All posts tagged: Dr Matthew Kenney

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

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

Something to consider.  In our technological age, the things we use regularly require software upgrades to run better and more efficiently.  This is true of phones, applications, printers, and more.  The updates are meant to deal with current issues, add features, and create more streamlined use.  I would argue that if this is so important to our technology, the same premise should apply to us as humans.

The people I admire most are always evolving.  They don’t change who they are, their principles or values (their hardware) but regularly adjust their processes, approaches, habits, and more (their software).  As we identify weaknesses, it makes sense that we create an approach to address them. Likewise, when we are strong in an area it helps to further refine it so that we can better use it to our advantage.  Change for the sake of change is irrelevant, but upgrading and improving how we do things is a crucial aspect of being the best version of ourselves.   

Something that resonated with me.  I was listening to one of my regular podcasts during which the hosts answered questions from listeners.  One listener asked if they had any advice on how to begin in the podcasting space.  One of the hosts remarked that he receives this question often and that people are often looking for super technical tips on equipment, etc.  Instead, he tells people “Be passionate about what you do and then actually begin doing it.”  I loved that advice for two reasons. 

First, without passion you can never endure challenging times.  Those are when we define ourselves as people and within all our endeavors.  Passion is often the best medicine to help us keep going when things become difficult.  Second, starting to do something may sound simple but is critical.  Too often, we spend all our time and bandwidth thinking about how we’ll do something and when the right time will be to begin.  We do that so much that we often forget to start.  Once we do get underway, we can begin identifying specific challenges and gaining experience to help us forge a path forward.  The clock of success does not start ticking until we get out there and start experiencing ups and downs for us to learn from. 

Something I remembered recently.  In February, I ran a 100-mile race.  As I finished my fourth loop there was a woman next to me that turned and remarked how amazing it was we’d finished the race.  I laughed and told her that I still had twenty miles yet to go.  I continued onward for my final lap, and about 5 minutes later I felt a hand on my shoulder.  That woman finished her race and then took the time to catch back up with me and offer me encouragement.  She told me I was tough, that I would make it, and gave me a nice pep talk.  I don’t know who she was, but it meant a lot that she took the time to do that.  My belief is that she probably spoke words to me that she would have found valuable in the same situation. 

In life, we often have opportunities to serve both these roles.  Sometimes, we are the broken ones in need of help.  In these instances, a word from a loved one or even a stranger can make all the difference in our resolve.  At other times, we are the ones that can provide those words.  Usually when we give those words to others, it is because we remember being in those same shoes.  It makes us more empathetic and willing to help.  There are times when you will need encouragement and others when you will bless others with your encouragement, embrace both. 

A phrase I do not like.  “Everything in moderation” is a phrase we are all familiar with.  Personally, it is one I don’t like.  In my experience, moderation is usually code for minimizing what we should be doing while overdoing what we shouldn’t.  It’s the perfect way to express that we are not committed to doing what is necessary to go to a higher level.

If you were to speak to any successful person they will use words like drive, commitment, discipline, hard work, consistency, and more.  None of those relate to moderation.  Conversely, if you speak to someone that is not as successful, they may use words like occasionally, sometimes, trying, hopefully, and others.  Those things are associated with moderation and being average.  If it’s worth doing, it is worth doing to the best of your ability.  Moderation has no role in achievement.

Some quotes I love.

“Life is a grindstone.  It can polish you or pulverize you depending on how you position yourself.” – Les Brown

“Consistency is what transforms average into excellence.”

“If it’s endurable, then endure it.  Stop complaining.” – Marcus Aurelius

“I can’t tell you the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everyone.” 

