All posts by David

Growing up with a father who was a high school football coach, I was around sports my entire life. Even to this day, at the age of 55, I'm a professional physique competitor. So, as you can read from my blog, I see the world as one big sports arena that teaches us all lessons on life. Enjoy, because today, your life will change.
Inspiration

Are you ready?

By DAVID TEPERA – February 15, 2017

How about in sports? How many times have we seen a starting player get hurt or pulled from a game and the second-string player needs to step in?

If you are a Houston Texans football fan, over the past few years, we’ve seen this happen many times with quarterbacks. From 2002 to the 2016 season, Houston Texans used 14 different quarterbacks. This is more than any other team in the league. Plus, I think most people are hoping for a new quarterback this coming year.

What happens if a job promotion becomes available with your company? Have you been doing your homework, acting and treating other co-workers as a professional? Are you the person they want to hand over the new responsibility? If you’re ready, then how much more income could this produce?

This might be meaningless to most people, but I teach my kids to keep our house “company ready.” There is nothing more embarrassing than to have an unexpected guest, and your house is a complete mess. My house is always ready for the unexpected, except my daughter’s bedroom. I’m not sure, but I think that’s a female thing. You ladies have a lot of stuff.

A scary, but understandable, statistic is that most Americans don’t have at least $1,000 in savings. All experts agree that we should have enough savings to cover six months worth of bills.

Do you have an emergency funds account? I know we are all scared to lose a job, have unexpected vehicle expenses or a serious medical issue.

Today is the time to re-evaluate your life. What steps do you need to make in order to be ready?

Let others point the finger for their downfalls. You’re better than that. Take ownership for your faults, learn from mistakes, and keep grinding forward.

Practice your craft like you’re the starting player. Develop the character needed at work to prove you’re worthy of promotions. Be the role model for your kids in order for them to learn leadership skills.

You have complete control of your life, so be ready. It’s coming.

Inspiration

A tribute to a coach

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, February 7, 2017 

Recently, a former high school head football coach and good friend, Tom Williams, was laid to rest.

I was just 7 years old when my family moved to La Marque, Texas in 1968. My dad, Ray Tepera, was hired to coach football by the legendary Orville Etheredge. Coach Williams was one of the other coaches already on staff.

In 1970, La Marque consolidated the black school of Lincoln Eagles with the white school of La Marque Tigers to become the La Marque High School Cougars.

Those of you who remember, the years around the 1970s were very challenging in moving this country forward.

Coach Williams was handed the responsibility as head football coach to bring two communities together. This included not only players with two different backgrounds, but coaches as well.

I’ll let you in on a secret — Tom Williams was an amazing coach, mentor, leader and a friend to all.

How do I know? Because through all those years, I had the privilege of being a coach’s son. I was there almost every weekend when coaches were watching film and planning next game strategies. I was the ball boy at football games for many years. I heard all the pregame, halftime and postgame speeches. And yes, being a sneaky kid, I heard all the private conversations as well.

Coach Williams didn’t see black and white. He saw a bunch of teenage boys taking steps toward becoming men. Coach Williams told me that he believed football brought a brotherhood amongst his players. They all fought for victory as they leaned on each other in the trenches.

Once I became a man, I look back over the years with my dad and coach Williams. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that childhood experience made one of the biggest impacts in my life.

Once coach Williams and my dad had finally retired, coach would frequent my dad’s house each week. They maintained a close relationship to the end.

I would sit back and listen to these aged coaches reminisce about all the old football stories and incredible players during that special era.

For those of you who are still around, I want you to know that coach Williams remembered all of your names and truly loved each and every one of you.

Really, I could write a whole book about coach Tom Williams. I’m going to miss that old rascal and his infectious laugh. Thanks coach for helping this snotty little kid to become a compassionate man. I love you.

Inspiration

Mastering free throws is critical

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, January 31, 2017 

Free throws are one of the most critical components of a basketball game. Close games are won or lost through free throws.

