Tag Archives: accomplishments

Inspiration

Encourage kids to dream big

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Remember when we were kids with dreams of becoming movie stars, rock stars and professional athletes? But as we became older, the real world came crumbling down and our dreams faded away.

Why does that have to happen? Why can’t we live out the biggest dreams imaginable? Someone is doing it. Why not us?

When my son Dylan was 10 years old, he played Little League Baseball. After one of his amazing performances, the coach gave him the game ball. My dad, his grandpa, had Dylan autograph the ball and told him to practice signing baseballs because one day he’ll be a famous player.

That moment actually impacted me. I thought it was a great idea because Dylan dreamed of one day becoming a professional athlete. His biggest desire is to play in the NBA, for basketball is his passion.

When Dylan was in seventh grade and a star player for his school’s basketball team, he had a teacher who was the biggest LSU fan. Dylan happened to win an LSU basketball at the amusement park in Kemah. I had him autograph the ball, put the date on it and give to his teacher. I told him that one day you’ll be famous and that ball will be her treasure.

Dylan is now 17 years old and still has dreams of being involved in the NBA. I explained to him to keep those dreams because it will happen if you put in the work.

I let him know, LeBron James is a historian of the game. He knows the history and stats of all past players who paved the way to present day NBA.

Larry Bird was known to be at the basketball arena three hours before each game to practice all his shots.

Erik Spoelstra, the Miami Heat’s head coach, started out as a nobody breaking down the opponent’s film before Pat Riley gave him the break of a lifetime. As we all know, Spoelstra went on to coach in four NBA championships and won two of them.

Now it’s your turn to be a parent, and your children are having those same big dreams. Are you encouraging and supporting them? All kids want to make their parents proud, so embrace these special moments. Even if they don’t become NBA players, they’ll succeed in the game of life.

Our children are the future and a product from our parenting.

Inspiration

Determination can knock down barriers

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, February 2, 2016

In 1995, I was the boys head soccer coach at La Marque High School. At that time, there had never been any girls teams.

Well, there was this one pesky little freshman girl named Mandi Tapia who kept bugging me to be in my boys soccer class. She even refused to go to her assigned P.E. class and argued with the counselors.

Eventually I sat Mandi down and explained that she could be in my class and join in all the training, but she would not be able to play this year. Instead she could be a manager and a ball chaser.

At first I tried to modify the workouts to be easier for a female. Mandi rejected the modifications and worked at the same pace as the boys. To my surprise, she applied more effort and determination with impressive skills than some of the other guys.

The following season, Mandi recruited two other young ladies named Kelly O’Dell and Selene Valdez to join the soccer class.

I was also a football coach during the 1990s state championship run under Alan Weddell. My soccer offseason program mimicked the same intensity we put those football players through.

If these young ladies want to compete against young men, they would need to prove their physical and mental toughness. Yet again, they stood the test with Mandi becoming one of the leaders.

Well, that season all three girls made the boys JV team and were the only females to play boys soccer in the entire district. Sometimes it was quite humorous to see opponents’ boys getting frustrated with girls scoring and slide tackling them.

These ladies taught me and their male counterparts that when you hit the field, there’s no boys and girls, just a bunch of determined athletes.

Because of their efforts and through Mandi’s leadership, these girls and I petitioned the school and added the first-ever La Marque girls soccer team in 1997.

Recently Mandi and I had an opportunity to talk and reflect back on those special years. Mandi told me her experience in my soccer program was influential in her becoming the successful woman she is.

But what I want Mandi Tapia to know is that once pesky little freshman girl influenced the way I’m raising my daughter.

Inspiration

What’s your 10-year plan?

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

We’ve all made the statement, “if I could go back 10 years, I would do things differently.”

Wouldn’t we all exercise more and change diet choices? Stop abusing alcohol or prescription drugs? Get out of a bad relationship earlier? Pursue a different career path? Plus any other bad choices according to current situation.

Well guess what? Another 10 years are going to pass and you’ll be asking the same questions.

Mentally fast-forward your life 10 years. What, where and how do you want to vision your life?

Why not start making those positive and better choices now? Re-evaluate your entire adult life and start mending those bad decisions.

