By David Tepera, November 1, 2026

None of us likes to fail, but there are lessons that come with it. I’m sure you have a long list of failures, so what good came from it?

For those who competed in athletics, did you learn more from losses than wins? We don’t know our weaknesses until we get beat and lose. It’s those failures that need attention to improve specific skills. There are times when we get knocked down, but to only get back up and fight another day.

Besides health-related failures like diet and exercise, how many failed in business adventures, investments, relationships, bad habits, or you fill in the blank?

I understand, failure can be a hit on our mental state, but only if you let it. I learned when setbacks happen to regroup and try another angle.

Just know, if you failed, be proud of yourself because at least you tried. I understand that trying to do something that’s out of your comfort zone is not easy. We are scared of failure, but if you went for it and lost, you are still a hero.

Let’s be for real, how many of you regret not stepping out and going for it? How would your life be different if you didn’t care about failure?

Time is flying by, so quit worrying about what other’s think and take control of your life. Don’t wake up tomorrow and regret what you didn’t do yesterday.

Listen, I’ve spent most of my adult life encouraging people to go for it. I’m nowhere perfect and regret many opportunities from the past. Stop listening or caring about the haters. You make the decisions best for you.

I failed in multiple businesses and relationships, but I learned lessons to never give up or throw in the towel. I might die broke, but I didn’t stop fighting and neither should you.   

Come on, failure is your friend, but regret is the enemy, so get up and make the best of what’s left of your life.

By David Tepera, October 25, 2026

The question you should ask is more money spent at the doctor’s office, along with a variety of prescriptions, or a gym membership, exercise classes, including a possible personal trainer? Really, it comes down to “how’s your quality of life?”. Whatever situation you’re in, its’ choices made, so own it.

Now, before someone wants to twist my words for their narrative. I do understand there are medical conditions that develop even for those who live a healthy lifestyle. Let’s be real, sometimes, we all need a reality check.

I once met with an elderly couple in their mid-80’s. The wife had two hip replacements, and was active. The husband had two knee replacements, but could only walk short distances with the aid of a cane.

They were in dire need to improve their quality of life because they wanted to travel and explore the world, but the husband’s condition kept them home.

After an assessment and consultation, it was obvious the husband would benefit from a proper weight training program to strengthen his legs. That alone would give them the opportunity to travel and enjoy retirement.

I perceived to give them many options to find a local gym, plus enquire a temporary personal trainer to learn the basic safety methods to weight training. This would be there first line of treatment to get back in life.

I wasn’t selling our services, even though it was an option, but encouraged them to find a local gym that’s convenient.

To my surprise, they opted out to not improve the husband’s limitation due to cost. Without going into details, I knew they were financially secure. Stop, this isn’t the time to give me your personal perspective of other people’s choices.  

Bottom line, is health a cost, or an investment. Are you in the golden years with no quality of life? You saved your entire adult life for retirement to travel and have some fun. Well, how’s that going for you? All the elderlies in our gym are traveling the world. How about you?

When we die, how much money do we need in our casket to get into Heaven? What’s preventing you from enjoying life today instead of throwing in the towel?

My mission today is to only make you think and evaluate your life because health is not a cost, it’s an investment.

By David Tepera, October 18, 2026

I want to share a recent conversation with my son Dylan. So, hang in there with me because it’s a bit of a long intro, but there’s a message for all of us.

As you know, we own a family gym, with five personal trainers, including Dylan. One day he will take over the business, but for now, Dylan has more leadership responsibilities. I’m constantly teaching him the challenges and battles to run a successful gym.

Okay, the beginning of our conversation was letting Dylan understand his worth. His entire life has been about athletics, weight training, including body building competition, plus nutritional expertise. I was letting Dylan understand that at the age of 28, he has a gift which makes him unique, so never sell your worth short.

Here’s the example scenario I gave Dylan as a gym owner. As you read this, do your best to apply this into your own personal and business life.

At our gym, all new potential clients go through a free 30-minute consultation with me. We discuss their goals and medical conditions. From there, after touring the gym, I show them our unique safe weight training methods for the older population. Of course, there’s more to it, but I’m proving our worth before discussing pricing. And that’s a lesson for all people. Always present your worth first.