Usually every basketball practice requires players to work on their craft. If you ever pay close attention to the free throw shooter, you’ll notice each player has a ritual before taking the shot. It’s important for them to repeat the feel of the shot in order to be successful.

All teams are aware which players have the highest and lowest percentage of free throw shooting.

Sometimes, when the game is close with time running out, teams will foul the player with the lowest percentage, hoping to get the ball back without being scored on.

So, obviously, there’s a lot of pressure to be a good free throw shooter. Your skill is critical for the ultimate outcome.

There are many of you with occupations that require critical precision. Think about welders and electricians whose skills can be life or death situations. They must master their craft or it could be a catastrophe.

You could say the same about surgeons, space engineers, pilots, refinery workers and so on.

Sometimes we forget how critical our daily decisions are in order to maintain a quality of life.

We must be dependable employees, supportive spouses, firm — but loving — parents, plus be kind and helpful to others.

Today, you’ll be out in this world interacting with people. Are you the person you would want to be associated with? Do you lift spirits or tear them down?

I know people who look at each day as another day closer to death. They try to pull others into their misery. Not me, see ya later. I choose happiness, and so should you.

What decisions will you make today that’s crucial for you and family?

No matter what challenges my children had faced the day before, I make sure each morning, before they go to school, they know how much daddy loves them.

We all have important situations in our daily lives that require critical decisions. Master your craft and be the person everyone can count on to win the game.

Inspiration

Throw a Hail Mary pass

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, January 24, 2017 

If you’ve been following professional football, then you’re aware of the Hail Mary pass becoming popular again.

I wonder how many of you right now are shouting Aaron Rodgers’ name. The quarterback of the Green Bay Packers has made this sandlot football play into one of the most spectacular events in the game.

To date, Rodgers has thrown two Hail Mary passes last year for touchdowns, and another one this year.

You see, typically, a Hail Mary pass is used when there is only enough time for one more play, so you give an “all or nothing” effort, hoping for the best. But the cool part is — you have nothing to lose by going for it. That’s why it’s called Hail Mary, because it’s truly a prayer effort.

This makes you wonder why other teams won’t try this pass more often, at least near halftime. Most teams will just take a knee to end the play, then run back to the dressing room to regroup for the second half of the game.

Why not just go for it and throw the Hail Mary pass? You could possible score and, in the end, win from it.

How many of you want to change careers? Do you feel stuck in the everyday grind with no purpose or promotions in sight? Have you lost your ambition because you’ve been deflated with current status?

Well guess what? Today, you’ll take on the Aaron Rodgers mentality and throw a Hail Mary pass. You’ve got absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain. So, what does that mean? If you really want to change your life, then you must go for it.

If you want a better career, seek the CEO and set up a meeting. Most people get caught up thinking they aren’t qualified enough to meet or talk with the top brass of companies. I’m here to let you know, if you’re persistent and professional, you can have the career you most desire.

Why not you? Educate yourself. Don’t just answer questions, ask them. I’ve taught plenty of people how to conduct themselves during the interview process. If interested and needing advice, email me.

You have complete control of your destiny. No, it usually doesn’t happen overnight, but preparing yourself and going for it will eventually change your life.

Opportunity only comes to those who seek it. You must put yourself in position for a touchdown. Be the quarterback with an “all or nothing” attitude and throw the game-winning Hail Mary pass.

Inspiration

No hurdle too high

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, January 17, 2017 

At some point in time, we’ve all watched a track and field competition. One of my favorite events is the 100-meter hurdles. Actually, for men it’s 110 meters and women hurdle 100 meters.

Depending on what level of competition, most hurdles are spaced anywhere from 6 to 9 meters apart. For a 100-meter dash, there are 10 hurdles to overcome.

These athletes train for running precision, hurdle clearance and utilizing their body’s energy sources.

Admit it, as we watch the hurdle event, we’re all looking for the runner who crashes into one of the hurdles. Notice, when there is a bad spill, the hurdler will still get up and finish the race, along with sometimes bloody knees, hands and elbows.

