Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot
On Fridays I like to share experiences I’ve had during the week with patients and in my personal life that I’ve found significant. I share these in the hope that you might find value in them and have something that resonates with you in your life.
Something important. Most people would tell you that I’m highly energetic and upbeat, which is true. To most, these are good qualities, however I do get snarky comments about being this way from time to time. Specifically, people imply that if you’re a person that thinks positively, you are delusional and unrealistic. This doesn’t bother me in the slightest, but it does bring up an important concept.
When terrible things happen, no one is immune from the damage they can bring. These can be human tragedies, financial stress, health issues, and so much more. My belief is not that we must pretend those things are wonderful. Rather, I feel that it’s important to maintain the attitude that however dire the circumstances, we have the power and responsibility to make them better. This simple mindset causes us not to wallow in our difficulties but instead take pride and comfort in finding solutions. When people see me being optimistic and happy, it is not because my life is easy, and everything is going well. It is only because I have faith that I can turn any dark time or predicament back toward the light. You possess that same power if you choose to use it.
Something useful. A piece of advice that I often give new chiropractors is that if you want to be better in their own businesses, read reviews of other businesses in the same profession. I tell them to pay close attention to the negative reviews and what common themes stick out. Normally these include pressuring tactics, feeling rushed, questionable billing practices, unprofessionalism, and the like. I like to tell young doctors that these are important to learn from because they are a blueprint for exactly what NOT to do. This same premise is effective in daily life as well.
For anything that we aspire to be or achieve, it is wise to seek excellent examples around us to follow. These are certainly where we should direct the bulk of our time and energy because they can best help us. However, it is also valuable to notice the bad examples from time to time. My feeling is that when we see poor behavior and choices being made by some around us, it is a stark reminder of why it’s crucial to follow the right path. Furthermore, it should wake us up to the fact that no one is immune from ending up as a cautionary tale after making bad decisions. It is important to be guided by what you want to become/accomplish but an occasional reminder of where you don’t want to end up can be useful as well.
Something I’ve learned in races. During my endurance career, I faced some extremely challenging circumstances. Altitude sickness, hypothermia, ankle injuries, sandstorms, inclement weather, and running for more than 24-hours straight multiple times. When I’m amid these difficult competitions, there are times when I question myself. I begin to focus on being tired, how much pain I’m in, whether I can finish, and just how badly it all sucks in those moments. What I came to learn over time however was that all the people around me within those same races were having those exact same doubts about themselves. We were all fighting the same battle but somehow expected that we were the only ones struggling and that everyone else was on easy street with no worries whatsoever. This same thing happens often in life as well.
It is human nature to feel as though we are the only ones with struggles, fears, and concerns. We tend to take this personally and believe those around us do not have worries or challenges in their lives. This can create jealousy, resentment, and bitterness if we allow it. The truth is that we never know the depths of what others are facing but they are likely going through battles just as we are. Understanding this is important because it allows us to realize troubles are not unique only to us. Rather, these difficulties are simply things that all of us must deal with. The next time you start feeling sorry for yourself and how bad things are, stop. Many around you are enduring times just as bad or worse. Simply keep going, keep fighting, and allow things to get better.
A recent interaction. I put someone through a challenging workout recently and saw them again a few days later. They explained how much they loved it, how it pushed them, and how they were sore from all the exertion. These are all wonderful things, and I was pleased to hear them. However, they then went on to say, “but you should probably tone it down, add more breaks, and include some walking.” Other than thinking that we’d worked out together for the last time, I did think this brought about a great reminder.
No one needs help being average, you can roll out of bed and make that happen anytime. However, if you want to get to a higher level than where you currently are in anything, you will have to work for it, and it won’t be easy. If your reaction to being tested in this manner is to retreat to your comfort zone, you’re not ready. Unlike the person I mentioned above, I would view that workout as proof that I had more to give and from there, would not feel satisfied going back to my previous level of effort. You will never regret what comes from raising your level of output, exertion, or dedication.
Some quotes I Love.
“I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days, before you actually leave them.” – Andy Bernard, The Office
“When you realize your true value, the only option is to level up.”
“Staying positive does not mean that things will turn out okay. Rather it is knowing that you will be okay no matter how things turn out.” —Garth Ennis