Inspiration

Get off the sidelines

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, November 29, 2016 

In my youth, I played football for many years, but in ninth grade, I found myself standing most of the time on the sideline. I wasn’t the only kid, but I wasn’t happy about it and became discouraged.

Now, I didn’t fault my coach too much because, at that time, I was definitely not one of the bigger skilled players.

Right then I recognized, when it comes to team sports, coaches make every decision of players, plays and strategies. It’s a game of chess hoping to outsmart the opponent’s coach.

The most frustrating part of hardly ever playing was realizing that I had no control of it. As a player, you can only hope that all your efforts in practice would give you an opportunity.

Whenever our team would win, everyone was celebrating and cheering. Not me. I was embarrassed and ashamed, as I stood there in my clean uniform.

The lesson learned was that if I wanted to play the whole game and dictate the outcome, then I needed to pursue individual sports.

Once I was out of high school, I taught myself to surf, ran a marathon, became a triathlete and competed in martial arts.

Not only in sports, if I wanted to dictate my life, then I needed to pursue happiness and success to live the life I wanted.

Yes, I got knocked down, had stitches, broken bones and multiple surgeries to put Humpty Dumpty back together again. But, that only excited me because I knew I was giving my all, and the lessons of failure are only part of the process.

So, what about you? Are you standing on the sidelines of life? Are you just flying under the radar hoping to one day retire? Why have you given up?

As adults, you shouldn’t be happy with a participation trophy.

That lesson in ninth grade was a defining moment and taught me to never want to be on the sidelines again.

Now get up and recognize there’s a lot of life to live. We are fortunate to live in a country where it is possible to not only chase dreams, but to accomplish them.

One day we will all cross the pearly gates of heaven. If you walk in unscathed without scars, then you didn’t give life your best.

I plan on tumbling and sliding into heaven head first like Pete Rose. I’ll jump up and yell, “Wow, that was a crazy ride!”

Inspiration

Life in the red zone

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, November 22, 2016 

If you’re not familiar with the red zone in football, it’s an opportunity to score from the opponent’s 20-yard line into the end zone. All football teams have a strategy within the red zone because the playing field becomes much smaller.

Really, a team only has three tries to score a touchdown, or at least, hopefully, settle for a field goal. So, there’s a very specific set of strategic plays according to the team being played.

Remember, a touchdown is worth 6 points, along with a possible 1 to 2 extra points, compared to only 3-point field goals.

Teams are particularly not happy with a field goal, but will be somewhat satisfied because it at least puts points on the board.

Now, I believe many parts of our lives are like being in the red zone.

How many of you set a goal to lose 20 pounds, and once you lost around 8-10 pounds, you couldn’t find the discipline to lose the extra 10?

So, you settle for a field goal, and told yourself, “well, at least I lost some weight.” But that didn’t matter because you ended up losing the game, for within a few weeks all the weight came back. I know that last statement hurt.

How many of you settled into a relationship because it was convenient. You thought to yourself “well at least they have a job.”

You can say this about occupations, bad habits, religion, education and so on.

You must dig deep and find a way to not only reach goals, but to blow past it.

When I was teaching karate, I spent many hours showing people how to hit punching bags. To truly develop punching power, you can’t just hit the front of the target, you must put your fist through to the other side. Every muscle within your body has to be behind that punch.

So, come on now, let’s not settle for field goals any longer. We live our lives in the red zone. As we get closer to our goals, the reward is within reach, and strategies become crucial.

It’s time to pad up and strap on your helmet because today you will score a touchdown. No opponent, anyone or any situation can stop you. The ball is in your hands as you fight through all adversity.

Now spike the ball, yell at the top of your lungs and do a crazy end zone dance because you just won the day.

Inspiration

Take the wheel of life

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, November 15, 2016 

Are you behind on your goals and dreams? Are the bills stacking up? Why haven’t you lost the weight needed? For some reason, there is one problem after another.

Look, we all have multiple problems throughout our daily lives. As adults, we can’t escape the responsibilities of trying to maintain a normal life, especially parents.

It’s easy to stay in the same old routine and accept defeat. Don’t throw in the towel and say “well, at least I made it through another month.” Stop letting bad habits keep you from moving forward.

You must dig deep and create a passion to help stay focused and drive through it. You’re in the driver’s seat speeding through a time warp. Sometimes the road will have many curves, stop signs, U-turns, along with speed zones and road bumps. It’s your choice to accelerate or brake.