Personally, nothing is more important than your health. If you need professional help, then seek it now. There are countless paths of diet and exercise programs to help start a healthier lifestyle. If you need common sense ideas and inspiration then go to my blog davidtepera.com.

Maybe it’s time to eliminate the negative people in your life. If your friends are making bad choices, then more than likely, so are you.

If you’re unhappy with current occupation then start the planning process to a dream career. Why not? It’s your life and you deserve it.

Listen, nothing is holding you back — but you. We know success doesn’t happen quickly, but even the journey is remarkable.

I want to be a full-time writer and motivational speaker. I’m not there yet, but my journey has started and it’s brought amazing people into my life.

Don’t get down on yourself where you are today. Take a good look in the mirror and stare at that beautiful person looking back. Fall in love with that person because they’ll be with you forever.

Call me a crazy old man, but I actually look in the mirror every morning and give myself a pep talk. I’ve given up worrying about wrinkles and bald spots because it’s time to conquer the day.

Now go kick start your new 10-year plan, so when you reflect back, you can say, “I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Fitness, Inspiration

Reach new levels with a good wingman

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

Having a strong wingman will help elevate your skill set. In my day, it was Scottie Pippin with Michael Jordan and John Stockton with Karl Malone. One of today’s most known wingmen is Klay Thompson with Stephen Curry.

Arguably these particular wingmen would be superstars on mediocre teams. But without them, how well would their teams had done?

So, who’s your wingman? I’m sure you have one and might not be utilizing them.

Do you have a spouse, business partner, co-workers or a training partner?

There’s truly not a more important wingman than your spouse. You’ve planned to spend the rest of your life together and will need support and strength in every aspect and adventure in life.

How about your business partner? Do you both have a common goal of wealth with integrity? Are you sharing the same investment of capital and work ethic?

I once had a business partner in a medical equipment company that required us to meet at patients’ homes after their surgery to set them up on rehab machines. The timing was critical to ease patients’ pain.

My partner started slacking and would go to the gym or take long dinners before helping. I gave him a fair sum of money and eliminated his name from the business. My reputation was on the line.

Choosing the right training partner is critical in order to obtain fitness goals. It doesn’t matter what challenges you faced during the day, when you step into the gym, it’s game on with exciting encouragement.

A good training partner will not let you fail because each session should make you better, stronger and faster.

If your wingman becomes undependable and gives regular excuses, then it’s adios amigos. Let them hang out with other lazy people while you sculpt a swimsuit body.

So now, what character traits does your wingman have? Don’t forget, you’re someone’s wingman, too. Maybe it’s time to re-evaluate your life and step up your game and those around you.

Let’s make this life journey together and be everyone’s wingman.

Inspiration

A New Year’s resolution we can all share

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, December 29, 2015

I’m sure almost everyone has their list for 2016 resolutions. Most of us share the same typical resolutions of better diets, increasing exercise frequency, improving income, and the most popular: quitting bad habits.

Of course, all of these resolutions are important for a better quality and possibly longevity of life. But, I want us all to share a simple and easy New Year’s resolution with the most amazing results.

It literally doesn’t take any extra effort, sweat or cost money, and people will love and enjoy your presence. My proposal to all of you for this year’s resolution is to show more kindness and compassion for all people.

Now don’t stop reading and think this is another same old “be a kinder person” message. I want you to really think about this and embrace it.

Look, I don’t know about you, but this has been a very challenging year of people in this world showing and indulging in too much hatred. There’s no need for me to go into the specifics, but I choose to not be one of the negative statistics, and neither should you.

Let’s come together and be as one. Don’t be a person who sits, observes and only gives opinions.

You will be astonished on how your positive actions, acts of kindness and beauty can change others’ lives and attitudes. Let you be the difference maker by being the pebble thrown in a pond with ripples spreading goodness along with an infectious, positive personality.

Sometimes when the kids and I are sitting around the dinner table, I ask them to share a story of an act of kindness they did at school. Once they become aware of their importance, then it becomes a daily routine.

We can all do this, and it starts today with each of us changing our own lives to better others.

I’m known to greet people with warm handshakes and sincere hugs. Join me, my friends, and let’s be the catalyst for making 2016 the best year ever.

Diets, Fitness, Inspiration

Use Christmas gifts for fitness motivation

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, December 22, 2015 

Oh yes, it’s Christmas holiday time and Santa’s bringing gifts with cheer.