“Success won’t come from some big step you take in the future.  Success starts with small steps today.” – Craig Groeschel

Matt KenneyDr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – August 4th
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Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – July 28th

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

Something I believe.  Last week, I had a young boy say “That looks easy” after I adjusted him and his family.  His mom was slightly embarrassed and told him not to say that, but I told him I loved it.  I explained to him that when you do something for a long time, have extensive training, and continue to improve your skills; what you do should look easy.  For example, when you think of your first day of work or the first time you tried a new hobby compared to how you operate years later, it should look much easier.  When I watch the Food Network, I feel as if I could be a great chef by adding citrus and a few pre-chopped ingredients to something because they make it look effortless.  This is obviously not the case.

Personally, I love to deal with people that make things look easy because to me this is a sign of competence, confidence, and experience.  Their level of skill puts me at ease, and I feel great using their services or taking their advice.  If someone ever tells you that what you do looks easy, take it as a compliment because it takes experience to have it look that way!

A business principle that applies to life.  There is a saying I love in business “If everyone is your market, then no one is your market.”  The meaning behind this is that if you try to please everyone, you will end up offering products or services that appeal to very few.  This has applications to daily life as well.

If you make it your goal to please everyone in your life, you are not likely to succeed.  Instead, you will end up being less authentic, creating weaker relationships, and feeling conflicted with your own behavior.  The simple fact is, not everyone will like you or how you operate.  I can tell you that in my case, my energy, drive, and personality traits cause many to gravitate toward me and others to get away from me.  In the end, we just must be our true selves and let things sort out how they may.  As in business, do not be afraid to refine your market because it will keep you focused on the people and things that truly matter rather than those that don’t. 

An important concept.  Leadership is a topic that is discussed but rarely understood.  Many believe leadership means being a domineering presence, the loudest voice, etc.  While that can be the case, my belief is that leadership is simply about making those around you better in some manner.  Therefore, great leaders are more prevalent than you may think. 

Each role in our lives allows us a chance to display leadership without making ourselves the center of attention.  In my case, being a husband, father, doctor, business owner, coach, Sunday school teacher, and volunteer with disabled children/adults all offer me opportunities to lead.  Yours may be different but opportunities will always present themselves if you only take the time to look for them.   The important thing is to give our best effort, be authentic, and adhere to our values and principles (which hopefully are sound).  This will develop trust, and before long, will create a dynamic where people look to us for help and our positive influence.  To me, that is what leadership is all about.

A question to always ask.  “Is this sustainable?”  This simple question is crucial yet often ignored.  When something is sustainable, it will allow us to do it repeatedly without causing damage or negative consequences.  If it is not sustainable, it will usually offer some form of temporary benefit now and negative impacts later.

This question should be at the top of all our minds.  If things are sustainable, you have found a great approach.  If not, then consider ways to alter your method so that you can begin gaining ground rather than losing it.  Finances, relationships, exercise, nutrition, mental habits, and more all should be evaluated regularly for their sustainability. 

Some quotes I love.

“Fear is a reaction.  Courage is a decision.” – Winston Churchill

“Be prepared to work always without applause.” – Ernest Hemingway

“Simple words to live by.  Be strong when you are weak.  Be brave when you are scared.  Be humble when you are victorious.  Be badass every day.”

“Healing also means taking an honest look at the role you play in your own suffering.” – Brandi MacDonald 

Matt KenneyDr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – July 28th
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Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – March 24th

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

A lesson I’ve never forgotten.  In my early twenties, I asked someone I respected to help me with my nutrition.  He agreed, and we sat down with pen and paper so he could teach me the basics.  It was not fancy but it was effective, and from that moment on I have used what he taught me.  What I remember vividly is him telling me that the information he was providing was not complicated and would work for everyone.  However, he also explained that for every ten people he gave the information, only one would follow and stick with it.

Having worked with thousands of patients and clients since that time, I can tell you that he was correct.  With nutrition, exercise, or any form of self-care that requires consistency and discipline, most will not stick with it.  People make excuses, get lazy, become complacent, or find any number of other methods of self-sabotage to halt their progress.  If you are struggling in these areas, give thought to whether the problem is with what you’re doing or if it’s you that is perhaps the culprit.  Results may not come easy, but they are possible if you figure out what to do, then actually do it.

