All posts tagged: Denver chiropractor

Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – June 24th

June 24, 2022 Matt Kenney Friday 5 Spot No comments

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 like to share them in hopes that you might find value in them and have something resonate with you in your life.

A good reminder. On Saturday I decided to go on a 4-mile run and it went terribly. My legs felt heavy, I was moving slower than I wanted, and I just couldn’t seem to get going the way I wanted. I’m known for running extremely long races so people are often surprised when I tell them I sometimes struggle on easier runs. So how do I manage experiences like this?

First, I try to think through what I could have done differently either physically, nutritionally, or mentally. Usually, I will think of something to try differently the next time. This changes a “failure” into a valuable learning experience and provides future benefits.

Second, I never allow a substandard performance to fester. I get back out there again and try to do better. I don’t dwell on it because I know that success is never a linear process. In this instance, I got up early on Sunday and did a much tougher and longer run that went much better. By the time that run was over, the terrible run from the previous day was gone from my memory. These two steps not only help me physically but serve me just as well in business and life.

An interesting interaction. I was talking to someone recently about their business. They are in a service industry and were complaining to me that they weren’t getting the amount of business they desired. As a business owner myself in a service industry, they asked me for advice.

I asked questions and eventually found the problem. As it turns out, this person says they will be available for a whole bunch of hours but often fills those hours with activities outside their business. For example, they might not have anyone on their schedule, so they’ll leave their business and go for a hike. Then, when someone does want to come in on short notice, they are engaged in something unrelated to their business and cannot accept the appointment.

This person wants their business to grow without putting in the work to build it. Nothing is going to be handed to us. The only way to succeed in anything is to apply effort, learn from mistakes, and then make corrections. It can be a challenging process but one that can only happen if you are suiting up and showing up!

Something important. In life, we all face challenges that stress us out. These can be personal, health related, business, financial, you name it. These challenges cause us to worry about what we’ll need to do in a week, a month, a year from now, even longer. In my experience, this way of thinking often makes us forget about the most crucial step, what we need to do immediately.

When we are stressed about something, the best thing we can do is focus on what we can do over the next 24 hours and then start doing it. This takes even the largest of goals and breaks it down into something more manageable. It will lessen your stress because you are becoming productive and taking control of what you can. Once you get through that day, simply repeat the process and before long, things become easier and less daunting.

A type of workout I recommend (occasionally). Sometimes I find myself in a rut with certain workouts. These can be weight, running, or cardio but the issue often becomes that I feel like I’m dreading doing a certain workout. This is often when I will break out what I call the “double up.”

Quite simply, whatever the workout is I double it. So, if it’s a 5-mile run, I’ll make it ten. If it’s one hundred burpees I’ll do two hundred, and if it’s a weight workout with a certain number of sets then I will do twice as much. The reason I do this is to “reset my normal.”

By doubling the workout, it helps me mentally reset what I see as difficult. When I return to my normal routine the next time, I can push myself more and it seems easy by comparison. I use this workout to remind myself that things can always get tougher, and it helps me get stronger mentally and physically.

Some quotes I love.

“Become the example the little you needed.” – Brandi McDonald

“Warriors are not the ones who always win but they are the ones who always fight.”

“If you cannot bring peace to your household, how dare you try to rule a city.” – Jordan Peterson

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Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – June 17th

June 17, 2022 Matt Kenney Friday 5 Spot No comments

Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot

Something important. “I just haven’t felt like it.” I hear this all the time when it comes to exercising, eating well, trying to grow a business, and more. The question that usually follows is “what should I do about it?”

My answer is to remind people that if we only did what we wanted to do, no one would ever go to school, work, the gym, you name it. Something is either important or it isn’t, the feelings you have toward it will not change that. If you need money, you need to go to work. If you want to be healthier you need to exercise and eat better. When it comes to leisure activities, do what you feel like. For everything else, ignore your feelings and do what needs to be done.

A good reminder. We had a mom sign up for our SAM Designer Health Program a couple of months ago. She is married with two children, and no one in the household had good exercise or nutritional habits. As she began to make positive changes and see impressive results, her family began to make these same changes as well. Within a couple of months, everyone is now making consistent progress in their health. This woman became a catalyst for her family.

This is a reminder to us all how we can affect those around us. When we do positive things and begin to progress in our goals, we show others that it can be achieved. We make it a little easier for someone to have the courage to begin an endeavor. Consider the people closest to you. Is there something you feel would benefit them if you were to begin doing it? If so, begin it yourself and you may find they soon start to follow.

