Newsletter Issue #476

                                 

Entrepreneur & Author
JeffCorbett.com

              

A Little More Common Sense

 “Common sense is not so common.” – Voltaire  

Voltaire (1694–1778) was a French philosopher, historian, and author whose writings helped shape the Age of Enlightenment. Known for his wit and advocacy of reason, free speech, and individual liberty, Voltaire remains one of history’s most influential thinkers

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This week’s issue examines several factors that influence how we think, communicate, and make choices in both business and everyday life. We begin with a look at the disappearing intelligence of common sense and why it remains one of the most valuable yet overlooked traits in leadership and decision-making. We also explore decision fatigue, a growing challenge for entrepreneurs and professionals who face an endless stream of choices, and examine the forces driving oil’s recent price volatility.

Elsewhere in this issue, we focus on practical ways to improve the quality of daily life. You’ll discover why clear communication remains one of the most important elements of good etiquette, how music can influence memory, mood, and focus, and what the world’s renowned Blue Zones can teach us about healthy living. We also uncover the techniques that make steakhouse steaks so memorable, view America through the eyes of World Cup visitors, and introduce the surprisingly effective travel strategy known as Sudoku Packing. As always, our goal is to provide thoughtful insights, useful knowledge, and a few ideas that may help you navigate an increasingly complex world with greater confidence and perspective.

Jeff Corbett

Publisher | Global Common Cents

Sponsor of this Issue:

  VIP Advisory Firm:

VIP Advisory Firm identifies hidden opportunities, leverages existing relationships, transforms expertise into income, opens meaningful doors, and creates momentum where others see obstacles.

Helping good people turn relationships into opportunities and opportunities into impact.

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The Disappearing Intelligence of Common Sense

“Why practical wisdom may be today’s most undervalued competitive advantage.” 

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My father often reminded me, “You can take all the education in the world and without common sense it is like putting books on the back of an ass.” While blunt, his observation captured an important truth that seems increasingly relevant today. For generations, common sense was considered one of the most valuable forms of intelligence. It required no advanced degree, no complex model, and no specialized training—just the ability to observe reality, recognize patterns, and make practical decisions. Yet in today’s business and political environments, common sense often appears to be in short supply. Instead, we find ourselves surrounded by information, opinions, and competing narratives that can obscure simple truths. Psychologist Barry Schwartz explored this challenge in his book The Paradox of Choice, arguing that an abundance of options and information can make decision-making more difficult rather than easier.

The problem is compounded by incentives that often reward short-term thinking over long-term judgment. According to the research of Nobel Prize-winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman, human beings are prone to cognitive biases that can distort decision-making, particularly when emotions, uncertainty, and group pressures are involved. In business, leaders may prioritize quarterly results over sustainable growth. In politics, elected officials often focus on satisfying vocal constituencies rather than pursuing broadly practical solutions. What many people describe as a lack of common sense is frequently the result of incentives that encourage complexity, partisanship, and reactionary thinking instead of clear-eyed judgment and practical problem-solving.

Perhaps the real lesson is that common sense has not disappeared—it has become a competitive advantage. In an age of endless distractions, the ability to focus on first principles remains remarkably powerful. Successful entrepreneurs still ask simple questions: Does this solve a real problem? Does it create value? Is it sustainable? Likewise, effective leaders often rely on timeless principles such as honesty, accountability, and personal responsibility. As management thinker Peter Drucker famously observed, “There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all.” In a world overflowing with information, those who can consistently apply sound judgment and practical wisdom may possess one of the rarest forms of intelligence today.

Understanding Decision Fatigue

“Why mental overload may be undermining your productivity, health, and happiness.”   

