Tag Archives: students

Inspiration

You can change the world

By David Tepera, June 7, 2017

Like all seniors this year, my son Dylan graduated high school. Many parents cried at the ceremony because it means their childhood is over. All the years of recitals, sports, activities and etc. are over.

Of course, not every child had great experiences while growing up in public schools. Maybe you felt like an outsider and different from the stereotypical normal popular kids.

Well guess what? That’s the cool part of the adult world. We do not need the ‘Same ol- same-ol.’ This is an exciting time for you because you should never want to be normal.

My kids and I applaud those children who chose to dress differently and live a different way of life, which gave them confidence. However, this pertains to those who treated others with kindness and respect.

Your future has started. How do you see yourself and what’s the end result? Today, start taking steps toward reaching positive goals of success, health and happiness.

Many high school graduates might be unsure of which direction to turn, and my best advice is to start internally. I promise if you begin with a healthy lifestyle, meet friendly people, then an opportunity will cross your path.

It is time to stop having fried foods and excessive sugars. You should start a new exercise program to help them see their life transforming. Your mind will think clearer, your body will fill with energy and your spirit will soar.

The adult path will have many challenges, but those experiences are important. You will get knocked down, blindsided and sucker punched, but get back up because those temporary setbacks will guide you to success.

I am almost 56 years old, and my tragedies help me become a better person, father and friend. Some situations hurt,  but it help me learn to love all mankind and myself.

Don’t ever give up on your story because what you strive to be is what you become. You have a purpose in life, and it is right outside the door waiting for you. Take a deep breath and say to yourself, ‘Alright world, look out because here I come.’

If you change yourself, then you’ll change the world.

Inspiration

Refuse to lose

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By DAVID TEPERA, April 19, 2017

When we hear professional athletes being interviewed about an upcoming event, they will boastfully say, “we are preparing our best to be winners.”

When athletes claim to be winners, it’s because they have a specific goal in mind that has a date attached to it. For example, a championship game or any sporting event.

What about us common people, or those of us who want to win in life, but don’t know the particular outcome or have a specific date? You’re facing many challenges and all you can do is keep battling so you don’t lose.

To me, that’s the ultimate mindset in difficult situations — “Refuse to Lose”.

For those who have been diagnosed with a health crisis, you don’t know when or how long the crisis will last. But, as long as you refuse to lose, you’ll conquer it.

What happens if your job needs to cut corners and your salary was reduced? Or, you were passed up for the promotion? Sometimes, these situations force you to search new occupations and opportunity. If so, refuse to lose and you’ll land the dream job.

There’s a lot of people battling unhealthy addictions that threaten their quality of life. You know it’s destructive and winning has no time period attached to it. So, if you refuse to lose, you’ll eventually overcome and life will be amazing again.

You can use the “refuse to lose” attitude in every aspect of life: student-athletes, education, business, relationships, spiritual and so on.

I’m personally facing critical decisions which prompt today’s lesson. I had a long discussion with my kids because, just like all of you, they have their own challenges.

For those of you from the greater Houston area, Jim McIngvale, better known as Mattress Mack, once said “the only people who don’t have stress in life are in the cemetery.”

Now put on your game face and read this last statement out loud: “I vow to stay happy and keep pushing forward to enjoy life. I control my destiny and no one can stop me or push me down. I am bold, mighty and strong and will overcome any challenge I face because from now on — I REFUSE TO LOSE.”

Inspiration

I choose to be extraordinary

By DAVID TEPERA,  April 12, 2017

If you’re an ordinary person, then you’ll have an ordinary life. Just the typical daily grind of a boring occupation, monthly bills, along with simple common recreation. You’ll never really face defeat or more importantly — huge success.

For you, life is as simple as it gets. And, that’s probably fine because you’d rather not step out of your comfort zone and worry about what people think of you.