A lesson I learned through my races. When I run my longest races (100 miles, 50 miles, etc.) things never go perfectly. Inevitably, there is a point when things become incredibly tough. This occurs when my body starts to wear down and my mind begins to talk loudly at me. “If I hurts like this now, how can I go another 60 miles?” “Maybe I just don’t have it today.” “No one would care if I stopped right now.”

When this happens, I am at the most critical junction. What I have learned through experience is that how I allow myself to think in the few minutes after things get tough will either make or break me. If I allow myself to begin having doubts, it will snowball, and I will fail.

Instead, what I do is begin to fuel myself with a combination of positive self-talk and short-term goals. I try to get my mind focusing on something positive while breaking up the larger goal into something smaller. I’ll tell myself something like no one in the race can be tougher than me and all I need to do is make it to the next aid station and I’ll be fine. It doesn’t even matter if it’s true. What matters is that when my mind begins having the most significant doubts, I steer it back toward something positive. This has kept me going for hundreds more hours in my races and more importantly, in life.

Something I love. I love figuring out the best process of doing anything. This can be something small like the most efficient way to do a household task to something larger like running a business or prepping for a major race. I enjoy eliminating methods that don’t work, finding what does, and refining everything possible.

Once these processes are implemented, things begin to get much easier for me. I know what to do, how and when to do it, and so on. This helps me minimize wasted time, reduce stress, and perform maximally in whatever I am doing. If you are working toward a goal, pay close attention to your processes because they can help you get there faster if you utilize them correctly.

Some quotes I love.

“One of the most cowardly things ordinary people do is shut their eyes to facts.” – C.S. Lewis

“If you constantly feed fear by thinking about the could-haves, the should-haves, the would-haves, and the cant’s, then the fear wolf wins.” – Mark Devine

“Never let a bad day make you feel like you have a bad life.”

“Aim to be the person at your father’s funeral that everyone, in their grief and misery, can rely on.” – Jordan Peterson

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
Interested in weight loss, more energy, enhanced performance and more? Respond to this email and we can add you to Dr. Kenney’s email list for SAM Designer Health, his nutrition and exercise business!

Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – May 20th (Memorial Edition)

May 20, 2022 Matt Kenney Friday 5 Spot No comments

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. Unfortunately, over the past week I’ve had to deal with the tragic death of my sister at the age of 43. She was extremely healthy and had just run her first marathon in December. She and I were very close, and she leaves behind a husband and two young children. Today, I’d like to share some thoughts I’ve had from that tragedy that hopefully you will find meaning in.

Something that inspired me. About twenty years ago, I talked to a friend of mine about why he became a chiropractor. He told me that he had been spinning his wheels in life until he went to the funeral of a friend of a friend. At the end of the funeral, everyone stood up and gave the man a standing ovation. My friend told me that it occurred to him if someone could be celebrated like that in death, then he should be doing so much more in his life. It became the turning point in his life.

My sister was an organ donor, and in being in such great shape, those organs will be put to good use. At the hospital, they do an “honor walk” when someone donates their organs. This is where people can line up and watch as the body is brought to the operating room where the organs will be removed and then sent out to save lives.

My sister was accompanied by family as she was brought on her honor walk which is common. What was not common however, lining the halls on both sides were over 300 people, all of which were family and friends that made trips from all over the country to be there. The doctors and nurses said that they had never seen an honor walk attended by so many people. Just like that story I had heard years ago; my sister ended her life with a standing ovation. It inspires me to do even more with my own life and the gifts I’ve been given.

Something my sister taught me. As I mentioned, my sister had people immediately come to be near her when they heard what had happened. Few of these people were local and most made long trips to get there. What stood out to me most, was that these people were from every part of her life. Childhood, old dance friends, college friends, law school friends, work friends, old neighbors, and more.

It occurred to me that to keep that close with so many people from her past must have required a lot of effort. To be honest, I am excellent at pushing myself to the limit physically and mentally but have often failed to make effort in reaching out to people.

What my sister taught me was to go the extra mile. Pick up the phone and make another call, reach out to someone you haven’t heard from recently, go the extra step for the people important to you. My sister did that, and as more and more people showed up to see her, I realized I need to as well.

How am I doing? Many people have reached out to me to show their support and ask how I’m doing. Having lost my brother-in-law (and best friend) less than two years ago at the age of 32, people know I am no stranger to these tragedies, and many have expressed worry for me.