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Modern life offers more choices than ever before, but there is growing evidence that an abundance of decisions can come at a cost. Psychologists refer to this phenomenon as “decision fatigue,” a state of mental exhaustion that develops after making numerous choices throughout the day. Research led by social psychologist Roy Baumeister and colleagues found that repeated acts of decision-making can diminish a person’s ability to exercise self-control and make thoughtful judgments. While researchers continue to debate the precise mechanisms involved, the practical effects are familiar to many people: procrastination, impulsive choices, avoidance of important decisions, and a tendency to default to the easiest option rather than the best one. According to the American Psychological Association, mental overload can also contribute to stress and reduced overall well-being.

Decision fatigue can affect nearly every area of life. Entrepreneurs may struggle to prioritize opportunities, investors may become hesitant or impulsive, and individuals trying to improve their health may find themselves abandoning good habits late in the day. Even seemingly minor decisions—what to wear, what to eat, or which email to answer first—can gradually drain mental energy. According to research published in the journal Judgment and Decision Making, simplifying routine choices can help preserve cognitive resources for more important matters. This helps explain why many successful leaders rely on routines, standardized processes, and predetermined schedules to reduce the number of daily decisions they must make.

The good news is that decision fatigue can be managed. Experts often recommend making important decisions early in the day, creating routines for recurring tasks, limiting unnecessary options, and focusing on a small number of priorities rather than trying to advance every project simultaneously. As author and productivity expert Greg McKeown observed in his book Essentialism, “If you don’t prioritize your life, someone else will.” In an age of endless distractions and choices, the ability to simplify may be one of the most valuable skills a person can develop. Sometimes the smartest decision is not making more decisions, but making fewer of them.

Oil’s Roller Coaster Summer

“History reminds us that oil markets rarely move in a straight line.“

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Oil has once again reminded investors why it remains one of the world’s most important and unpredictable commodities. Throughout the summer, crude prices have swung sharply as markets reacted to developments in the Middle East, concerns about the Strait of Hormuz, shifting sanctions policies, and changing expectations for global economic growth. In early June, oil prices surged as tensions increased in the region, only to retreat later in the month as diplomatic efforts eased fears of a major supply disruption. According to Reuters, Brent crude—the international benchmark for oil pricing based on crude produced from fields in the North Sea—approached $98 per barrel in early June before falling back into the upper $70 range as negotiations between the United States and Iran showed signs of progress.

While today’s headlines feel dramatic, history suggests there is nothing unusual about oil’s volatility. The 1973 Arab oil embargo caused prices to quadruple and contributed to a global energy crisis, while the 1979 Iranian Revolution triggered another major oil shock that more than doubled prices within a year. According to the Federal Reserve Bank and the U.S. Department of State, those events reshaped energy policy, inflation expectations, and economic growth for decades. More recently, oil has experienced dramatic swings during the Gulf War, the 2008 financial crisis, the pandemic, and today’s geopolitical tensions. The lesson for investors is not to predict the next move in oil prices but to recognize that energy markets are heavily influenced by events beyond anyone’s control. Successful long-term investing often depends less on forecasting the next oil shock and more on maintaining a diversified portfolio that can withstand inevitable surprises.

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.

Speak Clearly to be Heard Correctly

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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When you speak clearly, doors open. The manner in which you speak signals education, professionalism, and confidence before you’ve said anything of substance at all. Yet in a culture that prizes multitasking, conversation is often the first thing to suffer. Someone glances at a phone mid-sentence, and instead of clear words, you catch a mumble, a half-finished thought, or a vague grunt of acknowledgment.

As children, most of us heard some version of “speak up, don’t mumble” or “use your words.” If you ever took a speech class, you learned to enunciate and project from the diaphragm. But adulthood rarely offers that kind of gentle correction. Whether you’re chatting one-on-one, leading a meeting, or asking a question in a crowded seminar, learning to speak clearly is entirely on you to maintain. And it matters more than ever in how others perceive and respond to you.

Why Speaking Clearly Is a Matter of Etiquette

Good communication isn’t just about being understood — it’s an act of courtesy. When you speak clearly, you make everyone in the conversation feel like a valued participant, whether that’s one person across a coffee table or a full room during a meeting.

