By David Tepera, May 3, 2023

For all my fellow successful people out there, I tip my hat for having the guts to fight the obstacles in order to obtain self-wealth, healthiness and prosperity, including the finer things in life.

Stay with me on this, because today I got your back.

Tina and I started our business only five years ago, and as of today, our dedicated work is paying off because of our commitment to helping people. Through all this, we are able to have more and do more.

How many of you have that one family member or friend that observes your lifestyle and will make the comment “It must be nice” or “Lucky you”?

What some people don’t know about success is the late nights, early mornings, failures, risks, obstacles, sacrifices and money invested.

I challenge you to Google any multi-successful person and find out how many hours they sleep. That’s also why I never accept someone’s reply that they don’t have time to exercise. Sorry, but yes you do.

If you really want to change your life, then it should take up your every waking moment. There’s never a full day off when chasing a dream or goal.

The first couple of years of our business, we worked seven days a week and barely paid our bills. Today, we work six days. Even on vacation, we take at least an hour each day for work-related stuff.

Believe me, I’m not trying to boast about us because I’m no better than the next person. We are all equal, but how we react to life is what separates us.

Now, if you truly want to change your body, it will take hours, months and maybe years battling weights at the local gym. It takes commitment to cooking healthy and giving up trash eating. It takes walking, biking or some type of cardio over running to the local bar.

What risks are you willing to take to change your life? I guarantee it’s time to step out of your comfort zone and go for it. Don’t look back, and accept failure is a part of success.

Not doing something to move forward is another day lost. How much further today would you be if you did something yesterday?

Remember, people only view you from results. They’ll never understand the sacrifices and commitment it took to be successful.

By David Tepera, April 28, 2023

Recently, I was guest speaker for a group of people, and we were sharing life’s challenges, including how we overcame them. Once I finished, a young man sadly commented about how much tragedy and death I’d been through.

It took me back for a moment because even though I lost my two oldest sons, a father and a few close friends, all within a short period of time, I never felt sorry for myself. Yes, it was a difficult time to deal with, but through my faith and strong will, I became a stronger man from it.

Here’s my message. I know there are so many of you out there that have dealt with heartache and devastation worse than me. I never thought “woe-is-me” because I know people who’ve been through worse times.

As life moves forward, we will see the joys of marriages, birth of babies, plus all the happiness from a variety of celebrations.

But, at the same moments, we will attend more funerals, hear of devastating diagnosis and other tragedies life throws at us.

We must all accept this is the part of life that molds us. It’s easy to enjoy the goodness we experience, but when you get suckered punched, surviving will make you stronger.

To me, death is the most difficult to deal with. There’s not one of us who can escape its wrath. As much as you might want to crawl up in the fetal position, you must learn to celebrate the memories that person gave you.

Maybe you’ve been diagnosed with a challenging disease. Notice, I chose to name it as “challenging.” What some people might think is defined as terminal, you must change your stinking thinking and be ready to put up a fight.

Sometimes in life, we get pushed into a corner and the only way out is to fall to our knees or start punching and kicking our way out.

Just like I used to tell my athletes when they got blind-sided, “GET UP and get back in the game.” It doesn’t matter how many times you get knocked down, it’s how many times you get up.

Now, today is when you decide to turn things around. There’s no more feeling sorry for yourself because you are no longer a victim. Pick yourself up, get your game face on, and start kicking some butt.

You are going to show others, that no matter what happens, surviving makes you stronger.

By David Tepera, April 12, 2023

For those who follow me, you’re very familiar with my research on inspirational people. What’s intriguing is the variety of those who make a difference in our culture and the world.

Today’s inspiring person of interest is Bob Marley. I’m sure most of you relate to him as a reggae-singing marijuana promoter from Jamaica, but there’s much more.

I read an interview with Marley, and he was asked, “Is there a perfect woman?” I completely loved his response because it pertained to all of us.

Marley replies, “Who cares about perfection? Even the moon is full of craters. The sea is beautiful but salty and dark in the depths. The sky is always infinite but often cloudy. So, everything beautiful isn’t perfect. It’s special.”

The lesson here is to stop trying to be perfect. Whoever you are, you’re special to someone. Just be free and live, and do what you love. Don’t worry about impressing others.

It doesn’t matter how you look at this very moment; there are millions of people who find you attractive. We are all wired differently, so quit being hard on yourself.

