Newsletter Issue #489

                                 

Entrepreneur & Author
JeffCorbett.com

              

A Season to Reset

“Fall reminds us that sometimes moving forward begins with taking stock.” 

——- 

There is something about the arrival of fall that naturally feels like a fresh start. Maybe it goes back to our school days, when September meant new classrooms, new teachers and a clean notebook waiting to be filled. Even decades later, that feeling seems to linger. The temperatures begin to change, the days grow a little shorter, and suddenly it feels like a good time to take stock of where we are—and where we want to go.

That idea runs throughout this week’s Global Common Cents. We look at the psychology behind fresh starts and why meaningful growth often comes from small, consistent steps. We turn that same seasonal checkup toward our finances, our awareness of others, our brain health and even the habits that may help us live longer and better. And because life shouldn’t be all about self-improvement, we also make room for Oktoberfest, fall hiking and an October getaway.

Perhaps that is the real opportunity this season offers. We don’t need January 1st to make a change, and we certainly don’t need to reinvent ourselves overnight. Sometimes a new season is simply a reminder to clear away a little clutter, reconsider a few priorities and make one or two changes that move us in the right direction.

As author F. Scott Fitzgerald once wrote, “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the Fall.”

Maybe he was onto something.

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 Psychology of a Fresh Start

“Why fall can feel like a second New Year.” 

——- 

There is something about fall that naturally feels like a reset. Vacations wind down, children return to school, routines become more structured and businesses turn their attention toward the final quarter of the year. Behavioral scientists have found that this sense of a new beginning can actually influence motivation. In a widely cited study published in Management Science, researchers Hengchen Dai, Katherine Milkman and Jason Riis identified what they called the “fresh start effect.” They found that people were more likely to pursue personal goals following meaningful points in time—including the beginning of a week, month, year or semester, as well as birthdays and holidays. The researchers suggest these “temporal landmarks” can help us mentally separate our present selves from past shortcomings and refocus on larger goals.

That makes the beginning of fall an interesting psychological opportunity for business owners and professionals. Rather than waiting for January to make resolutions, September can serve as a natural checkpoint: What worked during the first nine months of the year? What needs to change? And what one or two priorities deserve our attention before December 31? The research doesn’t suggest that simply turning the calendar guarantees success, but it does indicate that a perceived new beginning can provide an extra push to initiate change. In business, where we can easily become buried in daily routines, sometimes a fresh start is less about starting over and more about deciding that today is a good day to begin again.

The Takeaway: Fall offers more than a change of season—it can be a psychological reset button for finishing the year with renewed focus and purpose.

Small Steps, Big Growth

by Kelsey Taylor
getcompletewellness.com

Biography:  Kelsey Taylor launched GetCompleteWellness.com as a college project. She quickly realized it was an opportunity to encourage folks near and far to take care of their physical and mental health in order to live the most fulfilling life possible, so it’s become her (non-graded) passion project. She’s currently working toward her degree in food science, and in her spare time, volunteers at her local food kitchen.

“Practical innovation can help small businesses do more with less.”   

——-

For small and mid-sized business owners, growth often means solving today’s problems while still building for tomorrow—rising costs, tighter timelines, and higher expectations, often without adding headcount. The fix isn’t necessarily a sweeping “digital transformation.” It’s small, repeatable upgrades: a shared dashboard instead of sticky notes, one workflow moved to the cloud, or one report automated. Even modest changes can reduce guesswork and help shorten response times without requiring a big budget.

That same logic shows up on the factory floor through automation and real-time data. Modern industrial computing allows sensors and systems to share information instantly, helping teams catch potential problems before they become costly downtime. It matters just as much off the factory floor. With a significant portion of the U.S. workforce now working remotely, reliable remote access, cloud-based collaboration, and basic cybersecurity are no longer luxuries—they’re part of staying competitive.