Something I believe.  Twice over the past month I have been at events where the speaker talked about some critical issues and the need to take immediate action.  In both instances, he promised to provide action steps to help improve those issues but never did.  This got me thinking about something I find vital.

I believe when it comes to the most important things in our lives such as family, health, finances, spirituality, freedoms, and more; we do not have the luxury of time. These areas require immediate and constant attention because the stakes are so high.  There is no time to waste being timid or weak.  If it’s something that matters, action must be taken as soon as possible.  If it involves something or someone you care about, be desperate, deliberate, and relentless in what you do so that you don’t waste opportunities or time.   

A good reminder for me.  I was out for a run this week when I inadvertently reminded myself of an important lesson.  Along the trails I run, there are several points where you can either take a shorter or longer route depending on the path taken.  In other words, you can go one way and make it 3 miles or go another and make it 6.  As I approached such a point in the run, I found my mind telling me “Take the shorter path, you trained hard for 6 months and ran a 100 mile race last month.”  In other words, my mind was trying to make things easier and using past actions to justify it.

This is a dangerous way of thinking because it creates complacency. You become willing to take your foot off the gas, give yourself credit for the past, and ignore the importance of the present (and future).  When I found myself thinking this way, I made sure I tagged on the extra miles.  I did so to remind myself that what I’ve accomplished in the past no longer matters.  What I achieve today and going forward should remain my only focus.  This lesson applies to everything in life. 

Something I loved.  I was speaking with a patient this week that is successful in real estate.  She mentioned she’d just left a conference with other high performers in her industry and how much those meetings inspire and help her to progress in her endeavors. She referred to those people as “humble bad asses” and that resonated with me.

Most people I look up to in business, life, athletics, and more are not the type to talk about themselves and tell you how great they are.  Instead, they hold themselves to high standards and quietly go about following them with no regard to who notices.  People like this are most concerned with their processes and outcomes rather than accolades or attention.  Humble bad asses are the epitome of those who would rather show you what they are about than tell you.  If there is something you are trying to achieve, focus on working hard, remaining consistent, and targeting specific outcomes.  If you do that, credit will come later. 

Some quotes I love.

“Be careful when you blindly follow the masses.  Sometimes the M is silent.”

“Difference between school and life:  In school you’re taught a lesson and then given a test.  In life you’re given a test that teaches you a lesson.” – Joe De Sena

“Quality is not an act; it is a habit.” – Aristotle

Matt KenneyDr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – March 24th
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Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – October 14th

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

Something I learned in practice.  Years ago, I worked with another chiropractor who would encourage me to draw out the length of my visits with chit chat and other pointless things.  That seemed wrong to me, so I refused to do it.  Instead, I would listen better, focus more, work efficiently, and try to give patients the best treatment I could in less time, not more.  Soon I became far busier than the other doctor because people saw me as more “thorough” and I “spent more time with them.”  In other words, I focused on the quality of time rather than quantity and the patients noticed the difference.  We often glorify the numerical amount of time we spend on things, but that number is less important than the quality of our efforts. 

Something I believe.  My wife is helping a woman in our program with nutrition and exercise.  This woman is very honest with her food logging and the other day after doing well, she admitted that she’d ditched her healthy foods for Doritos and Snickers bars.  I believe that a time like this can be critically important.

As humans, we get into patterns of behavior, some good and others not as much.  If I had to guess, I would bet this woman has done this before, has felt ashamed and unworthy, then gone back to her old habits.  Rather than allow that to happen, my wife acknowledged what the woman had done, then made kind, common sense suggestions on how to correct it going forward.  The woman immediately went for a long walk and got back on the program again.  I believe that all it often takes to make enormous progress is to see (or have someone show us) a new path forward.  If we can get on that path even for the briefest of moments, it can be enough to break an old pattern and convince ourselves we can succeed. 

