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.

By David Tepera, January 3, 2024

I was sitting in my home office this past week reflecting on the topic for this week’s article. Since we are starting a new year, that means one chapter closes while another begins. I was looking back through the year for my list of accomplishments. I don’t care about setbacks or challenges, I only want to focus on the positives.

Our home office is a unique room with Tina’s and my matching desks and chairs, along with displays of all our athletic trophies, medals, educational degrees and many other framed accomplishments to remind us of our experiences in life.

What hit me as I wandered around the room mentally searching for the accomplishments of 2023 was that all those other hard-working displays in our office don’t mean anything unless they made us better people.

So, for Tina, our son Dylan and me, our biggest accomplishments for 2023 were changing the lives of everyone who walked into our gym; 2023 was not about us or winning trophies, but about anyone we could reach and teach.

Let me also give a shout-out to Claudia and Amy, who are personal trainers at our gym. They are like family and have the same passion for changing lives.

Now, that’s enough about us because this is about you. What personal accomplishments did you obtain in 2023? This could be financial, educational, relationships or even health-related.

I know many people whose energy was spent battling chronic health conditions all year. This might be you as well. Don’t ever throw in the towel. Your biggest accomplishment is fighting for your health because you have more life in front of you. Believe me, you’re someone’s hero, so keep kicking and punching through the battles.

Remember, it doesn’t matter what bad news or obstacles you encounter, it’s how you respond that reflects your character. For all of us, at some point, life is going to come around and knock us down, but so what? Put your helmet on and take control of the situation. This is one of the biggest accomplishments you will overcome.

Now, what’s on your list of 2023 personal accomplishments? Are you healthier, kinder and more passionate? Did you get rid of the negative people, hateful commentary, dividing social media or any other ridiculous posts?

Listen, no matter what happened in 2023, your next set of goals is to not only change your life, but to make others’ better. The best feeling to have comes from giving, not from receiving. This is your year, just open your heart.

By David Tepera, December 29, 2023

It would be impossible to list every discussion I’ve had with people regarding failures in diet and exercise programs. There’s not one of us who hasn’t failed in one or both of these categories.

Without going into detail, most fad diets are set up for failure. The marketing is programmed to grab your attention, with the endorsement of a celebrity and posting some bogus before and after pictures. If you read the fine print, you’ll discover the scam.

Now, don’t get me wrong. If there’s something out there that’s working for you, then stick with it. Just ask yourself, “Can I live on this diet for the rest of my life?” If not, another failure is around the corner.

I believe most people are aware of the new fad diet loss regimen regarding the diabetic weight loss injections. I’m choosing to not list the names of the drugs for personal perception purposes.

Just know, I have friends and family members who have truly lost weight from these injections. Yes, most of them are losing weight, but what happens when you’re no longer allowed to take the injections? Did you change your lifestyle to eat healthier and exercise? If not, another destructive and expensive failure is coming because you’ll go back to the same unhealthy lifestyle.

New Year’s resolutions are around the corner, and that’s why television and radio weight loss commercials are flooding the waves. They know it’s time to capitalize on the vulnerable — again.

Listen, I’m not trying to pooh-pooh all your diet plans. I’m trying to make you realize that the diet, fitness and supplement industry is a billion-dollar marketing success because of people’s misunderstanding and low self-esteem.

You already know that if you want to lose weight, then it’s about portion control. Americans are obsessed with getting as much food as possible for the money spent. That’s why buffets and “all you can eat” restaurants are booming. If you would take the time to prepare and cook your meals, then you will have a much healthier lifestyle.

Also, don’t misunderstand me, it’s OK to be a little overweight and out of shape, especially depending on your age. Don’t get caught up in the hype about certain body types, and don’t accept the modern age of obesity.

Look, I’m only trying to make you think. You have total control of what you put into your body, so own it. Now, go out there, enjoy life and create a healthier lifestyle; 2024 is nearly here.

By David Tepera, December 20, 2023

Listen, we all have faults and bad habits, but it shouldn’t be what defines us.

At one time, the biggest idiot I knew was me, so I am never one to cast stones. Here are a couple of questions for you: Based on your character, are you the person you would want to date? Are you the person you would hire? And, lastly, when my children were young, I asked them if they were the kids they would want to raise?

