By David Tepera, August 26, 2020

OK, you messed up again, so what are you going to do? The worst thing is not doing anything.

There’s not one of us who hasn’t failed a diet or two. Why do you think each new fad diet becomes so popular? Because everyone has failed the previous one, so let’s try the next fad diet. Maybe it’ll work this time. Sorry, but probably not.

Listen, all these crazy diet programs become popular because of genius marketing. I can hear some of you now: “Whatever David, I lost 30 pounds on my current diet program.”

Well, if you’ve found a program that you can stick with for the rest of your life, then that’s fantastic. Just make sure it’s not telling you to eliminate other healthy foods from your diet. We must all incorporate healthy carbs, proteins, vegetables, fruits, nuts and healthy fats. Otherwise, your body is not receiving proper nutrition and other health problems are on the way.

Don’t misunderstand the message — at least you’re trying instead of not doing anything.

Now, what type of exercise program are you doing today? Are you still on the path from the new year’s resolution? Don’t worry, I’m laughing with you on that question.

We are in the midst of the summer’s heat in Galveston County and it’s freaking HOT outside, but that’s not an acceptable excuse.

If you can’t afford a gym membership or if you’re concerned with coronavirus, then you make the choice of getting up a little earlier or stay up later to walk the neighborhood. The worst thing is not doing anything.

Most of our clients at Ageless Muscle Fitness Center are in the high “at risk” category, so it’s very private with only personal training. We don’t accept people only wanting a membership. We are not about the money. Our reward is changing people’s lives that once thought it wasn’t possible.

Now, let’s shift to your job, relationships, marriages or business failures. If you’re the one who messed up, what are you going to do about it? Did you apologize and own up to the mistake? If you didn’t, I promise, this situation is going to become worse.

Right now, there’s been quite a few business failures out of our control. Did you put together another game plan? Did you find other business owners in the same position and try to strategize together? You’re not in this alone; seek others and get your life and business back.

Remember, we are all going to make mistakes and mess up but, today, it’s different because you’re going to do get up and do something about it.

By David Tepera, August 19, 2020

Recently, I was having a conversation with a well-known tattoo artist. Our discussion turned to different displays of American flags and patriotism. He gave me a history lesson that I was not aware of, but felt I should had known about the “3 percent.”

For those of you, like me, who didn’t know, there’s a claim that only 3 percent of the American colonists took up arms against the Kingdom of Great Britain during the American Revolution. It was the bravery of those 3 percent that led to our independence.

Now, if you study this further, as I did, there are present-day groups who’ve taken this term in a negative direction, but also, those who made it positive. For me, I want to focus on the good.

What are other areas in life where there is only 3 percent of good and production? When I was in medical sales, the top 3 percent of sales people kept the company profiting and stocks high. Most others were flying below the radar, with some becoming dead weight. Which percentage do you bring to work?

With the current rate of obesity, it seems only 3 percent of the population is extremely healthy. As professional athletes, while out in public, we constantly observe others. We never make judgements but are taking notes of a realistic trend.

I have to wonder about the 3 percent colonists who fought for us. How would they feel to what’s happening in our country now? I still can’t wrap my head around why politicians and media support the destruction and division of our country.

Remember, my late son Army Specialist Dustin Tepera was in the 3 percent, so I might have a different perspective than you. Believe me, we all have different feelings according to our experiences, so I respect yours.

We have a responsibility to create goodness, project love for each other and helping those in need. You have complete control of your thoughts and actions. You make the choice of which person you want to be. It isn’t just the responsibility of one leader or 3 percent of the population. We must all do this together.

Now today, I would like each of you to take an honest reflection of your life. What areas need improving? What leadership qualities do you possess, and do they bring people up?

Let’s all strive to be in the greatest 3 percent this world could ever imagine and come together.

By David Tepera, August 12, 2020

Discipline and consistency is no foreign language to any of us. We all know to succeed at any goal will require those traits. The good news is, no matter age or circumstances, it’s in you.

So, what discipline skills are needed to get to your next accomplishment? Have you put a plan together? Did you set small steps to reach your ultimate goal? How are you going to keep moving the ball down the field of success? We must all answer these questions honestly.

Remember, it’s not your past or tragedies that define you. We all have made plenty of mistakes that we’re not proud of. Today and now is the person you’ve become and who you’re striving to be.

Present and carry yourself as that person you desire because if you project that character, then you are there.

Now, where are you in this process? Have you given up bad habits and negative people in your life? None of these are easy, but necessary to reach your goals.

Back around 2005, when I received full custody of my two young children, they deserved to have the best dad possible. So, I sold all my man toys, gave up social drinking and friends, and indulged in every self-esteem book and audio tape I could get my hands on. I was reading up to three books a week. This process completely changed my life, which has led me to all of you today.

Now, it’s your turn. Write down all that’s necessary to reach your ultimate goal. Take you worst habit and start reducing the frequency of which you indulge. For example: If you use tobacco, drink alcohol, or have other destructive behaviors, put them on a time schedule. Instead of every hour, try every other hour, or however often you partake.

We all need to create healthier lifestyles, so schedule walking three times a week, then increase each month. Reduce using fried foods for every meal, and make it only during lunch.

The healthiest meals should at least be breakfast and dinner. Breakfast gives you energy, and dinner’s meal will more than likely be stored to fat, so reduce carbs and fried foods for dinner.

The clients at Ageless Muscle who gain the quickest and most desired results are those who don’t skip training sessions, including making healthier choices at home.

Now, I want you to keep pushing the ball down the court of success. You know what’s needed, so hop on the success train with the rest of us because all you need is discipline and consistency.

By David Tepera, August 5, 2020

Okay, it’s another day of accomplishments, and the only way to success is to “get up, dress up, show up and never give up.”

How many of you hit the snooze button multiple times and dread getting out of bed? I understand not everyone is a morning person, but you must find a way to get excited about the day. It’s easy for all of us to lay in bed and think about all the negative situations we’ve encountered and what could possibly happen today. That type of thinking is solely up to you.

How about flipping your stinking thinking and redirect thoughts to happiness. You have a purpose in life, and it’s up to you to find it. It’s outside that front door, so get up, get out there and never give up.

At Ageless Muscle, our first training sessions start at 4:30 a.m. and continue until 7:00 p.m. Yes, we are worn out and exhausted by the end of day, but we create an atmosphere of excitement because we get to change lives daily. We build a special relationship with all our clients and know they’ll show up and learn to never give up.

How are each of you going to dress up for work today? Do you look the part of success and hard work or a lazy wrinkly mess?

Did you show up late, frustrated and in a bad mood, or did you come in early to prove your worth? Believe me, everyone at work knows who you are, including supervisors and owners.

We all have bad days, but you better leave that attitude when you walk out the door.

Back in the day, when I was single parenting my children, it didn’t matter how rough my morning started. I made sure the kids were going to wake with love and excitement. I’d have breakfast ready, lunches prepared, including clothes laid out for the day.

How about all you trying to improve your health? Did you pack your gym clothes, headphones and healthy meals? Have you prepared to make it another day of success and accomplishments, or another day of excuses?

Look around you. What have you’ve been blessed with? Remember, you’re in America, the land where opportunity is right in front of you, so get up, dress up, show up and never give up.