I believe in times of crisis; you will fall back to the level of your training. While nothing can fill the hole of my sister’s loss (for me or others), I have spent the last 10 years or more teaching myself to overcome adversity in any form. Though I am deeply saddened, I will continue to move forward with faith, focus, ferocity, positivity, and more. I would never allow this tragedy to serve as an excuse to fall apart. I will continue to become a stronger leader and look to help my family and my sister’s family in every way possible. As I did when my brother-in-law passed, I will live my life in a manner that honors them. This means that I will give the very best I can of myself until one day, it is my time to go.

Something I loved. As most of you know, I coach 11–12-year-old boys in football. Most I have coached since age 7 and they have become like sons to me. On Saturday, I returned to coaching after being in Texas with my sister and family. Before our game, one of my players came up to me with a sealed envelope and gave me a hug. He told me to open it when I got home.

Inside the envelope was a handwritten card with two meaningful Bible verses and a note that told me he had been thinking of me, praying for me, and that he loved me. I cried as I read it, but in 46 years of life, it was the most touching card I’ve ever received. That young man gave me a boost of strength with his words, and I truly appreciated it.

In life, the people that pick us up when we are down are not always those you’d expect. That 11-year old’s card picked me up in a big way and reminded me of some important things. He gave me extra strength when I needed it and it meant the world to me. At some point, you may be that person to someone you would not think and someone you might not expect may be that person for you.

Some quotes my sister loved.

“Be that kind soul that makes everybody feel like a somebody.”

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” – Fred Rogers

“Those we love never truly leave us. There are things that death cannot touch.” – Jack Thorne

“How you deal with the hardest days defines who you truly are.”

Want more?

Don’t forget to follow Dr. Kenney on Instagram @Coloradochiropractor
To see previous Friday 5 Spots, visit www.newbodychiro.com
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Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – May 6th

May 6, 2022 Matt Kenney Friday 5 Spot No comments

Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot

A recent experience. My wife and I consulted with a woman recently about her nutrition. She went into detail about how she had slow digestion, and her doctor insisted that everything she eat have high amounts of fiber. The way things were explained to us, she had some exceedingly rare and unique digestive issues and so we asked her to fill out a food log for us to evaluate. Upon reviewing the log, I saw no foods high in fiber but did see candy, fast food, and a lot of alcohol.

I do not mention this as a criticism of this person, because it’s not. She is a nice lady that just needed the right help. The point I’m making is that we often look for complicated answers to simple questions. In this case, this woman did not actually have a complex issue, she had simply been eating terrible foods that her body could not process efficiently.

To correct this, we recommended replacing some of the bad foods she was consuming with better, more nutritious options. Immediately, she began to improve (in multiple aspects). To correct any issue, the best way to begin is by addressing the simplest issues and then moving on to more complex ones only if necessary. Don’t over-think it!

A good reminder. On Easter Sunday, I was informed that someone had spray painted my office sign as well as those of some of my neighbors. This bummed me out but, in the end, was a good reminder to me of how best to manage problems when they arise.

First, don’t feel sorry for yourself, just accept that it happened and move on. Second, get to work on a solution. In this instance, I researched what might remove spray paint from that surface and went and bought what I needed. Once I’m on to step two, I already feel better because I’m pursuing something constructive and feel more in control.

Third, fix the issue. For simple matters like this, it can happen instantly, but more complex ones may take time. Regardless, get to work correcting them as soon as possible. Finally, understand that things will go wrong from time to time, often through no fault of your own. These issues may not be pleasant, but they tend to make you stronger in knowledge and/or resilience if managed properly.

Something important. Being coachable is one of the greatest assets a person can have in my opinion. This allows the ego to move to the side, so added information can be taken in and used to make improvements. Conversely, when someone is not coachable, they tend to remain in a pattern, one that is usually not beneficial to them.

When my wife and I help people in our fitness and nutrition business, I can tell instantly whether they are coachable. If they are, they will succeed and if they are not, they won’t. It’s that simple.

The signs that some will allow themselves to be coached, are a willingness to accept criticism, take recommendations, try alternatives, ask questions, and more. On the other hand, if someone cannot be coached, they will tell you they don’t like to listen to other people, are unwilling to change what they’re doing (even if it’s bringing horrible results), will blame others, and will often seek other opinions only to not follow those as well. Be coachable, it will make a tremendous difference in the results you can obtain in life.

