Category Archives: Inspiration

Inspiration

Lessons in sports help children in many ways

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Two years ago, when my daughter Daylyn was 12 years old, she fell in love with the game of volleyball.

In previous years, she played in many recreation leagues. We decided to step up her game, and try to join one of the club leagues. This would give her the opportunity to improve her skills and knowledge of the game.

Daylyn had missed the first set of tryouts, but one particular team allowed her to join a practice. The coach wanted to determine if she was good enough to make the team.

Oh my goodness, all these girls were very skilled with a fast-paced practice. Everyone knew what they were doing except for Daylyn. She was spinning in circles trying to keep up. It was obvious, she was a sheep thrown to the wolves.

Daylyn would glance at me every once in a while with tear-swollen eyes, biting her lip to keep from showing her emotions. But, my little girl never gave up, producing her best and battling through each drill. All I could do was to keep giving a thumbs-up signal for encouragement.

I’m glad she couldn’t see my face, for I had a steady stream of tears flowing down the crevices of my cheeks.

The real message here is for all you parents who put your kids in competitive youth sports. Just know, through all the bumps, bruises, scratches and falling down to get back up in the game, that your child will grow up with an edge in the competitive game of life.

We understand, it can be a cruel and challenging world, but with a sports background, you learn the drive to win and be your best.

Just so you know, Daylyn did make the team. She was chosen for possessing strong will and perseverance.

Through the season, Daylyn went from the only girl who struggled with overhand serves, to one of the team’s power servers

Inspiration

Paying tribute to heads of large households

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Wednesday, February 11, 2015

This article is a tribute to the parents of large or blended families with children in multiple activities.

I, too, am part of a modern day blended family. Between my spouse and I, we have one teenager in college and four very active teenagers in multiple sports in three different schools. Yes, our house is a crazy house sometimes.

Here is a typical day out of the week — 4 p.m. basketball game at one school, 5:30 p.m. basketball game at another school, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. baseball scrimmage and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. club volleyball practice.

And, yes, between the both of us, we make it to all of these to cheer on our kids.

Don’t forget, there is dinner, laundry and homework during and after all of this.

I’m sure there are lots of families who can relate. We chose long ago to not see this as a burden or sacrifice, but to embrace and cherish every moment. We recognize our kids will only be with us for a short period of time.

Just know, if your kids don’t appreciate you now, they will once they have their own children. Believe it or not, you are their role model and they should want to grow up and be the same type of awesome parent.

Our children’s successes in sports, academics and any other activity lie completely in the hands of parents.

I give my standing ovation to all you amazing parents because we see you in the stands with us.

Like I told my spouse, no matter how crazy and challenging the days are, we all come home together at night to sleep in our loving home.

Sometimes at the end of the day, I feel like the family in the old Waltons TV show. I lie in bed and want to shout out “good night John boy”.

Inspiration

Players learn to be good sports through good coaches

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Wednesday, February 4, 2015

When my son Dylan was 11 years old, I coached his youth basketball team. We had a successful season, all the players improved, had lots of fun, except for one situation. We were down to our last game and one of the players, whom I will call John, hadn’t scored a goal all season, even though he had equal playing time as his teammates.

Before our last game started, I talked to our opponent’s coach, Kevin Dapper, and explained the situation. I asked Coach Dapper, when the game is down to the last 2 minutes and if John hasn’t scored, would his team agree to let him score a basket? He gathered his 11 year old team together and they all happily agreed.

Well, the game was under 2 minutes and John hadn’t scored. I nodded to Coach Dapper, and he signaled his team.

You see, all of John’s family was at this particular game including, not only parents and siblings, but grandparents and out of town relatives.

We inbounded the ball, passed it to John, who proceeded clumsily down the court. The opponents acted like they were defending but giving John a pathway, and after a few attempts, made his first and only basket of the season.

I leaped about 5 feet in the air with the biggest scream. His family were on their feet yelling at the top of their lungs. John was running back down the court with the biggest grin imaginable.

It was the first time to witness 11 year old boys excited for an opponent to score against them.

We might have lost that game on the scoreboard, but you would have never known by the celebration we were having.

Just know, all these boys are in high school now, and Coach Dapper is still coaching youth sports and teaching good sportsmanship.

Coach Dapper, even after all these years, I still tip my hat.

Inspiration

Great things can happen by adding politeness

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Wednesday, January 28, 2015

I want to share a story that happened years ago. While attending college, I was a martial arts competitor and worked at Grand Master Al Garza’s Karate School. When teaching classes, I constantly reminded students to address me with “yes sir” and no sir.”

