By David Tepera, May 5, 2021

There’s typically that one person in each family who becomes the caretaker of others. Are you the one who constantly gives of themselves? In time of need and despair, you’re the one who steps up and helps family, friends and sometimes coworkers.

But, the person I’m writing to the most is those of you who’ve spent or are spending years helping sick family members. It’s you who helped ailing parents, spouses, siblings or other family members back to health or until death.

To me, I feel you are one of the angels that put their life on hold to make others’ life circumstances better. You’ve sacrificed your own health to care for others. There’s been no spare time for you.

How about parents or single parents who’ve sacrificed all their time raising children? You have a full-time job during the day, running children to practices in the evening, along with homework, cooking and cleaning. Most weekends are filled with children’s game days and birthday parties.

There’s truly no spare time for you and, over the years, it’s wreaked havoc on your health and body.

For all of you who have similar situations, at some point, you must say to yourself, “Now it’s time to do it for me.”

As we get older, our health deteriorates more rapidly than in our younger years.

We have a new 79-year-old client named Beverly who inspired this article. She chose to not throw in the towel and start a new chapter in life. When I first met Beverly, she already had the mindset and determination “to do it for her.” We’re honored to take her on this exciting journey to invigorate and enjoy life better than expected.

We actually have many elderly clients with similar stories who chose to take back life and not let it slip away.

What about you? Have you reached that point in life where it’s time to do it for you? It doesn’t matter age or health conditions. Don’t give up and be a fighter for yourself.

You’ve got to get your body in motion. It could be as simple as walking around the block.

I have one elderly client that I train at his home because of specific health issues. We train on his recliner with hand and ankle weights, then he uses a walker as we do laps throughout his house.

Now, take a look at yourself, stare in the mirror deep into your eyes, and repeat, “That’s it, it’s time to do it for me.”

Guess what? Today, you’ll change your life.

By David Tepera, April 28, 2021

We all have dreams of success, money and happiness. If you keep striving to do your best each day, you’ll surpass any goal thought possible.

How do you see yourself in the near and far future? Whatever that dream may be, do you carry yourself as if you’ve already accomplished that goal? Do you project the character traits as a person of success?

Too many people think they will change their behaviors once they’ve achieved certain goal status. Why not act like you’ve already accomplished that dream?

If you be it, you will become it. It’s the only way to attract your desires into your life.

Before Tina and I bought the gym we now own, we would walk through the facility as if we already owned it. We pointed out certain structures and equipment we’re going to change to fit our clients’ needs. The previous owners weren’t going to sell for another year, but we attracted the opportunity and bought it within two months.

Our business rapidly grew because we showed our true character and passion to help people change their lives. We treated each new day as an opportunity to build our brand.

What are you going to achieve today? If you’re giving your best, new opportunity is coming for you. Believe me, hard work and long days will always pay off. If not, it’s time to pivot into a better direction. Keep striving because good people will be attracted into your life and this creates new opportunity.

It’s as easy as setting the alarm clock a little earlier and stop watching evening television. Instead, do something productive like reading motivational books, literature, exercise, eat healthier, finish projects and so on.

You’ve accomplished other feats and goals in your life, so why stop now? Don’t accept status quo. I don’t care what your financial status may be, age or health condition. You’re still breathing, so get up and get going. Quit wasting days and life away. You’re better than that and you know it.

You have a purpose in this life, and it’s not going to come to you. The world is waiting on you, so put your game face on, walk out that door because today is a new day for new opportunity.

By David Tepera, April 21, 2021

Throughout life, there are times we really get excited about starting something, so we jump in with both feet. Yes, this is important when starting a career, education, certain projects and some others.

Now, here are a couple of things you need to slow down and take your time or you will fail.

We’ve seen it too often when clients get excited about training with us. Some want to train more than three times a week, including training all other days on their own.

I guarantee, all of them burn out in a short period of time. We do our best to slow them down and only train with us two days a week for starters. Really, our program only needs two days a week of weight training. If you’re lifting on your own, then three days a week is plenty.

Remember, getting back in shape and changing your life is a marathon, not a sprint. It took a long time to get out of shape, so it will take time to gain it back.

