By David Tepera, March 13, 2024

There’s no secret, we’ve all wished for some kind of miracle that would change our lives. That’s why the lottery is so popular, especially when the payout gets humongous. I admit, when the numbers are big, I’ll invest $2 for a miracle. So far, it hasn’t paid off, but it was fun to be in dream world.

Now, what I’d like you to realize is that a miracle has already happened the day you were born. This might be difficult for some to understand, but think about all that took place in order for you to be in this world.

Every ancestor in your life had to reproduce with someone at the right moment to create your next relative. Then, they had to reproduce with another at the exact moment to create the following relative that would eventually lead to you being created at a precise moment in time. There’s nothing more miraculous than the fact you were born into this world.

I hope you understand because trying to keep it PG was a difficult task, if you know what I mean.

Sometimes, we get caught up feeling sorry for ourselves because we think someone has it better than us. Just know, no they don’t. It’s time to realize that money isn’t the answer to happiness. I promise, I know plenty of wealthy people who are miserable. Their family takes advantage and their health is extremely poor.

Take a moment and realize the miracle that you are. It’s your choice of what you decide to do with your life. Yes, sometimes it takes sacrifice, dedication and determination to achieve your goals. You’re the miracle on this earth that has control of your destination.

I’m embarrassed for some of the stupid mistakes I’ve made, but my wife Tina and I realize that every bad and good decision led us to each other. So, it’s impossible to have regrets.

Don’t beat yourself up for the dumb decisions. Those are only lessons to help us get back up and keep fighting.

Now, what are you going to do with your miracle today? You have the choice of making those around you happy. It’s as easy as a big smile, along with a compliment.

What I’m trying to make you understand is that you are more perfect than you can imagine. Let it sink in that the miracle has already happened, so make this an amazing day.

By David Tepera, March 6, 2024

This article is inspired from the many parents we’ve guided whose teenagers are struggling with self-confidence.

I grew up in through the 1960s and ’70s. During that era, students were not diagnosed with any disorder in public school settings. I guarantee, under today’s conditions, I was definitely hyperactive, ADHD, dyslexic and any other disorder of modern-day youth.

I remember as a young kid, waking up around 5 a.m. and wondering why the rest of my family wasn’t ready to go.

When I was in college, I scheduled each class across campus. I’d strap up my backpack and jog to get rid of hyper-energy, settle down and focus. I could hear the other students make fun of me. They would say, “there’s the weird dude running again.” Also, I would write all my class notes on index cards, and stuff them in my shorts to study while jogging around campus.

I graduated from the University of Houston and take a lot of pride in knowing Carl Lewis’s running coach chased me off the school’s track so Lewis could practice. Just know, Lewis drove a black Lamborghini and I was in my grandma’s hand-me-down Chevy Nova.

OK, enough about my learning disorder. In today’s society, public schools have set up multiple programs to help students with challenges. My personal thoughts are that our youth have become more anti-social because of internet access. It’s easy for them to not have true in-person interaction to develop social skills.

As we all know, COVID made situations worse for our future youth.

Now, if you have a child or know of one that’s having trouble functioning, then I have an alternative solution. I could quote multiple studies, but I’ve witnessed teenagers building their confidence through one-on-one personal weight training. I promise, besides building lean muscle and gaining physical benefits, the mental confidence through weight training is so much more life-changing.

Listen, most severe situations don’t do well in group environments. Individual personal training with a skilled trainer will produce the best results.

If this is your situation, then research a gym that’s within your vicinity and budget. I’m not trying to promote our gym, but my son Dylan specializes in training youth with challenges and is known in the community as a role model. Just know, Dylan is available to give free advice and guidance to anyone who is interested. We’ve been doing this across the country for years. We are here to send you in the best direction for your situation. Use my email as a contact.

What I’m trying to relay to you is that there is a healthy alternative for your youth who is challenged by today’s society. Not all solutions come in prescriptions.

By David Tepera, February 28, 2024

In the world of competition, there is nothing more crushing than coming in second place. Most of the time, you’ve worked hard to be your best, but on game day, someone or some team was better. The loss is really tough to swallow.

Back in the 1990s when I was an assistant coach for La Marque football, we lost two years in a row to the Stephenville Yellowjackets in the state championship. Under the leadership of Alan Weddell, we came back and won it the following three years because he created a path to a stronger comeback.

What most people didn’t know back then was Corpus Christi Calallen lost to La Marque in the semifinals all five years going to the state championship. Also, La Marque defeated the Denison Yellowjackets all three years of winning those state championships.

How difficult do you think it was for those coaches to keep these teams motivated? Again, if you’ve ever come in second place, it’s a sickening feeling.