Now, here is the lesson I was teaching Dylan about not selling your worth short.

If someone asks me if pricing is negotiable, I tell them “yes, but what part of the personal training do you want to eliminate”?

Typically, our sessions last around 45-minutes, but we can cut it short and eliminate some critical weight and core training to get you out in 20-minutes. Which one do you prefer? Then sit quiet and let them process the answer.

Just know, I’ve never been asked that question, but I’ve rehearsed it many a time in my brain, just to be prepared.

Do you understand my message? Don’t sell your worth short because you have value. Stand up for yourself with confidence and leadership. Stop letting people take advantage of your worth.

Just like my lesson to Dylan, price can change, but your worth can’t.

By David Tepera, October 14, 2026

I will be the first to admit, you’d be surprised of the man I am behind the printing of this column. I do my best to live by the messages and inspiration I share each week, but also admit to my past faults and dumb decisions.

One of the biggest surprises to my wife Tina while we were dating was when she discovered I’m a goof ball. On the outside, I have a professional appearance running a gym, medical background, guest speaking across the country, columnist, etc. But, there’s still a silly kid living in my brain. I prefer to see the humor in life, so I act goofy when nobody’s watching. Tina and the kids just shake their heads as they crack up.

How about you? Who is the person behind the scenes? Do you live the life presented to others around you? It’s perfectly okay if you are not as long as you’re kind to others. 

Being in the health industry my entire adult life, I was always surprised of medical and health professionals who smoked tobacco, or other destructive behaviors. Listen, I’m not judging or casting stones because I support living the life you choose.

Now, here’s a story that prompted this week’s message. A few days ago, while driving home from work, there was a little bit of road rage from a frustrated driver. This lady was swerving and cutting off other drivers while speeding through traffic. Each time she jumped in front of someone, she gave a one finger salute. The interesting part was as she passed me, I noticed a bumper sticker promoting a church, along with several fish emblems attached to her car. For some reason, I don’t think that finger was pointing to heaven.

To me, I’d rather laugh, be silly and not worry about other people’s opinion. I found that if people find something definitive about me, it’s because they live in a negative world. I just keep on being me, and so should you. People’s true character is behind closed doors.

Also, I know many people who perform kindness acts when no ones looking through volunteering at animal shelters, food drives, plus anything that helps their community. They don’t want recognition or attention. It’s just wonderful people who make this world a better place.

So, the question is – when no one is looking, what are you doing?

By David Tepera, September 30, 2026

I heard some wise words that prompted today’s article, so I would like to share my thoughts. Why do we wait all day for 5:00pm? Why do we wait all week for Friday? As kids, we can’t wait to be adults, and as adults can’t wait to find happiness.

There are many scenarios to this equation, so what is yours? Can’t wait to graduate, can’t wait for retirement, can’t wait for this or that.

Listen, life is a journey with every moment a memory. We must realize and embrace life as it is happening. Every photo of you is in the past. Every engagement with others is in the past.

There will be friends and family that you spoke with for the last time and didn’t know it. I do realize this is a little deep, but we must understand that love and special memories are happening right now, so live in the present and embrace them.

Don’t get me wrong, I also get caught up waiting for the day to end, while looking forward to the weekend. But, I’ve made it a habit to take a step back and realize how fortunate my life is today.

Look for the good and positives in your day. For example; if you fix things for a living, your work makes people’s lives better. Whatever your occupation may be, I’m sure you have the opportunity to make someone’s day.

Owning a gym, all our personal trainers have control to their client’s experience. It’s always a pleasure to witness people enjoying themselves while improving their quality of life.

How about you? Are you waiting to start exercising and eating healthier? The only thing preventing you from enjoying today’s moment is you. Why sit around all day with a “stinkin-thinkin” attitude? 

Come on, let’s live in the present. Embrace your significant other and let them know how much you appreciate and love them. Call family members and let them hear your voice. It’s more personal than texting.

Bottom line, we’ve got to quit waiting for something better when the best is happening right now. You just need to open your eyes and see it.