Some runners clip the top of hurdles which slows them down, but they keep sprinting as fast as possible.

I’ve ran the hurdles in the past as part of my triathlon training program, and it’s really challenging to clear the last few jumps. Even though I would finish sluggish and exhausted, I was proud to complete the task.

Think of the track as your life span. You’re running down the path trying to stay on course, and then life throws a hurdle in front of you.

You are either well prepared to leap over toward victory, or it trips you up. And yes, sometimes the life hurdle will make you crash and burn.

But, we must take on the same mentality as elite hurdlers. There’s no time to walk off the track and give up. We must all jump back up and stay in the race.

Just like the runner’s energy is depleting with each hurdle, you must dig a little deeper to accomplish victory.

One of the worst life hurdles to encounter is a personal health crisis. Depending on the diagnosis, it’s possible you’ll get knocked down. But, don’t let that keep you down. Get back up and keep moving.

If you just lie there hopeless, then you’ll lose the race. There’s no time for self pity. Accept there’s a temporary setback and get back on course.

I’m not just talking about physical movement, you must mentally keep moving as well. When you keep moving, along with a positive attitude, the crises will start to fade. Overwhelming your mind with positive thoughts won’t allow negative thoughts into their space. Make sense?

So now, no matter what hurdle life puts in your path, take that situation to strengthen your character. With each hurdle you defeat, you’ll become stronger, wiser and, hopefully, more loving.

Inspiration

Use ‘fast break’ to score in life

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, January 10, 2017 

If you’re not familiar with the term “fast break” in basketball, it’s when the offense moves the ball up the court as quick as possible to score before the other team’s defense can set up. This is usually done with one or two passes.

Before the fast break originated, the team that was scored on would sulk and take their time in-bounding the ball while the other team was celebrating their score. Plus, it gave the fans time to scream and yell at the opponents.

Once teams started using the fast break, it was catching defensive players off-guard and quieting the fans.

It’s really embarrassing to be celebrating while the other team scored right back at you. It’s kind of like, “in your face, chump.”

You know, sometimes life will score on you, too. But, instead of whining and licking your wounds, you must react quickly to counteract the situation.

You might have just lost your job, and now you’re scared due to financial insecurity. This situation is critical, so you must fast break to new employment.

Yes, you can be upset and play the blame game, but immediately update your resume and get moving.

Remember, even when you obtain another job, it may take up to another month before you receive your first paycheck. Obviously, a fast break is crucial in order to pay your bills that are piling up.

Years ago, a friend of mine, who I’ll call “Connie,” lived along the Gulf Coast. She had lost her job in the hotel and restaurant business. Connie wasn’t in any hurry to find another job because, according to her, there’s tons of opportunity in that business.

Well, after about a month without income, Connie started applying, but every hotel had filled their positions. Now, she was in panic and confused on what to do next.

You see, Connie lost her job in May when all coastal hotels and restaurants were hiring for the coming summer tourist season. If she would have started a fast break, then unemployment wouldn’t be an issue.

A comedian once said, “I have enough money to last a lifetime. I just need to die next week.”

Today is your wake-up call. Tie up your sneakers, put a game plan together, and fast break down the court for a life winning slam dunk.

Inspiration

Failure is your friend

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, January 3, 2017 

As we reflect over this past year, can you count the number of times you’ve failed? Of course not, because you should be failing at something every day.

The only way to become successful or master a task is to have failed multiple times.

You see, failure is your friend. Failure’s goal is to teach each of us lessons.

For people trying to add muscle to their bodies, you must lift weights to failure. Each week when you attempt those same lifts, your body will be able to push further until a new failure kicks in. Keep repeating this process, and muscles will grow.

You can use this same physical process for every exercise or sporting skill you’re trying to master.

Think about all the practices and drills in order to play sports, musical instruments, artistry and years of education.

Each and every learned behavior of your existence was due a succession of failures.

Don’t we also learn from failed relationships, raising children, financial decisions and the quest to be spiritual? Starting to make sense?