Accept the genetics that your parents passed on and embrace them. You were given one body, and it’s up to you to treat it with respect.

If you were your own therapist, what advice would you give yourself? If changes are needed, then what’s holding you back? Don’t worry about being perfect; just be the beautiful you.

For your information, Robert Nesta Marley was born in 1945 and died in 1981. He was considered one of the pioneers of reggae with a unique vocal and songwriting style. Marley increased the visibility of Jamaican music worldwide and made himself a global figure. He fathered 11 children and passed away from acral lentiginous melanoma.

Now, are you caught up trying to be perfect? It’s another reason why cosmetic surgery is a multi-billion industry. I don’t have anything against doing things to make you feel better, but most of us know someone who has taken it too far.

Go take a look in the mirror. Blow kisses and give yourself a bunch of compliments. It’s OK to be silly and realize there’s someone beautiful staring back at you. None of us are perfect, but we are all definitely special.

By David Tepera, April 5, 2023

Recently, I was listening to one of many motivational speakers. He was asking people how they would feel if he gave them a million dollars. Everyone was delighted, as you could see the joy on their faces.

Then, he asked, “If I give you 10 million dollars today, but you won’t wake up in the morning, would you take it?” Of course, there were no takers in the room.

The lesson he was preaching about is how we must realize our life can’t be bought for any amount of money. So, why not wake each day knowing you are worth more than $10 million? Try to let that sink in for a moment.

Listen, if you’re not happy and feeling depressed, the one thing you can control is what’s allowed to enter into your mind. What do you choose for your eyes to read? Which stations do you allow your ears to listen to? What programs are you watching to fill your mind?

Just know destruction and bad news pulls people in and has created hatred and mental depression. Don’t get caught up in it anymore. It’s time to feel good and spread happiness.

Mental health is just as important as physical health, so seek out the goodness that surrounds you. And yes, prayer will always lead to peace.

During my spare time, I choose to fill my mind with positive thoughts. I constantly troll motivational messages that are inspiring. I have many successful clients to whom we share positive life experiences. I spend my days encouraging people to be better than the day before.

I’m fortunate for The Daily News to give me the platform each week to inspire all its readers. The frequent emails I receive from all of you are heart-warming. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me because I respond to every email.

All of this has made me realize how wonderful life truly is and that all people have goodness within them. Sometimes, we just need to dig inside and pull that beautiful person back out in the open.

Today, you are going to choose to become beautiful again. You are going to help share love and happiness to all those around you. Let this be the next wave that spreads across the world. There’s more of you than me, so let’s do this together.

Remember, you are worth more than $10 million, so enjoy each day.

By David Tepera, March 29, 2023

Throughout our lives, there is something essential we need or want. Whatever it may be, it gets us motivated to work for it. And, if it’s something we are still involved with, it becomes a habit.

What’s on your list? Start in the early years and work toward the future.

For all the boys in my neighborhood, we grew up during the Evel Knievel crazy American stunt years. Robert Craig Knievel attempted more than 75 ramp-to-ramp motorcycle jumps. With each jump, he became more daring. For your information, he died at the age of 69 from pulmonary disease.

All our Schwinn banana seat bicycles became stunt motorcycles as we attempted record-breaking ramp jumps. Somehow, we all survived with only major scabs and road burns.

For me, I was motivated to jump the furthest and ride the longest wheely. Even though I no longer jump ramps, I can still ride a wheely down the street.

OK, so that was a silly example down my memory lane. What habits do you possess that started from motivation?

Is your work ethic a part of your character? How do people respond to you at your employment? Are you a leader that picks up everyone’s spirit, or are you more known as the company complainer? If needed, then it’s time to change some habits, or you might be on your way out.

How motivated were you to date your spouse? Do you still have the habit of opening doors, holding hands and saying, “I love you?” Has your marriage developed into a true partnership working toward a common goal?

Most everyone wants to lose weight and be healthier. What’s your motivation to change your lifestyle? Do you now have the habit of getting up earlier to exercise, then starting the day with a healthy breakfast?

Remember, it took a long time to get out of shape and put on too much weight. Through new habits, you can start the journey of taking weight off and feeling better about yourself.

I tell people to perform some type of exercise every day. Don’t set a schedule to only exercise on certain days. Something will come up, and you will need to skip that day, and then the losing cycle starts up again.