Keep in mind, ordinary workers can be replaced. Ordinary athletes are a dime a dozen. Sorry, but ordinary is a life without purpose.

Recently, I was sitting amongst some successful friends sharing our troubled paths and the importance of a mindset to overcome them.

You see, we all agreed that we never wanted to be ordinary. We understood that doors will slam in your face, people will call you names and tell you that your ideas are ridiculous. Others will do their best to deflate your ambitions because they haven’t accomplished anything worthwhile themselves.

Yes, these are harsh statements, but it’s reality. Excuses are way overrated and gets you nowhere.

Let today be the day you choose not to be ordinary anymore. All it takes is a new mindset. Learn to pump up your psychic while looking in the mirror to mean-mug yourself. Say out loud “that’s it, there’s no ordinary in this body anymore. From now on, I’m extraordinary, and I’m going out in this world and kick some butt.”

The definition of extraordinary is to go above and beyond what is expected.

For athletes, you’ll step up your game to get the attention of coaches. You might not be the fastest in drills, but you’ll be the first in line. Learn to sprint to each drill. When coaches huddle players, be up front, eyes wide open and fixed on every word a coach says. Followed by “yes sir” or “yes ma’am.”

As adults, we are all different in so many ways, but to reach extraordinary is to improve diet and exercise. That alone will change every aspect of your life. Getting in better shape builds confidence to conquer. You’re in competition with yourself, so win the day.

It’s your life. Admit it, you don’t want to be ordinary. Break the chains weighing you down. Put on your superhero costume and soar through life with a mission to fly to the top.

Fitness, Inspiration

Local father-son duo win fitness competition

Hi Fives: Posted: Saturday, December 17, 2016 

Father-son duo

Father-son duo David and Dylan Tepera took home top prizes in each of their divisions in a recent NSpire Sports League event.

Congratulations to David and Dylan Tepera for taking first places in each of their divisions in a recent NSpire Sports League event. NSL is a world-wide competition that promotes healthy bodies.

David won two events in the men’s masters beach and athletic physique body categories, and Dylan won the teen beach body category.

What made this competition special for the pair is the fact David and Dylan were not just the only father and son duo, but at the age of 55 and 18, they were the oldest and the youngest competitors.

David and Dylan will be representing Galveston County come March 18, along with others, at Fit Life Fitness in League City.

Inspiration

Learn to get back up and never quit

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, August 30, 2016

As parents, one of the best lessons we can teach our children is to get back up after being knocked down. These lessons will be needed throughout their whole lives.

For example, when I was a youth soccer coach, it was countless how many times parents would run to their kid’s rescue after they fell from being tripped. The fallen kid would look for their parents then start crying.

Now wait a moment and keep reading before you get mad at me. There is a difference between being hurt and being injured.

At the beginning of each season, I would tell the parents that if your kid falls, I’m going to yell at them to get up and get back in the game. I wouldn’t give them an opportunity to cry or have their parent over-pamper them.

Also, once the kid was up and running, I would yell encouraging words letting them know how proud I was of their effort. Those kids always received extra high-fives from me.

It was amazing to watch a young kid learn to self-power and transform into a determined athlete.

The second part of this lesson is I never allowed my kids to quit any sport or activity either. It didn’t matter how much they weren’t enjoying it. I told them to finish the season, and if they never wanted to play again, then don’t.

Besides, my kids typically would end up liking that sport anyway. They just had a discouraging game or practice during a particular week.

Once we teach our kids to quit, quitting becomes a way of life. Believe me, my kids have deleted the “quit” word from their vocabulary.

I know a family whose parents came to their son’s rescue in every situation possible, not just sports. Their son never learned to get back up or problem-solve. They allowed him to quit every activity he was involved in. Now he’s in high school and has no ambition because quitting comes too easy.

Throughout our whole lives, we will be in situations that require us to find courage to never give up.

We’ll encounter divorce, unemployment, life-threatening diseases, death of love ones and so on.