The biggest barrier usually isn’t the technology itself. Research suggests that risk and uncertainty remain major obstacles to innovation, which is exactly why small, low-stakes pilots can make more sense than big bets. Pick one process, set a 30-day goal, measure the results, and let the outcome—not the sales pitch—decide what comes next.

The Takeaway: Innovation doesn’t have to mean reinventing your business. Start small, solve one real problem, measure the results, and build from there.

Your Fall Financial Checkup

“Four moves to consider before year-end.”

——-

The beginning of fall has always felt like a natural reset. Vacations are winding down, football is back, and suddenly the end of the year doesn’t seem very far away. It can also be a good time to give your investments a checkup. According to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Investor.gov, investors should periodically review their asset allocation and consider rebalancing when market movements have pushed a portfolio away from its intended mix. That doesn’t mean trying to predict what stocks will do next. Rather, it means looking at your mix of stocks, bonds, cash and other investments and asking a simple question: Does the portfolio I own today still reflect my goals, time horizon and tolerance for risk?

Fall is also a good time to look beyond investment performance and toward year-end planning. Review retirement contributions, potential capital gains and losses, charitable giving and any required distributions that may apply to you before the calendar gets crowded. For 2026, the IRS allows employees to contribute up to $24,500 to most 401(k), 403(b) and governmental 457 plans, while the IRA contribution limit is $7,500, with additional catch-up amounts available for eligible older savers.

The Takeaway:  The goal is not to make changes simply because the leaves are changing. It is to use the season as a reminder to make sure your financial plan is still doing what you intended it to do. Fall arrives every year; your portfolio deserves at least the same regular attention.

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.

Etiquette as Awareness

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.

“Awareness is the heart of etiquette.”

——-

Awareness is the degree to which we are alert and attentive to our internal states, preferences, intuitions, and surroundings. We can identify our emotions, perceptions, strengths, and weaknesses, and realize that others also strive for these habits.

When mindfulness and intentionality are taken on as life goals, the actions of kindness and courtesy satisfy and reward us, giving a sense that we are helping to make the world a better place.

Social Awareness and Etiquette Skills

Being both realistic and optimistic helps a person explore what it means to be “recognizably respectful” throughout all situations involving others. It always comes down to awareness: “What’s it like to be on the other side of me?”

Consideration of other people not only makes you etiquette-ful, it shifts your perspective outside of yourself, making you more friendly and approachable. In any given social situation, you are called upon to make eye contact, greet people, and begin a conversation. These etiquette skills will only seem forced or robotic if you are not socially aware enough to put them in the context of your environment and audience.

You can enhance both your social awareness and etiquette skills by practicing the following:

• Aim to be present and available.
• As a learner, give yourself “breath-ful” moments during the day to focus on what you are aware of.
• Give yourself permission to quiet the chatter in your thoughts.
• Practice mindfully listening to others, seeking understanding and empathy.
• Find something positive to say about what others are saying and compliment accordingly.
• Ask yourself, “Am I acting as a person I’d like to meet?”
• “Is there anything I can say or do right now to show this person that they are valued?”

Knowing You

The degree to which you socialize with other people depends on your comfort level. Whether you feel at home in a crowded room of strangers or search frantically for a friend you can hang out with throughout the event depends on what you’re comfortable with.

But the thing that can increase your confidence and, therefore, your comfort level in social situations is your knowledge of etiquette skills. Knowing what is expected of you and that you have the skills to meet that expectation, will make you confident in taking necessary action.

And when your confidence wanes, being self-aware enough to know that you need to adopt a new skill set or make some emotional adjustments to pick yourself up will serve you well.

Give yourself an awareness check with these questions:

• How do I feel about my current circumstances?
• What might I do in this moment to feel successful?
• What is holding me back?
• What behaviors serve me well each day?
• What do I know about myself that will get me through a current situation?