Now, what comeback are you planning? Did you lose a court battle? Remember, the only winners in court are the attorneys, so quit fighting with your ex-spouse and settle out of court. No matter how much you don’t like each other, get along and co-parent your children. They will grow up one day and figure it all out.

I’ve traveled the country as a motivational speaker to a variety of sales companies. Typically, it’s the company’s national sales and awards meeting. After each banquet, I personally talk with the second place sales winner to motivate their plan to be No. 1 at next year’s national meeting.

We must question ourselves on why we came in second place. What and how did this person or company beat me?

When you really want it, getting up early and staying up later has its winning benefits. Do you study the competition? Knowing their strengths and weaknesses prepares you to be stronger.

How much better will your life be as No. 1 in your company? Promotions, bonuses and higher salaries will follow.

Let’s get back to sports because it is a reflection of life. What will it take to be a starter? It comes down to preparation. Are you hitting the weights and conditioning? Do you study the playbook?

Some people don’t know that orchestra and marching bands compete for first chair. They are seated in order of best performer for that instrument. Second chair gets to challenge the first chair frequently, so they must stay on their game.

Listen, I know I’m a little all over the place today, but never give up because second place doesn’t mean quit. It should create a stronger comeback.

By David Tepera, February 21, 2024

It’s time to let go of what other’s think, and just believe in yourself. I know too many people who won’t take a risk because they’re concerned what people will say.

I say “forget those who want you to fail because they are insecure due to their lack of taking chances”. Believe me, I failed at more businesses than I succeeded. But, in the end, I finally nailed it with our Ageless Muscle Fitness Center.

At that time, I was in my late 50’s and taking a huge risk quitting the medical field, including the benefit packages, then adventuring into a something no other gyms has ever tried to succeed.

Of course, that was targeting the older population to help them learn to weight train properly to give them a quality of life. You see, most membership gyms want all the younger people, stay at home moms, including the working class. Most of those places are uncomfortable for the elderly.

My wife Tina and I had a vision. There was no plan B. Tina was terrified that we would lose all our savings, but kept believing in me and we stayed on course. Every day we count our blessings because our risk paid off.

Now, what’s your ultimate desire? Come on, there’s something you want to accomplish. What would be life changing for you? What and who is stopping you? Really, you are the only one keeping you from moving forward. Yes, it is scary getting out of your comfort zone, but don’t put it off any longer.

Today is the time to put a plan together and take a risk. Even if doesn’t work as planned, there are lessons learned to help move in a different direction.

Like I mentioned, I failed more than succeeded, but I never gave up. You can google any multimillionaire, and I promise, at one time, they all failed and lost their money. But, what separates them from the common people, they got back up and kept fighting.

There’s a fighter inside of you, so dig deep and step into the ring. Don’t be afraid to get punched or knocked down. People want you to stay down, but that’s not who you are.

Every one of us has been suckered punched from life. You can’t escape reality, but when you’re ready to take the risk, nothing can stop you.

Listen, if you’re not happy with your current status, then it’s time to take the risk. If you want it, go freaking get it. Not tomorrow – TODAY!

By David Tepera, February 14, 2024

OK, here we go; Valentine’s Day is upon us, and the pressure is on to be romantic and creative for that special someone.

Try not to get caught up in the hype to impress others with what you’ve done for your spouse, because people will ask. To me, it has nothing to do with the money spent, but with the quality of love and appreciation.

Just a few interesting facts about Valentine’s Day:

The box of chocolates was started in the 19th century by Richard Cadbury, a British manufacturer who pounced on the opportunity to sell more chocolate as part of the holiday. Obviously, it worked.

The term “wearing your heart on your sleeve” has a Valentine’s origin during the Middle Ages, when men would draw the names of women who’d they be coupled with over the upcoming year. While attending a Roman festival honoring Juno, the men wore the women’s names on their sleeves.

How did “X” came to mean kiss? The use of “X” came to represent Christianity, or the cross, in the Middle Ages. During the same time, the symbol was used to sign off on documents. After making the “X,” the writer would often kiss the mark as a sign of their oath. The gesture grew amongst kings to certify books and records. Thus, it was known to be sealed with a kiss.

Now, I know you’re about to boo me, but Tina and I stopped celebrating Valentine’s once we were married. If you ask her, she will tell you every day is Valentine’s Day. I’m not going to go through my list, but doing something special for my wife each day is an honor.

Just know, we aren’t a traditional couple. Tina asked me to marry her at a beautiful resort in Lajoya, California, and I promised myself to never take advantage of her love.

You might be single without a special someone. It’s OK, so why not treat yourself? Go to the spa, including getting pampered at the nail salon. Or, maybe, make some popcorn and throw down your favorite dessert while binge watching Netflix. Whatever your situation may be, make it your own special tradition.

