Category Archives: Dekeday Foundation

A children’s nonprofit organization to help and inspire families and people of all ages.
Founded in 2009 by David, Dylan and Daylyn Tepera

STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE AND DO IT

By David Tepera, November 8, 2023

Is there something you always wanted to do, but thought you could never make it happen?

This could be running a marathon, losing 20 pounds, standing up for yourself, starting a business, traveling or you fill in the blank.

Look, we all try to stay within our comfort zone, but you only have a limited time on this earth, so don’t worry about others and go for it.

Years ago, I came to a point in life where I no longer cared what people thought of me. I don’t need anyone’s approval. I’m just going to be a good person and find a way to control my life.

When was the last time you did something just for you? What’s the one thing you would like to experience that you’ve never done? Why haven’t you put a plan together to have that experience?

Just know, the only thing holding you back is you. Don’t wait for your children to grow up, retirement or next year. No, do it now. Put your blinders on, step out of your comfort zone, and go for it.

When Dylan, Tina and I competed in bodybuilding contests, we had to go way out of our comfort zone. Think about it; imagine stepping on stage in front of a thousand people, posing in a speedo, flexing muscles, and hoping everyone will clap and scream for you. You talk about pressure.

But, after the first show, we were hooked. The adrenaline of competing against other athletes, plus the dedication to get our bodies in shape, was exciting and a rush that can’t be explained.

The crazy part is the experience bonded us as a family and eventually led us to open our fitness center.

The message I’m trying to relay to you is to step out and go for it. Great experiences lead to other opportunities. Really, all experiences lead to opportunity. Just keep a positive mindset and be friendly to all people.

Come on, put your foot down and start doing something for you. It’s your life and you deserve to fulfill a dream. Why not? Whatever so-called obstacle is holding you back, is just an illusion in your head. It’s only an obstacle because you let it be that. Throw it out the window and be you.

The future is in your hands, so step out of your comfort zone and go for it. I promise, you won’t regret it.

DO WHAT’S BEST FOR YOU AND NEVER GIVE UP

By David Tepera, November 1, 2023

Sometimes, there are certain situations in life that you might need to let go, but never give up on yourself.

This could be from bad relationships, financial losses, the death of a loved one or you fill in the blank. Now, as long as you never give up on yourself, through time, life will get better.

Besides that, how many diets have you given up? Why does each fad diet fail in the end? How come you lose plenty of weight in the beginning, but eventually, gain all the weight back, plus more?

Listen, you didn’t fail the diet, the diet failed you. Now, don’t misunderstand me. There are many diet programs that benefit people. If you are satisfied with your current diet, then stick with it. The problem is, how do you know which is best for you?

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The question I always ask is, “Can you live with this diet for the rest of your life?” If the answer is no, then you are set up for another failure.

Does your program eliminate certain food groups? Just know, each food group has a dietary purpose. Complex carbs are essential for digestive reasons and energy levels, so they are necessary.

For your information, simple carbs are sugar-loaded like breads, pastries and sweets. Complex carbs are in the family of potatoes, rice, oatmeal, veggies and others.

Look, don’t give up on being a healthier person. Stay in the fight, because it’s not easy. It’s OK to have a bad day or fall off the so-called wagon. Just pick it back up the next day.

We are too hard on ourselves. Remember, as we get older, wrinkles are setting in, hair loss is real and daily aches and pains are a part of life, but so what? If you exercise and stay active, you are way above people your age. It’s not about how you look, but how you feel.

What other areas of life have become challenging? I know a lady who recently contracted a bacterial disease, and had both arms and legs amputated. She is now home and her husband is the only caretaker. Her body is not quite ready for prosthetics, so try to imagine the challenges for her and her husband.

The impressive part of their story is the will to live. Giving up is not in their vocabulary and it shouldn’t be for you either.

It’s time to get back in the game, so do what’s best for you and never give up.

THE STRONGEST PEOPE WILL CONQUER FAILURE

By David Tepera, October 25, 2023

I guarantee, one hundred percent of successful people overcame failure and defeat more than once. If you really think about it, I’m sure you are one of them.

A huge part of life is learning how to recover from failure. It’s how we respond to it that separates us. Some people will curl up in the fetal position and feel sorry for themselves, while others will get back up off the canvas and start fighting again. That choice is totally up to you.

I’ve given up and accepted defeat throughout different situations in my life. Each one of those created depression, including a loss of confidence. The times I did fight back made me feel invincible. Failures live more in our heads than do our successes.

Listen, none of us want to fail or get punked, but if you do your best and fight back, even if you lose, you’ll gain the confidence to fight again.

