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.

By David Tepera, February 25, 2021

If you’ve ever competed in anything, you’ll understand the battle before the battle is where you gain confidence to win.

For any sporting event, you’ll battle all the practices, training, coaching, along with possible sweat, blood and tears. The harder the work and the more dedication you put into this will prepare you for game day, which is obvious the ultimate battle.

During the 1990s, as an assistant football coach for La Marque Cougars, the battle started in July. Two-a-day practices in the brutal heat, following a season of games and leadership helped a five-year span of state final appearances, winning three of them. Remember, state championships are in December, so everyone battled for six months to get to the biggest battle of all.

As a coach, your goal is for all those athletes to learn to take that “battle before the battle” attitude in life.

What are you battling today? What’s your ultimate championship you’re trying to win? This could be academic. It typically takes four years to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Maybe, you’re an apprentice learning a new trade. It doesn’t matter what you’re trying to obtain just keep battling until the end.

Whatever you’re trying to accomplish, it’s the battle that’ll get you to the big battle. You must take on the mindset to win. Don’t settle with sitting on the bench as satisfaction. Don’t fly below the radar and not get the promotions. Whatever you’re battling, out-work your opponents.

I have to give a big shout out to all my fellow competitors. The 2021 bodybuilding season has started, and we are all battling each day to get ready to battle each other on game day.

Tina, our 20-year-old daughter Daylyn and I are competing in a show this coming October. Our training intensity started this month. It’s crazy because we’ll train for the next eight to nine months to step on stage for only minutes at a time. We aren’t there to be in the show, we are there to win.

The year 2020 was a big set back to many of us. Don’t let that deflate you. You’re better than that. It’s time to regather yourself and get back in the battle. Let the blood boil, put your game face back on, so get out there to kick some serious butt. No one can keep you down but you.

Now make today the beginning of your battle before the battle because you’re going to win the championship.

By David Tepera, February 17, 2021

When my wife, Tina, and I wanted to start our own business, so we researched various types of venues. We came across many opportunities, but it just wasn’t quite the right fit for us.

This was all happening during the time we were competing in multiple bodybuilding shows. It was interesting because as we were trying to find our niche, it was common for strangers to approach us asking for diet and exercise guidance.

We soon realized many people needed help because there’s plenty of misinformation out there. One of the biggest attractions that brought people to us was because of our age. Remember, I’m going on 60 years of age and became a pro athlete at the age of 55.

So, the Ageless Muscle brand started and we bought our first fitness center. Now, not only do we change our clients’ lives, but people all across the country reach out to us for training and diet tips. Bottom line, we found our calling, including a way to make a living doing it.

Of course, for me personally, my biggest passion is being an inspiring columnist, book author and guest speaker to groups and corporations across the country.

OK, now, what’s your passion? What do you truly love to do? Are you good at cooking, baking, styling hair, building things and so on? What gives you the most pleasure and self-reward?

If your passion helps improves people’s lives, there’s a niche for you. I know plenty of successful people who started their own business. At first, they offered their services for free or the cost would only cover supplies. If you’re good at it, plus you conduct yourself as a professional, business will come to you.

I’m not saying you don’t need to do this, but we never paid for marketing. Our business is booming, and it all came from word-of-mouth and social media. People need to know you’re available, and that your work is exceptional.

Look, we all have a special talent of some sort. Sometimes, it takes growing, maturing and life experiences to find yours.

So, if you’re not happy with the daily work grind, dig into your passion, find your calling and change your life forever.

By David Tepera, February 12, 2021

There’s not one of us who hasn’t or doesn’t deal with some form of negativity. It’s all around us, and sometimes, it’s hard to escape, but you have more control than you might think.

Don’t forget, there’s lots of beauty and positive influences that surrounds us as well. You just need to acknowledge them in your life and give it more emphasis.

I’ve spoken to many groups and individuals about understanding what you focus on will become your outcome.

Most people trying to lose weight will focus on “I don’t want to be fat” or “I’m not going to eat fried foods or burgers.” Well guess what? All you will think and focus on is about how fat you are and all the unhealthy foods. Your mind is feeding itself in the wrong direction.

Your focus should be, “I can’t wait to enjoy grilled or baked chicken and fish. It will be delicious, and my body will look and feel better.”

