By David Tepera, February 25, 2021

If you’ve ever competed in anything, you’ll understand the battle before the battle is where you gain confidence to win.

For any sporting event, you’ll battle all the practices, training, coaching, along with possible sweat, blood and tears. The harder the work and the more dedication you put into this will prepare you for game day, which is obvious the ultimate battle.

During the 1990s, as an assistant football coach for La Marque Cougars, the battle started in July. Two-a-day practices in the brutal heat, following a season of games and leadership helped a five-year span of state final appearances, winning three of them. Remember, state championships are in December, so everyone battled for six months to get to the biggest battle of all.

As a coach, your goal is for all those athletes to learn to take that “battle before the battle” attitude in life.

What are you battling today? What’s your ultimate championship you’re trying to win? This could be academic. It typically takes four years to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Maybe, you’re an apprentice learning a new trade. It doesn’t matter what you’re trying to obtain just keep battling until the end.

Whatever you’re trying to accomplish, it’s the battle that’ll get you to the big battle. You must take on the mindset to win. Don’t settle with sitting on the bench as satisfaction. Don’t fly below the radar and not get the promotions. Whatever you’re battling, out-work your opponents.

I have to give a big shout out to all my fellow competitors. The 2021 bodybuilding season has started, and we are all battling each day to get ready to battle each other on game day.

Tina, our 20-year-old daughter Daylyn and I are competing in a show this coming October. Our training intensity started this month. It’s crazy because we’ll train for the next eight to nine months to step on stage for only minutes at a time. We aren’t there to be in the show, we are there to win.

The year 2020 was a big set back to many of us. Don’t let that deflate you. You’re better than that. It’s time to regather yourself and get back in the battle. Let the blood boil, put your game face back on, so get out there to kick some serious butt. No one can keep you down but you.

Now make today the beginning of your battle before the battle because you’re going to win the championship.

By David Tepera, February 17, 2021

When my wife, Tina, and I wanted to start our own business, so we researched various types of venues. We came across many opportunities, but it just wasn’t quite the right fit for us.

This was all happening during the time we were competing in multiple bodybuilding shows. It was interesting because as we were trying to find our niche, it was common for strangers to approach us asking for diet and exercise guidance.

We soon realized many people needed help because there’s plenty of misinformation out there. One of the biggest attractions that brought people to us was because of our age. Remember, I’m going on 60 years of age and became a pro athlete at the age of 55.

So, the Ageless Muscle brand started and we bought our first fitness center. Now, not only do we change our clients’ lives, but people all across the country reach out to us for training and diet tips. Bottom line, we found our calling, including a way to make a living doing it.

Of course, for me personally, my biggest passion is being an inspiring columnist, book author and guest speaker to groups and corporations across the country.

OK, now, what’s your passion? What do you truly love to do? Are you good at cooking, baking, styling hair, building things and so on? What gives you the most pleasure and self-reward?

If your passion helps improves people’s lives, there’s a niche for you. I know plenty of successful people who started their own business. At first, they offered their services for free or the cost would only cover supplies. If you’re good at it, plus you conduct yourself as a professional, business will come to you.

I’m not saying you don’t need to do this, but we never paid for marketing. Our business is booming, and it all came from word-of-mouth and social media. People need to know you’re available, and that your work is exceptional.

Look, we all have a special talent of some sort. Sometimes, it takes growing, maturing and life experiences to find yours.

So, if you’re not happy with the daily work grind, dig into your passion, find your calling and change your life forever.

By David Tepera, February 12, 2021

There’s not one of us who hasn’t or doesn’t deal with some form of negativity. It’s all around us, and sometimes, it’s hard to escape, but you have more control than you might think.

Don’t forget, there’s lots of beauty and positive influences that surrounds us as well. You just need to acknowledge them in your life and give it more emphasis.

I’ve spoken to many groups and individuals about understanding what you focus on will become your outcome.

Most people trying to lose weight will focus on “I don’t want to be fat” or “I’m not going to eat fried foods or burgers.” Well guess what? All you will think and focus on is about how fat you are and all the unhealthy foods. Your mind is feeding itself in the wrong direction.

Your focus should be, “I can’t wait to enjoy grilled or baked chicken and fish. It will be delicious, and my body will look and feel better.”

