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.
A good reminder. Broncos fans experienced the emotional swing of a thrilling playoff win, only to be deflated an hour later by the news that their starting quarterback was lost for the remainder of the season. Whenever I witness something unfair or unfortunate happen to good people, I’m reminded of a coach I once had who lived by a simple but powerful standard: “We will expect no quarter, and we will give no quarter.” What he meant was that no one was going to feel sorry for us or hand us anything because of our circumstances. Thus, we shouldn’t expect to receive it or feel obligated to offer it. Life does not pause or soften simply because things feel unjust and understanding that truth builds resilience and accountability.
At times, we will all face hardships that are not our fault yet impact us deeply. The easy response is to complain, play the victim, or wait for someone else to fix the problem. The better reaction is to accept reality and focus on the most effective path forward. In the example above, the Broncos are far better served by adjusting their game plan than by dwelling on sympathy or frustration. Whether in athletics, business, or our personal lives, unexpected setbacks are inevitable. Some people may feel sorry for us, but lasting progress comes when we invest our energy into adaptation, effort, and action which move us forward.
Something I utilize. As a husband, father, and business owner, I understand that challenges are simply part of the territory. Just as important as facing those problems is how I respond to them, because my reactions affect far more than just me. I strive to manage adversity in a way that honors my responsibilities while minimizing the burden placed on the people I care about most. One tool I’ve relied on for years to help maintain that balance is what I call my “Rule of Three,” a simple framework that keeps emotions from turning into paralysis.
The Rule of Three gives me either three minutes, three hours, or three days to be angry or sad about any negative event I face. Minor inconveniences may require some frustrated words before I move on, while more serious setbacks require a period of a few hours to process. True tragedies such as the unexpected loss of my sister or tough life events deserve more time, often days, before clarity returns. Imposing the time limits isn’t about pretending everything is fine or rushing the healing process. Rather, it’s a deliberate grace period to fully feel the emotions that come with hardship. Once that time has passed, I make a conscious choice to set some of those feelings aside and focus on forward motion. Life demands that we keep showing up, and when we channel our energy into constructive action, we steady ourselves so that we can also protect and strengthen those who depend on us.
Something I think of often. Years ago, I heard a story about former Olympic marathon runner Frank Shorter that has stayed with me ever since. While watching a group of athletes training, he noticed one runner cut a corner by just a few feet. Shorter reportedly remarked that the athlete would never become a champion or reach high levels of success. To him, even the smallest shortcut was more than a physical act, it was mental conditioning. Cutting corners, especially when no one is watching, teaches the mind and body to retreat when discomfort shows up. I first read that story in 2013, and it has continued to shape how I think about effort and discipline.
Both taking the easy way out and holding high standards can become habits over time. When we lower expectations, skip details, or reduce effort because conditions aren’t perfect, we slowly train ourselves to accept less than we’re capable of. That mindset compounds, leading to inconsistency and mediocrity. On the other hand, consistently meeting standards in quality, effort, time, distance, etc. builds confidence and momentum. It reinforces who we are and what we’re willing to demand of ourselves. The Frank Shorter story is a constant reminder that excellence is built in small, often unnoticed decisions, because in the end, how we do anything is how we tend to do everything
Something I teach my children. One principle I constantly emphasize to my older boys is situational awareness. This discipline is about being mindful of your surroundings, noticing unusual behaviors or changes, and being prepared to respond quickly if something feels off. The goal is simple but powerful: protect yourself and the people you care about by staying alert rather than reactive. Awareness is not about living in fear; it’s about being intentional, present, and prepared. This same concept applies far beyond physical safety; it applies to self-awareness in life.
We should regularly pause and assess our “life surroundings.” Are we spending time with the right people? Are our habits aligned with our values? Are we moving closer to what truly matters to us? If the answers are yes, stay the course. If not, adjustments are required. That might mean breaking a habit, changing a routine, or removing a negative influence. Continuous self-evaluation ensures we’re not just drifting through life but intentionally becoming someone we’re proud to be.
Some quotes I Love.
“When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what the storm is all about.” – Haruki Murakami
“The person who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” — Chinese Proverb
“Storms make trees grow deeper roots.” – Dolly Parton