Something to remember. One of our clients in our SAM Program was told by her doctor that because she was 40 years old, she would never be able to lose any weight. Anyone with any experience in this field would understand this is not true but it brings up two important points.

First, never allow one person to ruin a dream or goal for you. There are many haters out there and usually the most adamant ones are the least knowledgeable. Find people that can help you attain the goals you want. In this instance, this woman was easily able to lose weight with basic advice that we provided.

Second, age is only a number. Your body does not quit when it reaches a round number such as 30, 40, or 50. As a chiropractor, I constantly hear people blame their age when they’re in pain (even in their twenty’s!). I promise you; your body does not wait until you hit a certain number and then begin failing on you. What tends to happen is that someone reaches an age where they stop giving proper effort toward their health. We certainly have less leeway with our health as we age so lack of effort becomes noticeable quickly. Do not give up on yourself simply because you reached another birthday, keep battling!

Some quotes I love.

“You have to change your life if you’re not happy and wake up if things aren’t going the way you want.” – Keanu Reeves

“No matter how hard you work, someone else is working harder.” – Elon Musk

“Do what is easy and your life will be hard. Do what is hard and your life will become easy.” – Les Brown

“Thinking will not overcome fear, but action will.” – W. Clement Stone

Want more?

Don’t forget to follow Dr. Kenney on Instagram @Coloradochiropractor
To see previous Friday 5 Spots, visit www.newbodychiro.com
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Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – April 22nd

April 22, 2022 Matt Kenney Friday 5 Spot No comments

Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot

Something important. Have you ever argued passionately about a subject with someone only to discover you were wrong? How did you handle it? Did you admit you were not right and move on? Or did you double down on what you said knowing you were dead wrong?

It is never fun to be incorrect, but it happens to all of us. When we’re mistaken, the pro-level move is to say we are wrong, make whatever amends/changes that are necessary, and then move on. Far too often in our society, government, and individual interactions; however, we double down on mistakes out of ego and an unwillingness to admit fault. In these instances, we compound the issue by continuing to fight even when we know we’re wrong. That is the amateur move.

If you’re wrong, you don’t have to celebrate it. However, saying “my bad” and trying to correct your mistakes will earn you far more respect (including self-respect), than continuing to battle when you know you’re in the wrong.

Something I learned about. Parkinson’s Law is a concept that whatever amount of time we assign to a task is what we tend to use to complete it. As an example, if you tell yourself that you need three days to clean your basement, it will take three days to finish it, but might have only required one. If you think you’ll need 12 weeks to get ready for a half marathon, Parkinson’s Law says that you will use 12, even if 8 would suffice or be better.

I believe Parkinson’s Law to be accurate but whenever possible, I try to go against it. If we trim wasted time, sub-maximal effort, etc. from our approach, we can often do what is expected to take a long while, in a fraction of that time. For example, I used to take 45 minutes to an hour to complete my weight workouts when I was younger. Now, I have condensed that to 20-25 minutes by removing wasted time and increasing my intensity. I use less time and get better results this way.

I recently heard someone say that when it comes to goals, decide how long you think it will take to achieve, then cut that time in half. Making your timeframe’s tighter leads you to improve procedures, increase focus, waste less time, and up the intensity. This leads to greater and faster progress.

Something I liked. I was at a wedding recently and the officiant marrying the couple said many wonderful things. One thing that stood out to me was some advice he gave the couple, “Pay attention to the little things because little things are the big things.”

I find that statement to be true in relationships, business, athletics, coaching, and so much more. When you pay attention and attend to the details others may not, you become far more invested and connected to the endeavor, person, and/or interaction involved. Paying attention to the little things takes effort, but that effort can pay enormous dividends for anything and everything in life that you can imagine.

Something I related to. My wife and I have been watching “Tournament of Champions,” a cooking competition on Food Network. One of my favorite competitors has been a chef that is incredibly intense. When introduced to the crowd, he walks out more like it’s a fight then time to cook. He is incredibly intense, doesn’t joke around, and performs to an elevated level. Once it’s over, he accepts either victory or defeat with class and shows profound respect to his opponent.

To some, they might think it odd to be that intense about cooking food. I do not agree. To me, it is never just about food, coaching, running, business, or anything else. If I take the time to compete or get involved in something, than I am playing for keeps. I will give it absolutely everything I have and am often far more intense than those around me. My main opponent is always myself and the goal is to maximize my performance; nothing more. Once it’s over, I can return to my normal, happy self but in the moment, I can’t help but be intense. When you care, give it all you have because anything less is an insult.