My previous vehicle lasted for 235,000 miles. During that time, I kept the oil current, put on new tires and brakes, along with another transmission. That car was my livelihood. It took me to work and back, drove the kids to all their functions, and became part of the family.

You must treat yourself like a prized car. Eat healthy foods by changing your diet, and exercise outdoors. It’s also important to pamper yourself when needed.

Get mad and take back your life. Now is the time to put the brakes on old routines and bad habits, and accelerate toward your dreams.

Don’t be scared. Yes, you’ll have a few bumps and dents along the way. Just make the repairs and get back on the road. We’ve all worn casts for broken bones, along with stitches and bruises. And, of course, mental scars too. Give yourself a “high-five” for attacking life.

Enough is enough. You now have control and will keep life on the road to success. When people try to cut in front of you, drive around and pass them up. Take the lead, and be the first through the checkered flag.

You’re the winner, and will earn all the prizes because it was you who took over the wheel of life.

 

Inspiration

Business planning in the gym

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, November 8, 2016 

Most business meetings take place in conference rooms, golf courses and nice restaurants. Recently, I sat down with two gentlemen who plan business while training in the gym.

Billy Manovich works in the oil and gas industry, and Mike Smith owns a dental practice in Pearland. Both have been gym training for more than 30 years.

Billy came up with an idea for an invention and pitched it to his workout partner Mike. Through several months of planning, financing and marketing, they launched a product called The Simple Scrub.

What’s interesting to me, through my conversation with them, is they both share a desire to constantly improve their lives through health and fitness. This desire for improvement catapulted to an invention to help others.

One day, Billy’s grandmother was kneeling down while cleaning her bathtub, but struggled to stand back up because of health issues. So, he designed a prototype bath scrubbing device where his grandmother could clean these hard to reach areas while standing. Besides staying out of a slippery tub, it also kept her from inhaling unnecessary toxic fumes.

Each time someone would use this device, they would inform Billy and Mike of how much easier, quicker and safer cleaning became.

Billy knew he had something to help others and improve lives, so the launch of The Simple Scrub began. Their sales started from 250 orders in June to 1,500 in November of this year.

Me, being a single father and cleaning multiple tubs, I had to try it myself. OK, I was overly impressed because it only took a few minutes per tub and was sparkling clean. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be writing about it.

Besides households, I recommend for hotels, hospitals, boaters and any other cleaning services. If interested, check out their website www.thesimplescrub.com.

Listen, we all have great ideas and inventions that swirl in our minds, but putting it into action becomes the biggest step.

You never know, the person working out next to you at the gym might be your connection. So, share your ideas to improve people’s lives like two dedicated training partners named Billy Manovich and Mike Smith.

 

Inspiration

Clean up after the battle

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, November 1, 2016 

We all have multiple battles we deal with each day. The most common battles are maintaining a job for financial security, relationships with spouses or partners, improving a healthy lifestyle or combating life threatening illnesses — just to name a few.

There are many of you who are, or you have someone you know who is, battling cancer. The good news is you’ve caught it early and won the battle. But, it’s the cleanup that’s preventing you from being excited about life again.

What do I mean by “cleanup?” Yes, you’ve kicked cancer’s butt, and now, there’s many follow-up doctor’s visits, plus the healing process. You must accept this will take time and is part of winning the battle. Don’t let the cleanup keep you down. Make it a victory lap where you get to thank all the medical staff, friends and family involved.

To me, it’s like when a country defeats the enemy in battle. They’ve blown up many buildings to flush out and kill the bad guys. Yes, you’ve won the mission, but the streets and cities must be cleaned up and put back together to help the innocent citizens. It’s hard to truly celebrate until the process has been completed.

I hope this makes sense because it’s just like your body. It needs to repair and clean up after all the treatments.

Think about it, the cleanup process is in every battle, including divorce, occupational changes and even resolved spousal disputes.

None of us can escape life’s battles. It really comes down to a positive mindset. Recognize your life will continue and every day is day to rejoice.

If you’re reading this column, then you’re alive, breathing, heart is beating and you have the emotions of love.

Regain your love of life because we are all unique and beautiful. Look around and see all the amazing people who love and embrace you.

Now relax, it’s going to be OK because today is the best day of your life.

Diets

Why are people addicted to junk food?

