Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot
On Fridays, I like to share experiences from my week—both with patients and in my personal life—that have left a meaningful impact. My hope is that these reflections offer you something of value, a bit of insight or encouragement that resonates with your own journey and inspires you in some way.
Something important. Although we often use them interchangeably, I believe there is a difference between stress and pressure. Stress often comes from resisting what we know needs to be done. Every day we avoid asking for the raise, having difficult conversations, addressing our health, or acting on something important, the tension builds. Left unchecked, that stress can spread into our work, finances, relationships, and overall well-being.
Pressure, however, can sharpen us if we allow it. When I feel pressure, I know the stakes matter, and I want to give everything I have to succeed. It may feel overwhelming for a moment, but there is also something rewarding about being in the fight and knowing my actions can make a difference. The interesting part is that the exact same situation can illicit either stress or pressure depending on how we respond. Instead of avoiding what needs to be done, face it, act, and let the pressure sharpen you rather than allowing the stress to consume you.
A great lesson. I once worked for someone who was constantly hiring consultants, companies, and experts to try and grow his business. Marketing, new business strategies, the latest technology, you name it; he wanted to bring it in hoping it would create immediate results. While outside expertise can be incredibly valuable, it reminded me that you cannot outsource responsibility. The same principle applies to life.
We can hire trainers, doctors, accountants, coaches, and other professionals to help us. However, we can never (or expect to) hire someone to care as much about our outcomes as we should. If something truly matters to you, get involved. Ask questions, learn, follow through, and take ownership of the process. Nothing exceptional comes from a “set it and forget it” approach. Help is a tool that can increase our chances of success, but it should never become an excuse to step aside and wait for someone else to deliver the result. Ultimately, no one should care more about your health, business, relationships, or future than you do. Get the assistance you need but never outsource the responsibility for the result.
A great reminder. My wife and I recently watched a show where experts come into struggling restaurants to help save them. Despite being on the brink of closing, many owners initially resist nearly every suggestion given to them. They don’t want to change the prices, menu, decor, or processes because they “know what works.” Meanwhile, they have empty seats, mounting debt, and overwhelming stress. It reminded me of a simple rule: “don’t argue with reality.” If the results don’t match what we want, something must change.
None of us are perfect and admitting we’re falling short can be uncomfortable. Pride and ego often make us defend what we’re doing rather than honestly evaluating whether it’s working. That is why brutal self-assessment is crucial and can be incredibly freeing. It helps us look at our results, identify what’s not working, and then have the courage to make adjustments. Just like those restaurants, once we stop defending our shortcomings and start addressing them, we create the possibility for meaningful change. Reality doesn’t need to be argued with; it needs to be responded to.
Something I learned in racing. During my ultrarunning years, I often exerted myself during races for 12–32 hours straight with no sleep. I experienced pain, altitude sickness, hypothermia, injuries, exhaustion, boredom, digestive issues, and plenty of moments when I wondered why I was doing it. Eventually, I learned a valuable lesson that has helped me far beyond racing – sometimes things just suck. Life isn’t always going to be comfortable or perfect and there will be periods that push us to our mental and physical limits.
When those times come, we don’t always need a perfect plan, but we do need to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Continuing through adversity builds resilience, confidence, and a sense of pride that can’t be gained any other way. The best part is that difficult seasons eventually end. When they do, the good times feel better and the victories feel sweeter because we remember what it took to get there. You don’t have to enjoy every part of the journey; just keep moving forward until you reach better ground.
Some quotes I Love.
“Make friends with pain, and you will never be alone.” – Ken Chlouberfounder of the Leadville Trail 100
“When your nervous system warns you not to stay too close to certain people…listen.”
Want more?
- For videos and more, follow us on Instagram @littletonchiropractor and Facebook @New Body Chiropractic