Valentine’s Day should be a customized experience that means the most to you, or with that someone special. Just remember, when you love yourself, you can love the world.

By David Tepera, February 7, 2024

Well, Super Bowl is just a Sunday away, and are you one of the 113.06 million people who will be tuned in? As most of us know, it is the biggest sporting event in America.

Since my dad Ray Tepera was a high school football coach, I grew up with football my entire childhood. In my younger years, I spent many years as the ball boy for all home games, including out-of-town games to help with the equipment. All the football players were really-cool with Coach Tepera’s kid.

Now, to keep it a little light today, here’s a few surprising facts that some of you might not know about the Super Bowl.

The first Super Bowl was in 1967 with Green Bay scoring 35 and Kansas City with 10.

Also, Lamar Hunt – former owner of Kansas City Chiefs came up with using Roman numerals to avoid confusion since the season started in one year and ends in another. The first Roman numerals were used in Super Bowl V.

In 1967, 30-second commercials cost $40,000, and today’s cost is around 5.6 million. So, you’re not going to see any Ageless Muscle advertisement this Sunday.  

Do you know anyone who is attending the game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas? The tickets range from around $4,500 to over $60,000. I think I will just stick with my recliner, big screen and homemade nachos.  

 All half-time entertainers do not get paid for their performance. But, think of the free publicity because people around the world will be watching.

The Super Bowl is the second most day of food consumption besides Thanksgiving for the year. According to the National Chicken Council, there will be over 1.4 billion chicken wings consumed over the weekend. Guess I’ll throw down some of those with my nachos.

Last interesting fact is for seasonal games, there are 12 footballs from each team used in a single game, but for the Super Bowl, each team brings 54 balls for a total of 108. Watch closely, and you will see how often they are changing balls. People at the top will get one of those balls to keep.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed a little history about the Super Bowl. Just remember, it’s suppose to be entertaining, so just enjoy the game. Think about this, who was in the Super Bowl last year? Yep, I got ya, so have fun because in a week, nobody will care.

By David Tepera, January 31, 2024

There are multiple sports where athletes need to excel at not only offense, but defense as well. Just to list a few — basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, fighting and many others.

It’s OK to excel in only offense or defense like football, but when you are good at both, you become a more marketable person.

If you follow collegiate or professional sports, the players who can dominate both sides of the ball give their team a better opportunity of winning.

We all get excited when someone steals the ball in basketball, then drives the court for a dominating dunk. How about MMA fighters, who block punches and kicks, then return with a flurry of blows to knock out their opponent?

Where are you in the game of life? Do you show up for work early and be the best at your position? There must be no one who can out-work you. Are you putting the extra income into savings or investment?

Are you giving this world your best, or allowing others to keep you down? Nope, you’re going to be the one to lift others up. Don’t listen to those who talk about bringing love into this world, but then turn around and try to divide us.

We can never predict when the world gives us a curveball, but with a strong offense, we can counter with a home run.

Maybe, the doc gave you some bad news and cancer is trying to get you. But, instead of giving in, you put up a defense and tackle that sucker with a vengeance.

I hope you’re understanding my message today. Whatever is coming at you or weighing on your mind, don’t let it take you down. There’s not one of us who hasn’t been knocked around, but those are the lessons that make us stronger.

Every morning, my offense is getting out of bed to give this day my best. My defense is to counterpunch whatever this world decides to throw at me.

Believe me, just like you, I’ve been sucker punched more times than I’d like to admit. But, I have too many people who rely on me to be strong and lead them to victory. Just recognize, all that look up and rely on you as well.

Go out there today and show this world that you’re the best player because you’ve developed a strong offense and defense.

By David Tepera, January 25, 2024

I’m sure each of us is good at some particular skill — could be artistic, athletic or you fill in the blank. But, if you want to be great, then extra practice will separate you. Otherwise, someone will always be better than you.

For those fighting for starting positions on a team, how much extra work are you doing on your own time? Do you get to the gym early to practice skills, hit the weight room to get stronger or sprint in drills to be faster? Bottom line, do you really want to be great and win the position or be lazy and rely on natural skills?

To become great takes discipline and a desire that can’t be taught or coached. It comes within from a passion for something that totally consumes you.

The late Kobe Bryant was known to show up at the gym around 3 a.m. He practiced shooting and dribbling skills, then finished off in the weight room. He did all this before his teammates started their practice.

Usain Bolt is widely considered to be the greatest sprinter of all time. He holds more world records than I have room for in my column. He once said, “I trained four years to run less than 10 seconds.” Just know, he was referring to the Berlin games of 2009, where he set the 100-meter sprint record of 9.58 seconds.