This goes for dieting as well. If you try to drastically change your eating habits, then you will fail – again. Take your time and only make small changes every few weeks. Over the coming months, your body and mind will adjust, and the dieting becomes easier.

You need to take this same advice when starting relationships. Of course, we all get infatuated when dating someone of interest. But, give it time to know the real person and observe their true character. Through time, most people will expose any red flags that you must analyze.

How do they speak of others, treat people, and respond to adversity? It’s difficult for me to listen to a person constantly in a negative state of mind.

In the past, I would drive my wife Tina crazy because I can flip any perceived bad situation into goodness. Now, Tina sees the world as I do and it’s made her life less stressful.

Look, whatever adventures you’re getting into, try to take your time and see the big picture. When things take a turn, you’ll be ready to pivot in the right direction. So, when starting something, slow down before going all in.

By David Tepera, April 13, 2021

Today, you might feel stuck in a rut, depressed, anxious or are having mentally destructive thoughts. But, I want you to find peace knowing there’s no final version of yourself.

Yes, we will continue to have setbacks, but you’ll also experience victories and happiness because we are in a constant state of change. All it takes is to pick yourself up, shake off the dust and get back in this battle of life.

Never accept failure as the final outcome. Failure teaches us to pivot and change directions to get closer to winning.

You can apply this toward any adversity you are experiencing or will in the near future.

Of course, most people fail at about every new fad diet program. Yes, you lost weight in the beginning, but it typically comes back once the program is over.

If you can’t live the rest of your life on any diet program, you will fail. You don’t need to dump your money into fad diets because you’ll end up depressed and probably in worst shape from when you started.

Your body needs the nutrition from all food groups. To lose weight and keep it off requires a lifestyle.

I’ve been a guest speaker to multiple organizations this year. Just so happens the last two speaking engagements were in front of a large group of seniors.

My message to them and all of you reading today is to realize that you must get involved in some type of weight training program.

Don’t throw in the towel because you think you’re too old, fat and unhealthy. Even if you’re confined to a wheelchair, walkers, canes and so forth, you can still change that version of yourself through weight training.

I guarantee, you can still build muscle, stronger bone density, slow down osteoarthritis, including having more energy.

Does your medicine cabinet look like the local pharmacy? Wouldn’t you like to reduce or possibly eliminate certain medications? How expensive are your doctor bills and trips to the hospital? Compare that to a gym membership or buying a few weights for home use.

We have tons of weight training and diet videos on our Ageless-Muscle Facebook page, which include easy home weight training. I’m not putting this into my article for marketing purposes because all of our information is free.

Look, bottom line, find peace knowing there’s never a final version of yourself, so it’s time to get back in the game.

By David Tepera, April 7, 2021

During the 1990s, when I was a high school coach of multiple sports, I had a list of questions that I referred to athletes. I can’t remember the author’s name, but this shortened list came from a sports analysis book.

As I go through these four character traits list, try to apply them to you as an employee, spouse, parent or as a person.

No. 1: What time do they arrive at practice? Are you always late, allfrazzled and unorganized, or early, excited and eager to get started? Just know, this particular entrance sets the tone and attitude toward you for the rest of day from coaches or bosses.

No. 2: What attitude do they bring? Are you the athlete that dreads practice, including a bad attitude toward other players and coaches? Are you the coworker that talks negatively about others and shares all your personal problems? Look, we all have personal situations in our lives. Leave yours at home.

Leaders are found with the winning attitude they bring to practice and work place. Coaches enjoy developing young players with little athletic ability but show up with a team player’s mentality.

No. 3: Are they open to feedback? Does an athlete receive feedback positively to help improve their skills, or do they make excuses and point fingers?

As an employee, you must not only accept feedback from employers, but should ask questions of how to become more productive. Be that person who is willing to step up their game by wanting feedback.

No. 4: What extra work are they willing to do? Do these athletes head to the weight room after practice and on weekends? Are they willing to perform extra drills to improve skills?

As an employee, do you ask for extra projects to show your worth and prove leadership skills? Do you study the playbook or willing to learn other rolls to help your company win in this competitive environment?

Out of all these character traits, which one describes you the best? I hope all of them.

These particular questions could be asked for all parts of life. Your attitude to others will determine the true you. What’s the perception and character trait you express in the outside world?