Some quotes I love.

“What separates the elite is not their rise, but their response. Never crown a king, team, or organization until the have been battle tested.” – Inky Johnson

“Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.” – Margaret Mead

“Keep chasing your goals whether you are alone, broke, tired, or scared. Keep going.”

“The challenges you face introduce you to your strengths.” – Epictetus

“The greatest compliment I could ever receive as a father of my children is that they’re coachable. That’s the single greatest skill set I could teach them – to listen, learn, and apply.” – Ryan Michler

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

Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – April 15th

April 15, 2022 Matt Kenney Friday 5 Spot No comments

Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot

A good reminder. I spoke to a patient of mine this week that is a high level, sponsored skateboarder. He mentioned to me that he’d recently gone to a large, national event and had placed very highly in a competition. Also, he explained to me when he was there, he felt his competitive juices coming back to him because he was around high performers. He told me how important this was to him because (humbly) he explained to me that normally, he is the highest performer within his circle which often leads to complacency.

I found this to be relevant and a good reminder. Most people I know tend to do only a fraction of the things I do. They think the things I do are crazy and many of them express to me, they wish they could do it themselves. I could choose to feel great about that and tell myself that I am doing enough. Instead, I seek out people that are doing more than me. This changes my mindset from “I’m doing great” to “I need to do better.” It is important to seek out people that motivate and inspire you to ask more of yourself.

Something important. The competency – confidence loop is something I strongly believe in. Competence involves training, practice and learning to build up a set of skills. This is your set of basic skills. However, as you begin to repeat these skills, it will build confidence.

Confidence then leads to excitement and a desire to improve more and perform better. Without becoming competent, you can never truly become confident. Likewise, if you have great confidence but are not competent, you will eventually fail.

As an example, when I graduated from chiropractic school, I was competent and considered one of the best in my class. However, it took me using those skills daily for several years before I began to develop the confidence I have today. If your confidence is low in an area, seek out ways to become better and more competent. As this occurs, confidence will grow, and you will be able to flourish.

Something I often notice. I have conversations with people all the time where they take a lot of time to explain to me how things used to be. In other words, how wonderful things were at another time or how bad they were in childhood, after a loss of some kind, etc. In either case, I am always struck by how much energy they exert into the past while ignoring the present.

An analogy I like to use is if you are driving your vehicle only looking in the rear-view mirror, good things are not coming your way. We are all shaped by events in our past and we do not need to ignore them. We should acknowledge them, use them for fuel or to make a new path, but also move past them. If you are living in the past, you are burning all the fuel you need to move forward on things that can no longer be changed. Look ahead, that’s where you’re going.

An analogy I think works. A patient came to me for an adjustment the other day that I had seen one time, two years prior. She got excellent relief from my treatment but was bothered that the problem returned two years later. She asked, “Why does this keep coming back?” This woman was not in good physical shape, admitted to doing no stretching or exercise, and ignored all the advice I provided to her at her one and only visit. I get this regularly, so I take no offense but it’s a concept worth exploring.

A mechanic can fix an issue with your car if you allow them to do the proper work on it. However, once you drive off the lot, it is up to you to maintain it. If you don’t drive it for months on end, never change the oil, use bald tires, and cover up the check engine light with a piece of duct tape; the car will certainly develop further issues. Conversely, if you care for you vehicle you will give it the best chance to remain in great repair.

Your body works the same way. Whether it’s a chiropractic adjustment, massage, surgery, or anything else; there are no one shot-deal cures to any issues. They can help but even those that work the best will require effort after the fact to maintain and/or prevent further episodes. For example, if you get a knee surgery and don’t follow it up with the proper physical therapy or habits thereafter, you will develop issues down the line. Your body will always require constant maintenance and care just like your car does. If you provide it, you will be pleased with the result. If you do not, you are almost certain to experience problems down the line.

Some quotes I love.

“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s, there are few.” – Shunryo Suzuki

“Pursue what is meaningful, not what is expedient.” – Jordan Peterson

“It’s easy to forget your own potential when you hang out with people who have given up on reaching theirs. You need to level up your relationships if you want to level up your life.” – Dr. Josh Handt

“A man who is more concerned with being a good man than being good at being a man makes a very well-behaved slave.”

Want more?