Speaking with clarity is, in a real sense, a gift you give the people around you. It shows you respect their time and attention enough to make yourself easy to understand. It can also put others at ease, giving a colleague the confidence to respond more openly in a one-on-one conversation, or encouraging a hesitant audience member to ask their own question after hearing yours asked plainly and well.

Clear words carry real influence. They can rally a team during a meeting, defuse a tense exchange, or offer real encouragement to someone who needs it. None of that is possible if your words go unheard or get lost in a mumble.

Where Clear Speech Matters Most

Two settings tend to reveal speech habits quickly: one-on-one conversations and group settings like meetings or seminars.
In a one-on-one exchange, clarity builds trust. It tells the other person you’re present and engaged, not distracted or rushing through the interaction.

In group settings, the stakes rise. If you’re leading a meeting, mumbled instructions or a too-quiet delivery can leave a team uncertain about expectations. If you’re asking a question during a seminar, speaking clearly ensures the presenter — and everyone else in the room — actually hears what you’re asking, rather than requiring an awkward repeat that disrupts the flow for everyone.

A Quick Self-Check to Speak Clearly

There’s always room to sharpen this skill, even for naturally articulate speakers. If you often hear “could you repeat that?” or “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that,” consider it a friendly nudge to fine-tune a few habits and speak clearly more consistently.

• Moderate your volume. Record yourself in a casual conversation and listen back. Can you be easily heard? Or is your natural volume actually a bit much for the room? Find your “just right” setting and aim for consistency, whether you’re speaking to one person or addressing a group.

• Finish your words. It’s easy to let the end of a word trail off, especially when speaking quickly — a common habit when nerves creep in before a meeting or a public question. Slow down slightly and enunciate each syllable. Practicing this in low-stakes moments pays off when it counts.

• Mind your posture. Speech genuinely sounds different when you’re slouched. Sitting or standing up straight allows your lungs to fill fully, giving your voice more natural force and presence — useful whether you’re speaking across a desk or to the back row of a seminar room.

Your Voice Is Part of Your First Impression

As these habits become second nature, you’ll find that you speak clearly without effort, and it starts to feel authentic rather than performed. That matters, because people form impressions of you within seconds of hearing your voice — in a hallway conversation, around a meeting table, or over the phone, where tone of voice carries even more weight without facial expression to soften it.

A clear, steady voice can read as professional, thoughtful, and in control. A mumbled or careless one can suggest the opposite, however unintentional. Speak clearly, and let your voice do justice to the impression you actually want to leave.

How Music Affects Memory, Mood & Focus

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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Have you ever heard a song from your youth and instantly remembered where you were, who you were with, and even how you felt at the time? The instant nostalgia creates a tiny moment of time travel in our minds because very few things have the ability to unlock memories quite like music.

While we may consider music as nothing much more than entertainment, something we listen to while driving, exercising, cooking dinner, or relaxing at home, the research continues to show that music actually affects the brain in ways that go far beyond simple enjoyment. It can influence memory, shape mood, improve focus, and even help support cognitive health as we age.

Music and Your Brain.

One reason music is so powerful on a cognitive level is that it activates multiple areas of the brain at the same time. When you listen to a favorite song, your brain isn’t just processing sound…it’s also engaging regions involved in emotion, memory, movement, attention, and learning. That’s a lot of activity from something that can feel as simple as pressing play on a playlist!

The connection between music and memory is particularly interesting because certain songs become linked to specific moments in our lives, which is why hearing them years later can bring back vivid memories almost instantly. Researchers have found that musical memories often remain surprisingly resilient, even in individuals experiencing cognitive decline. This is one reason music is frequently used in memory care settings where it’s been observed that familiar songs can sometimes help people reconnect with memories, emotions, and experiences that seem difficult to access through conversation alone. While music isn’t a cure for memory-related conditions, its ability to reach parts of the brain associated with long-term memory is fascinating!

Mood Music.