By David Tepera, September 30, 2026

How fortunate we all are to be alive with the possibility to impact this world. The purpose of childhood is preparation for the work that’s ahead of us. As adults, our work on earth is never over until the Lord is ready for us.

Every day has a work schedule, so what’s on your list? How will you make this world a better place for others? It’s as easy as being kind to everyone you encounter.

I’m sure we all know someone who sees the worst in everything. Listening to their rant gets old fast. My typical response is “I respect your opinion, but I’m having a good day, so I’ll keep on moving”. Release these people because you got work to do.

As most of you know, I was a single parent to my two children until the youngest reached high school. Growing up in sports and athletics my entire life, I found it equally important for my kids to have the same experience. You see, sports is similar to life. You win, lose, get knocked down, bloodied, bruised, commitment, all while building character and respect. Even in a losing season, you win lessons to try harder.

We all raise our kids they way we think best, so don’t get your feelings hurt when I let you know that mine didn’t play in any sport that gave out participation trophies. Remember, my dad was Coach Ray Tepera, so I grew up in a gym and practice fields. You had to earn winning, just like life.

Now, where ever you are at this moment, you got some work to do. First of all, you have to work on yourself. What food will you choose to put into your body? What thoughts will you allow to enter your mind. Just know, your thoughts transform into action, so be wise.

Listen, don’t give up, or throw in the towel. Come-on, this is your day to turn it around and change your life and those around you. You have that power.

Why don’t we all dig deep, love life and get out there because we got some work to do.

By David Tepera, September 14, 2026

Recently, Tina and I were in discussion about how long it’s been since we’ve been on a real date. We do grab a bite to eat once a week at a variety of restaurants, but it’s after work, so we are still in our gym attire.

I told Tina, it’s time for a date night, so get up, get dressed and let’s get out. I do understand for all you ladies, that getting dolled-up is a process, so men be patient because the final results are typically stunning. Remember, that’s your woman, so be proud.

When’s the last time you and your significant other got dressed up and went on a date? Admit it, dressing up and looking snazzy puts you in a good mood. Sometimes, we forget how beautiful we really are.

Guys, remember courting your wife? How special did you treat her? What were your handsome traits to reel her in? It’s time to surprise her with a dressed-up date. Of course, this pertains to all relationships.

This also made me reflect about other scenarios to which people need to get out. How many hours are wasted on social media? For me, it’s hard to understand why people waste their time following other people’s experiences. Why not create your own? Why are you sitting there wasting life away when your own life experiences are right outside the front door?

If you need some confidence or fighting depression, then get up, get dressed and start exercising. Get that body in motion to generate positive endorphins. I promise, movement will reduce aches and pains, better circulation, mental acuity, plus many other health benefits.

Aren’t you bored sitting around making excuses? Don’t point your finger at others for your decisions. Just know, there are people who want you to stay down because it makes them feel better about their own laziness. That is no longer you.

Your mind and body are stronger than you give it credit. Fill it with laughter and love to build a better quality of life.

So, here we are – It’s time to get up, get dressed and get out there to have some fun.

By David Tepera, September 6, 2026

There’s no secret, going through life has many emotions. We all encounter successes and failures through every task we attempt. But, what happens is people hold themselves back due to perceived failures or other’s opinions.

Remember, failure is part of the journey. If you haven’t failed, then you didn’t try hard enough. Name something you are good at. How many failures did it take to succeed at it?

For all you athletes, how many times did you fall, get bloodied, sprained joints, knocked down, but got back up to fight another day?

Stop worrying about making mistakes, you will survive them. There are times I reflect over my past mistakes and feel disappointed with myself. Then, I realize that those mistakes led to something greater and I wouldn’t change it.

What’s preventing you from taking risks? Admit it, how many times do you regret not taking a particular risk? Where would you be today if you took that one risk that could had changed your life for the better?

Tina and I don’t regret our pasts because we know every good and dumb decision led us to each other. All the ups, downs, twists and turns through life made our paths cross. Otherwise, we would have never met.

Don’t misunderstand my message. I’m not suggesting to do anything that could be destructive or detrimental. Keep a positive mindset and don’t let others detour your personal journey.  

Now, what’s weighing on you? What and who is preventing you from changing your life?

