Newsletter Issue #481

                                 

Entrepreneur & Author
JeffCorbett.com

              

Confidence, Curiosity and Better Decisions

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Every edition of Global Common Cents is built around a simple idea: the more informed we are, the better decisions we make. This week we explore subjects that challenge conventional thinking while offering practical insights you can apply immediately. We begin by examining The Confidence Paradox and why confidence is often more fragile than it appears. We also take a hard look at why the Democratic Socialists of America’s platform should concern entrepreneurs, revisit the surprising investment potential of vintage baseball cards, and consider how meaningful etiquette still matters in a world that rarely slows down. From the health benefits of an occasional staycation to the critical importance of preserving muscle as we age, this issue reminds us that success is often built on small, consistent choices rather than dramatic changes.

You’ll also find timely guidance on protecting yourself during the current lettuce-linked foodborne illness outbreak, an exploration of whether our understanding of ancient history could be incomplete, and practical travel advice explaining why experienced travelers increasingly prefer the “shoulder season” over peak travel periods. My hope, as always, is that these articles encourage you to question assumptions, think independently, and perhaps discover an idea that improves your business, your health, or simply the way you see the world. As author and historian Will Durant wisely observed, “Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance.” The willingness to keep learning may be one of the greatest competitive advantages any of us can possess.

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

The Confidence Paradox

“Why confidence comes and goes—and how to build more of it.” 

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Confidence has a frustrating habit of disappearing just when we need it most. One day you feel capable and composed. The next, after a single mistake, criticism, or poor performance, you begin questioning abilities that haven’t actually changed. Psychologists have long recognized that confidence is often influenced more by recent experiences than by actual competence. According to psychologist Dr. Albert Bandura’s research on self-efficacy, people develop confidence primarily through repeated mastery experiences—successfully doing difficult things—not through positive thinking alone. In other words, confidence is usually the result of action, not the prerequisite for it.

The problem is that our brains naturally give greater weight to negative events than positive ones. This tendency, known as the “negativity bias,” has been extensively studied by psychologists, including Dr. Roy Baumeister and colleagues, whose influential review concluded that “bad is stronger than good.” A poor presentation, a missed sales opportunity, or one difficult athletic performance can temporarily overshadow months of success if we allow it. Fortunately, confidence can be rebuilt just as it was created in the first place: through deliberate action. According to research by psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck on the growth mindset, viewing setbacks as opportunities to improve rather than evidence of fixed limitations encourages resilience and continued learning.

Perhaps the most effective way to protect confidence is to stop measuring yourself by today’s result alone. High performers in business, sports, and life understand that consistency matters far more than perfection. They evaluate themselves over weeks, months, and years—not one difficult afternoon. Confidence is less like a light switch and more like a savings account: every challenge you face, every lesson you learn, and every time you get back up after disappointment adds another deposit. The goal isn’t to feel confident every day. It’s to build enough evidence over time that, even on the days confidence fades, your experience reminds you that it will return.

The DSA Platform Should Scare Every Entrepreneur

“Ideas once dismissed can become tomorrow’s policies.”   

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Entrepreneurs make a living by anticipating change before everyone else sees it. That is why the Democratic Socialists of America’s (DSA) current platform deserves serious attention, regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum. The organization’s official program advocates a significant expansion of government involvement in the economy, including public ownership of the largest corporations and essential industries, higher taxes on corporations and wealthy individuals, a Green New Deal, expanded labor protections, and broader government control over key sectors of the economy. According to the DSA’s published platform, its long-term objective is to replace an economy driven primarily by private ownership with one based on democratic public ownership of major economic institutions.

Some entrepreneurs may be tempted to dismiss these proposals as politically unrealistic. History suggests caution before doing so. Not long ago, many commentators treated ideas such as the Green New Deal as fringe political concepts. Today, while the original Green New Deal resolution itself has not become law, many of its themes—including large-scale federal investments in clean energy, electrification, and climate-related industrial policy—have influenced mainstream policy discussions and portions of subsequent federal legislation. Political ideas often begin on the margins before migrating toward the center, particularly as younger activists, elected officials, and advocacy organizations gain influence. Entrepreneurs do not have to agree that such proposals will ultimately succeed, but ignoring them entirely would be a strategic mistake.