Don’t forget to follow Dr. Kenney on Instagram @Coloradochiropractor
To see previous Friday 5 Spots, visit www.newbodychiro.com
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Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – April 8th

April 8, 2022 Matt Kenney Friday 5 Spot No comments

Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot

A show I love. I’ve been watching a show on CNBC called “No Retreat.” The show is hosted by Joe DeSena who is the founder of Spartan Race and has a history as a highly successful businessman with startups and Wall Street endeavors.

The premise of the show is that he evaluates a business that needs help and identifies three specific areas of weakness that must be improved for the business to survive and thrive. Then, he brings members of the business to “The Farm”, his enormous property in Vermont. Here he will help reinforce business lessons across these three areas via some form of extreme physical challenge.

To some, this may sound odd but to me it is not. Many of the lessons I use daily in life and business have come from the extreme training and events I have done. When you allow yourself to be pushed past the brink of what you previously saw as possible, it can have a profound, positive impact on your behavior and etches lessons into your mind stronger than you might think possible.

A concept I believe in. “A-players” or your “A list” are people in your business and/or personal life that you should treasure. In business, they are the people that pay full price, value your time, appreciate what you offer, and shout it to the world thereafter which leads to more business. In your everyday life, they are people that uplift, motivate, and help you always seemingly at the ideal time. A-players are always low maintenance and yet are invaluable.

Not everyone in your life can or will be an A-player. Therefore, when you have them you want to make sure you appreciate them and treat them as best you can. Interestingly, these people rarely come with headaches. Instead, it is the C or D list players that will bring you the most stress.

I have different rules for my A-list than I do everyone else. For these people, I always find a way to make time and am happy to offer them accommodations I would never offer to others. Do everything you can to be an A-lister to others while also valuing anyone in your life that is on your A-list!

Something important. I had a conversation recently with a chiropractor that explained to me how he does a great job of helping people, but the people he’s helped don’t send him a lot of referrals. He explained how hard he works, how much he cares, and on and on.

As he finished telling me this, I think he wanted me to tell him how unfair this was. Instead, I told him that life will never hand you cookies or trophies for doing what you are supposed to do. In this example, helping people is his job and when he does it, people are getting what they expected to begin with.

I feel things get much simpler when you commit yourself to the process of doing things to the best of your ability, and then let the chips fall where they may. I have trained intensely for events that ended well and others that ended in heartbreak. Some of my proudest successes with patients did not even elicit so much as a thank you, while other times I have helped someone with a simple issue at a single visit and they’ve gone on to refer dozens of people my way. Control what you can, do not worry about getting credit for it, and eventually you are likely to be happy with the outcome.

Something that inspired me. I watched a documentary on Netflix called “14 Peaks” about Nims Purja, a soldier from Nepal that set a goal to climb all 14 of the world’s mountains above 8,000 meters (over 26,000 feet!). This had been accomplished by others previously and the quickest time it took to complete them all was nearly 8 years. Nims made a goal to climb all 14 of them in only 7 months and he called it “Project Possible.” To put this in perspective, after climbing Mount Everest, he would still have 13 remaining mountains of similar height to climb and summit. These mountains claim lives each year and his goal was referred to by many as “trying to swim to the moon.”

The documentary was amazing and then later I ordered his book which went into further detail called “Beyond Possible: One Man, Fourteen Peaks, and the Mountaineering Achievement of a Lifetime.” His story inspired me because he went after a goal that people literally laughed at him for. His path was not easy, but he always maintained a positive outlook and endeavored to do something unheard of.

Some quotes I love.

“Practice makes permanent. The more reps you give to something, the more habitual it becomes. What reps are you getting in today to replace the negative habits with more productive ones? Comes down to one choice at a time. Go win your next one.” – Dr. Josh Handt

“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 will take its place. If I quit, however, it will last forever.” – Eric Thomas

“A wrong decision is better than indecision.” – Tony Soprano, ‘The Sopranos’.

“Someone else’s success does not mean a failure for you.” – Joe Rogan

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Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – April 1st

April 1, 2022 Matt Kenney Friday 5 Spot No comments

Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot

An important question. Have you ever gotten upset at a customer service representative, a waiter/waitress, a business you frequented, etc.? Certainly, you have. Your emotion in these situations was the result of having an expectation of quality or responsibility that was not met to the standards you expected. The question to ask yourself is whether you operate in this manner when it comes to yourself? Do you give yourself a bad review or mark and then make a change or do you just brush it off?

Personally, there are times when I don’t live up to my own expectations, meet a standard I’ve set, or plan or prepare as I know I should, and I don’t let myself off the hook. In these instances, I am not interested in giving myself grace, because I know deep down I could and should have done better. From there, I make corrections, but never let myself slide. I think this is an important concept, if you are going to be critical of other people and things then you must be as tough on yourself.