Let’s start with your health? How many hours do you spend on your phone? Why not put it away for an hour and take a walk? Maybe, it’s time to eat healthier instead of driving through the grease pit or sugar loaded coffer shops.

As we age, our bodies become weaker which leads to falls and breaks. Do something about it and pick up some dumbbells or join a local gym. For you seniors, there are gyms that accept Silver Sneakers from Medicare to pay memberships.

All our experiences mold us into the person we’ve become. Your character is not what challenges you’ve faced, but how you responded to them.

Today, we are all going to put on a game face, pound our chests because nothing can hold us back, so let’s go for it.

By David Tepera, September 2, 2026

Starting from childhood, what’s been your favorite form of exercise or activity? We all go through different phases as we get older, but if your body would allow, then what is it?

I’m not going to give a list to choose from because it would take up the rest of this article. We all have individual experiences, so pick one.

Let’s take it way back. Who thinks they could still spin a hula-hoop? Today, I’d probably throw out my back. I’m sure there’s plenty of you who use to jump all day on a pogo-stick. Now, probably project into a wall and break an ankle.

Okay, now let’s catch up to your current physical condition. What activity is reasonable for you to enjoy? For those with severe joint problems, you should consider pool exercises. The buoyancy of water relieves joint stress. This is a great way to get your body moving again.

Do your research because there’s plenty of local programs who offer these pool exercises.

What prompted this article is that I finally dusted off the old bicycle. You see, when Tina and I started our business eight years ago, I stopped riding my bike. Running a gym, plus training people all day, requires a lot of energy.

Well, turning 65 made me reevaluate my physical condition. I still lift weights each week to keep my body strong, but noticed my cardio condition needed improving. We have plenty of cardio machines at the gym, but was boring for me. Then it hit me of how much I missed riding my bike.

I cleaned it up, aired the tires and took off from the house. Staying clear from the main roads, I rode through subdivisions until I hit the trails. I was able to let go of the daily grind as I enjoyed the beauty of nature around me.

I know the heat has been brutal lately, so pick a desired time of day. Also know, that riding a bike creates a breeze which helps cool body temperature.

Hopefully, as you are reading this, there is some type of activity spinning in your head. What’s preventing you from enjoying that again? 

I know an elderly lady taking dance classes. Some of her friends made fun of her until they saw how much her love of life improved.

Look, this is your life, restart your favorite activity and dance like no one’s looking.

By David Tepera, August 25, 2026

First of all, I want to thank the countless emails I receive each week from readers of my column.

I’m humbled by your kindness letting me know the positive impact I’ve made in people’s lives.

On a side note; I encourage everyone to reach out to the other columnists with kindness and thankfulness. I promise, it will make their day.

Don’t we all want people to treat us with kindness? Of course, none of us are perfect, but that’s what makes us unique.

This world has become so fast pace that people are in a hurry to get from one place to the other. Maybe, it’s time to slow down and have compassion for one another.

Every morning, I rejoice and choose happiness because I get another day to touch someone’s life. Tina is not a morning person, so I do get on her nerves for a few hours.

Look, slough off the haters because they are jealous of something you’ve accomplished. Don’t get pulled into their negative world. Be yourself, find a smile in the hardest moments, and keep moving forward.

Kindness is free medicine we can all share. It instantly changes emotions, reduces stress, improves mood, builds self-esteem, and strengthens relationships.

Believe it or not, physically, kindness may lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, can improve sleep, increase energy, plus encourages physical activity.

Just know, all of this happens when you are giving or receiving kindness. I think we would all like some of that free medicine, so why not share it?

When you are changing other’s lives, you are changing yours along with them. People who choose meanness will find themselves living in a negative world. They will also attract other negative people towards them.

Just like kindness and love will attract positive-minded people into their circle. The choice is clearly up to you.

Now, who’s life will you lift today? Why not live the day like you won the lottery? Wouldn’t you greet everyone with the biggest smile?

We never know what the person in our path is facing. None of us can escape difficult challenges or death of a loved one. It’s very possible that you helped some stranger with just a good-ole-Texas smile, followed with a “howdy”, while opening the door.