Knowing you, how you act and react, and how you relate to other people is a great help in understanding how to navigate your life socially and professionally. And when you help other people feel heard, acknowledged, and respected, you, too, benefit by the internal civilizing awareness that etiquette can help you be the person you want to be.

The Takeaway: True etiquette begins with awareness—understanding yourself, being present with others, and making the people around you feel heard, valued, and respected.

How to Protect Your Brain!

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.

“Healthy habits for a healthier brain.”     

——-

It happens to the best of us…forgetting why you walked into a room, losing your train of thought in the middle of a sentence, getting in your car and forgetting those somewhat important car keys! Most of us have had moments like these, and they can be especially unsettling when they seem to be happening more often than they used to.

Now, while occasional forgetfulness isn’t the same thing as dementia, and many things can temporarily affect memory and concentration, like poor sleep, chronic stress, depression, certain medications, nutritional deficiencies and other health conditions…the bigger conversation is still worth having…brain health shouldn’t be something we start thinking about when we’re 70!

Your Brain Is Connected to the Rest of Your Body

One of the most interesting things researchers have learned about cognitive health is how closely it is tied to the health of the rest of the body. The same factors that affect our blood vessels and cardiovascular system can affect our brain. High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, physical inactivity and obesity have all been associated with increased risk of cognitive decline, and the NIA also identifies sleep problems, hearing loss, social isolation and lack of mental stimulation as factors to keep in mind when it comes to brain health. In other words, taking care of your heart and taking care of your brain aren’t two completely separate projects!

Sleep Is Not Optional Maintenance

Sleep is one of those things we tend to sacrifice when life gets busy and we find ourselves staying up too late finishing work, scrolling through our phones or watching one more episode (really just one!), then wonder why we’re struggling to concentrate the next day. What we need to remember is that getting enough sleep gives the brain time to carry out important processes involved in memory and overall brain function. So, if you’re consistently sleeping poorly, waking frequently throughout the night, or feeling exhausted despite spending enough time in bed, that’s worth discussing with a healthcare professional rather than simply accepting it as part of getting older.  There shouldn’t be any “oh wells” when it comes to your sleep!

Move Your Body

Exercise isn’t just about maintaining muscle and keeping your heart healthy…physical activity is also associated with better cognitive health. Activities like walking, swimming, cycling, gardening, dancing, strength training or simply being less sedentary throughout the day all count. Most guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week, and regular movement can also help with several conditions that influence our brain health, including high blood pressure and diabetes. So dare we say that a walk a day can keep your brain happy?

Give Your Brain Something to Work On

Our brains like to be used! Learning a language, playing an instrument, taking a class, reading something challenging, learning a new skill, cooking a new recipe or figuring out how to use unfamiliar technology all require the brain to process new information. Try thinking of your brain as a muscle…if you don’t use it you lose it! However, the more you use it, the more it strengthens, new neural pathways can form, and to be honest, you may end up feeling more youthful overall as you jump into learning new things!

Don’t Underestimate Other People

Social connection may be one of the more overlooked pieces of brain health, and having conversations, spending time with friends and family, joining a local interest group, volunteering or participating in activities with other people gives the brain plenty to process as you learn new names, and participate in conversations. Research has found associations between social engagement and better cognitive health, while loneliness has been associated with increased risk of cognitive impairment and a faster onset of dementia..and no, scrolling through hundreds of social media posts isn’t necessarily the same thing as having a real conversation, so put that device down and let’s act like it’s the 80s again!

Eat for Your Brain, Too

There isn’t one food that keeps the brain young, but the overall pattern of your diet does matter. Vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, nuts, seeds, olive oil and fish are all foods worth making regular appearances at the table. These foods provide fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and plant compounds that support overall cardiovascular and metabolic health. That connection matters because what’s good for your blood vessels is generally good for your brain, too!