Something I’ve been using with success.  I ran across the “knees over toes” program on Instagram created by Ben Patrick.  I had previously heard this mentioned on the Joe Rogan podcast but forgot about it until recently.  This program is a series of exercises that strengthen the lower body muscles as well as stabilizing the knees and ankles.  With as much running as I do; this is right up my alley.

I have been incorporating parts of this program into my daily routine and have immediately noticed less popping in my knees, better strength throughout my runs, and my leg muscles feel much looser and stretched out.  Best of all, the exercises I am adding in are quite simple and require little or no equipment.  If leg strength and/or knee stability is something you need, I would encourage you to check this out.

An effective tool.  I love the movie “Chef” about a chef that loses his high-level job and opens a food truck.  In one scene, his sous chef and young son are serving a free lunch as a thank you to some workers that helped them.  His son tries to serve a burned sandwich and doesn’t think it matters because they weren’t paying for it.  The chef and sous chef see this and are not happy.  The father then takes him outside and speaks to him, explaining that every sandwich they serve has their name on it and behind it.  Serving something (free or not) that is not up to their ambitious standards disrespects and de-values what they do.  It’s a great scene and valuable lesson.

What I believe can be effective, is finding something that we feel strongly about – cooking, business, a hobby, exercise, etc. and then apply those standards to anything we care about. As an example, I am a physically intense guy and put a ton of energy into my training to get the results I desire.  However, I apply those exact standards to being a chiropractor, father, husband, and coach.  The lofty standards I hold myself to in once aspect, I hold myself to in the others.  Find something for which you have incredibly high standards and then try to apply similar standards in other aspects of your life.  You will be thrilled with the results. 

Some quotes I love. 

“Small hinges swing big doors.”

“Your triggers are your responsibility.  It isn’t the world’s obligation to tiptoe around you.” – Brand MacDonald

“Shout out to everyone making progress that no one recognizes because you never let anyone see your darkest moments.  You’ve been silently winning battles and transforming yourself, be proud of every step you’re making in the right direction.  Keep going because you got this.” – Diamond Dallas Page

“Athletes eat and train, they don’t diet and exercise.” – Lori Jones

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
Matt KenneyDr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – October 14th
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Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – October 7th

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

Something to try.  Do you stress often?  Many people become overwhelmed at even the smallest form of uncertainty, discomfort, struggle, or inconvenience.  But is this necessary?  Think back to the issues that have really gotten you worked up and stressed about over the past few months.  Next, think about where those issues stand as of now.  Were they worth getting that upset over?  Do they seem smaller now than they did before?  The purpose of this exercise is to remind ourselves that much of what we deal with is not the big deal we make it.  Then, next time something pops up that gets us worried, we can hopefully remember this fact and act accordingly.

An analogy I like.  The seasons of our year vary greatly.  Some bring warm weather, cooler temperatures, snow, rain, sunshine, you name it.  Likewise, our lives are full of seasons that bring us both the best and worst of everything.  It is vital that we understand this, so that we don’t put too much emphasis on any one period.

Personally, I have experienced every season you could imagine.  I’ve seen the highest of the highs and the lowest of lows in my 46 years.  What that has taught me, is that when things go badly, they always inevitably improve.  Likewise, when things are going amazingly well, some challenge always arises and disrupts it.  Viewing our lives as a series of seasons helps us avoid making rash decisions while keeping our mindset strong to deal with whatever life may throw at us. 

Something important.  One of the things we need to be careful of are the stories that we tell ourselves.  These “stories” are the self-talk that we feed ourselves that can be positive and uplifting or negative and limiting.  Spoken enough times, any story becomes believable. 