On one particular day, I was walking through Baybrook Mall and a young lady stopped me to sell some men’s cologne. During our conversation, and out of habit, I reminded her to say “yes sir.” I immediately apologized and explained my reason for correcting people. I bought the cologne and went on about my way.

About four months later, I was walking through the mall again, and this same lady ran up and stopped me. She told me that she thought real hard about our conversation and chose to start responding to everyone with “yes sir” and “yes ma’am”.

To her surprise, she started selling more products and doubled her commissions. Her supervisors took notice and gave her a leadership role in that department.

Now, she was taking night classes in marketing and business with plans to open her own store one day.

Just think about yourself. How do you treat people? What are your habits of politeness? Do you treat people as you wish to be treated?

Don’t get frustrated if you open the door for others and they don’t say “thank you.” That’s their problem. Walk away and continue your awesome day.

My kids have been opening doors for people since they were very young. They love greeting people and watching adults smile at them for their act of kindness.

It doesn’t matter how old you are. Try adding “yes sir” and “yes ma’am” to your vocabulary and watch the effects it will have in your life.

And, if you start making more money, cut me off 10 percent.

Inspiration

Make others feel good and you’ll feel good, too

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Wednesday, January 21, 2015

In my past articles, I’ve mentioned how relationships between companions will grow through fitness.

What is your relationship with yourself? Are you hard on yourself for the features your parents gave you? I hope you realize we all have distinct individual looks and that’s one of the coolest parts about the human race.

Really, the only part of your body you can control is fat and muscle percentage. We all know the importance of fitness and eating habits. And, this comes down to discipline and self control.

How about your personality, love for all people and kindness?

I once asked my kids, “Are you the kid you would want?” This question made an impact on them.

So, how about you? Are you someone that you would want to date, be in a relationship with or marry? Be the person you want to spend the rest of your life with because you will. Accept who you are and work on developing and enhancing all that is good and positive. We have one life. This is no dress rehearsal. Be nice and take care of yourself. Walk out into the world with a smile and greet everyone with big Texas “Hello.”

I once was running errands around town, and decided to make a kind comment to everyone I encountered. I would find something about them and tell them kind words. Like, “Your hair looks good today,” “I like that shirt, hat, shoes” or some article of clothing. Or, “You have a great smile.”

Make people feel good about themselves, and you’ll feel good about you.

Remember, a bad day is only because you make it so. Make each day better than the day before. It easily starts with a big teeth-showing smile to share with the world.

Inspiration

Start each day with a positive outlook

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Let’s start each day with positive thinking. Find goodness and beauty in every person you encounter. Don’t judge people by their clothes, hairstyles, tattoos, and piercings.

The kids and I only judge people by our ears and not our eyes. We’ve learned to enjoy how everyone expresses themselves with different styles and fashion.

Your true character is typical of how you speak. Do you speak well of others and show respect and kindness? Remember kids, how you act and speak in public is a reflection of your parents.

I’m currently helping a number of people to reach their fitness goals. My main focus is positive thinking. I see beauty in everyone, and you should recognize the beauty you possess.

Remember, your body is a reflection of your lifestyle. Some people are very physically fit, some are severely overweight or scary thin, while all others are in between.

No matter what your body type is, if you recognize your inner beauty and walk with confidence, then you will slowly transform the body you truly desire.

Next time you walk into work, smile and greet everyone with a good morning or hello. Don’t hide or be overly shy. Let people know you’re alive and happy. Be that person others want to surround themselves with.

I’m just so excited starting this new year with a more positive attitude and will continue riding the wave of kindness and helping others reach fitness goals.

Inspiration

Step away from boring resolutions for the new year

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Well, here we go; another year for better hopes and dreams.

You’ve probably set the same New Year’s resolutions you’ve been trying to accomplish for the past many years. But, what happens is you still fall back to the same old destructive or lazy routine. That’s because you’ve failed at that resolution every year, and your subconscious mind is leading you to fail again.

Now, I can write out a plan to help everyone take steps for a better opportunity to accomplish those same old resolutions. But, I’m not. Let’s step away from boring resolutions we all share of trying to break bad habits.

It’s time to really step out of the box and comfort zone. Let’s set a resolution that will surprise your friends and family. Let’s do something that will just exhilarate you to no end, and give you confidence and realization that you can accomplish anything you dream.

Let everyone know that you don’t care about their opinions; just get out of my way and watch.

We all have different wish lists and fears. I have a fear of heights and went sky diving. I almost pooped myself, but it was one of the most incredible feelings to free fall from around 10,000 feet in the air.

Go for it — go sky diving, ride a bronking bull, snow ski, hike a mountain, raft a treacherous river, vacation to your desired city or country, sign up for internet classes, run the Houston marathon, bike the MS 150 to Austin, make an appointment with the CEO of your company, take surfing, diving or dancing lessons.