Now, start answering those questions honestly. Just know, that over the past decade or so, physical appearance was not what I found attractive in people. If you have confidence and treat people respectfully, then you are beautiful in my eyes, plus we are lucky to have you in this world. These should be the people we all want.

We all have a story, and that’s what defines our character. Yes, you can have a rough upbringing, but you get to choose how you will treat others. I know people who had abusive alcoholic parents, but chose to become philanthropists. And then there are others with silver spoons, who judge and degrade common people.

If you think about it, why should we care about others’ choice of religion, sexual orientation, race or politics? If you’re a good person, then you wish the best for everyone, so let’s embrace each other and be the person we would want.

Just know, that’s the main reason I still write a column for The Daily News. I love bringing us all together, and the weekly emails I receive humble this old guy.

Interesting story, this past weekend, Tina and I took our mothers on a quick trip to Boerne. We stayed in a beautiful house given to us by one of our clients. Christmas in Boerne and Fredericksburg was absolutely beautiful and memorable.

What my mom doesn’t know until she reads this article is that the reason I kept opening her door to my truck when she was getting in was because of my love for her. She kept telling me to stop opening her door. I didn’t do it because I had to, I did it because I get to. One day, I won’t be able to open doors for anyone, but today, I get to open the door for my mom. Lucky me.

Now it’s time to take a deep look at ourselves. Try to only focus on your good qualities that make others’ lives better. Today, we will spread love and happiness because that’s the person we would want.

By David Tepera, December 17, 2023

First of all, thank you for all the emails last week regarding exercise and diet. My inbox was flooded; hopefully, this helped everyone set goals, and I made many new friends. Now, let’s get started on today’s topic.

Did you know it takes the same amount of energy to live in a negative world as it takes to live in a positive one? That choice is totally up to you. We all know people who want to point fingers and play the blame game. But, also, you have friends who seem to always be having a great day. Keep them close.

Why make the choice to live in a negative world? Yes, we all have challenges from finances to relationships, but stop dwelling on them and make better choices. Quit spewing to everyone about your aches and pains, and start finding ways towards success.

Now, what have you accomplished lately? What puts you in a good mood? We have a retired couple at our gym whose passion in life is spending time with their adult children and grandchildren. They have the cutest stories with a smile as big as Texas. Living in a positive world can be as simple as that.

When was the last time you hugged a family member and told them you loved them? I’m sure there’s someone you’ve lost that you regret not telling how much you appreciate them.

What’s your attitude at work? Just know, we all can be in a bad mood for various reasons, but why be that person?

When it hits the fan, leaders rise to the top. Be the solution, not the problem. Think about that for a moment.

We’re fortunate to own our business, so we control the environment. Because of the friendly family atmosphere, all our clients are comfortable and let us know how much they enjoy being there.

Even if you don’t own your business, you can be the one who creates joy. All it takes is confidence, kindness and a smile.

We stopped watching regular TV, listening to talk radio, cut off all negative social media, plus quit reading negative commentary. Believe me, our mental health has improved tremendously.

The world has so much beauty in it, and it’s right there in front of you. You only need to make a choice to live in a positive world. It’s up to you!

By David Tepera, December 7, 2023

There are definitely times in life when people need to stay in their lane. This means to keep out of other people’s business that doesn’t affect you. Let people live their own lives, and you should live yours.

I’m sure we all know that negative person who enjoys putting people down. Just know, we’ve eliminated that person in our lives and so should you.

Now, when it comes to moving forward and finding success, then you’ll need to get out of your lane. This lane is called the “comfort zone.” There’s no more should have, could have or would have. Nope, it’s time to get out of your slow boring lane and get into the fast lane towards success.

To each of us, success can have many meanings. This ranges from occupation, finances, health, relationships or religion.

Where do you fit in these categories? When it comes to health, are you still eating out at the grease pit? Have you taken the time to cook healthy meals, or are you still driving through the calorie-loaded fast foods?

Remember, getting out of your lane pertains to healthier habits and taking chances. So, what health and fitness goals have you set? You might have failed multiple diets, but don’t let that stop you. Jump into the fast lane and start exercising. You might need to find a personal trainer to get you started in a weight training program. If your finances are tight, believe me, there are countless training videos online.