Of course, I’ve only been referencing elite athletes, but what is your passion? Do you want to be great at something? Are you the best at your job position, owner, employee, manager, parent, spouse or whatever skill?

Do you get to work early, volunteer for extra projects, study the competition and work to be the expert at your current position?

Are you in competition with another player, employee or business? If you think about it, the only competition is with yourself. You know your strengths and weaknesses, so get to work.

Here’s another thought: none of us like to expose our weaknesses, but that’s what you must practice on the most.

When my wife Tina was competing to get her figure pro card in bodybuilding, her weakness was the posing routine. We used to laugh because my poor white girl had no rhythm. We hired a Jamaican lady to put some swing in those moves. Anyway, after six months of hard practice, Tina won several pro cards. Just know, her competition was 20 years younger, and it wasn’t even close.

What are you practicing on today? If you’re not happy with your current status or position, then what are you doing to change it?

Remember, if you want to be great, then start practicing.

By David Tepera, January 17, 2024

As most of you know, during the 1990s, I was a high school coach of multiple sports at La Marque.

Even though I enjoyed the run of state championships as an assistant football coach, being head soccer coach was my passion. Through the years, I was able to build from only a boys varsity team to adding a boys JV team and, eventually, starting a girls varsity program. Before I left La Marque, both varsity teams were making the playoffs. I took a lot of pride in that accomplishment, along with the dedication of many players.

Now, one of the important lessons I learned as a coach and former athlete is that there is a difference between injury and getting hurt.

Yes, you might fall and scrape your knee or elbow, but that shouldn’t stop you from staying in the game. Just because you get tripped up or someone fouled you, doesn’t mean you were injured.

Once I left and went into the medical field, I coached all the youth sports my children were involved with. Just know, I only left teaching and coaching because of the pay. My personal opinion when I see these multi-million-dollar high school stadiums and schools is I can hope they would pump that money into teachers’ salaries.

OK, back to youth sports. At the beginning of every youth sports season, I would tell the parents that when their child gets tripped up, falls and starts crying, I’m going to yell at them to get up and get back in the game. Your child will look for you to baby them, but that’s not going to happen on my team. There’s a difference between getting hurt and being injured.

Sometimes life will trip you up, but you must learn to jump back up and try to score.

How many of you have been tripped up? I don’t care if you received bad news for any reason, lost your job, got divorced or had any setbacks. You are not the only one who is dealing with negative situations, so when you fall — get up. You have no choice but to get back in the game of life.

There’s not one of us who hasn’t been knocked down, so don’t panic and feel sorry for yourself. I might be a little harsh today, but sometimes we need a reality check. You’re better than that, so come out swinging and punch bad news in the face.

Accept it, falling is part of life, just get back up.

By David Tepera, January 10, 2024

When it’s the first quarter with two teams playing, the score starts off even. The game can only change when the first team scores. Now, one team tries to keep the lead, while the other is playing catch-up.

Well, 2024 has just started, and we’re in the first quarter, so what’s your game plan? Are ready to get out there and score, or are you going to sit back and let the competition take the lead?

It’s your time to be a leader and step up your game. There’s not a strong enough defense to prevent you from marching down the field to score a touchdown on life.

Strap on your helmet, put on your game face and dare anyone to get in your way. You’ve had enough of setbacks, people pulling you down, health issues, financial difficulties or you name it.

Since the year just started, what play will at least get you a first down, so you can keep control of the ball? Two things you have total control of are what goes into your body and the words you choose. Think about that for a moment.

If you’re not happy with the way you feel, then get up and drive the ball down the field. Are you reaching for fruits and veggies, or chips?

Today, you’re going to love yourself by taking the time to buy fresh produce, lean meats or fish to prepare a healthy meal. No more box dinners and greasy drive-throughs.

Now that you’ve made a first down, the only way to march down the field is with an exercise program. It’s as simple as tying up your sneakers and embracing the outdoors with a brisk walk.

What I’m trying to relay to you today is to just get started. Aren’t you sick and tired of being sick and tired?

Before he passed, when I was training my 102-year-old best friend Pater, he needed a walker to get around. We did countless laps around his house to keep his body stimulated. Afterwards, we would sit at his piano, play music, sing songs and cut up like a couple of sailors.

OK, I apologize, that was a little off the beat of my message today, but I miss him and tears are flowing to finish out this article.

If Pater had the courage and determination, even on his last days, then why not you?

Now, it’s the first quarter, so let’s drive the ball down the field and be the first to score.

Lastly, my mom Eileen Tepera’s birthday was yesterday. Love you, Mom.