#15: Say Yes
NBA Vibes, Hiccup Hacks, and The Power of Yes
Hey Friends,
Ever had a week that felt like a well-timed alley-oop? That’s this one.
From spontaneous flights to basketball arenas, to rereading a book and wrestling with hiccups—this edition’s got momentum, meaning, and maybe a little magnesium.
Let’s dive in.
🏀 1. The Power of Making Connections and Saying Yes
This week, I said yes to a last-minute trip to watch the Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Indiana Pacers in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. It was a snap decision, but one that led to a memorable experience.
I arrived in Indy not knowing exactly how the night would unfold—but it unfolded in ways that reminded me just how special spontaneous decisions can be. The group I met up with was a perfect blend—old friends, new acquaintances, and people in all different walks of life. We were connected through mutual friends, networking groups, random timing, and a shared sense of curiosity.
There’s something powerful about the ripple effect of one “yes.” New opportunities, fresh conversations, perspective shifts—they often come from decisions that seem small in the moment.
"You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward." – Steve Jobs
I’ve found that some of the most meaningful experiences in life come from saying yes before we’re ready. To the event, to the connection, to the unexpected trip. That one handshake, one seat change, or one open door may change everything. Don't underestimate the power of networking.
We didn't win this game. But the game wasn't really what it was about.
Try This: Say yes to something outside your routine this week. Whether it’s a new event, an introduction, or an impromptu plan—see where it takes you.
🌆 2. Indy Impressions: More Than Just a Host City
Indianapolis surprised me in all the best ways. Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, it’s a city that knows how to show up—especially during big events.
I stayed near Monument Circle, where the energy was electric and the streets buzzed with playoff intensity. It felt alive and accessible, with a mix of hometown pride and cosmopolitan polish.
Fun Facts About Indy:
Known as "The Crossroads of America" for its central location and major highway system
Home to the legendary Indianapolis 500, which draws over 300,000 people each year
Features the largest children's museum in the world
Second only to Washington, D.C. in the number of monuments and memorials
Birthplace of icons like David Letterman, Babyface, and Kurt Vonnegut
While walking the streets, I stopped into a coffee shop off Mass Ave and ended up in two conversations about the NBA Finals and podcast recommendations. That’s the kind of vibe Indy gives—big town feel with small city warmth. Great food, walkability, and a deep local pride.
⏱ 3. Busy vs. Productive: The Subtle but Crucial Shift
On the flight home, I dove into a great read—“Essentialism” by Greg McKeown—and was reminded of a powerful distinction:
"If you don’t prioritize your life, someone else will."
That line hits hard. We often glorify busyness. But being busy and being productive are not the same thing.
Busy looks like:
Frantic multitasking
Lots of meetings, little progress
Saying yes to everything and pleasing no one
Productive looks like:
Clarity of purpose
Focusing on the highest-leverage task
Saying no (so you can say yes to the right thing)
McKeown calls this the “disciplined pursuit of less.” It reminds me of a quote by James Clear:
“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
Try This: Each morning, write down one thing that would make the day a win. Prioritize it before opening your inbox. Small discipline, big results.
😮💨 4. Hiccups: Tiny Mystery, Simple Science
I got hit with a round of hiccups this week that wouldn’t let up. I recalled an Andrew Huberman episode where he explained How to breathe correctly for optimal health, the physiology behind hiccups, and how to stop them.
"Hiccups are involuntary spasms of the phrenic nerve (which controls the diaphragm) followed by sudden closure of the vocal cords."
Why they happen:
Eating too fast or overeating
Temperature shocks (cold drinks, hot food)
Carbonation
Anxiety or excitement
Huberman’s Method to Stop Them:
Three rapid inhales through the nose.
Swallow twice while holding your breath for 15-30 seconds.
Slowly exhale through the mouth or nose.
Repeat as needed.
This breathing technique hyper contracts the phrenic nerve, helping to disrupt the spasming and relieve the hiccups
Fun Facts:
Babies hiccup in the womb—possibly to train breathing muscles.
The world record for hiccups lasted 68 years (Charles Osborne).
Hiccups have been recorded in cats, dogs, and even squirrels.
Some old-school remedies? Eating a spoonful of peanut butter, drinking water upside-down, or being startled. Science may scoff—but results are results.
🍵 Beverage of the Week – Homemade Hibiscus Iced Tea
This week, Shelby and I have been brewing hibiscus tea at home using loose-leaf petals, and it’s quickly become a daily ritual.
How We Brew It:
Add 2 tablespoons dried hibiscus petals to a pitcher.
Pour in 4 cups hot (not boiling) water.
Steep 10–15 minutes.
Strain and chill.
Add a splash of pineapple juice and drizzle in local honey.
Benefits:
Rich in antioxidants (especially anthocyanins)
May help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol
Boosts liver health and metabolism
Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties
We brew enough for the fridge and drink it throughout the day—especially post-lunch or after a workout. Refreshing, good-looking, and health-boosting. Not a bad combo.
🧵 Final Threads
This week reminded me how powerful it is to:
Say yes to life’s unexpected detours
Choose depth over distraction
Build rituals that support your energy
Stay curious—even about something like hiccups
“The difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do.” – Charles Duhigg
Until next time—
– Chance
"If you don’t prioritize your life, someone else will." Great quote and so true. Thank you for the book recommendation.