There are many of you who will be receiving something in the arena of fitness. This could be anything from athletic clothes to exercise equipment.

My advice is to take whatever the gift may be and use it for motivation.

I often hear from people explaining how some new exercise gadget is really working, plus it’s made their muscles sore and helped lose weight.

I always ask “were you doing any type of exercise before you bought the gadget?” The typical answer is “no.” So, this means it became your motivation.

For example, there’s an abundance of abdominal equipment that claim to give tighter abs and lose weight. And, when people do try them, they feel soreness and some benefit for the very first time.

Yes, this is exciting and great news that it’s working. But, again, my question is “when’s the last time you performed a situp?” It’s probably been years.

Did you know that if you would just lie down, put your feet under the couch and start doing situps that you might feel the same soreness? Plus, it wouldn’t cost any money.

My message is not to discourage or make you feel ignorant for spending money on possibly unnecessary exercise equipment, but really, just the opposite.

I want you to embrace whatever gift received or personally bought and use it as motivation.

I don’t care how odd the gadget may seem. Just get on it, put it on and use it to get your body in motion. Use it every day and make it a part of your daily routine.

What will follow is the habit of exercising. Then you’ll build confidence and start exploring other areas of fitness. Fitness, diet and exercising will become a way of life and the world will open new doors.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas, now get excited for the new exercise toys and start changing your life.

Diets, Fitness, Inspiration

Just like in football, there’s a 2-minute warning in life

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, December 15, 2015

We are all familiar with the 2-minute warning in the game of football. It’s when there’s only 2 minutes left on the game clock in the second and fourth quarter.

This time period is critical because teams must strategize according to the score, especially the fourth quarter since it will determine a win or loss.

To me, we all receive a 2-minute warning in the game of life. How many of you have serious health issues, and your doctor has told you to change your lifestyle or a major surgery or even death will follow?

How about an abusive relationship in which the last episode was one too many?

Maybe your employer is not recognizing your qualifications and experience and keeps passing you on promotions and pay raises?

It’s possible, that under certain circumstances, it’s not wise to make a haste decision by quitting or walking away too soon. The quick results could be devastating.

Now it’s time to keep a cool head, a wise mind and put a winning strategy in place.

If it’s pertaining to your health, seek out professional help to not only change your diet and exercise regime, but for mental support as well.

If its relationship issues, then reach out to family and certain friends and put a plan in place to remove yourself. Some or most of the time children are involved and your decisions affects their well-being.

Of course, it’s possible higher authoritative help is needed. Just depends on individual circumstances.

When it comes to occupational changes, it might be time to update a resume, join LinkedIn and start networking with people in your field of choice.

Now, this is your 2-minute warning. Start strategizing, work on your plan and win this awesome but challenging game of life.

Life is too precious, and we all deserve the best life possible.

Inspiration

Success comes with a short memory

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Saturday, December 5, 2015

One of the characteristics needed to be successful is having a short memory.

If you’ve watched enough football games, you would have heard this term many times about great quarterbacks.

All quarterbacks will make mistakes, creating interceptions, sacks and fumbles. But, the very next play could be a game winning touchdown throw.

The commentators will label these quarterbacks with short memories because they don’t dwell on the last play’s mishaps. Instead, they have enough confidence in themselves to pull out the winning play.

We all make mistakes on a daily basis with some more severe than others. It’s part of our maturity and life experiences. Sometimes, you have to shake off the dust and get back in the game of life.

I’m sure there are plenty of you still struggling to get your diet back in check from Thanksgiving holidays. Maybe you’re dealing with personal issues and you keep beating yourself up for not having control.

How about those of you who feel you’re giving this world everything you’ve got, but it seems to keep crashing down. It could be a job loss, bad relationships or any tragedy thinkable.

The good news is we are all born with the capability to conquer. It’s programmed into our DNA. You wouldn’t be alive today if someone in your ancestry didn’t dig deep to survive, and now, it’s your turn.

Take life’s challenges head on and forget yesterday’s defeats. Learn to turn defeats into opportunities, and let the experiences help you grow stronger.

When people try to take you down, laugh it off and keep your head high. Remember, you’re the best person you know.

Now, go score a touchdown and keep winning the day.