Pay Attention to the Things You Can Measure

Some of the most important brain-health habits aren’t particularly exciting, but they are worth noting. Know your blood pressure, keep an eye on cholesterol and blood sugar, don’t ignore hearing or vision changes, don’t smoke, be thoughtful about alcohol, review medications with your healthcare provider if you’re noticing changes in memory, attention or sleep, and pay attention to your hearing as well. Hearing is an especially interesting example. Hearing loss is associated with cognitive decline, and an NIH-funded clinical trial found that hearing aids appeared to reduce cognitive decline over three years in a group of older adults with specific risk factors.

Start Before You Think You Need To

Perhaps the biggest shift in thinking is recognizing that brain health isn’t just an issue for older adults. As a matter of fact there are studies showing that cognitive decline is affecting people at much younger ages now than ever before. So…get enough sleep, move your body, eat food that supports your cardiovascular health, keep learning, stay connected to other people, manage blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, and protect your hearing and your head from preventable injuries.
We have a tendency to think of brain health as something we’ll worry about later, but the habits that support a healthy brain are the same habits that help us feel better, function better and stay independent throughout life anyways, so why not start now!

The Takeaway: The best time to protect your brain isn’t when memory problems begin—it’s now, because the everyday habits that strengthen your heart, body and relationships can also help support cognitive health for years to come.

The Fall Reset

“A change of season is a good time to change a few habits.” 

——-

There is something about the beginning of fall that feels like a natural reset. We usually reserve that kind of thinking for January, but I’m beginning to believe late September may be a better time to take stock of our health. The weather is cooling, routines are settling down after summer, and we still have several months before another year disappears. And the good news about longevity is that many of the things that matter most aren’t exotic. The American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 emphasizes familiar fundamentals including physical activity, healthy eating, quality sleep, healthy weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.

Start with movement. Fall is one of the easiest times of year to get outside and walk, hike, bike or simply spend more time moving. According to the CDC, adults 65 and older should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, along with muscle-strengthening exercise at least two days a week and activities that improve balance. Strength becomes particularly important as we age because maintaining muscle helps preserve our ability to handle everyday activities and remain independent. The point isn’t to suddenly train like an athlete. It is to keep moving, keep lifting and keep challenging the body enough that it has a reason to stay strong.

Then take a look at the other side of the equation: recovery and nutrition. The National Institute on Aging says older adults generally still need seven to nine hours of sleep each night, while the American Heart Association recommends an eating pattern built around vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts and lean proteins rather than searching for one magical “longevity food.” So as the leaves begin to turn, maybe this is our reminder to make a few adjustments of our own: walk a little more, lift something heavy a couple of times a week, get to bed on time and clean up what is on the plate.

The Takeaway: Longevity isn’t necessarily about making dramatic changes. Sometimes a new season is simply a good excuse to get the basics right again.

Oktoberfest is Underway

“Munich’s famous celebration runs through October 4.” 

——- 

If the name Oktoberfest makes you think October, think again. Munich’s 2026 Oktoberfest began Saturday, September 19, and runs through Sunday, October 4, for 16 days on the city’s Theresienwiese. At noon on opening day, Munich’s mayor tapped the first keg with the traditional cry of “O’zapft is!” — “It is tapped!” The festival now draws millions of visitors in a typical year and, according to Oktoberfest organizers, between 6 million and 7 million liters of beer are consumed on average.

The tradition dates to 1810, when Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on October 12. Five days of festivities culminated in a horse race on October 17 on the grounds that became known as Theresienwiese, named for the bride. The celebration proved so popular that it became an annual event. Although Oktoberfest originally took place in October, its starting date was eventually moved into September, giving festivalgoers the benefit of generally milder early-autumn weather while preserving the Oktoberfest name.

Beer, of course, became inseparable from the celebration. Historically, Bavarian brewers produced Märzen — literally “March beer” — in the spring, before warmer temperatures made brewing and storing beer more difficult. The stronger lager could mature in cool cellars through the summer and was traditionally associated with autumn celebrations. Today, Munich Oktoberfest beer is generally a paler, highly drinkable Festbier, while the amber Märzen style remains closely associated with Oktoberfest celebrations, particularly outside Germany.

