Tag Archives: accomplishments

Inspiration

Don’t give up, keep the momentum

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Have you ever tried to push a heavy object, and at first, it was difficult until it started moving? Once the object gained momentum, it became much easier.

We can apply this same law of friction to our daily lives.

Think about when you started a new project, a new diet, a new job, a new sport and so on. The most difficult part of the process was just getting started. But once you got in motion and gained momentum, it was much easier.

There are many people I’ve helped with a new diet and exercise program. Almost each one of them was getting frustrated for the first month because their goals and expectations were not being obtained.

I explained to keep pursuing and don’t give up because that’s how our bodies work. At first, your body goes into shock and survival mode because it wants to protect itself against the forces and extremes you’re putting it through.

But once your body recognizes exercising and clean dieting is a new way of life, it will start adjusting and transform itself to the constant demands. Hopefully, this makes sense.

The key component to all of this is momentum. Once you’ve gained momentum, everything gets easier.

Notice during sports competition when a team gets momentum and starts a lot of scoring, the other team’s coach will call a timeout to stop it. This typically works.

The great news is that the only thing that can stop your momentum — is you.

Just know if reaching extreme goals was easy, then everyone would accomplish them. That’s the beauty and the end reward. It’s something that took full effort and dedication.

Plus, you’re the one who did it. You alone defeated all the obstacles and barriers that stood in your way. You clawed, sweated, studied, fought the battle and became king of the mountain.

Don’t hesitate. Today’s the day to get your bodies and ambitions started to gain momentum in this game of life.

Inspiration

Do what it takes to reach goals

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Recently, I had an inspiring conversation with a young lady named Maricruz Diaz. She had a slight accent, so I asked to share her story. At first, Maricruz was a little reluctant but proceeded to amaze me.

Maricruz had come to the United States a few years ago to pursue her dream of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She started her journey in Mexico completing almost two years of college but was given a new opportunity here to continue a full education.

She faced many obstacles and setbacks. First, the American nursing school didn’t accept any credits from Mexico. Next, Maricruz had to take one year of English, which she completed, then one year of remedial classes to prove her understanding. Finally, she took two years of prerequisites to be accepted into school.

After 4-5 years of schooling, she is now ready to start a four-year program for nursing.

Oh, did I mention she works 40 hours a week in a hospital organizing surgical instruments?

I can’t tell you how many people have told me that they don’t have time to reach their goals, no time to go to the gym, exercise or clean up their diet.

I know a grown man in his 30s who hasn’t worked in almost four years because he found a way to work the system and receive a free check from the government.

Maricruz told me she is one of five siblings, and all of them have college degrees.

Her dad is a retired construction worker, and her mom was a full-time, stay-at-home mom. Yes, they might have been somewhat financially poor but obviously wealthy in family values.

Listen, we’ve got to stop giving excuses for our lazy behavior. It doesn’t matter what your age and current status quo. Step your game up, get excited about what lies ahead and live out your dreams like a young lady named Maricruz Diaz.

Inspiration

Now’s the time to separate yourself

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Are you bored with your life? Have you allowed yourself to become complacent with the same old routine each day?

Look around and notice, you’re probably wearing the same style of clothes as everyone else your gender and age. And sadly, you’re probably just as out of shape and overweight.

We are all creatures of habit. It’s our way of staying organized and possibly less stressed. But there are many of you whose routine isn’t going anywhere productive.

Maybe now’s the time to separate yourself from the average person. Be the silent leader by changing diet, exercise and lifestyle.

You will find it very rewarding and encouraging when people ask, “Something is different about you. You look good. Did you lose weight?”

My son Dylan is a junior in high school. His basketball season ended around two months ago. Afterward, we had a serious discussion to find a way to separate him from all the other players since he will become a senior and in his final season.

Our plan is to add as much muscle mass as possible and to work on speed and vertical leap.

What most people don’t understand is you typically don’t see results from training until after at least a month. If you can stick with it past that time, then body changes start kicking in and keep rolling.

Dylan didn’t have any weight increases during the first month, even though he was eating six meals a day. He also brings food to school to eat between classes.

But now, a little more than two months into training, he has gained 12 pounds of solid muscle, massively increased strength and added almost 2 inches to his vertical.

You see, Dylan is the average height of 6-feet, 1 inch like the majority of players on his team. But I guarantee next season he will be the biggest, fastest and strongest.

Now, it’s time for you to separate yourself from co-workers or teammates. Put a plan together, stick with it, and take your life to a whole new level.

Inspiration

One play can win a game or change your life

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, April 5, 2016

How many times have you played or watched a sporting event in which one play turned the game around?

Think about it — one shot, one block, one hit, one spike, one tackle, and so on.

Most of the time, this is extremely important while the clock is winding down.

Before every basketball game my son Dylan plays, I remind him that one shot doesn’t lose the game, but one shot will win it. He knows to take the shot.

How about the one play in our daily lives? What’s the one situation or the person who has changed your life? Maybe, it was a job opportunity, kind words during a difficult time, or even money and help when you desperately needed it.