Music also has a noticeable effect on our mood. Think about how differently you feel listening to an upbeat song during a morning walk compared to listening to a slow, sad song.. The music itself hasn’t changed your circumstances, but it can absolutely influence how you experience them. This could be why so many people use music instinctively throughout the day without even realizing it. Choosing a calming playlist while working, high energy or rock type songs during a workout, or relaxing instrumental music before bed are all examples of using music to help guide mood and energy levels. There’s a physiological component to choosing certain types of music…listening to music you enjoy can stimulate the release of dopamine which is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. That’s part of the reason a favorite song can provide such an immediate mood lift, even on a stressful day!

Music and Focus.

Music can also support focus, although the type of music you listen to matters. For some people, instrumental music helps create a productive environment by reducing background distractions, while others find that nature sounds or classical music help them concentrate more effectively during tasks that require sustained attention. As a matter of fact, college students are often encouraged to listen to classical music while studying as a way to focus and retain information. Of course, not everyone responds to music in exactly the same way. What helps one person focus may distract someone else completely. The key is finding what works for you!

Music and Social Connection.

One aspect of music that often gets overlooked is its social value. Simply put, music connects people, and gives us shared experiences at concerts, weddings, celebrations, religious services, and family gatherings. Songs often become part of our personal and collective stories….”the soundtrack of our lives”…and unlike many wellness practices that require a significant investment of time or money, music is remarkably accessible to all of us. Whether you’re singing along in the car, learning a new instrument, dancing around the kitchen, or simply listening to a favorite album, you’re engaging your brain in a meaningful way with each song or musical piece that plays.

As we get older, it’s easy to focus exclusively on physical health, but brain health deserves our attention too. Activities that challenge the brain, stimulate emotions, and encourage engagement with the world around us can play an important role in overall well-being, and music happens to check all of those boxes. So, the next time you find yourself reaching for a playlist, consider it more than background noise…you’re giving your brain something it genuinely enjoys and benefits from!

What Blue Zones Teach About Summer Living

“Lessons from some of the world’s longest-lived communities.” 

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When summer temperatures rise, many Americans retreat indoors, but some of the world’s longest-lived people have spent centuries adapting to hot weather in ways that may support healthy aging. Researchers studying Blue Zones—regions known for unusually high concentrations of centenarians—have identified common lifestyle patterns in places such as Ikaria, a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, and Sardinia, an Italian island in the Mediterranean Sea. According to longevity researcher Dan Buettner and his Blue Zones research team, residents tend to eat diets rich in vegetables, legumes, olive oil, and seasonal foods while limiting highly processed products. During the warmer months, meals often emphasize water-rich fruits and vegetables, helping support hydration naturally. Equally important, physical activity is woven into daily life through walking, gardening, and household tasks rather than intense exercise sessions performed in the midday heat.

Perhaps the most valuable lesson is that longevity in these communities extends beyond diet and movement. According to research published in Ageing Research Reviews, strong social connections and a sense of purpose are consistently associated with healthier aging and lower mortality risk. In many Blue Zone communities, summer evenings are often spent gathering with family, friends, and neighbors after the hottest part of the day has passed. These routines encourage movement, conversation, and stress reduction without requiring elaborate wellness programs. As we navigate another hot summer, the example set by these long-lived communities is refreshingly simple: eat fresh foods, stay active at a sensible pace, nurture relationships, and work with the seasons rather than against them.

Why Steakhouse Steaks Taste Better

 “The science and craftsmanship behind a perfect steak.” 

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Few dining experiences generate as much satisfaction as a perfectly prepared steak, which helps explain why steakhouses continue to thrive despite the popularity of home grilling. The difference begins long before the steak reaches the grill. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), higher grades of beef such as USDA Prime contain greater levels of marbling, the intramuscular fat that contributes to tenderness, juiciness, and flavor. Many premium steakhouses also utilize dry-aging techniques, a process that allows natural enzymes to tenderize the meat while concentrating its flavor through controlled moisture loss. The result is a richer and more complex taste profile than what is typically found in supermarket cuts.