Listen, if you have any questions in the health and fitness world, please email me. I give free advice all over the country. I answer every email that I receive. If I don’t respond, it’s because it didn’t reach my address.

What other areas in your life need improving, but you’re scared to take the leap? Today, you’re going for it; ask the girl, ask for a raise or promotion, whatever it is, just do it. You have nothing to lose and will gain confidence from it.

Come on now, step out of your lane and get noticed. Who cares what others think because this is your life? Don’t wait until tomorrow, so start today. Stand up for yourself and bust through barriers. The only obstacle in your life is you. Wake up, step up and put your game face on because today you’re getting out of your lane to fulfill dreams.

By David Tepera, November 29, 2023

If you think about it, our lives run on routine. It’s routine that helps eliminate certain stresses in our daily lives. So, let’s think about the basics.

There’s a specific routine while we brush our teeth, wash our bodies, and put on socks, shoes and so forth. Routines will always develop into habits. Some habits are destructive, while some keep us on the right path.

Those of us who are known as thinkers, notice how you lead with your head while walking, with eyes focused downward. I am one of those who’s always in constant thought. I have to consciously stop myself, look around and notice all the beauty that surrounds me.

After Thanksgiving, Tina, Daylyn and I spent the rest of the weekend putting up Christmas decorations inside and out. Just so you know, we are that house in our subdivision that goes all out because we want to make people smile and be happy. Neighbors stop by all the time to let us know how much they enjoy the decorations.

Don’t let others think our lives are doom and gloom. Let them live in their own negative world. I just don’t understand why people with platforms want to divide us.

It’s amazing how much happiness you can bring to others with just a smile. Take a day at work and find a way to compliment co-workers. Maybe, bring breakfast, a cake or pastries, and tell them how much you appreciate working with them.

One of the couples we train at our gym just came back from a three-week vacation to New Zealand. They were so amazed at the countryside of mountains, greenery and coastal blue waters. There were countless red deer and lamb that covered the landscape. Our clients talked about how the people were so friendly to them. To me, why can’t we be that friendly with each other here?

There is so much beauty in our daily lives. We must learn a way to recognize and see it. Take a step out of your routine and find a way to feel love. This world is beautiful and so are you.

We are all critical of ourselves because we know our flaws. But, just know, there are millions of people who find you beautiful and attractive. Quit beating yourself up over the small stuff. The most attractive people are those who have confidence and a great attitude toward others.

Bottom line, it’s time to open your eyes and recognize the beauty that surrounds us.

By David Tepera November 21, 2023

Yes, Thursday is Thanksgiving to which there’s a variety of experiences for each of us. Not everyone is fortunate to have a family feast tradition, but if not, volunteer and make a difference in others’ lives.

For those who have the wonderful experience of gathering with family members each year, remember, the family hosting is usually over-stressed. They want this to be a happy memory for all to take with them, so the preparation can be overwhelming.

Here’s my little advice from all the years of our Thanksgiving holidays. I’m sure most of you do this, but the biggest help you can give to the host is helping with the cleanup. Teach your young children to put their dishes away and take out the trash, get the teenagers to clean the dishes and have men fold chairs and tables and put them away. Bottom line, before everyone leaves, make sure the house is in order.

I promise, if you’ve ever hosted a big family event, besides all the cooking, it’s the cleanup that’s most stressful.

Other than that, take this family moment to embrace and love each other. You never know who might not be there the following year. It’s a festive time to let go of all the craziness that’s going on in the world, and create wonderful memories. This is what you will be thankful for.

My mom hosted Thanksgiving my entire life until dad’s passing a few years ago. Tina and I decided to take over and relieve the stress off mom. We are now the new tradition, and we love hosting family and friends. It will consist of cousins, siblings, parents, grandparents and more. It’s a wonderful time for all of us.

Not everyone has family to spend with, but what’s your tradition? What are you thankful for?

For some reason, if you’re feeling down, go for a walk. Look to the skies with a smile and go through a list of happiness. Smile at strangers and make this world a better place. Create your own tradition that makes a difference to others.

The holiday season is upon us, so embrace it and recognize all there is to be thankful for.