Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot
On Fridays, I like to share experiences from my week—both with patients and in my personal life—that have left a meaningful impact. My hope is that these reflections offer you something of value, a bit of insight or encouragement that resonates with your own journey and inspires you in some way.
A great lesson. When I was early in my career, my chiropractic mentor (and boss at the time) shared a piece of advice I’ve found valuable. I recall him telling me “If you’re worried about catching a flight or leaving the office as soon as possible but still have three patients left, those last three adjustments will suck if you’re not careful.” His point was that when you distract your attention from what you’re doing or trying to achieve, there is always a decrease in potency and effectiveness. I know this to be true not only in chiropractic but all aspects of life.
What I know for certain is that when you apply intention to anything, it gets better. Whether you’re cooking food, spending time with others, working out, or anything else, there is a greater result when you are attentive, focused, and caring. If you’re just going through the motions, people will intuitively know something is missing or off. What I recommend to prevent against this is locking in on details. For example, if you’re spending time with your children, focus on their smiles. laughter, and reactions. This keeps you present and minimizes chances of becoming sidetracked with a phone or distractions. If you’re doing something that matters to you, make sure you give it the benefit of your focus, your results depend on it.
An important experience. This week, Facebook reminded me of a 24-hour obstacle course race I competed in 11 years ago in Nevada. The event pushed me through miles of dirt, mud, freezing water, and even a 40-foot cliff jump into 50-degree water. As night set in, a 60-mph sandstorm dropped the temperature into the twenties, pushing my body into hypothermia. I even found myself hiding from medical staff so I wouldn’t be pulled from the race, something that happened to hundreds of others. I finished only forty-five miles, far short of what I had planned, and for years I viewed that race as a personal failure.
Over time, I realized that the true value of that experience had little to do with mileage and everything to do with what it revealed in me. While I may not have been the best endurance athlete, I had become someone who refused to quit under conditions that felt unbearable. That shift in perspective helped prepare me for the losses and challenges that would come in the years that followed. In life, some of the moments we label as failures are the beginnings of the strength and resilience on which we will one day rely. Looking back, that race was a gift, an unexpected lesson God used to shape me into someone better equipped for the road ahead.
An analogy I like. If you’ve ever had a puppy before, you understand how vital it is to train them properly. Doing so will lead to a well-mannered, well-adjusted animal that consistently behaves properly and is more fun for everyone to be around. On the other hand, if that animal does not receive the proper guidance, the bad behaviors of today become magnified and eventually lead to tough circumstances or outcomes. This exact same principle applies to our behavior as people.
Your habits, processes, and decision-making in the present will absolutely impact your future. When those choices are solid, you can expect reliable results down the line. However, if they’re not, you are now on the clock for terrible things to eventually happen. For example, poor eating and exercise habits today can lead to pain, disease, and/or problems later. In relationships, the poor communication and red flags ignored today will manifest into a breakdown of trust and closeness at some point. Much like a puppy, if you do not think how you’re behaving now will serve you well in the future, start training yourself to be better.
An amazing lesson. During that same race, I experienced a moment that has stayed with me for years and changed the way I view adversity. On my final lap, exhausted and feeling sorry for myself, I kept hearing a metallic ting, ting, ting approaching from behind. Seconds later, a double amputee with metal running legs passed me, pushing through the same cold, mud, and misery I was facing; only with challenges far greater than mine. That encounter humbled me instantly. It reminded me that perspective is powerful, and that resilience often comes from recognizing the strength in others.
In difficult moments, it’s easy to get lost in frustration and forget to appreciate what we have. But gratitude is one of the most effective tools we possess. When I pause and focus on my blessings of health, family, relationships, and opportunities; the weight of whatever I’m dealing with becomes lighter. This isn’t about minimizing struggle; it’s about grounding ourselves in what remains good and steady. Problems come and go, but a grateful mindset keeps us centered. Don’t let discouragement blind you to the incredible things already present in your life.
Some quotes I Love.
“Pain is temporary. It may last for a minute, or an hour or a day, or even a year. But eventually, it will subside. And something else takes its place. If I quit, however, it will last forever.” – Eric Thomas
“Prosperity is a great teacher; adversity a greater.” – William Hazlitt