Over the past year, I’d been telling myself that I was slowing down, and that I wasn’t as capable of running the types of races I had run before.  I told myself the story that I “needed” to slow down a bit.  One day in July, I just decided I wanted to sign up for a 100-mile race and things changed overnight.  I am 2 months into my training and already faster, more explosive, and determined than I have been in years.  I am the same person, I just decided to start telling myself a different story, one that served me better.  Tell yourself a better story and watch what happens!

A good reminder.  Like many, my watch tracks everything I do.  All my runs, load impact (how much exercise done in a week), heart rate, sleep patterns, and more.  Since I’m preparing for a major race, my training has been continuing to increase in volume and intensity.  Last week, my watch began telling me “Please rest” for six straight days.  Naturally, I did not listen.

I’m not suggesting that we should ignore data, but since I am preparing to run one hundred miles, not stopping when my body is fatigued is part of the training.  What was interesting was the more I pushed through, the more my body responded positively.  In other words, my body became accustomed to the training and my watch began showing faster levels of recovery even without rest.  This was a reminder to me, when we think we are at a stopping point or need to rest, we are often not even halfway through our tank.  More importantly, pushing through in these times helps reset what you once viewed as “normal” or possible, and you will seek to achieve more as a result.

Some quotes I love. 

“My greatest success has come from doing the obvious things that others can do but choose not to.” – Cameron Hanes

“If everyone would strive to be the captain of their team as opposed to the MVP, there would be a lot better teams.” – Derek Jones

“Every day, in a hundred small ways, our children ask ‘Do you hear me?  Do you see me?  Do I matter?’  Their behavior often reflects our response.” – LR Knost

“Never allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option.” – Mark Twain

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
Matt KenneyDr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – October 7th
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Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – May 6th

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

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
  • Check us out on Facebook under New Body Chiropractic
Matt KenneyDr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – May 6th
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Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – March 25th

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

A lesson that has helped me.  When I was in my first two years of high school, my grandfather with whom I was extremely close, was battling bone cancer.  He was a proud and tough man, was a boxer in his younger years and knew everyone in the large town in which he lived.  Much of my personality comes from him and one lesson in particular has been extremely valuable to me.

Going through such a tough battle, my grandfather was counted out many times.  However, he loved gathering at the holidays with his family, so he would always set a goal to attend the next holiday gathering.  To do so, he had to endure great amounts of pain while showing courage and mental strength.

I have been in many tough situations in my life and often think back to this to keep me going.  I learned this lesson at a young age, but it took some time for me to learn to apply it properly.  The lesson it reinforced for me was to never give up and never forget your “why.”  When your why is strong enough, you can achieve and overcome far more than you ever dreamed. 

A trait I admire. Toughness is a trait that I truly admire. When I say that, you may have the idea that I’m referring to big muscles and physical prowess.  That can apply, but toughness to me goes far beyond the physical.  In my opinion, toughness is about mental strength, determination, and tenacity in the face of obstacles.

I like to feel I can identify toughness easily. Unfortunately, I do not see it as often as I’d like these days.  However, it is always interesting to me where it can be found.  Some of the truly toughest people I have encountered are women and/or mothers for example.  Toughness usually bares itself with a quiet and humbled resolve to keep going.  Many of the people whom I consider the toughest would likely never refer to themselves as such, but truly are.

Something worth trying.  Recently, I have been going through the process of evaluating various aspects of my life and asking myself what 3-5 things I could improve.  For example, I ask myself this question as a chiropractor, father, husband, athlete, coach, and more.   

The goal of this endeavor is not to become negative, but rather to look for avenues of improvement.  It’s been worth it for me to find small changes or additions I can make to improve myself.  The beauty of doing this is, you’re coming up with answers before you’re forced to.  You can identify ways to improve without being in an emotional or crisis state.  Give this a try, I promise it will be worth it!

Something I believe.  As a chiropractor, I am a believer that whenever possible you should seek out a cure to a problem rather than masking it.  This applies in many ways.  One way in particular is creating the best version of you possible.

