Tag Archives: motivation

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

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.

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

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.