Remember, to make it a truly life-altering event, you must be all in. No turning back to old ways and habits.

There had been many situations where one play enhanced my life.

One of the biggest events was more than 10 years ago, becoming a single parent raising two kids practically on my own. I had to immediately break some bad habits and become the best role model possible.

This not only gave my kids a wonderful loving life, but created amazing opportunities for me as well.

I know other people who’ve had one negative play that changed their life forever.

A friend of mine saw herself in Christmas pictures this past December. She came to me shaking and crying with embarrassment asking for help. I let her know that she’s already won the biggest battle because of her commitment and desire.

This lady is on a mission and has lost over 20 pounds in three months.

Let’s admit it, we’ve all had one-play events in our lives, but how many of you have been the one play in other’s lives? It’s as simple as an act of kindness.

Look around and reach out. Hopefully, your name comes up when someone confesses the one play that changed their life.

Inspiration

Do you have a March Madness mentality?

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

Since my son Dylan’s passion is basketball, we’ve been watching the March Madness tournament.

One of the exciting components of this particular tournament is that each game will be your last — if you lose. So, every team and each player is playing to their utmost ability.

It’s been amazing watching these players battle to the end with last-second game-winning shots.

This made me think about my own life and how I attack each day.

How much more productive and powerful would we be if we took on March Madness mentality? For us to get up each morning with the ambition to conquer the day because if we don’t, it could be our last — to know losing is not an option.

I will be the hardest worker today. I’ll get to work 30 minutes earlier and stay 30 minutes later.

I’ll let everyone close to me know how much I love and appreciate them.

All my friends can count on me to be trustworthy and dependable.

My children will have an interacting father helping with homework, shooting hoops in the driveway, getting snow cones and giving lots of hugs.

Those of you in relationships, be creative and adventurous to show appreciation and love. It could be as simple as going grocery shopping together.

Today will not see shortcuts. I will be in full force to smash through negative barriers, leaping over life’s obstacles to cross the finish line setting new records.

Just know, you better get out of my way because I’m not going around you.

Since I’m a champion today, I’ll take it to a new level tomorrow and conquer this March Madness tournament of life.

Inspiration

In what chapter of life are you?

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

We all go through different phases and chapters throughout our journey of life. What chapter are you experiencing today compared to yesteryears?

I’m in my mid-50s, and today’s chapter is completely different from my 40s and beyond.

One common denominator is that I’ve always maintained a decent diet and exercised frequently. As I progressed through my 30s and to date, my knowledge and experience in these categories excelled. That’s because I understand keeping a healthy body is important for a better quality of life.

Hopefully, as you get older, you are recognizing this as well.

But really, most important is our character development. Over the past 10 years, I started a personal campaign to become a loving, caring and compassionate person to all mankind. This has drastically changed my life.

I learned to forgive those who wrong me by understanding their reasons and through time, was able to erase it from my daily consciousness. This mental action relieved me from tremendous unnecessary stress. Plus, it opened the door for peace and relaxation.

We get caught up stressing over negative situations that should be in our pasts.

Once, my daughter Daylyn had another student say some very hurtful words to her. I found Daylyn crying in her room and asked about the situation.

After a brief loving father-daughter talk, I asked when this had happened. To my surprise, it occurred more than a month ago.

I told Daylyn, “Don’t you realize, only in your mind this person is still being mean to you because you’re letting it? I guarantee the other student has moved on with their life and doesn’t give you one thought. Forgive their immature idiotic behavior and be the amazing happy little girl everyone loves.”

Can’t we all relate to Daylyn’s situation?

Just know, if someone is being ugly to you, it’s because there is something about you that makes them jealous and envious. If they are comfortable with themselves, they wouldn’t care.

Come on, let’s all write the same new chapter in life for character development to become compassionate toward others. We are in this journey together, and hopefully one day, we will cross paths.

Diets

Are you ready for Spring Break weather?

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

Uh oh, it’s spring break week, and you just realized that you’re not swimsuit ready. I’m sure there are plenty of you wishing you would have stuck with the New Year’s resolution to lose weight.

For those of us who are no longer in school, spring break is only a reminder that the summer months are upon us. We live in this southern heat and humidity, and loose clothing and shorts are part of our daily lives.

You can no longer hide fat underneath big clothes and jackets, even though you’ll try.

What happens to us is we try to set diet and fitness goals, and when we realize that it won’t get accomplished, we give up.

My suggestion is to eliminate goals, even though it’s a motivator for some.

I’ve stopped setting diet goals years ago. I just decided to make lifestyle changes, which created body transformation. It’s a slow process, but, in time, it works and stays.

Don’t set yourself up for failure. Start slow by eliminating certain foods on certain days, eat smaller food portions and choose water over other drinks.

Remember, losing weight isn’t in the gym. It’s in the kitchen.

Because of daylight saving, our days are longer, so get out and start moving to enjoy the air and sun.

Really, we are all beautiful people within our own skin. The true meaning of diet and exercise is to become healthier and have more energy.

