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 in some way. I like to share them in hopes that you might find value in them and have something resonate with you in your life.
Something I hear often from patients. “I don’t know why I’m in pain, I haven’t done anything.” This statement is one I hear dozens of times each week and I bring it up because it’s significant. Though it may seem counterintuitive, doing nothing for your body is in most cases far worse for you than being active.
For example, I see more symptoms associated with prolonged sitting and/or lying around watching TV than I ever do from people that exercise regularly. Your body is meant to be in motion and when it is, it alleviates pressure and tension. When it does not move enough, it tightens up and makes it tougher to move the next time. Even for those already in pain, beginning to move/exercise more will improve the way they feel rather than cause regression.
A mental technique I rely upon. I’m a huge believer that the right mindset can change anything into something far better. Over the years I’ve learned ways to strengthen my mind and outlook because of how crucial it is to succeed in various endeavors. One way I do this is by changing my mindset from “I have to” to “I get to.”
For example, as a chiropractor I have days that can be hectic. A schedule full of patients to begin the day, and dozens of others calling and needing to get in as soon as possible. I often used to see my busiest days as a burden because of the energy they’d require helping so many people, trying to fit everyone onto the schedule, and dealing with different personalities. Now, I only see these days as a blessing. I remind myself that I’ve built a practice that people are eager to come to, I’m able to help many people, and I’m able to earn a good living for my family. The exact same situation can feel completely different depending on the mindset you bring toward it, so make sure it’s a good one!
Something I teach my family that you may like to try. Being decisive is something I believe is of crucial importance. It allows us to process information, deal with stressful or complicated situations, and have the confidence to decide quickly. Like everything, it’s a skill that can enhanced.
One of the simplest ways I work on this is through what I call the “menu test.” Anytime I go to a restaurant, I will decide what to order within 1-minute tops. If I can’t decide within that amount of time what I’d like to eat, how can I expect to make more important decisions in a much more serious situation? I have done this test for years and have taught this to my children as well. I always enjoy watching them try to make up their minds quickly when we go out to eat. I have other ways of building decisiveness as well, but this is the most fun to try!
An interesting comparison and lesson. I have two patients that are both associated with the same multi-level marketing company. To my knowledge, neither knows the other but at their appointments they will often tell me about their business. One of them always has complaints about not making enough money, why the people below them aren’t doing enough to generate business, what they aren’t doing that they should be, and on and on. They also always have a mild complaint about the fact that they must pay for their treatment as though for some reason I should be working for free.
The other person is a completely different story. When they refer to their business, they’ll mention things that have been working for them, things they need to change, things they’re excited about and more. What strikes me about this person is that they are undeterred and optimistic. They’re simply determined to succeed and do whatever is necessary to make that happen.
These two people both reminded me of a saying that I love, “no one cares, work harder.” Complaining and blaming others is a waste of energy. Rather than fall into that trap, produce solutions, try different things, learn from mistakes, and keep moving forward. No one is going to feel sorry for you so you’re always better off giving the best effort you can.
Some quotes I love.
“Circumstances don’t make the man, they only reveal him to himself.” – Epictetus
“When a person can’t find a deep sense of meaning, they distract themselves with pleasure.” – Viktor Frankl
“Do not get addicted to escaping. Face your sh**, handle your business, and triumph. No battle was ever won by people who run.”
“Strangely, life gets harder when you try to make it easy. Exercising might be hard, but never moving makes life harder. Uncomfortable conversations are hard, but avoiding every conflict is harder. Mastering your craft is hard, but having no skills is harder. Easy has a cost.”
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
Want more?
- Don’t forget to follow Dr. Kenney on Instagram @Coloradochiropractor
- To see previous Friday 5 Spots, visit www.newbodychiro.com
- Check us out on Facebook under New Body Chiropractic