Today, you’ll take up for yourself. Why aren’t you the next person up for a promotion? Let the upper management know you’re interested. Show leadership qualities and step up your game.

I know it’s difficult to accept, but what type of vibe do you project? What’s your appearance? You don’t have to be the fittest person in the room, but you do need to project confidence.

If you want to move up in life, then dress the part. What’s your first impression? Do you dress like it’s laundry day, or is your presentation one of a CEO? You can complain and have a bad attitude, or you can be the lifting spirit for all you encounter. This is leadership quality.

I’m one of the fortunate columnists who receive emails from readers about making a positive impact in people’s lives. A regular follower of mine named LoAnne sent an inspiring email, plus included a message from one of her University of Houston professors: “You have every day to live, but one life to die.” How true is that?

Don’t wait until tomorrow for what you can do today. Yes, you will encounter failure, but you will also find the determination to win. Failure is the small stuff, success is the ultimate reward.

What’s the biggest obstacle that you’ve overcome? Are you a stronger person from that experience? Can you now tackle a situation even more challenging? Of course, you can.

It’s easy to get down on ourselves for the failures, but keep your head up and get back on the road to success because the strongest people will conquer failure.

WHY NOT SWING FOR THE FENCES?

By David Tepera, October 18, 2023

You won’t always hit a home run, but why not swing for the fences?

In my youth, I never hit the ball over the fence. I was a little fellow compared to my teammates, but I would swing the bat as hard and fast as possible. One thing I was good at was getting on base with a single over the infield. The fun part is that the coaches made me the first batter, so I became good at stealing bases.

Believe me, every time I came to bat, I would swing for the fences. I never even came close to going yard in those days. It frustrated me, but I still made an impact in the game.

As an adult, I played on a men’s softball team back in the 1980s and 90s. During that time, hitting over the fence came easy. I was still swinging for the fences, but it finally became natural for me.

Now, what message am I trying to relay to you? Most of the time in life we are going down the path of least resistance. I believe people are too afraid of failing and care too much about what others think.

Listen, when you are on top, the haters will come after you anyway. People who spread negative rumors about others are people who are insecure about themselves. Think about it. If you are totally content and happy, you wish the best for everyone else. You don’t have room in your mind to be negative. It’s such a waste of time and energy.

Come on, there is so much life to live. Don’t be satisfied with your current situation. You can have anything you want. Today, you’ve got to swing for the fences. Don’t be satisfied getting to first base because you’ll have to rely on the following batters to round home plate.

It’s you who has control of your life. You get to choose your career path. Don’t apply for the entry position, interview for management.

Don’t settle for Mr. Right Now, swing for the fences and Mr. Right will be waiting at home plate for the celebration.

Bottom line, quit settling for a mediocre life. You’re better than that, and it’s waiting for you to come and get it. Why not? I don’t care about your age, finances or excuses. You are going to change your life today.

This is it. Step into the batter’s box, swing for the fences and enjoy rounding the bases to success and happiness.

BIG THINGS COME FROM THE LITTLE THINGS

David Tepera, October 11, 2023

In most cases, when you really want something, you’ll accomplish it through the little things.

How about when you were courting your spouse? Did you open doors, hold hands and give frequent compliments, along with smiles and laughter? I’m sure you did more little things, but just remember, it was those gestures that landed her heart.

Typically, we are all trying to lose weight. What little things will make the difference? Why not drink water versus sodas, or choose grilled instead of fried? You can save money and calories by not driving through the coffee shop for one of those expensive super enriched fat upside-down latte-grandes, or whatever you call them.

In our gym, we teach all clients, including the elderly and physically challenged, the proper form for lifting weights. It’s the little things that make the difference. For example, we change hand grips and range of motion to protect the joints. Remember, it’s not how much you lift, but how you lift.

If you want to take some stress off your morning commute, then why not leave the house 15 minutes earlier? I promise you’ll be in a better mood when you get to work, and I’m sure coworkers would appreciate the attitude change.

What little things are you doing at work to get noticed? Have you ever thought of cleaning the break room? Is your desk a constant cluster, or does it reflect organization? Now, don’t get mad at me, I know some of you have an organized mess because of responsibility. You know who I’m referring to.

Tina and I own our gym, and I’m the one who cleans bathrooms, vacuums and does all other maintenance required for the weight machines. We might not have the latest and greatest equipment, but we do have one of the cleanest gyms, and we take pride in that. It’s those little things that our clients appreciate.

Now, what little things are you going to do today? How many family members will receive hugs and “I love you?”

You’re also going to show leadership at work by lifting others up and not putting them down. Be the “go-to” person and watch how much you’ll enjoy being at work. Just know, promotions and more income are on their way.