For business owners, the lesson is not panic—it is preparation. Every entrepreneur operates within a framework of taxes, regulation, labor policy, and property rights. Significant changes to any of those pillars can reshape investment decisions, hiring, innovation, and long-term planning. Successful entrepreneurs have always watched political and economic trends with the same discipline they apply to competitors and emerging technologies. Whether the DSA’s vision ultimately remains aspirational or influences future legislation, understanding the direction of influential policy movements is simply good business. As management thinker Peter Drucker famously observed, “The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence—it is to act with yesterday’s logic.”

n my view, policies of this nature would dramatically reduce the incentives that have historically driven entrepreneurship, innovation, investment, and risk-taking in America. More fundamentally, they would transfer many economic choices and personal freedoms that individuals now exercise independently to decisions made by government officials—a shift that every entrepreneur should evaluate carefully, regardless of political affiliation.

Proposals from the Democratic Socialists of America

• Replace the President with an executive chosen by and subordinate to Congress.
• Replace the Supreme Court with a judiciary subordinate to Congress.
• Abolish the U.S. Senate.
• Abolish the Electoral College.
• Establish public ownership of the largest corporations and essential industries.
• Implement aggressive wealth taxes on wealthy individuals and corporations.
• Extend voting rights to all permanent U.S. residents and restore voting rights for incarcerated individuals and those with criminal convictions.
• Abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
• Defund the Department of Defense (“Department of War”) and dramatically reduce U.S. military spending while shifting resources to domestic priorities.
• Move toward a world without borders, replacing current immigration enforcement with a fundamentally different system.
• Defund police departments while shifting resources toward community-based public safety and social services.
• Support prison abolition as a long-term goal, replacing the current incarceration system with alternative models of justice.

When Baseball Cards Become Investments

“Cardboard gold”

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I’ll admit it—I have been fascinated by baseball cards for as long as I can remember. My collection includes cards dating back to the 1950s, and like many readers, I still remember riding my bicycle to the neighborhood store in the 1960s to buy a few packs of Topps baseball cards. Tucked inside every pack was a thin stick of pink bubble gum that was usually stale by the time it reached your hands, yet somehow it tasted just fine because opening those wax packs was part of the adventure. Back then, we weren’t thinking about investments. We traded cards, clipped them to bicycle spokes to imitate motorcycle engines, and hoped to find our favorite players. Looking back, it’s remarkable how many of those ordinary childhood treasures have become extraordinary collectibles.

Today, baseball cards have evolved into a legitimate alternative asset class for some collectors. According to the professional grading company PSA, condition, authenticity, rarity and demand are the primary drivers of value, with professionally graded cards often commanding significant premiums over ungraded examples. Auction houses such as Heritage Auctions regularly report six- and seven-figure sales for exceptional vintage cards, including iconic examples featuring Mickey Mantle, Jackie Robinson and Roberto Clemente. At the same time, modern stars such as Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge have attracted a new generation of collectors, particularly for limited-edition and rookie cards. The sports collectibles market has grown substantially over the past decade, although prices have also experienced periods of sharp volatility, reminding investors that collectibles can fluctuate just as traditional investments do.

For most people, however, baseball cards should be viewed first as collectibles and only second as investments. Unlike stocks or bonds, cards generate no income and their value ultimately depends on what another collector is willing to pay. According to the nonprofit hobby organization SABR (Society for American Baseball Research), the enduring appeal of baseball memorabilia lies in its ability to preserve the history and stories of the game. That’s a perspective I appreciate. Whether your collection fills an entire room or fits inside a single shoebox tucked away in the attic, those pieces of cardboard often represent something more valuable than dollars—they preserve memories of childhood summers, favorite players and the simple excitement of discovering what might be inside the next pack.

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.

Meaningful Etiquette in a Busy World

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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In today’s fast-paced environment, we often find ourselves rushing through interactions with little time for traditional social niceties.  The phrase “hands-off” might suggest detachment, but there are many ways to maintain meaningful connections while respecting personal boundaries.  As we navigate our busy lives, how can we balance efficiency with genuine human connection?

The Power of Everyday Courtesy

When brief encounters replace lengthy conversations, the power of our words becomes magnified.  A simple “yes, please” or “thank you” carries extra weight in these quick exchanges. These courtesies aren’t just pleasantries—they’re affirmations of our shared humanity in a hurried world.
Making deliberate eye contact communicates attention and respect.  When visiting businesses, taking a moment to notice an employee’s name badge and addressing them personally transforms a transaction into a human moment. These small gestures require minimal time but make profound impressions.