Advice I recently gave. I was talking to a young man recently about some troubles he’d been having. Some of these issues were centered around disparaging words that had been said to him by some of his social circle at school. I gave him some advice that I feel is important and worth sharing.

My belief is that you are either the type of person that can root others on and celebrate their successes or you are not. There is no third option. The people that cannot, will always find something about you, me, and everyone else to dislike. We cannot let this affect us because it is more about them than anyone else.

Those that are excited for others’ successes are the people you want most in your life. These people are confident in who they are and will never attempt to build themselves up by tearing others down. People who are happy for others when they do well also usually do well themselves. The next time someone says something that hurts or bothers you, ask yourself which of these two categories they fall into.

A workout I enjoyed. Recently, I towed my two youngest children behind me in a bike seat. I rode for a total of about three hours, and we stopped at a park, then for lunch, and finally at Crumbl Cookie so they could get a treat.

I really enjoy times like this because it allows me to get in a good workout while involving the kids in a way that makes them happy. We all get to enjoy nice weather, have fun, and make some nice memories with one another. Having two older kids as well, I know how quickly these times go away, so I try to cherish them while I can!

Something that serves me well. I was speaking to a patient last week that is running her first marathon. Runners often use mantras to help keep themselves going and she asked if I have one that I use. I told her that my mantra is simple, “I’m still in the fight.”

I will say this to myself throughout a race as a reminder that I’m still moving forward, enduring mentally, physically, and refusing to quit. This keeps me from feeling sorry for myself or letting my mind wander too much. I have also found this to be a great mantra at different times in my daily life. If I encounter an issue in my personal life, with my businesses, coaching, or anything else; I just tell myself I am still in the fight and continue to persevere.

Some quotes I love.

“Cowards die many times before their death. The valiant never taste death but once.” – Shakespeare (Julius Ceasar Act II, Sene II)

“Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.” – Roy T. Bennett

“Stop low balling your business to satisfy cheap people. They pay full price for Jordan’s and Michael Kors; they can pay you too.” – Wade Burdette

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
Interested in weight loss, more energy, enhanced performance and more? Respond to this email and we can add you to Dr. Kenney’s email list for SAM Designer Health, his nutrition and exercise business!

Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – March 18th

March 18, 2022 Matt Kenney Friday 5 Spot No comments

Something I am thankful for. I began doing these 5 Spots about 3 years ago. I started by emailing them to a few hundred patients and then later, posting them on my website. My goal was to journal my thoughts in a format that my children could one day refer to. At the same time, my hope was that people I sent them to, would find value in them as well. Though the group reading them was small, the feedback was immediately positive.

The other day I was made aware these 5 Spots have been read well over a million times, which shocked me. It has been fun to see the readership grow throughout the years, and I was humbled by it. More importantly to me, however, each week I hear from at least one person that tells me something I wrote resonated with them, inspired them, and caused them to take an action. Combined with the fact that my older sons now read these columns each week on their own, gives me great pride. I am extremely grateful for all of you that take the time to read these. Writing this each week has become a big part of my life that I truly enjoy. Thank you!

A piece of advice I love. There is a saying I often think to myself and tell others when the situation dictates, “Be a grown up.” This is a general statement, but it encompasses a lot. To me, this simple declaration is a reminder of how to do things properly.

In my opinion, being a grown up means to be responsible, not complain, show up on time, see things through, give appropriate effort, plan, and much more. Reminding yourself to act like a grown-up will help guide your behavior toward something productive.

A workout I always enjoy. Anytime we get a snowstorm, I make it a point to go for a run. Each time I do so, I get odd looks from neighbors and people shoveling driveways or driving past. To most, running in cold temperatures and bad elements is terrible and foolish, but I like it.

I always enjoy how quiet and serene things are when the snow is coming down and I love when my footprints are the only ones I see. More importantly, these runs in challenging elements help get me comfortable being uncomfortable. This fuels my mental resolve and helps me view challenges in a more positive light. Whether it’s freezing cold, snow, or the hottest days of the year; I like to train in the toughest elements because it helps me become physically and mentally tougher in my daily life.

A concept I like. We all have things that stress us out. Work, finances, relationships, words someone said, world events, etc. I call these things “mental rent.” Just as you don’t want to pay too much rent for the place you live or work, you want to work at keeping your mental rent low.