So here we go, the big things are happening from all the little things.

WE MIGHT NOT KNOW HOW MANY DAYS ARE LEFT, BUT WE DO HAVE TODAY

By David Tepera, October 4, 2023

One thing is for sure: we don’t know how many days we have on this earth, but we do have today.

Years ago, a good friend of mine told me he had been saving for a rainy day his whole adult life, and now that he reached 70 years, it’s raining and it’s time to enjoy life. That was seven years ago, and Mike and his wife Teresa haven’t looked back.

Now, what’s keeping you from enjoying each day? There’s no longer putting off tomorrow when you can make the most of today. Remember the song by Tim McGraw “Live like you were dying?”

It’s time to do things that make you feel better. Why not take a stroll outside and see the beauty that surrounds us? When’s the last time you made a stranger smile with a simple “hello?” How about eating a healthy meal to make your body feel replenished?

Come on, get off the couch, shut your laptops, stop scrolling social media to people who are not your friends and turn off smart TVs that make you dumber. This is not how you want to spend your last days.

It’s humbling observing all our older clients scheduling multiple vacations because they chose to get back their quality of life. One 73-year-old female client came back from a long trip excited that she was able to calculate more than 30,000 steps per day. Just know, she has two hip replacements.

Again, today is one day you know you have, so why not be productive? Maybe, find a way to make others’ lives better. There are too many who feed off dividing us, so you should help bring us all together.

To me, the only enemy I have is Father Time. I do my best every day to punch him in the face because I’m not giving up and neither should you.

Think of someone elderly or physically handicapped who’s out there giving this world their best. Those are role models and inspiration to all of us. Your goal should be the role model for the next person. Why not? All you need to do is get started today.

The life you’re living is no dress rehearsal, so make today something special. Just remember, you don’t know how many days are left, but you do have today.

SOMETIMES YOU LOSE, BUT PREPARE TO COMBACK AND WIN

By David Tepera, September 27, 2023

I’m sure each and every one of us can go through a long list of failures, but what’s on your list of comebacks? In every sport I competed in, there were many losses.

During my martial arts career, I got beat up a few times, but I used those experiences to become a better fighter. I know it’s a long time ago, but I was ranked No. 1 in Texas back in 1989. I continued fighting until the age of 42, then I just helped train other fighters.

If you haven’t already, we will all face losing someone we love. That’s typically the hardest defeat to ever encounter. It takes time to recover, but you must keep moving in order to come back and win.

Some of you know that I lost my oldest son after he served in Iraq. Each year, on Sept. 15, I put on his Army beret, embrace his urn, and let the emotions of a heartbroken father pour a sea of tears. But, this is the only day I allow myself to take a step back. After Dustin’s loss, I chose to come back and be the best father possible for my other children.

What’s your biggest loss? You might not realize it, but I’m sure you found a way to come back and win.

According to the American Psychological Association, 40-50 percent of marriages end in divorce. That’s a crazy statistic, but I’m not one to point fingers because that’s me too.

Just know, that the only winners in a divorce are the lawyers. If you can find a way to compromise, then you can save yourself a lot of money. Whatever happens, lick your wounds, be an involved parent and move on because the best is yet to come. I promise!

Life is about a series of failures and how you come back from them. You can never throw your hands in the air and give up. Yes, sometimes you need to walk away from a bad situation, but keep your head high and put on your game face.

This is your day to bust through obstacles. No one can keep you down because you have a strong will to win. Shake off the haters and leave them in your dust. Just stay focused on you and laugh off the small stuff.

It’s time to be the person you are meant to be. See the beauty you possess and all your hidden talents. This world needs good people like you, so get out there and prepare to win.

VISIBLE MUSCLE IS A STATUS SYMBOL

By David Tepera, September 20, 2023

Admit it, we are all impressed when we see someone with visible muscle. It’s the one possession you can’t really buy or fake. It must be earned.

In this world of instant gratification, a person who is fit and athletic has the traits of consistency, focus and discipline. That’s why muscle has a unique status symbol that separates it from the average population.

The chances are this is a person you would want to do business with because they understand hard work pays off.

Let’s be real for a moment and don’t get your feelings hurt. If two people are interviewed for the same job and you are the interviewer and both candidates possess the same credentials with only one difference, their appearance, would you hire the more athletic or the obese person? Be honest about that decision because whoever you choose will represent you and your company.

Now look, don’t misunderstand me. I’m not saying everyone needs to have this ultimate fitness appearance to them. As you all know, most of our clients are in their 60s and 70s, and those who’ve been consistent through time, are sporting muscular arms, shoulders and legs.

