Tag Archives: basketball

Inspiration

What’s your motivation?

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, November 3, 2015

We all get up every morning to start our regular routine with hopes of accomplishing something by end of day. Those accomplishments should be specific according to your position in life.

But my question is: what’s your motivation? When you get out of bed and your feet hit the ground, what excites you about the day?

Are you ready to get to work, show leadership qualities and prove to your company that they made a wise decision in hiring you? You should be excited because this promotes job security and will eventually, if not already, produce more income.

Maybe this is the day you’ve committed to start a healthier lifestyle. You’re heading to the grocery store to purchase produce, fruits, low-fat meats and unprocessed foods.

Also today, you’re starting a new exercise program in which you’ve bought new running shoes and workout apparel. I love wearing new clothes because if you look good, you feel good.

For me, my greatest motivation in life is my children. I bounce out of bed ready to treasure all the new memories I’ll experience today. I get to watch them play sports, help with homework, make dinner and interact about all the events from the day.

It’s so important to be involved in every aspect of our children’s lives. Before Dylan started driving, I would drop him off early in the mornings at school for basketball practice.

I would watch his tall lanky body stroll up to the school, then as I pulled away, tears would flow down my face knowing he is experiencing memories to last a lifetime.

I know I’m a big softy when it comes to my kids, but they are my motivation and purpose in life.

So, what’s your motivation? Start making a plan today and wake up tomorrow ready to accomplish those goals and have the life you deserve.

Abdominal Reanimater, Diets, Inspiration

Be aware of ‘the zone,’ take life to a new level

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Wednesday, August 12, 2015 

If you’ve ever played sports or at least watched sports, you’ve seen players get into what is called “the zone.” It’s the pinnacle of achievement for an athlete to perform at his or her best.

This phenomenon happens in all sports, but lets’ take basketball for our example. 

There were many instances during the basketball playoffs in which a team was down by 20 points, then all of sudden, they would get into the zone, and make a run for a lot of points. Typically, the opponent’s coach would call a timeout to get the other team out of the zone.

There have been multiple studies about the zone, and they all have a common explanation. First, an athlete must have mastered the basic fundamentals then clear their minds for all body senses to synergize together and become one. This is usually temporary but will take an athlete to their top performance. For an athlete, there is not a better intrinsic feeling and reward. 

Now, think about if we could tap into the zone in other areas of our lives. 

What would happen to your income if you could learn with consistency to tap into the zone at work? I’m sure raises and promotions would be in the immediate future. 

We’ve all experienced being in the zone — like house projects, studying for a test, cleaning house or cars, athletic events or even spiritually. 

What’s important is to become conscious of the zone then concentrate on getting your mind and body into it when it’s time to focus on something substantial. Imagine how productive and successful you’ll become. 

I once had a photo shoot for my abdominal invention and needed to lose substantial fat weight to dial in a ripped stomach. I consciously tapped into the zone and lost one pound a day for almost two weeks. 

We all have different needs and wants. Consciously tap into your zone and find a way to accomplish those needs. The reward of accomplishment puts you into a euphoric state of mind. 

Be aware of the zone and take your life to a whole new level.

Fitness, Inspiration

In sports or in life, what did you do next?

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Wednesday, July 15, 2015

A common phrase I ask my children during their sport’s competition is, “what did you do next?”

We’ve all witnessed professional basketball players miss baskets and cry to the referee that someone fouled them, while the other team is hustling down the court to score. 

I told my son Dylan, who plays basketball for his high school team, that eventually someone will block your shot, and the opponent’s crowd will be screaming at you. But, it’s what you do next that will shut them up. It’s up to you to cry foul, or you can out-hustle, steal the ball back, and take another shot.

My daughter plays competitive volleyball, and sometimes she misses a block, dig, or has a bad serve. But, it’s what you do next that will determine the proceeding outcome. You can either show teammates a bad attitude or accept it’s part of the game, and make the next big play.

Over the past few years, my family uses the phrase, “what did you do next?” in all aspects of life. 

My kids have faced different levels of bullying and typical teenage drama, but they’ve become accustomed to handling those situations. 

What about you? Do you have challenging situations at work or home? When something happens to you, what’s your next action or words? Do you confront with professionalism and rationalism, or do you respond with anger and aggression? The later typically only makes the situation worse.  

Notice, people who stay cool and rational during adverse situations can diffuse problems peacefully. Also, these people typically receive occupational promotions and better life partners.

We all face challenges on a daily basis, but it’s how we respond to them that determines our true character. You can’t always control what happens to you, but you can always control how you respond.

So, next time you’re playing sports or are in challenging situations, ask yourself, “what do I do next”? I bet you’ll be the better person standing.

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

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