For example, if you are unable to pursue a healthy relationship with someone because you are still getting over how badly an ex treated you years ago, you are paying that person a very high mental rent. Mental rent is important to understand because the more bandwidth you spend on negativity, the less you’ll have to create progress and growth. If you’re thinking about someone, something, a past event, whatever, ask yourself if it’s worth putting your hard-earned mental rent toward.

Some quotes I love.

“The ones who say you can’t and won’t are probably the ones who are scared that you will.” – Zig Ziglar

“Winners are not people who never fail. They are people that never quit.”

“Success requires commitment, not a miracle.”

“Men’s best successes come after their disappointments.” – Henry Ward Beecher

“Your toughness is made up of equal parts persistence and experience. You don’t so much outrun your opponents as outlast and outsmart them, and the toughest opponent of all is the one inside your head.” – Joe Henderson

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
Interested in weight loss, more energy, enhanced performance and more? Respond to this email and we can add you to Dr. Kenney’s email list for SAM Designer Health, his nutrition and exercise business!

Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – March 4th

March 4, 2022 Matt Kenney Friday 5 Spot No comments

How do you get used to running for so long? After I mentioned the 34-mile run I did in my brother in law’s honor a few weeks ago, I have gotten this question a lot from patients. The honest answer is that you don’t.

What happens when you present yourself with significant challenges repeatedly is, they never become easy. Rather, your ability to adapt when things get tough increases. For example, I have never run thirty, fifty, or one hundred miles and thought it was a breeze. It’s always grueling but I have developed the ability to make mental, physical, nutritional, and other adjustments where it never seems insurmountable.

This same premise applies to our daily lives as well. As we face challenges, we do not become immune to them, but we become more resilient. Situations that would have once kept us down no longer have the power to do so.

An important concept. I’ve had recent dealings with a small business owner making common mistakes. Blaming others, spending money looking for the magic bullet, ignoring the need to work hard as an individual, worrying about the future while ignoring the present, micro-managing, and more. This reminded me of the importance of leadership. When the leader of an organization, team, or family displays shaky leadership, it has an unsettling effect on those around them. It’s like the captain of a ship not knowing what direction to proceed.

Leadership to me is not a one-time event or series of words. Rather, it is the actions that a leader displays to those around them. When those actions show consistency, integrity, intelligence, planning, etc., it builds confidence in those around them which leads to better performance. When a leader displays poor qualities such as indecisiveness, quick temper, failure to take responsibility, lack of drive, poor preparation, etc. it leads those around them to lose focus, interest, and productivity. Strong leaders are crucial to families, businesses, teams, and all groups of people.

A great lesson. My youngest son is 3 ½ years old and says “I love you” all the time. He’ll say it to me, his mom, and then list off his siblings, and grandparents. What he does every time that I like is that he includes his own name in there. He tells himself that he loves himself.

Though he’s so young, this is a lesson for all of us. Sometimes we forget to love ourselves but it’s crucial. We often have kindness and compassion for those around us and talk to ourselves in a way we never would to others. Take a lesson from my son and “love you some you!”

Something I often hear. “I don’t have time.” I hear this often about exercise, self-care, business matters, and more. This is usually another way of saying it’s not a priority and I don’t think I’ve ever heard it from someone that is incredibly successful or legitimately busy.

High performing people always prioritize what is important and get what must be done finalized. Conversely, those that are scattered often do a lot, but much of it is unimportant and could be avoided by prioritizing better. Anyone can be busy, being productive is the key. If you find yourself saying you don’t have time, take a hard look at where some of that time is going, and you may be surprised how much you can free up.

Some quotes I love.

“Failure is not aiming too high and missing. Failure is aiming too low and hitting.” – Marc Mero

“Behind every strong person is a story that gave them two choices: sink or swim.”

“There are no traffic jams on the extra mile.” – Zig Ziglar

“Sometimes the reason that you’re suffering is because you won’t let go of the things that’s biting you.” – Jordan Peterson

“Life’s greatest rewards are reserved for those who demonstrate a never-ending commitment to act until they achieve. This level of resolve can move mountains, but it must be constant and consistent.” – Tony Robbins

“The repetition of affirmation leads to belief, and once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen.” – Muhammad Ali

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

All posts tagged: Denver chiropractor

Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – June 24th

Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – June 17th

Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – May 20th (Memorial Edition)

Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – May 6th

Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – April 22nd

Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – April 15th

Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – April 8th

Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – April 1st

Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – March 18th

Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – March 4th

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