The list is endless according to your personal lives. If possible, accomplish your resolution in January and it will give you the confidence for the rest of the year.

I’ll see you at the top of the mountain.

Inspiration

Compete in the workplace as a Business Athlete

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Did you ever compete in sports as a kid, high school, or college? Do you compete in anything today? Well, if you have a job, then you should consider yourself a Business Athlete.

You see, no matter what your occupation, you are competing with someone else in your company for a better pay raise or promotion.

Maybe you own a business and there are other companies in which you are all competing for the same clients.

Whatever your situation, you’re competing to be more productive and efficient to create better sales. And, that will affect your bank account and way of life.

You may need to burn the midnight oil to do some extra studying, possibly get to work earlier and stay later, or tackle the extra projects to get ahead.

If you really have a competitive spirit and want to move up, make more money, and have security, then be a better Business Athlete than anyone else in your division or company.

Find that competitive spirit you once had in your youth. That’s the importance of playing sports at a young age. It prepares you for the competition of life. You know what it’s like to practice, push yourself, and fall down to get back up.

We’ve all struck out at bat, gotten thrown out at first base or hit with a pitch, but you also know how it feels to hit a homerun, score at home plate, throw someone out, and catch a fly ball.

Bottom line, you know the feeling of successes and failures in competitive sports. You can have that same feeling again as an adult in your workplace. Become a Business Athlete, leave everyone in your dust, and have the secure, profitable wonderful life you want.

Inspiration

The speed of the game equals the speed of life

By DAVID TERPERA | Posted: Wednesday, December 10, 2014

My daughter’s volleyball experience is similar to life.

My daughter, Daylyn, is a club volleyball player. This year, she moved up to the 14-year-olds level.

The biggest difference compared to last year is the speed of the game. These 14-year-olds are flying all over the court with great saves, power serves, bumps, and spikes.

If you notice, speed increases with each level in all sports. How many times have you heard a rookie in the NFL say the difference between professional and college is the speed of the game?

I feel this is just how life moves. When we were kids, it seemed like it took forever for our birthdays or Christmas to come back around. Now, it seems like we just celebrated them.

You see, as we get older, life does seem to speed up. We now have so many more responsibilities, along with financial obligations and debt, that we get caught in a time warp. Because of this, we keep putting off our goals, ambitions and health.

Don’t give up on your dreams. What are your goals? Do you want to continue your education, get in better shape, find a better job, get out of a bad relationship, get off drugs and alcohol or find religion?

The list is endless according to your professional and personal lives. Write down your life goals and put a plan together. Share your plan with others to help be accountable.

Don’t let Father Time fly by you. Don’t throw in the towel and feel you’re too old, too late or too dumb.

Colonel Sanders founded Kentucky Fried Chicken when he was 65-years-old. Ronald Reagan became the 40th president of the United States at the ripe old age of 70.

Stick to your plan, love all people, volunteer, and be the amazing person that’s been hiding under your skin.

It’s your life — be happy. Go for it — you deserve it.

Inspiration

If you want to change your life, take the shot

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, December 2, 2014

I want to share a story from an experience my son learned through basketball. It’s a life lesson for all of us.

Dylan is a 10th-grader playing basketball for his high school team. A few weeks ago, his team was down by two points with time running out. He found the ball in his hands, behind the three-point line, with 5 seconds left on the clock.

Dylan glanced at the basket and chose to pass to his teammate. His teammate shot the ball and missed the bucket. My son’s team lost the game. No big deal, this is part of the experience in playing sports.

Afterward, we had an opportunity to discuss the game. I asked Dylan if his teammate had lost the game for missing the shot. Dylan’s reply, “No sir, not at all.” I then asked if his teammate made the shot, would he have won the game? Dylan’s reply “Absolutely.” I looked at Dylan and told him, “Take the shot”.

One shot doesn’t lose a game, but one shot can win a game.

That’s a lesson in life for all of us. We are all afraid to expose our weaknesses. Are there certain aspects of your life you want to change?

Are you a salesman and want to ask a client for their business? Take the shot. Is there a friend or family member where there is a conflict and a need to rekindle the relationship? Take the shot. Do you need to change your diet and start exercising? Take the shot.

Whatever you are dealing with in your lives — take the shot.

If you never take the shot, then nothing changes and life stays the same. If you take the shot, then it could be a life changer. Even if you miss the shot, you’ve accomplished so much more.  You now have the experience and confidence to take another shot.

Wayne Gretsky, famous hockey player, once said, “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.”

So, as in basketball and in life, don’t hesitate. Take the shot and fulfill your dreams