This goes the same for exercise. Don’t dread the workouts. You should train your mind to look forward to it, plus how happy and exciting it will feel. It takes time, but training your mind to focus on positivity and all the goodness that surrounds you is a life changer.

You should be thankful for all that you have, not for all you don’t have. Too many people get caught up thinking about wanting more, but you should focus on how lucky and fortunate you are now.

There has been times throughout my life where there were certain people doing all they can to make my life miserable. It was easy to get caught up in the negativity and wishing bad things against them. But, for me, I felt I was giving them power over me because they were constantly in my head.

It was difficult, but the only way I was to turn my situation around was to pray for them and redirect my mind to all the positive people in my life. It’s kind of strange, but those negative people soon disappeared from my life. They either lost their jobs or went another direction.

Listen, it all comes down to what you want and choose to be in your mind. It can be either negativity or positivity. Just know, the choice is yours, so feed the positivity.

By David Tepera, February 4, 2021

Of course, we all are descendants from past generations. The goal of each new generation is to accomplish or add more than the previous generation. This doesn’t just pertain to financial status. There is so much more in bettering yourself.

So, you know, Tepera is a Czech name, and I’m third-generation American born. The first family of Teperas who crossed the ocean on boat moved to Central Texas and became sharecroppers. They were adventurous and shared a strong work ethic. Education was not part of their childhood because everyone had to work the farm.

My grandma was the oldest of eight children and was forced to quit school in the seventh grade. But, believe me, grandma’s lack of school education didn’t identify her. To me, she had a doctorate in hard work ethic, including strong religious values and discipline. Grandma was the backbone of the entire family, and that’s why I continue to reference her in my articles.

Even though my dad grew up extremely poor, he embraced all of grandma’s lessons and experiences. Dad continued his birthright, along with his twin brother, and became the first Teperas to graduate college. Now, that put plenty of pressure on my sister and I, but we accepted the challenge and conquered. I chose to add health and fitness to my family.

OK, enough about me. What can you add from your past generations? What are the lessons learned and experiences past on to you? Are you striving to be better and accomplish more?

Remember, those before you had to take on a set of different challenges with less technology. Today, the world of knowledge is at our fingertips. There’s no excuses for not giving your best. Yes, you will fail, but that’s just another lesson to take a different direction or to get back up and give a bigger fight.

I don’t know your current situation, but can you teach others to be kind, give up prejudice, volunteering, anything to make this world a better place? How will you impact your children so they can pass this among their kids?

With an extreme obesity rate of 42 percent, maybe you can be the health and fitness expert in your family. Whatever you choose, it’s your turn to add from past generations.

By David Tepera, January 20, 2021

I once read, “you’re one decision from changing your life.” Of course, these decisions can be life altering or disastrous. We have all been on both sides of that coin.

Let’s start with some life changing bad decisions. There are those who’ve driven while intoxicated, and it didn’t end well, people who got hurt from affairs, lost money from bad investments or business partners, and so-on. I’m sure you can add to this list.

Most of all, let’s focus on life altering good decisions. For me, I would had never met my amazing wife if I didn’t have the courage to start a simple conversation.

The choice of becoming a father was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. If you’ve been reading my column long enough, you know I was a single custodial parent for almost 15 years until Tina came into the picture.

I’ve told my grown kids many times that they changed my life. I became a better person through single parenting. I gave up socializing, alcohol and sold all my man toys. I was the SUV soccer dad throughout their childhood. Besides my career, my kids became my total focus, which created a special lifetime bond.

What positive life altering decisions have you made? Make a list and it will put you in a happy place. Let today be one of those great decisions. It could be as simple as showering people with love and respect. We all have goodness within us. It’s your turn to show others how awesome you are.

If you focus on all the good decisions, you’ll realize how incredible life is. It’s easy to get caught up in all the negatives, but that only leads to a destructive personality.

Is there something going on in your life where it’s time to make a serious change? This could be health related, occupational or relationships. What decision could you make today that would change your life for the better?

Remember, you have total control over your life. You get to make every decision of what you eat, social media, who you hang out with, how you spend spare time, including to be loving or a bully.

It’s time to take a serious look at our lives and recognize the decisions we are going to make going forward will change our lives forever.