Newsletter Issue #483

                                 

Entrepreneur & Author
JeffCorbett.com

              

The World is Accelerating

“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent; it is the
one most adaptable to change.” 
— Charles Darwin
 
——- 

It sometimes feels as though someone has pushed the fast-forward button on the world. Artificial intelligence is transforming business almost by the week, markets react to events in seconds, medical advances that once sounded like science fiction are becoming reality, and the amount of information competing for our attention is staggering. I notice it in my own life. I can now accomplish in an afternoon things that would have taken me several days—or several people—earlier in my career. That’s exciting, but I’ve also learned that just because we can move faster doesn’t always mean we should.

That is the idea behind this week’s edition of Global Common Cents. The challenge isn’t stopping change—we couldn’t if we tried. It is learning when to embrace acceleration and when to resist it. In business, moving quickly can create enormous opportunity. In investing, moving too quickly can be costly. And in our personal lives, sometimes the best response to a world obsessed with speed is to put down the phone, enjoy a good meal, play a game, take the trip and simply be present. The world isn’t going to slow down for us. Perhaps the real advantage belongs to those who know when to speed up—and when to slow down.

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

Your Brain Wasn’t Built for this Speed

“Slow the noise.”

——- 

There was a time when the news arrived in the morning newspaper and again on the evening broadcast. Today, it never stops. Markets move in seconds, artificial intelligence produces answers almost instantly, social media delivers an endless stream of opinions, and a crisis thousands of miles away can appear on our phones before we have finished breakfast. The American Psychological Association’s 2025 Stress in America survey offers some perspective on what this environment may be doing to us. According to the APA, 69% of American adults surveyed identified inaccurate or misleading information as a significant source of stress, while 57% said the rise of artificial intelligence was a significant stressor. Three-quarters said they were more stressed about the country’s future than they used to be. We have unprecedented access to information, but access and understanding are not the same thing.

The answer isn’t to become uninformed. It is to become more deliberate about what deserves our attention. Not every notification requires an immediate response, every headline deserves an emotional reaction, or every controversy needs our participation. One of the great challenges of the modern world may be learning to separate what is urgent from what merely feels urgent. Technology will continue getting faster; our responsibility is to make certain our judgment doesn’t become equally rushed. Sometimes the smartest response to an accelerating world is surprisingly simple: slow down long enough to think.

Agility is the New Competitive Advantage

“Move or get passed.”

——-

I have been in business long enough to remember when starting or expanding a company required resources that put smaller entrepreneurs at an immediate disadvantage. Research required hours of digging, marketing required outside professionals, publishing required substantial infrastructure and reaching thousands of prospective customers could be prohibitively expensive. I’ve watched that equation change firsthand. My own career moved from financial services and consulting into publishing, and today I can research ideas, develop editorial concepts and communicate with tens of thousands of readers using tools that simply didn’t exist during much of my career. What once required a staff—or several outside vendors—can increasingly be accomplished by one entrepreneur with the right technology and judgment.

Artificial intelligence is accelerating that transformation. Microsoft’s 2026 Work Trend Index, based on a survey of 20,000 workers using AI across 10 countries along with analysis of Microsoft 365 usage signals, found that 66% of the AI users surveyed said the technology allowed them to spend more time on higher-value work, while 58% reported producing work they could not have produced a year earlier. Microsoft also found that the organizations getting the most from AI aren’t simply adding tools; they’re redesigning how work gets done. That distinction matters. The competitive advantage isn’t simply having AI—eventually everyone will. It is recognizing opportunities faster, making good decisions and executing before someone else does. The entrepreneur has always competed on ingenuity and adaptability. Technology is simply turning up the speed.

Don’t Confuse Movement with Opportunity

“Patience still pays.”

——-

Financial markets may be the ultimate example of a world accelerating. Investors can watch prices move tick by tick, trade from a telephone in seconds and receive breaking financial news around the clock. Recent markets have provided a perfect illustration: enthusiasm surrounding artificial intelligence and corporate earnings has existed alongside geopolitical concerns capable of moving oil, stocks and currencies almost immediately. Reuters reported just last week that global markets were reacting simultaneously to technology shares and developments involving Iran and oil. The modern investor has more information, delivered faster, than any generation before us. That doesn’t necessarily mean we make better decisions.

In fact, one of the oldest lessons from behavioral finance suggests the opposite. Research by economists Brad Barber and Terrance Odean famously found that individual investors who traded more frequently tended to earn lower net returns than less-active investors, largely because trading costs ate into performance. The technology has changed considerably since their research, but the behavioral lesson remains relevant: activity should never be confused with progress. When markets move quickly, doing nothing can feel irresponsible. Sometimes it is exactly the opposite. Successful investing still requires knowing what you own, understanding why you own it, and having the discipline to distinguish a genuine change in fundamentals from another exciting headline. The world may be accelerating, but patience hasn’t become obsolete.

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.

Kindness Doesn’t Take Much Time

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.”