You can’t let failure beat you up. Yes, sometimes it hurts and will get you down, but that’s your moment to build character.

A college professor of mine once told a story about Charles Schultz, the creator of the “Peanuts” cartoon. Schultz became severely depressed and chose to end his life by running until he had a heart attack. He took off sprinting in New York’s Central Park until he passed out.

When he woke, he walked home upset that the attempt failed. He continued this process each day until he realized that he was getting in shape and was deleting depression.

Now, this story might have been false, but the message made was clear to us college students.

Continual failure should harden you and make you stronger. Once this happens, then you can shake off failure like a doormat.

Failure only means that you’ve pushed yourself to the limit.

Believe me, you will find happiness and self-confidence through failure. Think about it.

Inspiration

Keep moving to stay balanced

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, December 27, 2016 

One of the first self-learned behaviors as an infant is walking. Of course, none of us can remember, but if you’re a parent, you’ve witnessed your own child experiencing the struggles.

Really think about the frustration of learning how to walk. You’re constantly falling, plus a lot of times are getting hurt.

All toddlers never give up. They have an instinct and a will to get back up, trust themselves and keep moving until they’ve conquered the task.

You see, walking is nothing more than a continuation of falling. You must put one foot in front of the other to stay balanced. If you miss one step, then you’ll fall on your face.

Once walking has been accomplished, you’ll speed up the process and start running. Plus, the fun really begins as you learn to hop, skip and jump.

People who can continually fall faster than others become track stars. Make sense?

Well my friends, this is your life. You must continually keep moving or you’ll lose course and fail. You’ll fall off the success trail while others speed past you.

Why, as adults, have you forgotten the determination you once possessed as a toddler? Why does that 2-year-old child have a “never give up” character trait and you don’t?

The truth is you’ve let life obstacles and failures keep you from chasing your dreams. You’ve accepted defeat and went into hiding.

Well, guess what? This is a new day, a new attitude, and nothing and no one can stop you.

Be that scrappy player on a team that doesn’t have all the skills, but is outworking and out-hustling everyone on the court.

You trusted yourself as a toddler, so it’s already in you. Pull out that warrior and get out there to conquer the world.

Punch negative thoughts in the face and run to the finish line. All it takes is to keep putting one foot in front of the other with a win and take-all mentality.

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep balanced, you must keep moving,” Albert Einstein.

Inspiration

One victory is all it takes

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, December 20, 2016 

Have you ever noticed that when a sports team is having consecutive losses people want key players fired? I hear people saying, “that lousy bum isn’t worth all that money.”

But as soon as the team has an impressive win, people change their minds knowing these players are really exceptional. Now they are saying, “I knew we would make the playoffs.”

Isn’t it amazing that after all the losses, it only takes one good victory to change everyone’s thought process?

Admit it, we’ve all felt that way about certain sports players, even other people in our lives.

It’s not fair, but this is how life and others treat us, too.

Maybe you’re the one going through a string of losses. It seems like one situation after another is not going your way.

Why am I having so many challenges at work? Why is there a miscommunication with my family? I’m working my tail off and no one is giving me respect. I’m really getting frustrated and depressed.

Ok, we all deal with those situations, but today you’ll turn the corner.

Just like in sports, all you need is one victory to change the course. All it takes is the feeling of accomplishment to create the right mindset.

These victories can be as small as organizing your office, finishing projects at work, home or school, and possibly doing yard work and cleaning the garage. The short-list is endless according to your lifestyle.

You might need to have an adult conversation with someone and come to a mature conclusion. You’ll both feel better — believe me.

Once a string of small victories takes place, they’ll snowball into a playoff championship run.

Remember, our sports teams don’t start the season in the playoffs. They have to succeed in a certain number of wins to get there. Those teams, just like us, have plenty losses along the way.

But, it’s the team that doesn’t let losses keep them down that make it to the championship game.

It’s OK for people to doubt you, but never doubt yourself.

Today is your comeback day. You’ll be the master of victories and the conqueror of life. Now get out there and kick some.

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.