Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot
On Fridays I like to share some of the experiences I’ve had during the week with patients and in my personal life that I’ve found significant in some way. I like to share them in hopes that you might find value in them and have something resonate with you in your life.
Something interesting I see often in practice. As a chiropractor, I see people in pain on a regular basis. When people get into pain, they often look for a reason why. You would tend to think that to get into such pain something major must have occurred to cause it. However, I can tell you that approximately 90% of the time, there is not one single major event that causes it. Rather it is the accumulation of what I call macro-traumas that eventually catch up to them.
Macro-traumas are the smaller things we do on a regular basis that we rarely notice in the moment, such as poor posture, ergonomics, lack of exercise, too much sitting, repetitive positions/motions, and more. On their own, none of these are necessarily enough to cause a major problem but cumulatively they add up. Dealing with these usually involves a combination of improving habits (creating better ergonomics at work for example) and having some form of chiropractic care at least on a somewhat regular basis, like how you’d get dental checkups.
A great question to ask yourself. There is an excellent book I read years ago called “The Boys in the Boat” about an American crew team in their quest to win gold at the 1936 Olympics. A question they would ask themselves and each other was “will it make the boat go faster?” In other words, will a particular action lead to a better chance of succeeding at the goal?
I find this premise to be important and relevant for everyday life. We make hundreds of decisions each day, some small and some major. Regardless, we should constantly ask ourselves whether the decision is helpful or harmful. Examples of decisions that will help the boat go faster include regular exercise, good nutrition, proper rest, time management, spending time with the right people and more. The next time you’re faced with an important decision, ask yourself if it will make the boat go faster.
Something recent I think is relevant. I enjoy listening to podcasts and have for many years. There are two football podcasts I’ve listened to for many years, and both did something recently that I think it provides an important example of current behaviors.
The first show had begun a trend of diverting away from football and delving into some of the current events we are facing in this country. Essentially, they began bad mouthing those that didn’t share a basic mainstream view of certain topics (which includes me). I stopped listening after a few weeks of this and will never tune in again.
The second show also diverted to talk of these matters but was not insulting. They mentioned a few times some of what they believed and actions they took. The difference was that they did not insult the beliefs of those other than themselves. They have different opinions than I do but I will happily continue to listen because I love the show.
Why is this significant? These days, people forget that in a free country it is not expected we will all feel the same about every issue. There is nothing wrong with divergent opinions and there is no need to insult or try to eliminate those opinions. When people feel differently than I do I am happy to find other common ground. However, when they want to mock or insult my beliefs, I have no problem not giving them my time, money, or support.
An important concept. “I’m so busy” is a phrase we all hear constantly. We live in times where being busy is glorified and in my opinion it really shouldn’t be. Anyone can do busy work, procrastinate, or take more time than necessary to complete tasks.
When I was new in chiropractic practice, I worked with an amazing doctor that was a wonderful mentor to me. I would often get sidetracked on lots of small projects and ideas and it was noticed by the doctor noticed this. He told me my focus should be on either treating patients or bringing in new patients. As simple as this was, it taught me to focus only on major objectives and keep everything else on the back burner. I follow that advice to this day and believe the same premise applies to not only work but life as well. What is ultimately most important is not whether you’re getting a lot done but whether you’re getting the right things done. Finishing the correct tasks leads to effective time management and a greater chance of success.
Some quotes I love.
“Be nice until it’s time to not be nice.” – Patrick Swayze, Roadhouse
“Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today.” – Will Rogers
“Hard days are the best because that’s when champions are made.” – Gabrielle Douglas
“I respect the man who tells you how he really feels to your face more than the man who smiles at you while he talks sh** behind your back. In fact, the man who can’t address you like a man is no man at all.” – Ryan Michler
“Embarrassment is the cost of entry. If you aren’t willing to look like a foolish beginner, you’ll never become a graceful master.” – James Yaeger
Want more?
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