This means that if you want more money, better relationships, whatever; you must produce the best version of yourself possible.  If you do that, those things will come more easily.  There is not an endeavor or situation you can name that would not benefit from you being the best version of yourself mentally, physically, emotionally, and more.  Become the best you possible mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, etc. and you will be thrilled at what it leads to in your life. 

Some quotes I love. 

“What we fear doing most is usually what we most need to do.” – Tim Ferriss

“Only the fittest of the fittest shall survive, stay alive.” – Bob Marley, Could You Be Loved

“Sometimes you have to get knocked down lower than you have ever been, to stand up taller than you ever were.”

“When setting out on a journey, do not seek advice from those who have never left home.” – Rumi

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
Matt KenneyDr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – March 25th
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Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – March 18th

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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.   

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?

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  • 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!
Matt KenneyDr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – March 18th
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Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – March 11

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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.   

Something I believe is important.  One of the things I tell myself each day is to “play with fire”, meaning do everything with a high level of energy and purpose.  In my experience, far too many people go about their days with low energy, just going through the motions.  This is not fun for them or those they interact with.

I believe that if you’re going to do something, you want to give it all the energy you can.  This leads to better focus and success.  It also positively influences other people, events, and results in positive changes within your life.  I am not suggesting you behave in a manner that is not authentic, but you should take steps to ensure that you are going through each day with as much vitality and intention as possible.

An interesting observation. “Give 100%” is a saying we all hear often.  Many people say they are giving one hundred percent, but I do not believe this is always (or even frequently) the case.  The easiest way for me to tell the truth of someone’s effort is by observing patterns.

When I encounter someone that wants to tell me how much effort they’ve put in and how there’s nothing else they could/should be doing differently, these are never the people giving all they have.  People like this usually want you to agree that they’ve exhausted all their options and praise them for what they’ve done.  Not surprisingly, they often blame circumstances or luck for their lack of results and never themselves. 

Conversely, the most successful people I have ever met always feel they can give more.  They do not look for a pat on the back for their efforts, take personal responsibility for all outcomes good or bad, and always seek improvement.  In my life, I have fallen into both categories at times, but my goal for years now has been to only behave as the second group does, taking full responsibility and always seeking to give more.

Something I admire.  I’ve had recent conversations with friends that recently tried to accomplish some amazing things and failed.  Some were in business, some physical, but all were lofty goals that came up short.  Though these people didn’t “succeed” how they expected, I greatly admire them.

We live in a world where it is common for people to play small, take no risks, and then criticize others for taking a shot and failing.  I do not understand that way of thinking.  I would much rather have the guts to go after a big goal than play it safe and not try.  A failure can become fuel for future endeavors so there is never a reason not to try.  Never be afraid to go out on your shield, only be afraid to tuck it between your legs.

Reminder of a great lesson.  I listened to our pastor speak the other day and he mentioned what starts off working will often cease to do so after a period of time.  At that point, you must change if you wish to have success going forward.  This is true in business, marriages, sports, physical endeavors, and much more.

Adaptability is a trait we should strive for because nothing remains the same forever.  As things stop working as they once did or as we’d like, we are faced with two choices.  First, we can complain and/or reminisce how things once were and decide it’s unfair that we’re not still obtaining the same results.  The second choice is that we acknowledge change is necessary, and then adjust.  It’s a simple choice but one that is often surprisingly difficult. 

Some quotes I love. 

“Generally, when a leader struggles, the root cause behind the problem is that the leader has leaned too far in one direction and steered off course.” – Jocko Willink

“Never let people who choose the path of least resistance steer you away from your chosen path of most resistance.” – David Goggins

“Wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it.  Right is right even if no one is doing it.”

“A child without discipline is a child without love.” – Mr. Rogers

“Discipline is not about being abusive; it’s about setting firm rules and boundaries and then enforcing them.” – Joe De Sana

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
Matt KenneyDr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – March 11
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Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – March 4th

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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.   

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
Matt KenneyDr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot – March 4th
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