Yes, you will fail, you’ll get hurt, and you’ll lose. But, you’ll also come from behind to win, cross the finish line and fight your way back in life.

You’ll always find a way to land back on your feet because quitting was never an option.

Inspiration

One person can affect a whole city

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Recently, I was explaining to my son Dylan about the financial impact that superstar athletes have on their cities. For example: LeBron James generates over $100 million annually from tourists to the city of Cleveland through hotels, restaurants, shopping, transportation and so on.

I continued explaining, to think about all the families who were able to raise their children and have a decent living — all because of one person.

That’s why when LeBron left the city, he did more than disappoint the fans in winning a championship with the Miami Heat. Cleveland, Ohio, really did lose its king.

The whole reason for having this conversation with my 17-year-old son is I want him to start thinking about how he can influence his community.

Dylan replied to me that there is only one LeBron James. I told him, “You’re absolutely right, and there is only one Dylan Tepera.”

You see, Dylan has one more year left in high school, and then it’s off to college. But, I want him to create a career to help others and bring goodness to all.

Don’t just think about working in a corporate environment where you’re being told what to do on a daily basis. Yes, you can start there to learn about the real world, but you must have the desire to go beyond.

At an early age, I instilled in my children to own their own businesses and create a brand that makes people’s lives better. When you’ve accomplished this, then you’ve succeeded.

Don’t worry about the income. Money will follow and grow when you’ve created a brand of integrity and passion.

Now you must think about you. It doesn’t matter that you’ve settled into a comfortable living. We must all find a way to help others. It’s as simple as volunteering to an organization in your hometown.

Look around and see where there’s a need. Try to find a way to generate money or get others involved to help charities or people in need.

We must all act now because we only have a short time on this earth. We are neighbors and in this world together. Our destiny is to inspire and have a positive influence in life.

Inspiration

Do what it takes to reach goals

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Recently, I had an inspiring conversation with a young lady named Maricruz Diaz. She had a slight accent, so I asked to share her story. At first, Maricruz was a little reluctant but proceeded to amaze me.

Maricruz had come to the United States a few years ago to pursue her dream of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She started her journey in Mexico completing almost two years of college but was given a new opportunity here to continue a full education.

She faced many obstacles and setbacks. First, the American nursing school didn’t accept any credits from Mexico. Next, Maricruz had to take one year of English, which she completed, then one year of remedial classes to prove her understanding. Finally, she took two years of prerequisites to be accepted into school.

After 4-5 years of schooling, she is now ready to start a four-year program for nursing.

Oh, did I mention she works 40 hours a week in a hospital organizing surgical instruments?

I can’t tell you how many people have told me that they don’t have time to reach their goals, no time to go to the gym, exercise or clean up their diet.

I know a grown man in his 30s who hasn’t worked in almost four years because he found a way to work the system and receive a free check from the government.

Maricruz told me she is one of five siblings, and all of them have college degrees.

Her dad is a retired construction worker, and her mom was a full-time, stay-at-home mom. Yes, they might have been somewhat financially poor but obviously wealthy in family values.

Listen, we’ve got to stop giving excuses for our lazy behavior. It doesn’t matter what your age and current status quo. Step your game up, get excited about what lies ahead and live out your dreams like a young lady named Maricruz Diaz.

Inspiration

Now’s the time to separate yourself

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Are you bored with your life? Have you allowed yourself to become complacent with the same old routine each day?

Look around and notice, you’re probably wearing the same style of clothes as everyone else your gender and age. And sadly, you’re probably just as out of shape and overweight.

We are all creatures of habit. It’s our way of staying organized and possibly less stressed. But there are many of you whose routine isn’t going anywhere productive.

Maybe now’s the time to separate yourself from the average person. Be the silent leader by changing diet, exercise and lifestyle.

You will find it very rewarding and encouraging when people ask, “Something is different about you. You look good. Did you lose weight?”