Let life tell you when not to exercise. Your body will develop the habit of wanting movement and craving healthier foods.

No matter where you are today, let motivation get you started because habits will keep you going.

By David Tepera, March 22, 2023

Do you ever wonder why there are never Lamborghini commercials? It’s because they claim their target audience isn’t sitting around watching TV.

Next time you’re watching your favorite TV programs take notice of the type of commercials being shown.

Cartoon and Disney channels will promote cereal, baby food and toys. Sports channels typically market beer and trucks. The golf channel will feature luxury cars and investment banking.

As you can see, there’s a lot of research in television marketing to get the most bang for the buck. For your information, this year’s Super Bowl commercials cost from $6-7 million per 30 seconds.

Now, what are you doing in your spare time? If you need more income, are you working a second job, going to night school or proving you’re worthy for a promotion? Are you determined and dedicated, or are you sitting around watching TV?

How about your health? We all have spare time, so are you exercising and lifting weights? I’ve heard many times from people telling me don’t have time to exercise. Sorry, but yes you do.

How many times are you hitting the snooze button? Why not get up an hour earlier for some cardio? Just know the best time to perform cardio exercise is when you wake on an empty stomach. It’s called “fasted cardio.” Your body will burn more fat, plus boost metabolism.

What other improvements are you making in your spare time? Are you volunteering, finishing house projects or maybe enjoying a fun hobby?

Whatever it may be, make sure you are involved in something that is self-rewarding. I’m not just pertaining to financial rewards, but also what makes you feel good for yourself and possibly others.

Listen, it’s definitely OK to take time off, go on vacation or step away from the grind. As most of you know, we live a healthy lifestyle, but when it comes to vacation, we eat and drink anything we want. And, believe me, we do.

Now, if you’re not happy with your current situation, then start looking for self-improvement in your spare time.

We all develop habits, some are destructive, and some are productive. The choice is yours. Stop hanging around with people going nowhere and create the life you are meant to have.

Starting today, your life is going to change because you will discover a way to be productive during your spare time.

By David Tepera, March 15, 2023

Everyone wants to be affiliated with a winning team or a winner. That’s the main reason professional jerseys are a huge money grab for companies. For those of you who are sports fanatics, I’m most certain you have a jersey with your favorite player’s name on the back.

People do this because it lets others know they are part of a winning team. And, when you put all these fans together, arenas and sports bars bank tons of money.

Now, don’t get me wrong. Even though I don’t wear shirts with another man’s name on the back, I think sports help bring people together in a positive way. Most people need an outlet to make them feel like winners.

What about you? In the real world, do you consider yourself a winner? Are you the best employee, team leader, husband and father?

If you’re at the top of your game, the people around you will want to be on your team.

Just know if you are out there kicking butt and making a name for yourself, you will never have to let others know. That’s because your fans will do all the bragging for you. Just stay humble and keep winning.

Next time, notice how people respond to you at work, in the community or even at church. Do people draw to you because you are kind, generous and a positive person, or do people shy away and avoid you?

Remember, people want to be around winners because it makes them feel better about themselves. No one wants to be in the presence of someone that makes them feel less.

One thing we take pride in at our gym is to make everyone feel like winners. They came to us to improve their lives, and through our teamwork and consistency, they are winning in life.

Today, let’s take a realistic reflection on ourselves. How many times can you be a winner today? Did you make your bed, get to work early, greet everyone with a smile, eat healthier and exercise? These are only a few examples, so what’s on your list?

Winning the championship is always the ultimate goal, but to get there, you have to win many games along the way.

It’s time to take the leap to enhance your life by choosing to be a winner. Now everyone will be wearing your jersey.

By David Tepera, March 8, 2023

People are much more productive when they are excited about life. Once you’ve reached one goal, there must be another to work towards.

In most sports, each week, a team plans and prepares for its opponent. When you have a winning season, the excitement comes in preparing for the next game. Once in the playoffs, the ultimate goal is winning the championship.

What is the next thing you’re looking forward to? Each day when you wake, there must be a plan to accomplish something. We all live different lives, so what’s your list of goals?

Are you working hard to collect a bigger commission, a promotion or a possible financial raise? Maybe you’re the team leader who enjoys lifting people up and not putting them down. Do your employees get excited to be on your team?

If you’re struggling or depressed with work, then find a way to make money from your favorite hobby. You might not make money at first, but I promise you’ll look forward to giving your best each day.