15 Thoughtful Ways to Show Kindness

The following practices allow us to demonstrate care and consideration while respecting others’ space and time.  Each represents a small investment that yields significant returns in community goodwill:

1. Practice drive-through generosity by paying for the order of the person behind you, creating a moment of unexpected delight in someone’s day.
2. Send surprise deliveries to friends or relatives you haven’t seen recently, letting them know they remain in your thoughts despite busy schedules.
3. Offer neighborly assistance by returning a neighbor’s empty trash bin from the curb to their house after collection day—a small gesture that speaks volumes.
4. Create doorstep surprises containing home-cooked meals, desserts, or pet treats for neighbors or friends, followed by a text alerting them to the delivery.
5. Tip generously when picking up takeout or receiving deliveries, acknowledging the essential service these workers provide.
6. Extend shopping help by offering to pick up items for friends or neighbors when you’re heading to the store, saving them a trip during their busy week.
7. Facilitate gatherings by dropping off special drinks or treats at participants’ homes before get-togethers, adding a personal touch to your hospitality.
8. Share local bounty by purchasing extra items from farmers’ markets and leaving them anonymously for neighbors to discover.
9. Express digital gratitude by writing appreciative notes on the websites of community services, schools, or hospitals, recognizing their contributions.
10. Maintain a pleasant home environment by keeping shared spaces tidy, demonstrating respect for family members who share your living space.
11. Support vulnerable populations by donating new or gently-used toys to homeless shelters where children need comfort.
12. Uplift colleagues with specific, genuine compliments during work interactions, whether in person or remote.
13. Remember service members by sending care packages to deployed personnel who may feel particularly isolated from home.
14. Practice positive social media engagement by committing to share only constructive, uplifting comments online.
15. Write physical letters or cards to friends and family, creating tangible connections in an increasingly digital world.

The Character-Building Nature of Friendliness

As etiquette expert Judith Martin (Miss Manners) wisely notes, “When a choice of action must be made, kindly motivation counts a lot.”  This sentiment remains relevant in all social contexts.
The practice of friendliness, particularly toward strangers encountered briefly, represents more than social lubrication—it’s character development in action. Even when we don’t necessarily feel friendly, choosing to act with consideration helps build our own resilience while simultaneously supporting others.
These small acts of kindness can serve as antidotes to the pervasive outrage and divisiveness that often dominate public discourse.  They remind us that beneath our differences lies a fundamental desire for connection and recognition.

Finding Balance in Modern Life

The tension between efficiency and meaningful connection creates an opportunity to reimagine what community means.  By adopting thoughtful practices that communicate care despite limited time together, we can maintain human bonds even in our busiest seasons.

The beauty of these approaches lies in their accessibility—they require little more than thoughtfulness and intention.  As we navigate our complex social landscape, perhaps the most important etiquette principle to remember is grace: extended both to others who may be struggling and to ourselves as we adapt to evolving social norms.

Ultimately, the practice of friendliness offers a powerful remedy for the isolation many experience in modern life.  By finding creative ways to demonstrate care while respecting boundaries, we nurture the connections that sustain us—proving that even brief interactions can foster meaningful community when approached with genuine warmth and consideration.

Why a Staycation Might be Exactly What You Need

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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Summer has been here for a bit, and between busy work schedules, family commitments, and the rising cost of travel, planning a week away may be leaving us feeling more stressed than excited. For a lot of us, taking time off simply isn’t in the cards every year…but that doesn’t mean we have to miss out on the benefits of stepping away from our routines. That’s where a staycation comes in to save the day!

Staycations for the Win!

One of the biggest advantages of a staycation is that it allows us to spend our energy enjoying ourselves instead of managing the logistics of getting somewhere else. The thing is, travel can absolutely be fun, but it also comes with its share of challenges. Flights get delayed, traffic happens, bags get lost, and schedules often become packed because everyone wants to fit as much as possible into a limited amount of time. By the time the trip is over, it’s not unusual to come home feeling like you need a day or two just to catch your breath. A staycation offers something many of us don’t experience often enough… a few days where life feels a little less rushed…without all the logistics!

Without travel plans to coordinate, there’s room to do things at your own pace. Maybe that means enjoying coffee on the patio without watching the clock, spending an afternoon by the pool, taking a long walk before it gets too hot outside, or finally finishing the novel that’s been sitting on your nightstand for a month….or more!  Plus, there’s another pretty cool benefit that often gets overlooked…you start seeing your own community a little differently.

The Adventures in Your Own Backyard.

It’s funny how easy it is to recommend local restaurants, parks, or museums to visitors while realizing you’ve never actually gone yourself, isn’t it? A staycation is a great excuse to finally explore those places you’ve been saying you’ll visit “one of these days” and actually giving yourself the time and opportunity to do so. A few days away (but not really away) can allow you to spend the morning at a farmers market, wander through a botanical garden, browse a local bookstore or museum, or try a neighborhood café that’s always busy whenever you drive by.