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, October 18, 2016 

Recently, I was a guest speaker to a group of high school seniors. One student asked me my thoughts of why people become addicted to junk food.

The following reply is my explanation of why there’s an obesity epidemic that plagues our present-day society.

You see, back in the early days, there was only one parent working which was typically the father. The mother stayed home bearing all the responsibilities of raising children and house work.

Most all meals were prepared by mom using fresh vegetables and fruits from the garden or the local grocery store. All meats and fish came from area farmers and lakes. Eggs and dairy came from grass-fed cattle and chickens.

Now, I’m not saying all of mom’s meals were completely healthy because there was a lot of flour and grease used for cooking back then. But, it still wasn’t processed foods.

Fast forward to present day, and our American society has drastically changed. Now you have both parents working to create better financial security. Mom and dad put in a full day’s work and cooking becomes too great a chore. It’s much easier to grab precooked processed foods on the way home.

Your kids probably have multiple activities after school like dance rehearsals, baseball practice, karate lessons and so on. Both parents are going in multiple directions trying to accommodate the needs of each child. “Honey, you get food for Billy, and I’ll grab something for Suzie. See y’all later tonight.”

Also, present-day children’s lunchboxes are filled with foods that come in wrappers, boxes and juice packets. All these are loaded with sodium and sugar. Read the labels and you’ll be upset with yourself.

Lastly, I told the group of high school seniors, when you were kids, how often did you attend birthday parties on the weekends? Because we live in such crowded cities along with multiple activities, kids will have tons of friends. Which is fine, but they are probably eating birthday cake and ice cream almost every weekend.

So, how do we change these destructive eating habits in our crazy busy parenting lives?

You already know the answer. You must grocery shop and meal plan for the entire week. This includes breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks. Give your kids a variety of veggies, fruits and nut treats to find out which are their favorites.

Parents, I know you’re busy and tired, but you must take a step back and teach your kids a healthier diet. You’re setting them up for a better quality of life.

Inspiration

“The Power of You”

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, October 25, 2016 

My sister Karen Tepera Franklin is a very successful business woman in the apartment management industry. Each year, Karen hosts an annual conference she created called WAM — Women’s Asset Managers.

Over the past few years, WAM has grown from three women to nearly 200, and has become a nationally known and recognized conference.

This year’s conference theme was “The Power of You.” Recently, Karen was in town visiting, so I had an opportunity to pick her brain about the theme.

Karen explained that all of us have a story that empowers us. Almost all successful people had dealt with tragedy and failure. It’s during these times we truly find ourselves and the will to power through it.

Now, how true is all that statement? I’m sure each of you, at this very moment, is reflecting on past or current struggles. Most common struggles are healthier lifestyles, occupational changes, relationships and self-worth.

Here’s how Karen and many others have used “The Power of You” to enhance their lives and accomplish goal setting.

You have to take on the mindset of a gladiator. In case you don’t know, the true term of a gladiator is a warrior that goes into each battle knowing that if you don’t give your all, you’ll die. This means you’ll empower determination to focus on a target and not stop until it’s been conquered.

Have you ever heard the phrase “burn the boats?” It’s when you land on an island to build a new life. You burn the boats so there’s no escaping and returning to failure. You’re forced to work and fight every day if you want to survive.

The beauty of this type of determined behavior is the final reward. You’ll win each day and be one step closer to your target. Even the days you get knocked down, you’ll learn from it, regroup, re-strategize and come out swinging.

One of my dad’s favorite quotes is, “It’s not that I want to. I had to”.

Inspiration

Make it a great day

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Recently, I was listening to a radio interview with Troy Aikman, Hall of Famer and former quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. Aikman was asked about his former wide receiver Michael Irvin. His response was how Irvin can turn an average practice into a great one with his enthusiasm and work ethic.

Let’s all think about how we can apply that same mentality and turn our average days into something great.First, start by recognizing and being thankful for everything you already have. I sometimes remind my kids that there are thousands of other kids who would love to trade places, so appreciate what you have.

Take your average day at work: complete unfinished projects, help a colleague or decide to treat others with more respect and make everyone’s day better.

Maybe when you get home this evening, instead of plopping on the couch, take a brisk walk and enjoy the outdoors.

Take the family to the park, their favorite restaurant, get ice cream or just find time to interact with them. Kids want parents to listen to them and be loved. I sometimes try to be sillier than my kids. They think I’m the biggest dork, and I love it.

