolism. It also transforms many potentially harmful substances into forms that can be used or eliminated. Your kidneys have a different but equally important job as they filter your blood, remove waste and excess substances through urine, and help regulate fluid balance and electrolytes. Drinking enough fluids supports normal kidney function, although forcing yourself to drink excessive amounts of water won’t make your kidneys work better.

Your lungs also come into play as they eliminate carbon dioxide which is a waste product created when your cells produce energy. Meanwhile, your digestive system moves waste out of the body (and we already know how!). Together, these systems handle an enormous amount of work without requiring a special detox drink mix or a load of supplements!

So, Do Detox Programs Actually Work?

This is where things get interesting…some people feel better after a cleanse, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ve flushed toxins from their bodies. They may be drinking more water, eating more fruits and vegetables, cutting back on alcohol, or taking a break from heavily processed foods, and those changes can make someone feel better because they’re being healthier overall, but there’s limited evidence that commercial detox diets or cleanses eliminate toxins more effectively than the body’s own systems already do.

Some programs can also do more harm than good. Severe calorie restriction, laxative-based detox teas and certain supplements can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalances or other problems, and if a program promises to remove vague, unspecified toxins without explaining what they are or how the product has been shown to remove them, that’s a good reason to ask a few more questions before clicking “order now”.

Natural Ways to Support Your Body’s Detoxification Systems

The good news is that supporting your body’s normal processes doesn’t need to be complicated or even expensive.  You can start off by eating more vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds that provide fiber, vitamins, minerals and other compounds that help support normal bodily functions. Fiber is particularly useful for digestive health while cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts also contain compounds that participate in the body’s natural processing of certain substances. Staying hydrated is also key because your kidneys need water to filter waste and maintain fluid balance. Water is usually a great choice, and foods such as cucumbers, oranges, melon, and soups contribute to your daily fluid intake, too. (Not coffee though, sorry folks!)

Continue making healthy choices in your everyday life as well. Since alcohol is processed by the liver, reducing alcohol intake can lower the burden it places on this organ. You’ll want to be mindful of medications and supplements, and don’t assume that something labeled natural is automatically harmless. Moving is also essential and walking, cycling, dancing ,and other forms of physical activity support circulation, metabolic health and normal waste elimination. Sleep is another important piece of the natural detox process. Your body carries out important maintenance processes while you sleep, including processes involved in brain waste clearance.

You Probably Don’t Need a Detox Tea

It’s important to remember that your body isn’t like a clogged kitchen drain that needs a special product poured into it every few weeks to clear it out. It is an incredibly sophisticated system that already knows how to process waste and eliminate many unwanted substances. There are situations where medical treatment is needed for specific issues like overdose or harmful exposure to toxins, but that’s very different from the wellness industry’s broad promises about cleansing the body.

The Takeaway:  If you want to give your natural detoxification systems a little support, start with the basics by eating nourishing foods, drinking enough water, moving regularly, getting adequate sleep and being thoughtful about alcohol, medications and supplements. Remember, your body is already working hard to keep you as healthy and well as possible without the latest detox powder or trend!

The Statin Debate Continues

“Weighing the benefits against the risks.”

——-

For more than three decades, statins have been among the most widely prescribed medications in modern medicine. Drugs such as Lipitor and Crestor lower LDL cholesterol and have been shown to reduce heart attacks and strokes, particularly among patients with established cardiovascular disease. According to the American Heart Association, lowering LDL cholesterol remains an important strategy for preventing cardiovascular events. However, the controversy centers on whether millions of otherwise healthy adults should take these medications for decades to prevent a first heart attack or stroke. The distinction is important. While the benefits are well established for higher-risk patients, the advantages for those at relatively low risk can be considerably smaller.

The debate becomes particularly interesting when examining the numbers. According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), adults ages 40 to 75 with at least one cardiovascular risk factor and a calculated 10-year cardiovascular risk of 10% or greater generally benefit from statin therapy. For those with a risk between 7.5% and 10%, the potential benefit is smaller, and treatment should be individualized. This distinction highlights the difference between relative risk and absolute risk. A medication might reduce the relative risk of an event by 25%, but if someone’s original risk is only 4%, that translates into an absolute reduction of approximately one percentage point. In other words, the benefits are real, but their significance depends heavily on the individual’s starting risk.