This goes the same for exercise. Don’t dread the workouts. You should train your mind to look forward to it, plus how happy and exciting it will feel. It takes time, but training your mind to focus on positivity and all the goodness that surrounds you is a life changer.

You should be thankful for all that you have, not for all you don’t have. Too many people get caught up thinking about wanting more, but you should focus on how lucky and fortunate you are now.

There has been times throughout my life where there were certain people doing all they can to make my life miserable. It was easy to get caught up in the negativity and wishing bad things against them. But, for me, I felt I was giving them power over me because they were constantly in my head.

It was difficult, but the only way I was to turn my situation around was to pray for them and redirect my mind to all the positive people in my life. It’s kind of strange, but those negative people soon disappeared from my life. They either lost their jobs or went another direction.

Listen, it all comes down to what you want and choose to be in your mind. It can be either negativity or positivity. Just know, the choice is yours, so feed the positivity.

By David Tepera, February 4, 2021

Of course, we all are descendants from past generations. The goal of each new generation is to accomplish or add more than the previous generation. This doesn’t just pertain to financial status. There is so much more in bettering yourself.

So, you know, Tepera is a Czech name, and I’m third-generation American born. The first family of Teperas who crossed the ocean on boat moved to Central Texas and became sharecroppers. They were adventurous and shared a strong work ethic. Education was not part of their childhood because everyone had to work the farm.

My grandma was the oldest of eight children and was forced to quit school in the seventh grade. But, believe me, grandma’s lack of school education didn’t identify her. To me, she had a doctorate in hard work ethic, including strong religious values and discipline. Grandma was the backbone of the entire family, and that’s why I continue to reference her in my articles.

Even though my dad grew up extremely poor, he embraced all of grandma’s lessons and experiences. Dad continued his birthright, along with his twin brother, and became the first Teperas to graduate college. Now, that put plenty of pressure on my sister and I, but we accepted the challenge and conquered. I chose to add health and fitness to my family.

OK, enough about me. What can you add from your past generations? What are the lessons learned and experiences past on to you? Are you striving to be better and accomplish more?

Remember, those before you had to take on a set of different challenges with less technology. Today, the world of knowledge is at our fingertips. There’s no excuses for not giving your best. Yes, you will fail, but that’s just another lesson to take a different direction or to get back up and give a bigger fight.

I don’t know your current situation, but can you teach others to be kind, give up prejudice, volunteering, anything to make this world a better place? How will you impact your children so they can pass this among their kids?

With an extreme obesity rate of 42 percent, maybe you can be the health and fitness expert in your family. Whatever you choose, it’s your turn to add from past generations.

By David Tepera, January 20, 2021

I once read, “you’re one decision from changing your life.” Of course, these decisions can be life altering or disastrous. We have all been on both sides of that coin.

Let’s start with some life changing bad decisions. There are those who’ve driven while intoxicated, and it didn’t end well, people who got hurt from affairs, lost money from bad investments or business partners, and so-on. I’m sure you can add to this list.

Most of all, let’s focus on life altering good decisions. For me, I would had never met my amazing wife if I didn’t have the courage to start a simple conversation.

The choice of becoming a father was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. If you’ve been reading my column long enough, you know I was a single custodial parent for almost 15 years until Tina came into the picture.

I’ve told my grown kids many times that they changed my life. I became a better person through single parenting. I gave up socializing, alcohol and sold all my man toys. I was the SUV soccer dad throughout their childhood. Besides my career, my kids became my total focus, which created a special lifetime bond.

What positive life altering decisions have you made? Make a list and it will put you in a happy place. Let today be one of those great decisions. It could be as simple as showering people with love and respect. We all have goodness within us. It’s your turn to show others how awesome you are.

If you focus on all the good decisions, you’ll realize how incredible life is. It’s easy to get caught up in all the negatives, but that only leads to a destructive personality.

Is there something going on in your life where it’s time to make a serious change? This could be health related, occupational or relationships. What decision could you make today that would change your life for the better?

Remember, you have total control over your life. You get to make every decision of what you eat, social media, who you hang out with, how you spend spare time, including to be loving or a bully.

