#14: Mirror, Mirror..
Reflections, Questions, Comedy, and Columbia
Hey Friends,
This week offered a timely invitation to pause—and reflect. It was a reminder that life isn’t just about forward motion; it’s also about looking back with intention, curiosity, and gratitude.
Let’s jump into it.
🎤 1. Reflection, Bricktown Comedy Club
This week I went to see comedian Bryan Callen live, a comedian I've followed for some time.
The man’s wit hits hard, but so do his insights. During the show, he riffed on how so many of his successful friends—folks who’ve climbed Everest, launched companies, or lived wild lives—now find themselves chasing the next thrill just to feel something. They're skydiving, running ultras, or diving into biohacking, searching for new highs.
I had a chance to meet him after the show, and asked him what's next. His answer surprised me: “Reflection.”
He spoke about being in a season of life where he's slowing down to savor how far he's come. The moment stuck with me.
Because reflection is underrated. In a world obsessed with the next thing, we forget the value of honoring where we've been.
“We do not learn from experience... we learn from reflecting on experience.” – John Dewey
What Does It Mean to Reflect?
Reflection is the conscious practice of revisiting thoughts, moments, and actions—not with judgment, but with curiosity and clarity.
Tips for Meaningful Reflection:
Ask: “What worked? What didn’t? What surprised me?”
Schedule intentional time (weekly, monthly) to zoom out.
Use prompts or journaling. Bonus points if you do it after a workout or a walk.
Try the “mirror method”—speak your thoughts aloud and listen for truth.
Reflection isn’t passive. It’s a tool for conscious living.
There are so many unique and powerful ways to do this.
What are things you reflect on?
🏋️♂️ 2. Health Habits & The Long Game
I talk about health a lot here—micronutrients, red light therapy, cold plunges, creatine, you name it. It might sound like a string of hacks, but it's not.
It’s a philosophy.
“Longevity is not just about living longer, but living better for longer.” – Peter Attia
Every scoop of creatine, every greens juice, every morning walk—it’s a brick. A brick in the foundation for future quality of life.
In Atomic Habits, James Clear writes:
“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.”
When I reflect on taking those multivitamins or skipping dessert, I realize it’s not about that one choice—it’s about the aggregate effect of all the little ones.
Health Habits That Compound Over Time:
Resistance training 2–3x/week
High-protein, whole food meals
Sleep optimization (track your time in deep sleep!)
Daily movement: walks, Zone 2 cardio, stretching
Stress reduction through breathwork or journaling
Consistency is the name of the game. Your future self is watching. Train for the decades, not just the mirror.
What is your "why" for health conscious decisions?
🕵️ 3. What Don’t We Know? (A Spy's Perspective)
A story this week from a former CIA operative reminded me why I love psychology and espionage. The agent shared one core idea:
“In intelligence, it’s not about what you know. It’s about what you don’t know.”
That line cracked something open for me.
We love certainty—facts, data, bullet points. But what if we focused on the blanks? That’s where insight lives.
This concept aligns with Donald Rumsfeld’s famous distinction:
Known knowns: We know these.
Known unknowns: We know we don’t know them.
Unknown unknowns: We don’t even know they exist.
This is where curiosity becomes your greatest asset.
In the world of intelligence, business, or personal growth, the difference-maker is often the question that hasn’t been asked yet.
“Curiosity will conquer fear even more than bravery will.” – James Stephens
Try This:
Ask: What assumption am I not challenging?
Reframe your problems. What’s missing from the picture?
Flip the lens: What would someone else see here that I don’t?
Make curiosity a daily habit—read outside your lane, talk to strangers, explore opposing viewpoints
Whether in a mission briefing or a morning journal, the edge often lies in what we don’t yet see.
Are you asking yourself, what you don't know?
🦜 4. Bird Nerd Alert: Colombia
During a conversation with a Colombian colleague this week, I asked him: “Tell me something interesting.”
His reply? “We have more bird species than any other country in the world.”
And he’s right.
Colombia is home to over 1,900 bird species, accounting for nearly 20% of the global total. This astonishing diversity is thanks to Colombia’s unique position straddling the equator, its varied elevations (Amazon, Andes, Pacific/Caribbean coasts), and a range of microclimates.
Birders from all over the world flock (pun intended) to explore areas like:
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta: home to over 20 endemic species
Tatamá National Park: lush cloud forests full of hummingbirds
Valle del Cauca: coastal wetlands attracting migratory birds
Notable species include:
Santa Marta Parakeet
Multicolored Tanager
Colombia’s bird diversity is not just beautiful—it’s vital. Birds are pollinators, seed spreaders, and environmental health indicators.
Conservation groups like ProAves and the National Audubon Society partner with Colombia to protect habitats.
Takeaway: When cultures preserve wild spaces, nature returns the favor. Curiosity opens the door to these insights.
What is your favorite bird species?
🥤 5. Beverage of the Week – Topo Chico
This week’s refreshment? The ever-crisp, mineral-rich Topo Chico.
Bottled from a spring in Monterrey, Mexico since 1895, it owes its name and lore to an Aztec legend: A sick princess was cured after drinking from the “hidden waters” of Topo Chico.
Why I love it:
Rich in calcium, magnesium, and sodium—great for electrolyte balance
The carbonation pops unlike any other mineral water
Zero sugar, zero calories, endless refreshment
Pro Tip: Topo + lime + dash of sea salt = elite-level hydration
Looking to elevate? Add a rosemary sprig or splash of pineapple juice. Hydration shouldn’t be boring.
🧵 Final Threads
This week was a thread through reflection, rituals, curiosity, and care.
Take time to reflect. Be kind to your future self. Ask the questions no one else is asking.
Cheers,
– Chance