Tag Archives: inspiration

Fitness, Inspiration

Accomplish goals using power of attraction

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Wednesday, April 15, 2015

I once had the opportunity to judge the long-jump event for track and field day at an elementary school.There was a very athletic fifth grade girl named Jackie, who was expected to break the school record.

After her first attempt, Jackie landed about four inches shy of the record. She asked me to show her where the school record was located and to mark it. Jackie starred at the marked record for a few seconds then prepared for her next jump. She eventually smashed the school record by nearly seven inches.

It took me a few years to understand how Jackie accomplished that feat. We all have mental goals for different parts of our lives. But, unless we can truly see them and feel them, our goals typically won’t be accomplished.

What are your goals in life? Be that of ideal-weight, running a marathon, dream job, life partners, or maybe an expensive house or car. Everyone has a different list.

Write down your goals, find pictures of them, and place them on your bathroom mirror, refrigerator, dashboard of your car, and on your office desk.

You need these as constant reminders of what you want to accomplish. Do not look at them as a want or wish list, but produce the feeling as if you have already accomplished them. Walk through your daily lives as if you own those possessions, have that dream job, or ideal body weight.

When you can feel the presence of each goal, you will attract them into your lives. Don’t worry about how and when it will happen, just know it manifests through your intense power.

There’s a young lady named Cortney, who wanted to lose weight. I had her cut out pictures of herself when she was much thinner and place them around her house as a constant visual reminder of what she really looks like. Over the past several months, Cortney has lost over 20 pounds.

Use your “power of attraction” and place your goals all around you. I bet you’ll fly through the air and smash records like a fifth grade girl named Jackie

Fitness, Inspiration

A lesson in focusing on task at hand

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Late last year while exercising in my local gym, I noticed a woman, probably in her 40s, training a young lady who had to be around 20 years of age. It was obvious that the younger lady was mentally challenged, for she never smiled, never talked or made eye contact with anyone.

Because of my curiosity, I struck a conversation to enquire about their situation. The older woman’s name was Vickie, and she told me that she had recently become Sarah’s guardian. Vickie also mentioned that since she regularly worked out in the gym, she decided to start taking Sarah with her.

Well, about five months had passed before we crossed paths again. Oh my goodness, I was in complete shock. Sarah had transformed her body into what looked like an Olympic athlete. She had lost most of her body fat and replaced it with muscle.

I expressed my surprise and joy to Vickie, then asked how Sarah, under her circumstances, was able to accomplish this transformation?

Vickie’s reply was that due to Sarah’s disability, she can only focus on one task at a time and gives it 100 percent effort. This is part of her mentality that helps her function in life.

Sarah noticed I was complimenting her because she looked deep into my eyes and produced a huge smile. My heart melted, and all I could do in return was to nod my head with a warming grin.

There are two “take-aways” from Sarah’s story. First, if we could all learn to give 100 percent focus on the task at hand, how more productive and organized our lives would be — be that occupational, educational, projects, relationships, spiritual, fitness and diet.

Second, I don’t have a PHD, but how many other mentally or physically challenged people would benefit from the use of a gym?

One thing I do know for certain, getting yourself in better shape produces confidence and endorphins.

Because of my crazy workout schedule, I haven’t seen Vickie and Sarah since then. But, the lesson learned from Sarah, will last me a lifetime.

Inspiration

Can you make Sports Center’s Top 10 plays in other parts of your life?

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Wednesday, April 29, 2015 

Every day, ESPN’s SportsCenter shows the top 10 plays for all sports from the previous day. My family and I enjoy watching since some of the plays reflect spectacular feats of athleticism.

Before my kids start one of their own games, we talk about performing well enough to make SportsCenter’s Top 10.

This made me think and evaluate other parts of my life. Do I make top 10 plays as a parent, spouse, business man, writer or even with my health?

What about you? We teach our kids to perform at their best, but are you setting the example. Just know, your kids are watching your every move and making their own judgements.

Which parent are you? The one who comes home, complains about work, expects dinner to be ready, plops on the couch and yells at kids because you can’t hear the TV.

When’s the last time you got up a little earlier and made your special breakfast for everyone? How about that house project that’s been lingering around for months? Maybe it’s time to come home to your kids and play catch, kick a soccer ball or shoot some hoops.

Make a date night with your spouse, and do something you both enjoyed when dating. This will help you remember why you fell in love.

Maybe it’s time to step up your game at work and ask to take on extra projects. Show your bosses that you’re the “go to” employee.

Now, it’s time to embrace your life and make SportsCenter Top 10 plays in every aspect of it. Be the person you want your kids to become. Love your spouse and thank them for all they’ve done for you and family.

I promise, you’ll start loving every minute of every day because you stopped wasting time and have a purpose in life

Fitness

Your body ready for swimsuit weather?