Don’t get caught up trying to have a perfect body. I know countless people who compete in the fitness and body building world, and they are never happy with their bodies.

Men, as you get older, it’s normal to carry a little extra weight around your waist. For women, it’s normal to carry extra weight around hips and thighs. Believe me, some of us appreciate it — wink-wink.

Swimsuit weather is here, so start making changes now to enjoy a better energetic lifestyle.

Inspiration

Don’t quit when the ball rolls between your legs

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

Several years ago, my son Dylan and I were watching a Little League Baseball game. His team was to play the winner on the following day.

Well, the game was in the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs and the score tied. The batter hit the ball into right field and the outfielder let the ball roll between his legs.

When the outfielder turned to retrieve the ball, he was only half jogging because, in his mind, the game was over because of his mistake.

Dylan and I looked at each other in shock because it was obvious the outfielder should have at least given some effort. He not only gave up on himself but on the team and everyone in the stands.

Now, I know that’s a harsh statement since he’s only a kid, and it happens to every baseball player.

But here’s the lesson in life that I explained to Dylan.

Just like in sports, there will be times in life where you’ll let the ball roll between your legs. You’ll want to give up and walk away because it’s easier than sucking it up and fighting your way back in the game.

The one thing we can all do — is quit. But, what truly separates winners from losers is the will to never give up.

We are not going to win every game. We will have failed relationships, experience the death of a loved one and face unemployment. Believe me, I’ve experienced all three.

Yes, I wanted to curl up, give up and hope everything would just fade away. But, I had many long talks with myself in the mirror challenging my character. I had the responsibility of being a single parent, and there’s more at stake than my selfishness.

There are many of you currently dealing with these challenging life experiences. Look, take a few deep breathes and allow internal wounds to heal.

Take these situations and make it strengthen your life.

So come on, don’t half jog, and start sprinting to the ball because you’re going to make the winning throw in this game of life.

Inspiration

Be the hero in your movie

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

So, I’m writing my first screen play based on a true story from my soccer coaching experience. As I’m finishing the story line, it made me realize, as we go through life, we are all writing our own movie.

Now, think about that for a moment. Each one of our lives is a “true story” movie. But the best part is, we get to write our own script.

We all experience conflicts, self-doubt, tragedy and defeats, but we also feel the emotions of rewards, victory, conquering and self-confidence.

As of today, your storyline is based on all those experiences. I hope everyone is living a fairy-tale life, but there is the reality of being human.

You can’t change past decisions — good or bad. You might be out of shape, excessively overweight, made poor income choices, in a bad relationship along with destructive habits.

The good news is your story is still under construction. How do you want your movie to end?

Go through your day like a movie camera is following you around capturing all your kindness, good deeds, hard work and determination.

Think of all your actions, posture, mannerisms and facial expressions projected onto a movie screen. How would this change your daily life? How much more would you accomplish? How many more goals would be achieved? And most importantly, how much better would you treat people?

Right now, you should start hearing the “Rocky” movie theme song playing in your head. You should be feeling the excitement in your body and soul knowing that your life is changing at this moment.

It’s time to take on the enemy and self-demons and be the hero in your movie. The battle has started and you’re fighting to conquer all that crosses your path. Nothing can stop you from accomplishing your goals, your destiny, and the life you’re meant to have.

Today your movie script has taken a new direction in which you’re smashing defeat.

We should all ride into the sunset knowing we’ve done our best, done good will and left this world a much better place.

Fitness, Inspiration

Take action and change your life

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Typically we all have areas in our lives that need improving. We can make a choice to take action or no action. Whatever the results become, it’s from your decision.

I often hear from people complaining about being overweight, being in bad relationships and disliking their jobs. My first question is, “what steps have you taken to change it?

Sometimes we have to create a new chapter in our lives. This can be scary because it takes us out of our comfort zone and requires time and perseverance.

A few years back, there was a young man named Clay who had built his body into an impressive specimen. Clay was not happy with his current occupation and wanted to break into the fitness environment to become a personal trainer.

I introduced Clay to a gym owner who gave him an opportunity to chase his dreams. Clay started out very inspiring and was building a strong cliental. But once Clay became comfortable with his new lifestyle and income, he started slacking and taking time off. I even paid him to train my kids, but each week we didn’t know if Clay would show up or not.

Clay came to me depressed because he was losing business, and most of his clients started using other trainers.

I explained to Clay that when you’re chasing dreams, starting a business or improving areas of life, that it requires full focus and dedication. People are investing their hard-earned money and time in you. You have to be accountable at their request, not on your time.

Clay experienced that taking action changed his life, but his non-action led to failure and depression.

So, what area in your life needs improvements? Are you whining and complaining or taking action?

Trust your instincts and gut feelings. Put a plan in place and step out of your comfort zone. Taking the first step builds confidence to take another. Before you know it, you’ll be running to the end zone to score a touchdown on life.

I’m doing it. You can do it. We can all take action and create an amazing journey together.