Side effects remain another important consideration, although newer research has challenged some longstanding assumptions. A major 2022 analysis published in The Lancet, involving more than 150,000 participants in randomized trials, found that statins caused only a small excess of muscle pain or weakness, primarily during the first year of treatment. Most reported muscle symptoms were not attributable to the medication itself. Additional research published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology in 2024 confirmed that statins can modestly increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, particularly with higher-intensity treatment and among people already approaching diabetic blood sugar levels. Importantly, these findings do not negate the cardiovascular benefits of statins, especially for patients at elevated risk. They do, however, reinforce the importance of monitoring and individualized treatment.

Age adds another dimension to the discussion. The USPSTF acknowledges that evidence remains insufficient to determine whether starting statins for primary prevention after age 75 provides a favorable balance of benefits and risks. Meanwhile, a large observational research review involving more than 1.6 million older adults, published in Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine, found an association between statin use and lower cardiovascular and overall mortality. However, because these were observational studies, the findings cannot establish that statins themselves caused the improved outcomes. Ultimately, statins are neither miracle drugs nor medications to be dismissed. For people with established heart disease or substantial cardiovascular risk, the evidence strongly favors their use. For lower-risk individuals, the decision deserves a thoughtful conversation about cholesterol, blood pressure, family history, lifestyle, and personal preferences. As with so many health decisions, the objective should not simply be better laboratory numbers, but better long-term health.

The Takeaway: Statins can save lives, but they are not necessarily the right choice for everyone. Understanding your individual cardiovascular risk, rather than focusing on cholesterol numbers alone, is essential to making an informed decision. At Corb7 International, our objective is to provide balanced, credible information without influence or compensation from pharmaceutical companies or medical product manufacturers. We do not provide medical advice, and readers should always consult their qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or discontinuing any prescribed treatment.

The Art of Apple Cider Making in Vermont

“How fresh apples become one of autumn’s most cherished traditions.”

——- 

In Vermont, apple cider making is as much a part of autumn as the brilliant foliage that blankets the Green Mountains. Each fall, local orchards harvest a variety of apples, including McIntosh, Cortland, and Empire, combining sweet and tart flavors to create the perfect blend. The process is surprisingly simple but steeped in tradition. Freshly picked apples are washed, ground into a coarse pulp called pomace, and placed into a cider press. Whether using traditional wooden racks or modern hydraulic equipment, the objective remains the same: gently squeeze the apples to extract their fresh, flavorful juice. The result is a distinctly New England beverage that has been enjoyed for generations.

What makes Vermont cider particularly appealing is its connection to the state’s agricultural heritage. According to the Vermont Tree Fruit Growers Association, apple growing remains an important part of the state’s farming tradition, with orchards producing fruit for fresh consumption, cider, and other apple products. Unlike commercially filtered apple juice, traditional sweet cider is generally unfiltered, retaining more of the apple’s natural character and often its cloudy appearance. Most commercially sold fresh cider is pasteurized or otherwise treated to reduce harmful bacteria, although some producers continue to offer untreated cider with appropriate labeling. Vermont’s cider makers have also embraced the growing popularity of hard cider, fermenting apple juice into an alcoholic beverage that ranges from crisp and dry to pleasantly sweet. And, of course, no visit to a Vermont cider mill would be complete without a warm apple cider donut, preferably enjoyed while taking in the spectacular autumn scenery.

Sometimes the simplest traditions are the most memorable. Vermont’s apple cider mills offer more than a refreshing seasonal drink. They provide a connection to the land, local craftsmanship, and a way of life that continues to thrive despite our increasingly fast-paced world. Whether enjoyed warm on a chilly morning or cold after an afternoon exploring the countryside, freshly pressed apple cider remains one of New England’s great autumn pleasures.

The Takeaway: During a recent visit to Vermont, we had the pleasure of stopping at one of these charming cider mills and experiencing this wonderful fall tradition firsthand. Between the aroma of fresh apples, the cider-making process, and the beautiful surroundings, it was a memorable reminder of what makes autumn in New England so special. We captured some of the experience in the video below and thought our readers might enjoy a little taste of Vermont’s fall season.

Baseball’s Little Guys Take on the Big Spenders!

“Big money doesn’t guarantee championships.”