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Is it really Spring Break already? Are you ready for “take my shirt off” weather, or wearing swimming suits in public?

I wonder how many of you, by now, have quit your New Year resolution for fitness and diet? Statistically, the answer to that question is around 90 percent.

I can give you all the fitness and diet tips needed to get in better shape, but my advice won’t make a difference unless you take a “that’s it” attitude.

What do I mean by “that’s’ it”? It means you’re fire-blasting mad and aggressively motivated.

You’re mad, because you’ve lacked self-discipline, and allowed yourself to become a lazy, grease-eating blob. Yep, I just got in your face and told the truth, unlike the people around you. I hope you’re so mad that you punched my picture. You already know your worst diet habits, so tell yourself “that’s it — no more.

I am not driving through a fast food restaurant to and from work anymore.”

You’re now motivated because you’ve come to accept your failures, realize you can’t go back in time and will start making positive changes. Right now is what you control; right now is attitude.

When you’re mad, you get an attitude. Take that same attitude toward getting in better shape and making proper diet choices. Go at it like a prize fighter, because we all have a fighter in us. Come out swinging and kick your lazy bad habit’s butt.

There’s no better self-reward than accomplishing goals in diet and exercise.

Like I’ve written before, it’s not about perfection, its’ progression.

Today’s step is one step closer to goals than yesterday.

Now, get real, try on your swimming suit or take your shirt off. Tell yourself “that’s it, I’m going into ‘beast mode’” and will have my body ready by summer time.

Look out everyone, there’s a new hottie in town.

Inspiration

All athletes’ seasons end, but there is so much more

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Back in 2008, I coached my son’s 9 year old Little League baseball team. There was one particular kid, whom I will call Mike, born with several birth defects.

Mike’s parents were very distraught and depressed because, due to Mike’s disabilities, this was to be his last season to play competitive baseball.

You see, Mike was not an ordinary boy. He had a passion and knowledge of the game like no other 9 year old I’d ever encountered. You could ask Mike about any professional baseball player, and he could tell their history and statistics. To say it was impressive is an understatement.

At the end of the season, I met with Mike’s parents to give them my thoughts. I told them Mike has a gift. All players’ seasons will eventually end, but Mike’s love for the game of baseball will be forever.

I have a vision of Mike being a sports radio commentator, a television sports newscaster, working as a scout for a professional baseball team or maybe writing a sports column.

Mike’s parents stared at me with this blank look on their face, then the tears started flowing. They let me know, what I had just said, never occurred to them. They couldn’t stop thanking me enough, and it was the best group hug I’d ever received.

What about you? What do you have a passion and desire for — be it personal, business, fitness or spiritual? If you truly want something, and give full effort, then there is a niche and a place for you.

Mike and his family moved away, but I’m able to keep up with them through Facebook.

Just so you know, Mike is in now in high school and is doing well.

Inspiration

Retirement should be the start of a new life

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Recently, I visited south Florida for business. Some surgeon friends and I were there for advanced orthopedic training.

As we all know, this is a densely populated area for retired senior citizens. To my surprise, these seniors were living life to the fullest. They were wearing clothes of fashion, had stylish hairdos and jewelry, driving convertible cars, sporting dark tans, and were busy with many physical activities.

These activities included swimming, golfing. biking, tennis, dancing and training in the gym.

My Florida surgeon friend told me these people come to him for multiple joint replacements due to osteoarthritis. They weren’t there to just take the pain away, but to get back to an active lifestyle as quick as possible.

So, let me ask you, who are retired, have you made a bucket list or a life list? Do you look at retirement as time closer to death or as a new beginning?

Maybe you should get a personal trainer, take dancing lessons, play golf or tennis. What activities have you always desired to do? You are never too old to try something new or out of your comfort zone.

You shouldn’t care what your family or friends think. Either you will make them jealous, or maybe they’ll join you.

Former President George Bush, even to this day, skydives every year on his birthday. Isn’t he like 100 years old?

We all have an inner kid in us. Find yours, and enjoy retirement like it’s a continual vacation because it is. You’ve earned it!

I know I’m getting a little older, but to be honest, some of these great grandmas in Florida were looking kind of hot, and so can you.

Inspiration

Lessons in sports help children in many ways

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Two years ago, when my daughter Daylyn was 12 years old, she fell in love with the game of volleyball.

In previous years, she played in many recreation leagues. We decided to step up her game, and try to join one of the club leagues. This would give her the opportunity to improve her skills and knowledge of the game.

Daylyn had missed the first set of tryouts, but one particular team allowed her to join a practice. The coach wanted to determine if she was good enough to make the team.

Oh my goodness, all these girls were very skilled with a fast-paced practice. Everyone knew what they were doing except for Daylyn. She was spinning in circles trying to keep up. It was obvious, she was a sheep thrown to the wolves.

