Tag Archives: karate

Create your own destiny

By David Tepera, June 14, 2017

In 1987, I was introduced to a new philosophy of thinking by Grandmaster Al Garza. This philosophy has been used by many people to help transfer their lives. Typically, our biggest challenges in life are within ourselves, so I want to share this with you.

There are five components: thoughts, actions, habits, character, destiny.

What are your constant daily thoughts? What do you think about the most? If these thoughts are negative, then your actions will become them, plus you’re probably hanging out with those types of people.

You must recognize when negative thoughts are attacking your mind, and learn to flip them into positive ones. Find the beauty in every situation to develop a peace of mind.

You see, your thoughts will become your actions. When you judge situations and people with an open heart, then you’ll treat others with kindness and respect. When you think of healthy foods and exercise, then your body will respond at its best.

How many of you hit the local bar after work instead of going to the gym? How many of you have the need to smoke tobacco after each meal?

Why not flip your actions to improve your life?

Once you’re able to create positive actions on a daily basis, they will develop into habits.

Our habits are really a reflection of our lifestyle. Why be destructive to ourselves? Believe me, once you start developing a positive mind and making better choices, then your quality of life will become amazing.

These habits will determine your character. People see you as the person you portray. Not only others, but how do you treat yourself?

I’ve made countless mistakes throughout life, but I don’t beat myself up over it anymore. I let it go and make today better than yesterday.

My character became more important because not only did I want others to respect me, but I needed to be happy with myself. I love the man I’ve become, and you’ll learn to love yourself, too.

Remember, your character will determine your destiny. The beauty is you can start a new destiny today. Don’t worry what happened yesterday because today is the beginning of the new you.

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.