Diets, Fitness

Now is the time to start New Year’s resolutions

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Well, I hope you enjoyed the Thanksgiving feast and all the tasty nondiet foods. Last week I gave you a pass to eat anything and as much as you want without any guilt.

Now, what typically happens to most people is you consider the holiday season and cold weather months as a time to blow off healthy diets.

You’re already trying to fool yourself that January will be different this time. This is a huge mistake in which you set yourself up for failure once again.

Be honest, this is the same destructive cycle you do every year. Snap out of it. It’s never worked, so why is this year different?

The truly best way to reach your 2016 diet and exercise goals is to start right now.

Developing habits and routine takes some time. If you get started now, then you’ll be in the zone by January to accomplish all those goals.

Yes, I know, there will be Christmas and office parties, family gatherings, and lots of homemade cookies and milk for Santa. But that’s even more reason to start now to improve diets and exercise.

The only way to battle through all the holiday calories is a consistent exercise program. Your biggest obstacle will be cleaning up your diet, but at least the party season will be over and excuses should stop.

Believe me, I understand the challenges. I made an eating fool of myself at Nanna’s house, but I started exercising the very next day. Oh my goodness, I was so sluggish and felt like a fat slob.

I went to the gym and walked 20 minutes on the treadmill, 20 minutes on an eclipse machine, 30 minutes on a stationary bike and ended in the sauna.

Even though I didn’t feel like going back to the gym yet, I knew it’s time to start getting back on the path of a healthier lifestyle. It has taken a few days, but I’ve already made a commitment to make 2016 the best year ever.

Don’t wait until 2016 to make New Year’s resolutions. Make a promise to yourself to change your life now.

Allow the month of December for diet and exercise failures. You need this time to stumble while better habits are being formed. Start crawling, so when January comes, you’ll be running.

There’s a beautiful person staring back at you in the mirror. Fall in love with yourself, take care of that amazing body and make tomorrow the best day ever.

Diets, Fitness

What’s the secret to stay trim and fit?

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Just know this article is not a “look at me” moment. There’s a reason and purpose, so keep reading.

I am 54 years old, 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weigh 195 pounds. I have a very low body fat percentage with six pack abs on most days. If you need proof, go to my blog — davidtepera.com.

I eat at our local doughnut shop Saturday mornings and McDonalds for lunch on Sundays. I usually eat seven to eight times a day and never go hungry. Typically, I have two breakfast sessions each morning before heading out the door. Also, I eat a handful of chocolate every night before bed.

I rarely drink or eat anything fat and sugar free, except sweet-n-low in coffee and tea.

So, what’s my secret? If you’ve been reading my column during the past year, then you know the answer. It’s as simple as consistency and frequency. It’s really all the little adjustments I do throughout each day.

For example: I work in multiple hospitals and use many parking garages each day and week. I rarely use the elevators and walk with a faster pace than most people.

When eating fast foods, I order grilled chicken wraps or sandwiches with no sauce or fries and take off the top bun.

All my meals throughout the day and evening are of moderate portions. I only eat to be satisfied, not full stomach. I carry a gallon of water in my car and chug on it all day.

I keep my carb portions to a minimal and almost none by dinner. My protein intake is at least 200 grams a day which is important to maintain muscle mass.

I created my own bag of raw nuts and fruits to snack on each time hunger strikes.

You need to keep your metabolism constantly working. When you stuff your face, your metabolism will shut down because all your body’s energy goes into digesting food. That’s why you get sleepy and lazy.

I stopped exercising with extreme intensity almost 15 years ago. But, I do lift weights four to five times a week and cardio-train five to six times a week.

Because of my age, weightlifting is more on the heavy side and targets every muscle group in the body.

Around 35 to 40 years of age, men’s testosterone levels decrease each year, and hanging on to muscle mass becomes a challenge. Heavy weight lifting will help.

My cardio training mainly consists of bike riding in the gym or through neighborhoods. I only keep a moderate pace and rarely with heavy breathing. It depends on the song in my headphones.

Bottom line, I’ve been doing this with consistency and frequency for over 10 years. Of course, I tweak the diet and exercise periodically, but really never taking time off.

Start today by making one healthy adjustment to your routine, then each week — add another. Within a few months, you’ll notice not only the physical change, but mental well-being as well.