Daylyn would glance at me every once in a while with tear-swollen eyes, biting her lip to keep from showing her emotions. But, my little girl never gave up, producing her best and battling through each drill. All I could do was to keep giving a thumbs-up signal for encouragement.

I’m glad she couldn’t see my face, for I had a steady stream of tears flowing down the crevices of my cheeks.

The real message here is for all you parents who put your kids in competitive youth sports. Just know, through all the bumps, bruises, scratches and falling down to get back up in the game, that your child will grow up with an edge in the competitive game of life.

We understand, it can be a cruel and challenging world, but with a sports background, you learn the drive to win and be your best.

Just so you know, Daylyn did make the team. She was chosen for possessing strong will and perseverance.

Through the season, Daylyn went from the only girl who struggled with overhand serves, to one of the team’s power servers

Inspiration

Players learn to be good sports through good coaches

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Wednesday, February 4, 2015

When my son Dylan was 11 years old, I coached his youth basketball team. We had a successful season, all the players improved, had lots of fun, except for one situation. We were down to our last game and one of the players, whom I will call John, hadn’t scored a goal all season, even though he had equal playing time as his teammates.

Before our last game started, I talked to our opponent’s coach, Kevin Dapper, and explained the situation. I asked Coach Dapper, when the game is down to the last 2 minutes and if John hasn’t scored, would his team agree to let him score a basket? He gathered his 11 year old team together and they all happily agreed.

Well, the game was under 2 minutes and John hadn’t scored. I nodded to Coach Dapper, and he signaled his team.

You see, all of John’s family was at this particular game including, not only parents and siblings, but grandparents and out of town relatives.

We inbounded the ball, passed it to John, who proceeded clumsily down the court. The opponents acted like they were defending but giving John a pathway, and after a few attempts, made his first and only basket of the season.

I leaped about 5 feet in the air with the biggest scream. His family were on their feet yelling at the top of their lungs. John was running back down the court with the biggest grin imaginable.

It was the first time to witness 11 year old boys excited for an opponent to score against them.

We might have lost that game on the scoreboard, but you would have never known by the celebration we were having.

Just know, all these boys are in high school now, and Coach Dapper is still coaching youth sports and teaching good sportsmanship.

Coach Dapper, even after all these years, I still tip my hat.

Inspiration

Great things can happen by adding politeness

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Wednesday, January 28, 2015

I want to share a story that happened years ago. While attending college, I was a martial arts competitor and worked at Grand Master Al Garza’s Karate School. When teaching classes, I constantly reminded students to address me with “yes sir” and no sir.”

On one particular day, I was walking through Baybrook Mall and a young lady stopped me to sell some men’s cologne. During our conversation, and out of habit, I reminded her to say “yes sir.” I immediately apologized and explained my reason for correcting people. I bought the cologne and went on about my way.

About four months later, I was walking through the mall again, and this same lady ran up and stopped me. She told me that she thought real hard about our conversation and chose to start responding to everyone with “yes sir” and “yes ma’am”.

To her surprise, she started selling more products and doubled her commissions. Her supervisors took notice and gave her a leadership role in that department.

Now, she was taking night classes in marketing and business with plans to open her own store one day.

Just think about yourself. How do you treat people? What are your habits of politeness? Do you treat people as you wish to be treated?

Don’t get frustrated if you open the door for others and they don’t say “thank you.” That’s their problem. Walk away and continue your awesome day.

My kids have been opening doors for people since they were very young. They love greeting people and watching adults smile at them for their act of kindness.

It doesn’t matter how old you are. Try adding “yes sir” and “yes ma’am” to your vocabulary and watch the effects it will have in your life.

And, if you start making more money, cut me off 10 percent.

Inspiration

Start each day with a positive outlook

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Let’s start each day with positive thinking. Find goodness and beauty in every person you encounter. Don’t judge people by their clothes, hairstyles, tattoos, and piercings.

The kids and I only judge people by our ears and not our eyes. We’ve learned to enjoy how everyone expresses themselves with different styles and fashion.

Your true character is typical of how you speak. Do you speak well of others and show respect and kindness? Remember kids, how you act and speak in public is a reflection of your parents.

I’m currently helping a number of people to reach their fitness goals. My main focus is positive thinking. I see beauty in everyone, and you should recognize the beauty you possess.

Remember, your body is a reflection of your lifestyle. Some people are very physically fit, some are severely overweight or scary thin, while all others are in between.

No matter what your body type is, if you recognize your inner beauty and walk with confidence, then you will slowly transform the body you truly desire.

Next time you walk into work, smile and greet everyone with a good morning or hello. Don’t hide or be overly shy. Let people know you’re alive and happy. Be that person others want to surround themselves with.

I’m just so excited starting this new year with a more positive attitude and will continue riding the wave of kindness and helping others reach fitness goals.