——-

In an era when Major League Baseball’s wealthiest franchises spend hundreds of millions of dollars assembling championship rosters, something rather remarkable has happened. The Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays, two of baseball’s smaller-market organizations, are heading to the 2026 World Series. According to the Associated Press, Milwaukee ranked 19th among MLB’s 30 teams in player payroll as of August 31, while Tampa Bay ranked 25th. Meanwhile, the big-spending Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees and New York Mets will be watching from home. In fact, the combined payrolls of Milwaukee and Tampa Bay were smaller than those of several of baseball’s financial heavyweights. For the first time since 1991, both World Series participants rank in the bottom half of major league payroll spending. That’s quite a statement in a sport increasingly dominated by enormous player contracts.

What makes this year’s Fall Classic particularly interesting is how these two organizations reached baseball’s biggest stage. According to Major League Baseball, Milwaukee won a franchise-record 103 regular-season games before sweeping the defending champion Dodgers in the National League Championship Series. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, defeated Cleveland in six games to capture the American League pennant. Both organizations have built competitive teams through player development, strategic roster decisions and an emphasis on getting the most from their available resources. Milwaukee’s Jackson Chourio and Tampa Bay’s Junior Caminero, both just 22 years old, represent an exciting new generation of talent.  And to top it off, neither franchise has ever won a World Series championship, guaranteeing that this year’s winner will celebrate a historic first.

The series begins Friday, October 23, in Milwaukee.

A bloated payroll might buy exceptional talent, but it doesn’t guarantee timely hitting, reliable pitching or the chemistry necessary to win when everything is on the line. Of course, one World Series doesn’t settle baseball’s ongoing debate over competitive balance and the possibility of a salary cap. Wealthier organizations still enjoy significant financial advantages. Nevertheless, there’s something refreshing about watching two smaller-market teams demonstrate that intelligent management, determination and teamwork can overcome considerable financial differences. Perhaps that’s part of baseball’s enduring appeal. Once the first pitch is thrown, nobody cares how much money is sitting in the other dugout.

The Takeaway: Money can buy talent, but it cannot guarantee a championship. This year’s World Series is a welcome reminder that baseball’s greatest victories are still earned between the lines.

Paris in Turmoil!

“When headlines complicate travel plans.”  

——-

Travel has always been one of life’s great pleasures, offering opportunities to experience new cultures, explore unfamiliar places, and occasionally step outside our comfort zones. This coming weekend, we are departing for Europe, with a one-night layover in Paris before continuing to Tuscany. Surprisingly, despite our previous travels, this will be our first visit to the City of Light. We had arranged a private sightseeing tour followed by dinner at a traditional Parisian brasserie and were looking forward to finally experiencing a city we had heard so much about. Then came the disturbing news coverage of violent demonstrations, burning vehicles, looting, and clashes with police. Suddenly, what had been a much-anticipated visit became a question of personal safety. Frankly, we weren’t quite sure how to react. Should we reconsider our plans, modify our itinerary, or simply recognize that television images don’t always tell the complete story?

The situation is certainly serious. According to Reuters, demonstrations driven by rising living costs and frustration over public services have escalated into violence across France. While many protesters have gathered peacefully to express legitimate grievances, some demonstrations have reportedly been exploited by militant far-left groups and other violent agitators, resulting in vandalism, fires, and confrontations with police. The Associated Press reported that authorities responded with localized nighttime curfews following the unrest. Nevertheless, there is an important distinction between violent disturbances in certain neighborhoods and an entire city becoming unsafe for visitors. The U.S. State Department advises Americans traveling to France to exercise increased caution because of terrorism and civil unrest, rather than avoid the country altogether. For visitors like us, the challenge is separating legitimate security concerns from the sometimes sensational nature of international news coverage.

The Takeaway: Travel inevitably involves some uncertainty, and today’s nonstop news cycle can make distant events appear even more alarming. That doesn’t mean we should dismiss legitimate safety concerns, but neither should we allow dramatic headlines alone to dictate our decisions. After reviewing the available information, we’ve decided to continue with our original plans while remaining attentive to developments, staying away from demonstrations, and relying on our local guide to make any necessary adjustments. Of course, circumstances can change, and we’ll continue monitoring the situation before our arrival. Perhaps there’s a broader lesson here about travel and life itself. Being cautious and being adventurous aren’t mutually exclusive. Sometimes the smartest approach is simply to remain informed, exercise good judgment, and refuse to let uncertainty overshadow the experiences that make life memorable. Paris, we’re looking forward to finally meeting you.