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 Years ago, I remember teaching my older boys how to play poker. At first, with no real stakes involved, they played recklessly — making wild bets and careless decisions because it didn’t matter if they lost. To change that, I gave them a small amount of real money and told them they could keep whatever they won. Instantly, their approach changed. They slowed down, thought through decisions, and respected the game in a completely different way. The lesson I tried to instill was that when you have .skin in the game your focus, discipline, and decision-making naturally improve. That principle extends far beyond cards at a table.
We care more about outcomes when we’ve invested something meaningful, whether it’s time, effort, money, or emotional commitment. Investment creates ownership. When things go well, you recognize the connection between your work and the results. When challenges arise, you’re less likely to walk away because you’ve contributed part of yourself to the process. In finances, family, fitness, or personal growth, real progress happens when participation turns into commitment. If you want better outcomes, invest enough of yourself that the result truly matters.
Something I believe. Often misunderstood is the idea of balance. We hear constantly that life should be perfectly balanced between work, family, fitness, and personal interests. While that sounds ideal, the reality is that achieving truly meaningful goals rarely happens under perfectly balanced conditions. The bigger the objective, the greater the demands on our time, focus, and energy. That’s why I believe in what I call the “temporary obsession approach” — a season of intentional intensity where you commit deeply to a goal that matters. Rather than expecting progress through occasional effort, you accept that extraordinary outcomes require serious commitment for a defined period.
Huge goals require more from us, and that often means some areas of life receive less attention temporarily. Free time may shrink, social plans may decrease, and comfort may give way to a rigorous schedule. The key is understanding that this imbalance is not permanent, but it is purposeful. When pursued with intention and clear priorities, these focused seasons shape who we become along the way. I’ve found that whatever sacrifices are made in chasing a meaningful goal are often repaid through growth, confidence, and capability gained during the journey. If you have something important you want to accomplish, it’s okay to be temporarily obsessed. Balance can follow achievement, but commitment must come first.
A good reminder. This week I started a completely different workout routine than usual. Within days, I was sore in ways I hadn’t experienced in years, the kind of soreness that shows up when your body encounters new demands. Whether it’s increased intensity, heavier weight, higher volume, or unfamiliar movements, the body responds to new challenges with discomfort before it responds with strength. That soreness isn’t a sign of failure; it’s evidence of adaptation and progress. Our muscles endure stress so they can rebuild stronger and more capable. While this principle is easy to accept in fitness, we often forget that the same process applies to growth in every area of life.
Any meaningful change brings an initial period of discomfort. It may come from waking up earlier, improving nutrition, exercising consistently, or letting go of unhealthy habits. It can also arrive through major life transitions such as a new job, a growing family, the end of a relationship, or stepping into an unfamiliar season. At first, everything feels difficult because you are adjusting to new expectations. However, with patience and consistency, what once felt overwhelming begins to feel normal, and you become stronger in the process. Life rarely feels easy everywhere at once and you may feel confident in one area while struggling in another. Learning to accept temporary discomfort as a sign of progress allows growth to happen, and over time, that willingness to endure the “soreness” makes life both easier and more rewarding
Something I try to live by. One of my son’s former football coaches once told me he had coached a first-round draft pick for the Denver Broncos in high school. I assumed that experience must have been a dream, but he surprised me by saying it was frustrating because the player was lazy, selfish, and entitled. Then he shared a lesson that has stayed with me ever since. When your best player is also your hardest worker, a team thrives — but when your most talented person avoids the work, the entire group struggles. Talent can set expectations, but effort sets culture. This idea applies far beyond the field.
Whether in sports, business, or family life, people naturally follow the example set by those in leadership roles. In every role we hold as a parent, spouse, coach, leader, or teammate; our actions quietly show others how to behave. My goal is to work in a way that benefits the people who depend on me most. Through consistent action and proper attitude, I want to show that effort matters. Hard work doesn’t just produce results; it creates belief and accountability within a group. When people see commitment modeled daily, it raises the standard for everyone involved. Whenever others are watching and learning from us, we should consider whether we are setting a great example or if we have room to improve.
Some quotes I Love.
“If it’s tolerated, it’s endorsed.” – Chef Robert Irvine
“One day someone will tell him, ‘You’re just like your dad.’ It’s up to me to make sure that’s not an insult.”