We purchase all our salsa from someone who started a small tomato farm in another state. They were tired of the corporate grind and took control of their destiny.

How’s your relationship with your spouse? Is it a true partnership in which each is being respected? Do you look forward to spending another day with the one you love?

My day starts at 3 a.m., so I usually wake up before my wife, Tina. Before I step out of bed, I reach over and touch her arm and say a small prayer thanking God for bringing Tina into my life.

What are you doing to improve your health? Are you looking forward to exercising each day? Did you set a goal to lose weight and eat healthier? Have you cut back on alcohol and tobacco?

Are you looking forward to getting off the couch and taking back your life? Your excuses have run their course. There’s no more tomorrow, later or after this or that. Nope, the time is now.

Get excited about life again. You once had a zest to get out and look forward to something, so get back out there. It’s never too late. Of course, as we all get older, we slow down and battle certain ailments, but don’t let that stop you. Those are only obstacles and speed bumps.

So, now, here we go. You have something to look forward to.

By David Tepera, March 1, 2023

When you’re in the spotlight or on top of your game, there will always be people trying to bring you down. Just look at it as flattery because, actually, it stems from jealousy.

Think of professional athletes. There are players that you totally support and probably wear their jerseys. And, there are those you hate on and hope they have a failed game.

Back in the day, when I used to watch professional sports with my son Dylan, we both hated on the late Kobe Bryant and Steph Curry. We had our personal opinions, but it was all in fun.

I told Dylan that we might hate on them today, but if the Houston Rockets signed them up tomorrow, we would then become fans.

Just note after Kobe’s death, I researched his work ethic, and it was over the top. His passion to be the best was extraordinary. One rookie player for the Lakers spoke about how he wanted to be the first at the practice facility to impress the coaches. But, when he arrived at 5 a.m., Kobe already had his knees wrapped in ice from hours of weight training and drills. No one on that team could out-work the “Black Mamba.”

What about you? Are you in a position of power? Is your work ethic and drive pushing you to success? Just know, people will be jealous and try to knock you off your path.

Don’t waste energy on people’s negativity. Keep your head up, chest out and feet moving.

When I coached high school football at La Marque, we would teach the running backs to secure the ball and keep their feet chopping while running through the line. This is to never give up and stay in the fight. People, just like players, who work hard enough will break through and head toward victory.

Well, today is your turn to keep pursuing dreams and passions. Let the haters slide off like hot butter. You’re living in their heads, so don’t let them seep into yours. It’s such wasted energy.

Now is your moment to head toward victory. This is your year to make dreams a reality. Love yourself and stay on course.

By David Tepera, February 22, 2023

I’m sure each and every one of you strives to be successful. Of course, this depends on your individual beliefs, wants and desires of what that success will be.

As we get older, the pursuit of financial success becomes the most important, but there must be something that you’ve always wanted to conquer. However, you must find a way to rise above fear to obtain it.

How many of you remember the first time you jumped off a high dive at the local pool? Admit it, once you made the frightful jump, your confidence level skyrocketed to do it over and over.

What keeps you up at night, or what stays lingering in your mind that you’d like to pursue? Is it a better job, education, self-defense, asking out the boy or girl, or whatever you desire?

During my martial arts career, I would guest speak at women’s conferences and teach them self-defense. One subject I spoke about was why wait until you get hurt or violated to learn how to protect yourself. Gain your confidence, be proactive and do something now.

Also, I’ve watched physically handicapped people weight train in public gyms. What guts did it take to possibly feel like an outcast amongst fit people? It’s these people who’ve overcome fear that inspires me.

How many of you are intimidated to join the local gym? Don’t worry about what others think because they are caught up in their own world. Put your headphones on and learn to explore the weights. Each time you’ll gain more confidence and realize people aren’t even paying attention to you.

Are there people bullying you? Do you keep getting passed over for promotions? What’s it going to take to stand up for yourself? Bust through your fear and confront the situation.

I understand how uncomfortable it is to step out of your comfort zone, but no one else is going to stand up for you. Sometimes, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain, so just do it. No matter the results, you’ll be proud of yourself, plus gain more confidence to tackle the next situation.

Listen, we all have fears, but in certain circumstances, you just have to lay it all out there. So, remember, the best way to gain confidence is by overcoming fear.