My son Dylan is a junior in high school. His basketball season ended around two months ago. Afterward, we had a serious discussion to find a way to separate him from all the other players since he will become a senior and in his final season.

Our plan is to add as much muscle mass as possible and to work on speed and vertical leap.

What most people don’t understand is you typically don’t see results from training until after at least a month. If you can stick with it past that time, then body changes start kicking in and keep rolling.

Dylan didn’t have any weight increases during the first month, even though he was eating six meals a day. He also brings food to school to eat between classes.

But now, a little more than two months into training, he has gained 12 pounds of solid muscle, massively increased strength and added almost 2 inches to his vertical.

You see, Dylan is the average height of 6-feet, 1 inch like the majority of players on his team. But I guarantee next season he will be the biggest, fastest and strongest.

Now, it’s time for you to separate yourself from co-workers or teammates. Put a plan together, stick with it, and take your life to a whole new level.

Inspiration

Do you have a March Madness mentality?

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Since my son Dylan’s passion is basketball, we’ve been watching the March Madness tournament.

One of the exciting components of this particular tournament is that each game will be your last — if you lose. So, every team and each player is playing to their utmost ability.

It’s been amazing watching these players battle to the end with last-second game-winning shots.

This made me think about my own life and how I attack each day.

How much more productive and powerful would we be if we took on March Madness mentality? For us to get up each morning with the ambition to conquer the day because if we don’t, it could be our last — to know losing is not an option.

I will be the hardest worker today. I’ll get to work 30 minutes earlier and stay 30 minutes later.

I’ll let everyone close to me know how much I love and appreciate them.

All my friends can count on me to be trustworthy and dependable.

My children will have an interacting father helping with homework, shooting hoops in the driveway, getting snow cones and giving lots of hugs.

Those of you in relationships, be creative and adventurous to show appreciation and love. It could be as simple as going grocery shopping together.

Today will not see shortcuts. I will be in full force to smash through negative barriers, leaping over life’s obstacles to cross the finish line setting new records.

Just know, you better get out of my way because I’m not going around you.

Since I’m a champion today, I’ll take it to a new level tomorrow and conquer this March Madness tournament of life.

Inspiration

In what chapter of life are you?

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, March 22, 2016

We all go through different phases and chapters throughout our journey of life. What chapter are you experiencing today compared to yesteryears?

I’m in my mid-50s, and today’s chapter is completely different from my 40s and beyond.

One common denominator is that I’ve always maintained a decent diet and exercised frequently. As I progressed through my 30s and to date, my knowledge and experience in these categories excelled. That’s because I understand keeping a healthy body is important for a better quality of life.

Hopefully, as you get older, you are recognizing this as well.

But really, most important is our character development. Over the past 10 years, I started a personal campaign to become a loving, caring and compassionate person to all mankind. This has drastically changed my life.

I learned to forgive those who wrong me by understanding their reasons and through time, was able to erase it from my daily consciousness. This mental action relieved me from tremendous unnecessary stress. Plus, it opened the door for peace and relaxation.

We get caught up stressing over negative situations that should be in our pasts.

Once, my daughter Daylyn had another student say some very hurtful words to her. I found Daylyn crying in her room and asked about the situation.

After a brief loving father-daughter talk, I asked when this had happened. To my surprise, it occurred more than a month ago.

I told Daylyn, “Don’t you realize, only in your mind this person is still being mean to you because you’re letting it? I guarantee the other student has moved on with their life and doesn’t give you one thought. Forgive their immature idiotic behavior and be the amazing happy little girl everyone loves.”

Can’t we all relate to Daylyn’s situation?

Just know, if someone is being ugly to you, it’s because there is something about you that makes them jealous and envious. If they are comfortable with themselves, they wouldn’t care.

Come on, let’s all write the same new chapter in life for character development to become compassionate toward others. We are in this journey together, and hopefully one day, we will cross paths.