——-

In today’s fast-paced environment, we often rush through interactions with little time for traditional social niceties. Yet when encounters become shorter, the small things may actually matter more. A simple “yes, please” or “thank you,” deliberate eye contact, or taking a moment to notice an employee’s name badge and address them personally can transform an ordinary transaction into a human moment. The same is true beyond face-to-face encounters. Paying for the person behind you at a drive-through, returning a neighbor’s trash bin, sending an unexpected card, offering a genuine compliment, tipping generously, or dropping off a meal for a friend requires little time but communicates something important: I noticed you, and you matter. As etiquette expert Judith Martin, better known as Miss Manners, has observed, “When a choice of action must be made, kindly motivation counts a lot.”

Friendliness, particularly toward people we may encounter only briefly, is more than a social nicety—it is character in action. Even when we don’t necessarily feel friendly, choosing to behave with consideration strengthens our connections and offers a small antidote to the outrage, division and isolation that too often characterize modern life. We don’t need elaborate gestures or lengthy conversations to create meaningful connections; we need thoughtfulness and intention. Perhaps the most important etiquette principle for our increasingly hurried world is simply grace—extending it to others who may be struggling, and occasionally to ourselves as well. Even the briefest interaction can strengthen a community when it is approached with genuine warmth and consideration.

Energy Without the Rush

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.

“Why matcha may be worth the hype.”

——-

Matcha has gone from something you would find at a traditional Japanese tea shop to an ingredient showing up virtually everywhere from lattes to smoothies, baked goods, protein drinks, and even cocktails! Now, while some of that popularity can be chalked up to its pretty green color and how it looks on every influencer’s social media feed, there are actually some legitimate reasons to make room for matcha in your wellness routine.

So, What Exactly Is Matcha?

Matcha is made from finely ground green tea leaves, and unlike traditional green tea, where the leaves are steeped and then discarded, with matcha you are consuming the actual tea leaf. That makes the nutritional profile a little different and gives you a much more concentrated dose of the compounds found in green tea. Most people have heard about matcha’s antioxidants, particularly catechins such as EGCG, but there are a few other reasons this bright green powder can be a great addition to your daily diet.

One of the more interesting reasons is that matcha contains a beneficial combination of caffeine and L-theanine which is an amino acid associated with relaxation and attention. Together, they may provide a more even feeling of alertness than you get from caffeine alone (move over, coffee!). Instead of the sudden jolt followed by the inevitable post-java crash, some people find matcha gives them a smoother boost that lasts a lot longer.

Matcha and Your Wellness. 

Research suggests that caffeine and L-theanine together can improve aspects of attention and cognitive performance, which is one reason matcha has become a favorite morning or afternoon drink for people who want to feel awake without feeling quite so wired and jittery. Matcha may also have an interesting connection to heart health as green tea catechins have been studied for their potential effects on cholesterol and cardiovascular health, and regularly consuming green tea has been associated with several favorable heart-health markers because matcha is a concentrated source of these same plant compounds.

Another lesser known benefit involves oral health since green tea contains compounds that may have antibacterial properties, and research has explored its potential role in supporting healthier gums and reducing the growth of certain bacteria associated with dental problems. Of course, matcha isn’t a substitute for brushing, flossing, or regular dental visits, but it’s an interesting bonus for something many people simply enjoy drinking!

There’s also some evidence that the catechins in green tea may support healthy metabolic function, and studies have looked at green tea compounds and their potential influence on how the body handles fat and glucose. The effects aren’t dramatic enough to justify any miracle fat burning claims that sometimes surround matcha, but there is enough research to make its metabolic benefits worth making note of.

A Little Matcha In Your Day.

Then there’s the fact that matcha is incredibly easy to work into everyday meals, unlike some of its other caffeinated counterparts. A little matcha can be whisked into hot or iced water, blended into a smoothie, stirred into yogurt, or added to oatmeal and salad dressings. Its subtle, earthy flavor pairs particularly well with foods like vanilla, berries, citrus, coconut, and dark chocolate to name a few. One thing to keep in mind is that matcha still contains caffeine, so if coffee tends to interfere with your sleep, drinking a large matcha latte late in the afternoon probably isn’t going to solve that problem! Matcha also isn’t necessarily better than coffee or regular green tea for everyone. They’re simply different options, and the best choice is the one that makes you feel good and fits naturally into your day.

It’s also worth noting that matcha varies considerably in flavor and price, and some products are intended more for cooking than drinking. If you’re drinking it regularly, look for a reputable source and choose a product that actually tastes good to you. So, if you’re looking for a healthy replacement for your daily cup of coffee, or have been curious about this somewhat viral drink…maybe some of these wellness benefits of matcha will inspire you to give it a try!

Don’t Outrun the Basics

“Longevity still starts with what works.” 