It’s been a humbling experience as I’m now living in the body of a 62-year-old. My ripped abs have disappeared, the muscles don’t respond to workouts as once before, plus my skin and face definitely reflect the signs of a long life.

For all of us older folks, we are never actually pain-free. We now learn to live with aches and pain, but don’t let that define you. Be the one in your family or social circle that breaks the norm.

Start your new exercise program today. Grab some canned foods and perform bicep curls, press them over your head to work shoulders, do standing pushups by leaning over the kitchen counter. Just look around your house and be creative. This is at least a start and will build confidence.

There’s no more feeling sorry for yourself. You’re better than that. Today is your opportunity to cut the strings that are tying you down. Fill your mind with positive thoughts, and start the journey of your new muscular status symbol.

FOCUS ON AND EMBRACE THE JOURNEY, NOT THE DESTINY

By David Tepera, September 13, 2023

There’s no doubt, we should all set a variety of goals throughout our lives. It doesn’t matter what your age is or what physical challenges you possess, just keep moving forward. Game planning to win should always be on the agenda.

How many of you work long hours six-seven days a week — especially, those who own or starting a business? Even though, at the end of the day, you leave, there is still bookkeeping and other duties at the home office.

Listen, the only thing I’m getting at is you have to sometimes stop and embrace the journey, not the destiny.

Tina does almost all behind-the-scenes responsibilities to maintain and grow our business, including training clients all day. Every so often, I must sit her down and reflect on where we were compared to where we are at. It’s time to stop and smell the roses.

How about you? What journey are you on today? Do you take the time to reflect on the process and the people you’re with? The relationships with those today will determine the outcome of your destiny. Remember to embrace and love those around you.

I understand when you are on a mission to succeed, it’s easy to keep your head down and blinders on to drive forward. But, there are days you need to look up and recognize the beauty that’s in front of you. This is the day to take a breath from it all, look towards the skies, along with a big smile, and let Mother Nature beam down upon you.

Of course, we are all on a journey of life. Each destiny will end the same. We just don’t know when that will actually happen. Yes, we will all die, but do your best to keep your health along the way. Don’t allow yourself to sit, wither and wait for the Grim Reaper. Nope, you’re going out kicking, punching and fighting.

I know I’m getting a little deep today, but sometimes we need an outside source to wake us up. We are all beautiful people with a loving heart. It’s easy to let failures and devastation to harden us. It’s those experiences we must learn and grow from.

A frequent conversation with our elderly clients is about the quality of life they have gotten back from weight training. So, you need to find a way to take back your life. You have control of your current state, so embrace today and create a better destiny because this is your journey.

LEARNING TO SURF WAS A LESSON IN LIFE

By David Tepera, September 6, 2023

Growing up on the Gulf Coast, I always had a passion for learning how to surf. In high school, I competed in swimming and water polo, so I didn’t think surfing would be that big of a challenge.

At the age of 19, I bought a used 6-foot tri-fin trick board and was on my way to crank and carve out some gnarly waves. Just know, I’m not as cool as I’m trying to portray in this article.

Well, I had no idea what I was up against. The surf was up, so I kicked back on the seawall and watched the other experienced surfers cutting the waves.

After a time of observing, I was ready to attempt my new coolness as a surfer dude. I dropped my board in the water and attempted to paddle out to the breaks.

The waves kept crashing and dragging me back, as all my energy was being used up. Sometimes, the wave would send my board over my head as I tried desperately to hang on.

Being a strong swimmer, I finally made it out to the breaks. The other surfer brahs were sitting on their boards waiting on the next set of swells. I wanted to be cool like them, but every time I tried sitting on the board, I’d flip over looking like an upside-down turtle.

After I caught my wind, I attempted to drop in on some waves only to fall, nose-dive, slip and totally look like the rookie I was. But, then it finally happened, I found the sweet spot on my board and rode my first wave.

I spent the next 20-plus years perfecting my surfing skills. I learned to charge and catch the lip into the barrel, plus cutback to take on the full wave. The ocean was no longer my enemy because I was the king who conquered Mother Nature.

Once, there was a time after a long day of surfing, sitting on the sand and looking back at the majestic gulf that I realized learning to surf taught me a great lesson in life.

How many of you feel like the world keeps knocking you around? You keep trying to get ahead, but the forces keep pushing you back? For some reason, you just can’t keep your feet planted and stay upright?

What you need to realize is that all those seemed days of gloom are only helping you to find the sweet spot to start riding the waves of success. Stay with it because you will conquer all that challenges you. Now it’s your turn to take the drop and enjoy the ride.