It’s time to take a serious look at our lives and recognize the decisions we are going to make going forward will change our lives forever.

By David Tepera, January 14, 2021

I’m sure there’s plenty of you who are not happy with some choices you’ve made in the past. Just remember, life is not about who you once were, it’s about who you are now.

I still shake my head over some of the decisions I made way in the past. I look back and realize the immaturity of my thoughts and actions. Even though it took some time, I’m just glad I woke up and stopped making the same dumb mistakes.

Recently, I was talking to a good friend of mine, and we were expressing how glad we were that cell phones weren’t around when we were being idiots.

But listen, mistakes of the past don’t define who you are now. There’s nothing you can do about it, so let it go and make sure you learned from it.

It’s interesting as you get older, it’s easier to love people and let go of unnecessary hatred.

Now that we are into the new year, don’t let the setbacks of 2020 define you. We are all trying to create and accomplish new goals to make us better than before.

Since Tina and I are professional athletes, we take the last few months of the year to gain as much muscle as possible. Of course, this will include some extra fat as well. Now that January is upon us, we started a three-month fat loss program to be competition lean by the end of March. We do this every year, and our bodies are accustomed to it.

What type of program have you started? Are you on pace to be healthier this year? Remember, one or two bad meals doesn’t make you fat. It’s a consistency of bad dieting that does it.

Just like getting in shape doesn’t happen in a few days. It takes months to be a healthier you. This process is a marathon, not a sprint, so don’t get discouraged.

Each morning you get another opportunity to start over. Forget failures and yesterday’s bad decisions and make this a better day.

For me, I start my mornings with a little prayer to give thanks for having a loving family, incredible wife, having my health and for guidance to be a better person today.

So, remember, you’re not defined by who you were yesterday, it’s who you are now.

By David Tepera, January 6, 2020

One of my late Grandma Tepera’s famous quotes at the end of every December was “what can happen in a year?” I believe we can all agree with Grandma that 2020 was loaded with peaks and valleys.

Now 2021 is upon us, so we should feel a new and better start is upon us. To get back on a productive path, you must love yourself enough to want more, demand more and be disciplined enough to create more.

What are you goals and plans for the month of January? To achieve greatness, there’s a need for small accomplishments.

If your goal is to lose 20-plus pounds, then losing a pound or two each week will be necessary. What diet and exercise changes did you make to start this process? Are you drinking more water, eating less carbs and cooking meals instead of takeout?

Each week, are you exercising more frequently, including increased intensity? If you’re starting out to walk 1 mile per day, then each week you should be adding an extra half-mile. How quick can you get to 5 miles?

Are you looking to create more income? Have you seriously tried to move up in your current company? All it takes is proving leadership qualities, become the “go-to person” and requesting better opportunities.

How’s your personal life? Are you in a respectful and loving relationship? What steps do you need to take to show your partner that you’re committed? If you’re in a destructive relationship, it’s time to put an exit strategy together. This is your life, and you are in control.

What are you going to do to make this year your best? If you’re doing the same thing, you’re going to get the same outcome. It’s time to make changes and lead a more productive life. This will create happiness, so start loving yourself.

Listen, the time is now. No more procrastination and excuses. It is January, and it’s game on. To make tomorrow better, you have to be productive today. Just know, most people want you to fail because they’re failing. People with destructive behavior seem to find each other. Productive and positive people will find each other, too. Plus, they’ll support and help each other to reach goals.

Leave the negative people in your dust because you’re in this game to win. Now, put your game face on, get out in the grind because this next December, it will be amazing what happened in one year.

By David Tepera, December 30, 2020

More than 15 years ago, life wasn’t heading in the direction I was hoping for. My mind became my worst enemy. All I could think about was, “Why are bad things happening to me, why are negative people in my life and why do I find the worst in every situation?”

I knew the only way to find peace and happiness would begin with me. I started reading three positive books a week, listened to uplifting CDs in my car and made constant prayers throughout my days.

My thought was if I filled my mind with only positive thoughts, there wouldn’t be any room for negativity. Guess what? It worked beyond my wildest dreams.

If you’re needing change in your life, start with the small habits. What’s your first thought when you wake? Are you thinking about all the negative people and situations you’ve encountered, or are you giving thanks and praise knowing you have another day to be a better person?