——-

Longevity has become one of the fastest-moving areas in health. Wearable technology tracks our sleep and heart rate, researchers are studying biological aging, and an expanding industry promises everything from personalized nutrition to sophisticated testing and supplements. Some of these developments are fascinating and may eventually change how we age. But amid all that innovation, it is easy to overlook something considerably less exciting: much of what we already know about healthy aging remains remarkably basic. The World Health Organization reports that regular physical activity is associated with lower risks of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and several cancers, while also benefiting mental health, cognitive health and sleep.

The WHO recommends that adults generally accumulate 150 to 300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week—or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous activity—and include muscle-strengthening activities involving the major muscle groups at least twice weekly. None of that sounds revolutionary. There is no futuristic laboratory, expensive machine or miracle pill involved. That may be precisely why the fundamentals are so easily overlooked. By all means, pay attention to the breakthroughs occurring in longevity science; I certainly do. But don’t become so fascinated by tomorrow’s possibilities that you neglect today’s evidence. Walk. Lift something. Eat reasonably well. Sleep. Stay connected to other people. Sometimes the most powerful longevity strategy isn’t finding the newest hack. It’s consistently doing the things we’ve known about for years.

Fast World, Slow Down

 “The renewed appeal of cooking real food and eating deliberately.”

——- 

Our relationship with food has accelerated along with everything else. We can have dinner delivered with a few taps on a telephone, eat breakfast in the car and consume lunch while answering email. Convenience certainly has its place, but eating has gradually become another task we try to complete as efficiently as possible. There may be a reason to occasionally push in the opposite direction. A 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis published in Clinical Psychology Review examined experimental research involving mindfulness and mindful eating and found that these approaches were associated with reduced food intake, although the researchers emphasized that effects were larger in laboratory settings than in real-world settings and found no evidence of an effect on appetite. In other words, mindful eating isn’t magic—but paying attention to what and how we eat may matter.

There is also something valuable here that can’t easily be measured in a laboratory. Preparing a meal forces us to participate in the process. You select ingredients, chop vegetables, season the food, wait for it to cook, and hopefully sit down long enough to enjoy it. For centuries, meals were not interruptions to life; they were part of life. Perhaps one small rebellion against an accelerating world is to occasionally cook something from scratch, put the telephone somewhere else, and actually taste dinner. We spend enormous amounts of money trying to improve our quality of life. Slowing down long enough to enjoy a good meal may be one of the least expensive ways to do it.

Rediscover Something Analog

“Unplug and play.” 

——-

Baseball has reminded me of something technology occasionally makes us forget: some experiences cannot be accelerated. I can research almost anything in seconds and communicate with thousands of people by pushing a button, but when I step onto a baseball field, none of that matters. The pitcher still has to throw the ball, the hitter has to react and the game unfolds at its own pace. At this stage of my life, I still play competitive baseball, and part of its appeal is precisely that it demands my complete attention. When you’re standing at third base or on a pitching mound, you’re not checking email or worrying about the latest headline. For a few hours, you’re simply playing baseball. Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi described this kind of complete absorption in an activity as “flow” in his book Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, which I read years ago and remains a classic today.

Your version doesn’t have to involve a baseball glove. It might be golf, gardening, woodworking, fishing, painting, restoring an old car, playing cards or reading an actual book. The WHO notes that physical activity undertaken during recreation and leisure contributes to both physical and mental health, but I think there is another benefit as well: analog activities give our attention somewhere meaningful to go. We have become very good at filling empty moments with screens. Maybe we shouldn’t fill all of them. In an age increasingly dominated by algorithms designed to capture our attention, choosing what deserves that attention may become one of the most important luxuries we have.

Why Getting Lost has Its Benefits

“Don’t rush the journey.” 

——-

Travel has never been easier to organize. We can book a flight in minutes, check into a hotel without speaking to anyone, navigate an unfamiliar city without unfolding a map and translate a foreign language by pointing a phone at a sign. I appreciate all of it. We travel quite a bit, and I certainly have no desire to return to the days of calling airlines, carrying stacks of confirmations or getting hopelessly lost because I made one wrong turn. But I’ve also noticed something over the years: some of our best travel memories weren’t the result of efficiency. They came from wandering down the wrong street, stopping somewhere that wasn’t on the itinerary or changing plans simply because something interesting caught our attention. I think of the joy of getting lost in the narrow streets of Venice, Italy, where taking a wrong turn can lead across a small bridge, into a quiet square or to a neighborhood you never intended to find. Sometimes getting lost is part of the experience.

That may be worth remembering as technology continues making travel increasingly seamless. A 2024 Booking.com global survey found that 52% of travelers were interested in using artificial intelligence to help plan trips, illustrating just how quickly technology is becoming part of the travel experience. There is nothing wrong with letting technology find the flight, translate the menu or point us toward a great restaurant. The danger comes when we become so focused on optimizing a trip that we forget to actually experience it. Travel shouldn’t simply be about getting somewhere faster or checking another destination off a list. Leave an afternoon unplanned. Take the slower road occasionally. Sit at the café a little longer. Talk to someone you don’t know. In a world increasingly designed to eliminate wasted time, some of the best moments in travel still happen when we’re willing to waste a little of it.