If you’re feeling deficient in any of these questions, take the necessary steps today to improve your life. Each day you do nothing is a day lost.

Don’t be afraid to step out of the crowd and chase your own dreams because it’s time to prove how committed you are.

By David Tepera, March 31, 2021

If you’ve ever competed in something, losing can be difficult to accept. But remember, losing is a lesson to help us get closer to success.

There are differences between losing and failure. Failure is only negative if you give up. Of course, we’ve all beaten up ourselves for giving up on something too soon.

During my 30s and early 40s, I fought many times during my martial arts career. In one of my full contact fights, I was knocked down in the first round. I wasn’t physically hurt, but mentally, I lost my confidence and chose not to continue the fight.

That particular fight has haunted me the rest of my life. I’ve refought that round thousands of times in my head of where I went wrong, including how I would have changed my strategy. This doesn’t mean I would had succeeded, but failure was guaranteed since I gave up.

What haunts you? What would you have done differently to be more successful? You can’t re-ring that bell, but I hope lessons were learned.

Most people fail diet programs because they gave up too quickly. Starting anything is difficult, but if you keep grinding, your success rate is closer to a guarantee.

How many of you are battling addictions, but you keep falling off the wagon? Don’t let one bad day take you off your path. Just pick up where you left off and get back on the road toward success. Some people might need professional help, but remember, there’s a strong person lurking inside you, so stay in the fight.

Many marriages and relationships fail for multiple reasons. Part of this separation could be from your lack of respect and participation. Maybe you can make amends with a sincere apology and effort. But, if not, I hope the heartbreaking lesson will make you a better partner in the future.

Just know, other people want us to fail. It makes them feel better about themselves for not ever trying. If someone says you can’t, give them a big smile and walk off.

I’m trying to stress to never give up the fight. It’s time to stop regretting, keep pushing forward, even though success isn’t guaranteed, failure is — if you give up.

By David Tepera, March 24, 2021

Yesterday was the past, so whatever you accomplished or not is over, done and gone. If it was a bad day, don’t let it destroy your tomorrow. Today is another day to build confidence, honesty and character. It’s time to get back to work on the better you.

What’s on your “accomplish list” for today? Do you have a plan, or are you letting others dictate your future? You have complete control of how you’re going to respond to today’s interactions with life.

Tina, our son Dylan and I share a common app named Cozi. This particular app encompasses every scheduled client, including tasks needed each day for our business. We each have a certain list of responsibilities, along with client times for training. Cozi keeps us organized and on target to complete our daily “accomplished list.” I’m sure there’s other apps, but this is the one we’re using.

You might not need any special technology to keep you organized, so whatever you’re doing, have a method for listing daily goals.

It could require getting to work 15 minutes early or staying 15 minutes later. Those extra few minutes could make a difference in completing projects that get you the bonus or promotion. Just think of how your future could depend on it by what you did today.

Are you taking the time to cook healthy meals for the week? That way you can stay on schedule with a proper diet, otherwise you’ll keep driving through for fast foods.

Do you carry your workout clothes to work? If not, you’ll come up with every excuse possible to keep from going to the gym.

Does your house stay messy because you’re a procrastinator? Did you make your bed before leaving for work? What’s the first thing you’ve completed each morning? Don’t leave your house without accomplishing something. At least you’ve started your day in the right direction.

We each have a different list of goals needed to make our future better. Today is the day to get out of your old routine because it’s not getting you anywhere.

Most people resist change because they focus on what they’re giving up, instead of what they have to gain. Sometimes taking a risk is better than regretting.

Now, get out there and start making changes because your future depends on what you did today.

By David Tepera, March 17, 2021

We all love hearing stories about people who rose from rags to riches. In case you didn’t know, the majority of multi-millionaires and billionaires are self-made people, with many never attending or graduating college.

So, obviously, the road to wealth and success wasn’t an easy journey. We can only imagine the long tireless days, no vacations, failures, setbacks and so on. But, with strong character, work ethic, thick skin and perseverance, nothing and no one was going to stop these people from reaching their dreams.

Well, do these character traits sound like you? Are you in the midst of chasing your dreams? Are you on the road to victory because nothing can stand in your way? Remember, failure will happen and is part of the process. That’s why without struggle, success has no value.