For many of us, the financial side of a staycation is another great perk. Let’s face it, travel has become expensive. Very expensive. Airfare, hotels, rental cars, meals, and activities can add up quickly, sometimes creating more financial stress than expected. A staycation gives you the flexibility to enjoy a few special experiences without feeling like every dollar has to stretch across an entire vacation budget. Many hotels even offer packages for residents that make a staycation even more affordable which means you have a few more bucks left over for a little shopping spree, tickets to a show or sporting event, a massage, or an extra special dinner.  Those experiences don’t require a boarding pass, but they still create something we all need from time to time…a chance to step outside the usual rhythm and stress of everyday life.

It’s easy to think that the best vacations are the ones that take us the farthest from home…and a trip to Mykonos or Milan can certainly be wonderful, but sometimes what we’re really looking for isn’t a different location. Sometimes all we need is a little breathing room, a few enjoyable experiences, and permission to put everyday responsibilities on hold for a day or two.  You may not come home with a suitcase full of souvenirs, but you just might return to Monday feeling a little lighter than you did on Friday…and that’s a vacation worth taking, isn’t it?

Why You Cannot Afford to Lose Muscle

“Strength may be one of the most powerful predictors of how well—and how long—you live.” 

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When most people think about aging well, they focus on heart health, brain health, or maintaining a healthy weight. Yet one of the strongest predictors of healthy aging is often overlooked: skeletal muscle. Beginning around age 30, adults naturally begin to lose muscle mass, and that decline accelerates after age 60 unless it is actively challenged. This age-related loss of muscle, known as sarcopenia, is associated with reduced strength, impaired mobility, a greater risk of falls, loss of independence, and even an increased risk of premature death. According to the National Institute on Aging, regular strength training helps preserve muscle, improve metabolic health, and extend the number of healthy years we enjoy. It’s no coincidence that many older adults who seem to defy their age have one habit in common—they continue to lift weights.

Two of the best-known examples are Sylvester Stallone, now in his late 70s, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, also in his late 70s. Both men have modified their routines over the years, but neither has abandoned resistance training. While few of us aspire to look like action stars, they demonstrate an important principle supported by science: muscle responds to training at virtually any age. International clinical practice guidelines recommend resistance training as the first-line strategy for preventing and treating sarcopenia, while emphasizing that adequate dietary protein supports muscle maintenance and recovery. Two or three strength-training sessions each week—using free weights, resistance bands, machines, or body-weight exercises—can significantly improve strength, balance, bone health, and everyday function.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of preserving muscle is not simply living longer, but living better. Strong muscles make it easier to climb stairs, carry groceries, travel, play with grandchildren, and recover from illness or injury. In many ways, muscle serves as the body’s reserve account—providing strength, stability, and resilience when life inevitably presents challenges. There may never be a true fountain of youth, but maintaining muscle comes surprisingly close. If you’re over 60, don’t just measure success by the number on the scale. Measure it by your strength, because losing muscle is one of the few parts of aging that you can do something about.

When Healthy Foods Make You Sick

 “What every consumer should know about the latest lettuce outbreak.” 

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Fresh salads have long been a symbol of healthy eating, yet the current multistate outbreak in the United States  of cyclosporiasis serves as a reminder that even nutritious foods can occasionally carry unexpected risks.  Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which is typically spread through contaminated food or water rather than from person to person. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), investigators are currently tracing an outbreak linked to recalled shredded iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. While the investigation remains ongoing, public health officials emphasize that consumers should avoid only the recalled products—not fresh produce in general.

Leafy greens are particularly vulnerable because they are often eaten raw and have many folds and crevices where contamination can persist. Washing produce under cool running water is still an important step, but it is not a guarantee against Cyclospora. According to the FDA, the parasite can be difficult to remove completely by washing alone, and experts do not recommend using soap or commercial produce washes. Instead, rinse produce thoroughly, discard damaged outer leaves, refrigerate perishable items promptly, and stay informed about recalls. Purchasing fruits and vegetables from reputable retailers and suppliers with strong food safety practices also helps reduce risk, as established companies typically maintain rigorous traceability and quality-control systems.

The good news is that foodborne illness remains relatively uncommon compared with the billions of servings of fresh produce consumed each year, and America’s food safety system is designed to identify problems quickly and remove affected products from the marketplace. Outbreaks such as this one also demonstrate why government surveillance, product traceability, and voluntary recalls are essential components of protecting public health. Healthy eating should remain a priority, but so should informed purchasing and proper food handling. A little awareness—not unnecessary fear—is one of the most effective ingredients in keeping your kitchen, and your family, safe.

