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 that helps me. We are surrounded by endless information, social media debates, and constant opportunities to get pulled into someone else’s conflict or opinion. While it’s easy to feel compelled to weigh in on everything, I’ve learned that not every issue deserves my time or energy. That’s why in a world full of noise, I often ask myself a simple question, “Is this my fight?” For me, a “fight” is something where I can genuinely make a difference. Even if I strongly agree with a viewpoint or feel passionate about a topic, I try to step back and ask whether my involvement will actually have an impact. If it won’t, then it likely isn’t a place where my attention is best spent.
This approach has helped me avoid the trap of becoming distracted, emotional, or consumed by things outside my control. Too often, people pour time and energy into arguments or controversies that ultimately change nothing, while the areas where they truly matter begin to suffer. If I spend my time arguing online or obsessing over issues I can’t influence, my focus is being taken away from the roles where I can make a real difference as a father, husband, coach, and chiropractor. The next time something stirs a strong reaction in you, pause and ask whether it’s truly your fight. If you can contribute positively without sacrificing what matters most, step in and give it your best. If not, it’s often wiser to let it go and direct your effort toward the places where your actions truly count.
A good reminder. Recently a draft prospect chose to publicly speak during the NFL Scouting Combine despite living with a speech impediment his entire life. He explained that he wanted others with similar challenges to see that it was possible to stand up and try. When he spoke, it was difficult and far from polished, exactly what you would expect from someone pushing through a lifelong obstacle. Unfortunately, as often happens online, many people immediately mocked and criticized him. Moments like this highlight a reality worth remembering: the loudest critics are often those sitting comfortably on the sidelines. It brings to mind a saying I’ve always appreciated, “You’ll never meet a hater doing more than you.”
I’ve had my share of failures in public speaking, athletics, business, and plenty of other pursuits. Something I began to notice over time was when I would stumble, there were two types of people I’d hear from. Those who had faced real challenges and accomplished worthwhile things were never the ones piling on when something went poorly. Instead, they offered encouragement, perspective, and advice because they understood the courage it takes to try. Meanwhile, the harshest criticism often came from those who had never really put themselves out there. The truth is that setbacks are a natural part of doing anything meaningful. Those who have pursued difficult goals recognize that struggle and respect it. When you see someone trying, even if they stumble, remember that effort is part of the path to growth. Those brave enough to take that path deserve encouragement, not ridicule.
Something I liked. This week I came across something that really stuck with me. A high school basketball coach with over 25 years of experience was asked why he had been so successful. Instead of talking about strategy, systems, or his own leadership, he gave a simple answer: “I’ve been blessed to have a lot of Danny’s.” He went on to explain that a “Danny” is a player who may not be the most naturally talented, but consistently outworks everyone else, embraces the unselfish roles, does the little things right, and elevates the team through effort and attitude. It’s a powerful reminder that success is often built on the backs of people who don’t demand attention but earn respect through how they show up every day. That idea extends far beyond sports.
Every team, workplace, family, and organization benefits from people who bring energy, discipline, and a willingness to do what others won’t. Talent is valuable, but it’s not always controllable while effort and attitude are. Regardless of your role or ability, you can always maximize what you’ve been given and positively impact those around you. Whether you’re leading or supporting, the question becomes simple: are you contributing in a way that lifts the group? Strive to be that person who works hard, stays consistent, and sets the standard through action. When you do, you not only improve yourself, but you also make everyone around you better as well.
Something I live by. When my oldest son was nine years old, we ran an 8-mile race together. The conditions were brutal and included eight inches of snow, strong winds, and freezing temperatures. He didn’t run particularly fast that day but ended up finishing in third place…out of three. This happened because more than 80 people in his age group chose not to compete due to the conditions. By simply showing up and finishing, he earned an award he never would have had a shot at otherwise. That experience became one of my favorite examples of a principle I call “winning by attrition.”
Winning by attrition means continuing to show up and give effort when others begin to fall away. In any challenging pursuit, there will be people who opt out when things get difficult, inconvenient, or uncomfortable. If you can stay consistent through those moments, you naturally move closer to your goals just by remaining in the game. Over time, persistence separates those who are committed from those who are not, often opening doors that wouldn’t have been available otherwise. It doesn’t guarantee achievement, but it dramatically increases your chances. Sometimes success isn’t about being the most talented or gifted, it’s about being willing to keep showing up when others won’t.
Some quotes I Love.
“Without some challenge, without some war to fight, then the warrior may as well be dead.” – Apollo Creed, Rocky IV
“Accept responsibility for your life. Know that it is you who will get you where you want to go, no one else.” – Les Brown