Personally, I feel there are way too many people putting a hand out and not a hand in. If you truly want something, you have to earn it. You must go for it, put both feet in and fight your way to victory. You’ll get knocked down but come up swinging because you’re strong, viable and winning is the only option.

I know a gentleman dealing with a serious illness that is life threatening. His struggles and treatment are wreaking havoc on his body. It’s taken a few years, but he chose not to throw in the towel, and he is now on the road to recovery. His struggles have proved their value because he added years for a quality of life.

Now, let’s take struggles on a smaller scale. I’m sure there are plenty of you battling a diet program. We know plenty of people who’ve stuck with the process and loss the pounds wanted. If losing weight was easy, America wouldn’t have an obesity epidemic. You’ve separated yourself from the majority with your success.

No matter what you’re dealing with today, your struggles and persistence will take you across the finish line.

Just remember, without struggle, success has no value, so you’ve earned the right to take a victory lap and be proud of your accomplishments.

By David Tepera, March 10, 2021

Recently, our family received some bad news that will affect all of us. But, guess what, Mr. Bad News? I’ve got bad news for you because you can’t keep us down!

This is the beauty of having a strong relationship with your family. We can circle the wagons and conquer any bad news thrown our way. The Tepera name is filled with pride, so bad news might make us bend for a moment, but you can’t break us.

Now, how many of you received some bad news lately? Have you been diagnosed with a terrible disease? Take on this disease like a prize fighter, make necessary changes and start throwing punches because you got bad news for bad news.

It’s no longer just a physical challenge, you’ve got to take on a new mindset to overcome anything thrown your way.

Have you recently lost a job? Well, this is your wakeup call to chase your dreams. You’ve always wanted to start a different career path, so go for it because you got bad news for bad news.

It might take a little time, but you will soar into a better income and live the life you’ve dreamed about.

Did your longtime relationship just end? Of course, the heartbreak can be unbearable at times, but this is your opportunity to focus on you. Start exercising and eating healthier because this will produce happy endorphins. Spend time alone and do some soul searching and find out you are this amazing person. The person who left you didn’t deserve the beauty you truly possess.

Listen, we all face adversity throughout our lives. It’s the one part of our life’s journey we all share. We can’t always control what happens to us, but we have control on how we respond.

It’s OK to be angry and upset, but it’s also time to roll up your sleeves and get to work. You might get knocked down, but you can’t get knocked out.

Let today be that moment to take a stand because we got bad news for bad news.

By David Tepera, March 3, 2021

Throughout life, we have good days and bad days. It’s easy to get caught up and feel depressed when you’re having a bad day.

Sometimes, these bad days seem to linger for quite some time. Just remember, we have good days, too, so know, they are just around the corner.

Try not to complicate life. Once the day is over, it’s no longer in your life. Let each day be a better day because your time is too valuable to waste on unnecessary stress.

We have many clients trying their best to stay on certain types of diet programs. Just because you had a bad day of eating, it doesn’t mean you’ve fallen off your path.

One day of bad eating doesn’t create a fat body. It’s constant bad eating that makes you overweight. So, just pick back up where you left off because better days are coming.

Setting goals is easy. Anyone can do that. It’s having the discipline and dedication to reach and conquer anything you set your mind to — that’s the challenge.

For those who know me, I’m very open to discuss losing my 23-year-old son Dustin more than eight years ago. I’ve helped multiple people who had dealt or are dealing with the loss of a close relative.

Today and many days coming will seem like the worst time of your life. And, yes, they actually are devastating, plus you struggle with depression through those times. But know, you must let your mind remember all the great memories and allow yourself to smile and laugh. I promise this will help because your best days are around the corner. It takes time, but you’ll get there.

How many of you are dealing with a divorce, which includes child custody? This is a difficult time because you’re probably not getting along with your former spouse. Please remember, do not pin the children against the other parent. It doesn’t matter your opinion of each other. That’s not the children’s fault. I guarantee, the children love you both the same.

One day, the children will grow up and form their own opinion of each of you. So, be careful what you say around those innocent children.

Don’t let those children have any bad days. They’re not supposed to have bad days, so make their best days be present.

Listen, whatever you’re dealing with today, don’t let that define your character because with the right attitude, your best days are coming and everything smooths out in the end.