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.
An important concept. The day after the NFL regular season ends is often called “Black Monday” because so many coaches lose their jobs. What makes it striking is that several of them aren’t bad coaches. Many have winning records, strong résumés, and years of respected service. Yet in a results-driven environment, yesterday’s success doesn’t guarantee tomorrow’s security. Organizations might appreciate what you’ve done, but they ultimately care more about where you’re going. This may seem harsh, but it highlights the fact that performance is evaluated in the present, not preserved in the past. That lesson extends far beyond football.
In athletics, business, and relationships, it’s easy to lean on old wins and assume they’ll carry us forever. But when effort fades and complacency creeps in, people notice. Standards we once set become expectations we’re now rightfully judged by. Growth requires consistency, not nostalgia. Striving each day to be intentional, dependable, and fully engaged shows that we value ourselves and the people counting on us. Past accomplishments may open doors, but ongoing commitment is what keeps them open.
Something I believe. There’s a line from Seinfeld where George says, “Who’s not busy? I’m busy. We’re all busy. Everybody’s busy.” I think of that quote anytime I hear someone bragging or complaining about how packed their schedule is. Somewhere along the way, we started glorifying being “busy” as if it means we’re important or productive. However, being busy alone doesn’t equal progress. Doing a bunch of stuff isn’t the same as performing things that create momentum. Anyone can fill a calendar; but not everyone can move the needle. That is why production rather than activity is what truly matters.
It’s easy to get distracted and crowd our days with small, unnecessary tasks that drain focus and energy while the important work sits untouched. That’s not being busy, it’s being inefficient. The people I admire most operate differently. They’re clear on their priorities in life, relationships, and business. These individuals pour their best effort into those few things that matter most. They measure success by results, not how long they looked occupied. When we shift our mindset from staying busy to being intentional and productive, we utilize our time better, accomplish more, and create real progress instead of just noise.
Something I’ve learned. Throughout a lifetime in athletics, I’ve come across what are often called “front-runners.” These are the people who bring great energy, encouragement, and effort when everything is going well and the scoreboard looks good. However, the moment adversity hits, their attitude shifts. Effort drops, excuses rise, and fingers start pointing. If you’ve ever been around someone like this, you know how draining it can be. It’s hard to trust people whose commitment depends on convenience and instant gratification. This isn’t just a sports issue either, it is common in workplaces, relationships, and everyday life.
Winning is fun, but it’s also temporary. Challenges are inevitable, and the people who succeed long term understand that their commitment is to the process, not the outcome. They stay steady, keep working, learn, adjust, and push forward without letting circumstances dictate their attitude. That consistency builds resilience and earns the trust of everyone around them. Over time, those small daily choices compound into meaningful victories. Anyone can be positive when they’re ahead, but the highest quality people show up the same way whether they’re winning or not. When things are easy, everyone shows up, however, character reveals itself when things get hard.
A valuable lesson. After graduating college, I went to work for John Hancock in Boston as an annuities specialist, spending much of my day on the phone with agents and customers. Most interactions were fine, but every day there were a handful of people who were angry, frustrated, and outright insulting even when we were doing everything we could to help. I used to take it personally, their tone would ruin my mood, and before long I dreaded going to work. What I didn’t understand at the time was a simple but powerful distinction – just because someone hands you their bad attitude doesn’t mean you have to accept it. Carrying someone else’s frustration is optional, and learning not to take on what isn’t yours is a skill that protects both your peace and your performance.
We all need guidance at times from coaches, teachers, friends, and people who genuinely want to see us grow. That type of feedback is a valuable gift. However, not every voice deserves our attention. Some people criticize or act out not to help, but because they’re unhappy themselves and looking for somewhere to unload it. When I encounter that now, I ask a quick question: Is this someone I respect, trust, or would seek advice from? If the answer is no, their words don’t get space in my head. You don’t have to pay mental rent to people who add no value to your life. Protect your energy, learn from those who want the best for you, and let the rest pass by.
Some quotes I Love.
“What’s wrong with standing toe to toe and saying, ‘I am’?” – Rocky Balboa
“Don’t allow yourself to say ‘I should have done more’.” – Gary Vaynerchuck