Another key advantage is heat. While most home grills operate between 450 and 700 degrees Fahrenheit, many commercial steakhouse broilers can exceed 1,500 degrees. This intense heat rapidly creates the flavorful crust that diners associate with a great steak. Food scientists describe this process as the Maillard reaction, a series of chemical reactions between amino acids and sugars that produces hundreds of flavor compounds and the characteristic browning found in grilled meats. According to researchers at the University of California, Davis, this reaction is one of the primary drivers of the savory flavors that make cooked meats so appealing.

Perhaps most important, steakhouses focus relentlessly on consistency. Their chefs prepare hundreds of steaks each week, using precise seasoning, cooking temperatures, and resting times. Many finish steaks with butter or beef tallow to enhance richness and mouthfeel. The good news for home cooks is that these techniques can be replicated. Purchasing a well-marbled steak, seasoning it generously with kosher salt in advance, and cooking it over very high heat can dramatically improve results. While few home kitchens can match the equipment found in a top steakhouse, understanding the science behind great steak can bring diners surprisingly close to the experience.

America Through World Cup Eyes

 “A cultural exchange.” 

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As the FIFA World Cup unfolds across North America, an unexpected story is emerging beyond the action on the pitch. Visitors from around the world are discovering America itself. According to Reuters, fan festivals in cities such as Houston have become celebrations of culture, music, and community, with supporters from dozens of nations gathering together and sharing traditions. Reuters noted that Houston’s remarkable diversity, with residents representing more than 140 languages, has created an atmosphere where visitors feel welcomed and connected to local communities. What many fans expected to be a soccer tournament has become a firsthand lesson in the cultural variety that exists across the United States.

Food has become one of the tournament’s most talked-about attractions. According to ABC News and EatingWell, international visitors have enthusiastically embraced American dining experiences ranging from Texas barbecue and Kansas City smoked meats to Waffle House breakfasts, Raising Cane’s chicken, and even the uniquely American experience of Buc-ee’s. Social media has been flooded with videos of visitors marveling at oversized portions, regional specialties, and the sheer variety of American food culture. Reuters reported that Kansas City welcomed Argentine supporters by highlighting the similarities between local barbecue traditions and Argentina’s famous asado, creating a memorable culinary connection between two soccer-loving cultures.

Perhaps the most encouraging takeaway is that many visitors are returning home with a deeper appreciation for everyday American life. Reports from ABC News describe tourists sharing their amazement at everything from tailgating and roadside attractions to grocery stores, school buses, and the friendliness of strangers. While the World Cup will ultimately crown a champion, it is also serving as one of the largest cultural exchanges in modern history. Long after the final match is played, many fans may remember the brisket, the hospitality, and the unexpected discoveries just as much as the goals and trophies.

Sudoku Packing!

 “Travel light, travel smart.” 

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One of the most interesting travel trends gaining popularity is something called “Sudoku Packing.” The concept is surprisingly simple. According to travel writers who have highlighted the method, travelers select nine core clothing items—typically three tops, three bottoms, and three layering pieces—that can all be mixed and matched to create dozens of outfit combinations. Much like a Sudoku puzzle, each piece works with the others, maximizing flexibility while minimizing luggage. The goal is not deprivation but intentionality: bringing only what you will actually wear. In an era of airline baggage fees, crowded airports, and increasingly mobile travel, the approach offers a practical solution to one of travel’s oldest challenges—overpacking.

I was particularly intrigued by the concept because our niece recently put it to the test during a two-week family vacation in France. Remarkably, the entire family traveled with only carry-on luggage. Having made numerous trips to Europe over the years, I found that accomplishment genuinely impressive. Most seasoned travelers have experienced the hassle of hauling oversized suitcases through train stations, airports, and hotel lobbies. Sudoku Packing serves as a reminder that thoughtful preparation often beats bringing more stuff. The result is greater mobility, less stress, and the freedom to focus on the journey itself rather than managing excess baggage. Sometimes the smartest travel upgrade is not what you bring, but what you leave behind.