When’s the last time you surprised your spouse with a random heartwarming hug along with a passionate kiss? Look at them and say “just because,” then walk away and leave them in shock. This could be your lucky day — wink wink.

Listen, we all battle the brutal world during our average days. Don’t let yourself get caught up going through life just making ends meet while being stuck in the same old routine.

Tap into your creative mind and start thinking outside the box. Find what you truly have a passion for and apply it into your daily life.

I have a passion for many things, but I get the biggest kick out multiple acts of kindness throughout my day.

I typically work in a variety of hospitals each week. So, I interact with complete strangers all day long via parking garages, elevators, offices and operating rooms. I always hold the door and greet people with a smiling, head-nodding hello.

At least I know, for one brief moment, that person had an opportunity to smile. They might be having a bad day, and that one smile helped them get back on track to a great day.

Now go for it and make it a great day, too.

Inspiration

Let’s hit a walk-off home run

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, October 4, 2016

As a batter in baseball, there’s not a more compelling hit than a walk-off home run. I’ve never accomplished that, but it has to be the most amazing feeling to know you’ve won the game with one powerful hit.

It’s a moment of glory as you stroll around the bases while the fans, family members and teammates are celebrating you as the game hero.

It’s truly amazing that so many years of hard work, determination and patience can be rewarded in a split second. If you think about it, we’ve all had a moment of a walk-off home run feeling.

As we go through life, there are many situations we battle trying to accomplish success. Maybe you were diagnosed with a major health issue and conquered it.

How many years does it take to reach a high school diploma, a college degree, buying a house, job promotions, retirement, and so on?

All the late nights of studying, long hours of work and never letting negative influences keep us from accomplishing our dreams.

Life will constantly throw us curve balls trying to get us off course. We’ve all been knocked around, bruised and punched. But because of our strong will and pride, we get back up and kick the world’s butt.

My son Dylan has been training for six months for his first physique contest which is in a few weeks. He spent the summer months before his senior year of high school training and eating like a champion.

How difficult do you think that was for a teenager, giving up time with friends and eating junk food? Not Dylan, because he stayed focused with a “win and take all” attitude.

Remember, there’s no situation or person who can stop you. You’re on a mission to improve your life and swing for the fences. So flip the bat, shake your fists and scream at the top of your lungs because you made it.

Of course, hopefully, you had a support system of family members and spouses to be thankful for because they will be the ones cheering as you round the bases of success.

Now go ahead, strap on your helmet, step up to the plate and hit a walk-off home run because you’re the game’s hero.

Inspiration

Don’t regret what you’ve done

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, September 27, 2016

It’s easy to look over our lives and regret the things we’ve done. But really, we should be regretting the things we didn’t do.

We all wish that we’d spent more time with family, saved more money, traveled the country and took better care of our bodies.

Don’t let your past decisions and tragedies define you. They are only lessons in life that help move us forward to make better decisions.

I’m sure there are many of you who pour a lot of time and energy into your job because financial success is essential for a quality of life for your family. Then, at some point, you realize your kids are grown or almost grown, and you didn’t spend quality time with them.

Also, you might regret not visiting elderly relatives, especially aging parents. All parents desire the love of their children, no matter what age.

There’s a reason for a more than 40 percent obesity rate in America. We’ve allowed ourselves to fall into the trap of a continual bad diet. Now, you’re facing health issues — and possibly a shorter life span.

We’ve all said and done things to others that weren’t necessary, plus you’re probably embarrassed or ashamed.

Listen, we cannot escape bad decision making, but now, it’s part of the past. The beauty of all the negative examples I just wrote about can be turned around immediately.

Today is the day to strap on a pair of sneakers and start the journey to a healthier body. You’ve also decided to eliminate fried-foods and sugary sodas because you now have control.

You must find time to step away from a busy career and enjoy the beauty of our amazing country. Take a long weekend or vacation with the spouse or family and realize there’s more to life than working.

Pick up the phone and call all the necessary people who’ve impacted your life. Tell them you’re sorry for your actions and you want them back in your life.

Go visit your parents while you still can. I have had coffee with my parents almost every Sunday morning for the past many years. They are some of my biggest fans and my best friends. A week doesn’t go by that I don’t get to hug them and tell them how much I love them.

Just don’t let tomorrow come and you’re regretting the things you didn’t do yesterday. Take a deep breath and know it’s all going to be ok.