What if Ancient History is Wrong?

 “A fascinating conversation that challenges conventional views of history.” 

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I recently watched Joe Rogan’s interview with Timothy Alberino and found it absolutely fascinating. With the recent box office success of The Odyssey sparking renewed interest in the ancient world, mythology, and the enduring mysteries of early civilization, I thought many of our readers might enjoy this thought-provoking conversation as well. Alberino is an author, explorer, documentary filmmaker, and independent researcher whose work focuses on biblical history, ancient civilizations, and unexplained historical mysteries. While he is not formally trained as an archaeologist or historian, he has spent years conducting field expeditions and researching alternative interpretations of ancient texts and archaeological sites. That background provides important context for a discussion that frequently ventures beyond mainstream historical and archaeological consensus.

The nearly three-hour conversation explores subjects ranging from the Book of Enoch—an ancient Jewish religious text not included in the biblical canon of most Jewish and Christian traditions—to the Nephilim, mysterious figures mentioned in the Book of Genesis that many interpret as giants or mighty warriors who lived before Noah’s Flood. Alberino also examines megalithic structures, lost civilizations, and the Younger Dryas—a well-documented period of abrupt global cooling that began approximately 12,900 years ago near the end of the last Ice Age—and considers whether this dramatic climate event may have inspired flood traditions and other ancient accounts passed down through civilizations. He further discusses reports of red-haired giants described in ancient traditions and archaeological accounts, along with his belief that elements within the U.S. military possess knowledge of unusual discoveries that have never been publicly disclosed. Rogan gives Alberino ample opportunity to explain these ideas, resulting in a wide-ranging discussion that blends archaeology, theology, folklore, exploration, and modern mystery. While many of the episode’s central claims remain controversial, unverified, or are not accepted by mainstream archaeological and historical scholarship, the interview is presented as an exploration of possibilities rather than a presentation of established historical fact.

The value of this interview is not whether it convinces you of Timothy Alberino’s conclusions. Rather, it lies in its ability to encourage independent thinking. Rogan asks thoughtful questions, Alberino presents his case with conviction, and listeners are left to evaluate the evidence for themselves. In an era when many people simply accept headlines or conventional wisdom, there is something refreshing about a conversation that encourages curiosity, healthy skepticism, and further research. Whether you ultimately agree or disagree with Alberino’s theories, you’ll likely finish the episode with more questions than answers. For me, that’s the hallmark of a worthwhile conversation—one that challenges assumptions, sparks curiosity, and reminds us that some of history’s greatest mysteries remain unsolved.

Joe Rogan & Timothy Alberino

The Best Time to Travel Isn’t Peak Season!

“Why experienced travelers are avoiding the crowds and saving money.” 

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Conventional wisdom says to travel when everyone else does. Experienced travelers often do the opposite. Instead of booking vacations during the busiest weeks of the year, they plan trips just before or just after peak travel periods—a strategy the travel industry calls the “shoulder season.” The term comes from its position on the travel calendar: these periods sit on the “shoulders” of the busy peak season, immediately before and after the largest crowds arrive. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, spreading travel throughout the year can help reduce overcrowding while providing visitors with a more enjoyable experience. For travelers, it often means a vacation that feels less rushed, more authentic, and often less expensive.

The benefits are practical as well as financial. Airfares and hotel rates are frequently lower outside peak periods, popular attractions are less crowded, restaurant reservations are easier to secure, and moderate weather can make sightseeing more enjoyable. Travelers also tend to have more meaningful interactions with local residents when destinations are not overwhelmed with visitors. Timing varies by destination. In Italy, peak season generally runs from June through August, while April through May and September through October often provide pleasant weather with fewer crowds. In the Caribbean, December through March is typically the busiest period, making April through June and November attractive alternatives for many destinations, although travelers should remain mindful of seasonal weather patterns. In the Rocky Mountains, the busiest periods are summer and the winter ski season, while May and October can offer quieter landscapes, beautiful scenery, and lower prices before or after the crowds arrive.

The destination may capture the imagination, but the timing often determines the quality of the trip. A well-timed vacation can reduce stress, stretch your travel budget, and create opportunities to experience a place at a more relaxed pace. Before booking your next getaway, look beyond the busiest weeks on the calendar. You may discover that the best travel memories—and some of the best values—are found when everyone else has already gone home or has not yet arrived.