And not just any beer can be poured at the real Oktoberfest. Only six Munich breweries are permitted to serve official Oktoberfest beer: Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, Spaten and Hofbräu München. The official Oktoberfest organization says the beers must come from these Munich breweries and comply with Munich and German purity requirements. So whether you are sitting beneath a massive beer tent in Munich or simply raising a stein closer to home, the celebration is already underway. Prost!

The Takeaway: Oktoberfest may carry October in its name, but in 2026 the party started September 19. It is a 216-year-old tradition built around Bavarian culture, food, music and, naturally, some very carefully brewed beer.

Hit the Trails this Fall

“The best season to get outside.” 

——-

Fall officially arrives in the United States with the autumnal equinox, which in 2026 occurs on September 22—making today the first day of astronomical fall. For hikers, that means cooler temperatures, changing leaves and, in many places, a more comfortable time to get outdoors. And Americans could probably use the encouragement: according to the CDC’s latest National Health Interview Survey data, only 47.2% of U.S. adults met the federal aerobic-activity guideline in 2024. That guideline calls for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, and a brisk hike can certainly help accumulate those minutes.

The benefits go well beyond burning a few calories. According to the CDC, regular physical activity can improve sleep, reduce feelings of anxiety, strengthen bones, improve balance and lower the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Of course, fall hiking requires a little common sense. The National Park Service recommends checking the weather and trail conditions, wearing appropriate footwear, carrying water and food, packing extra layers and bringing a flashlight or headlamp. With daylight getting shorter, it’s also smart to establish a turnaround time so you’re not unexpectedly finishing your hike in the dark.

I vividly remember hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon one fall with friends. The crisp air, the camaraderie and the extraordinary scenery made it one of those experiences that has stayed with me over the years. You certainly don’t have to tackle the Grand Canyon to get the same basic benefit. A local trail, state park or even a long walk through the woods can provide exercise, fresh air and a chance to disconnect for a while.

The Takeaway: Fall gives us a terrific window to get outside—so lace up the shoes, grab some water and enjoy it while the colors and cooler weather last.

The October Escape

“One Monday, two holidays—and time to start planning.”  

——-

October may be one of the most underrated months to get away—and if you’re thinking about taking advantage of it, now is the time to make plans. With October only weeks away, popular fall destinations, scenic hotels and weekend flights can become harder to book as foliage season approaches. Summer crowds may be gone, but autumn travel certainly isn’t. According to AAA Northeast’s analysis of TSA data, October recorded the largest year-over-year increase in domestic airline passengers in 2025, suggesting that more travelers are discovering what many of us already know: fall can be a terrific time to travel.

This year brings an interesting calendar coincidence. Monday, October 12, 2026, is Columbus Day in the United States and Thanksgiving Day in Canada. According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Columbus Day is a federal holiday observed on the second Monday in October, while some states and communities recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of or alongside it. The Government of Canada lists Thanksgiving on that same Monday. For many travelers, the long weekend creates an excellent opportunity for a quick autumn escape.

The choices are plentiful. Head to New England, the Appalachians or the Great Lakes for fall foliage; spend a few days hiking; visit a harvest festival; or try a mountain town such as Aspen, Telluride or Stowe before ski season arrives. Canada offers another possibility, with destinations such as Quebec City, Montreal and Ottawa particularly attractive in autumn. But don’t wait until October to decide. If you want a prime hotel, convenient flight or a room in a popular foliage destination, start looking now. Sometimes the best spontaneous-looking getaway is the one you quietly planned a few weeks ahead.

The Takeaway: Columbus Day and Canadian Thanksgiving both fall on October 12 this year. If a long fall weekend sounds appealing, start planning now—October will be here before you know it.