How do you spend your mornings? Are you dreading another day at the grind or are you excited that you have a job with a source of income to provide for your family? Which family member is getting the first hugs and smiles from you?

As your day continues, what are you allowing to enter your mind? With the social media craze, which stories and videos are you watching? Are you a laptop bully or a person of kind words, encouragement and support? Really, you probably need to step away from social media for a period of time.

Who do you allow to enter your life? Just know, the people you surround yourself with are a personal choice. If your friends have bad habits, no ambition and constantly putting others down, you are that person, too. Get out of that cesspool and go swim in bluer waters. You are who your friends are.

We are routine people. It’s the only way we can feel organized, but we know our organization skills need improving. Don’t only focus on big changes because you’re probably setting yourself up for failure. But, start with small habits and you’ll find a way to change your life and make 2021 the best year ever.

By David Tepera, December 23, 2020

I’m sure the holidays this year will be a bit different from the past, but it’s up to you to make the most of it.

Remember when you were a kid and having a few weeks off from school was like the best ever? During my day and in my neighborhood, there weren’t too many families who left for the holidays. It didn’t matter what the weather was like because all the kids would gather outside to play.

We would ride bikes, play kickball, driveway basketball and sneak out to Delany’s Lake to play hide-and-seek in the bushes and trees. Us kids didn’t have a care in the world because life was simple and easy.

Then we grow up to be parents, along with all the financial responsibilities, holidays become stressful, and you forget the reason for the season.

Well, it’s time take a step back and reflect on being a kid again. I know it’s difficult, but let go of the stress and get outside to play. If you have children, do some outdoor activities and let them see you be silly and having fun. It’s truly your opportunity to be a goofy kid and laugh at all the fun stuff.

I’m glad I didn’t grow up in the video game era. I’m sure I’d have a been a couch potato, too.

Not too long ago, Tina, our daughter Daylyn and I put on some Michael Jackson music and were doing our best to moonwalk. We were laughing hysterically, especially at this old man because I’ve lost my rhythm. I had to beg them not to post it on social media for I would totally lose my man-card.

Remember, it’s not how much you spend for Christmas, it’s the quality of enjoyment you get from it. Let go of all the stress because it will always be there. Make these holidays are a part of your forever memories.

Don’t forget to call elderly family members and brighten their day. All of us need to smile for Christmas and be thankful for all those who love us.

The year 2020 might have been a challenge, but you can change all that by just taking time to be a kid again.

I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas.

By David Tepera, December 18, 2020

There’s no secret, life can be extremely complicated. Almost all of us deal with unwanted situations on a daily basis. Do not wait for things to get easier and better because you must learn to be happy right now.

How many of you are just grinding out the work week and waiting for the weekend to enjoy life? It’s easy to get caught up in this week after week.

Tina and I are just like you. We do look forward to Friday evenings knowing our hard work will be celebrated. But, we’ve made it a point to find ways throughout the day to laugh and have fun while working.

We enjoy smiling and cutting silly jokes with our clients. Everyone will push through their weight training and will have fun doing it. There are serious moments, but there are brief down times that allows us to reflect on happiness.

What can you do at your specific job that could bring happiness? How do you respond to family members once home from a hard day at work? Who’s taking the responsibility to make everyone smile, plus can light up the day?

Our daughter Daylyn still lives with us. She works, attends college and is the first to want hugs when we walk through the door. She is the positive energy in our house. Her happiness is contagious, which radiates the rest of the evening. I know, I’m blessed to have wonderful children.

If your situation is not desired as wanted, it’s up to you to change the environment. There is good that surrounds you, so tap into the positive energy and recognize life is better than perceived.

Look, if you’re really struggling to find happiness, here are my two suggestions: 1. Do a small deed for someone else. It’s as easy as opening doors, smiling with a sincere hello, along with a conservative compliment. 2. Get outside and go for a long walk, grab your headphones and put on some uplifting music. The fast-paced songs you choose will put an extra “gid” in your giddyup; also you’ll walk a longer distance.

OK, now I’ve given you some thought to enjoy the days better. You’re an amazing, smart and incredible person put here because you have unique skills that makes other’s lives better. All it takes is learning to be happier now.