Tag Archives: people

Inspiration

8 seconds can change your life

By DAVID TEPERA, March 29, 2017

I’m not sure if you’re aware, but the Houston Rodeo is the largest rodeo event in the nation. Being a monthlong event, with some of the biggest payouts, it brings in the top cowboys and cowgirls in the world.

A good friend of mine, who has been an athletic trainer for multiple sports and the rodeo for more than 20 years, told me that the bull riders were some of the toughest athletes he’s ever known.

These cowboys train like most professional athletes to be in top condition for an 8-second ride. The only difference is most bull riders don’t lift heavy weights because the extra weight and bulkiness reduces flexibility while being whipped around by a raging bull.

Most of their training encompasses pilates, yoga, crossfit, and mixed martial arts.

Have you ever wondered why the ultimate goal for these bull riders to hang on to a crazy bull is for 8 seconds?

According to my research, back in the day when cowboys were breaking in wild horses, they realized an animal’s adrenaline to fight would last a mere 8 seconds and then proceed into a gallop, giving in to the rider.

Now this 8-second adrenaline is in all of us. Remember, we are part of the animal kingdom, too. We are all born with a “fight or flight” adrenaline secretion. It’s how our prehistoric ancestors survived.

I’m sure most of us have been bullied, attacked or in critical life situations. We’ve all heard stories of a single person lifting a car or heavy object in order to save someone. It’s that 8-second adrenaline surging through our bodies that will determine the outcome.

If you’re someone who has been beaten down mentally and has trouble defending yourself, then I highly recommend finding a local martial arts studio to help build your confidence.

I was involved in martial arts under Al Garza’s Premier Martial Arts for more than 20 years. My children were part of the after-school program all through elementary school.

For us, it truly changed our lives in so many ways, which includes physical and mental toughness.

We might not ever be bull riders, but learning to tap into your 8 seconds will change your life.

Inspiration

Let’s accomplish a hat trick

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By DAVID TEPERA, March 22, 2017

There is one particular situation in hockey that’s caught my attention, which is known as the “hat trick.” Once this feat has been accomplished, most fans throw their hats out on the ice.

So, what is the “hat trick?” It’s when one player scores three goals within a game. But why all the hats? Back in 1946, a hat maker named Sammy Taft owned a store in Toronto. One day, professional player Alex Kaleta came in to purchase a hat, but quickly found out he couldn’t afford it. Mr. Taft told Kaleta that if he scored three goals in one game, he would give him the hat. Actually, Kaleta scored four goals, so the hat-trick was born.

Well, I don’t plan on playing ice hockey any time soon, but I do want to accomplish a hat trick. My mission was to perform three acts of kindness in one day for total strangers.

I started my morning around 6 a.m. at the local cleaner’s shop. The lady behind the counter was obviously stressed and not too friendly. I noticed, even though it was early, that her hair and makeup looked freshly done.

I gave her a big compliment on her hairstyle of choice, and how it looked good for her. She proceeded to tell me how she just cut it to a new style and wasn’t sure about it. We exchanged a few more words as she continued her morning with a beautiful smile.

My second act was paying for the coffee an elderly man just ordered at the Starbucks next to me. It was a very warming friendly handshake.

My hat trick came toward the end of the working day when I helped a lady carry boxes of supplies from her car to the office. She offered me a few snacks, but I declined. I gave her a big hug and quickly disappeared.

Now, I’m not writing this to give myself a pat on the back. It’s only for you to think about how easily we can all make each other’s lives a little friendlier.

So, I’m challenging you to step out of your comfort zone and perform your own hat trick today.

It could be for you family, co-workers, personal health choices and so on. Be creative.

Hopefully, at the end of the day, you’ll throw your own hat across the room and shout, “Bam, now that’s a hat-trick!”

Inspiration

Historically, it’s who we are

By DAVID TEPERA, February 22, 2017

Out of all these situations, I’ve noticed a common statement from these coaches when being interviewed.

They are asked, “Coach, this team has never had a winning season. What changed and turned it around this year?”

Coaches reply, “Not only this team, but this school and the whole town has never been part of a winning season. Historically, losing is what’s expected each year. These players had to learn to believe in themselves and each other to change history.”

Now, the impactful word that empowers me is “historically.”

How many of you have developed bad habits because, historically, you feel it’s part of your family bloodline?

How many people think only rich kids become wealthy? Just because everyone in your family is obese and lazy, doesn’t mean that’s your destiny.

Where will this historically destructive pattern cease? Who is going to believe in themselves and realize the only person preventing success is in the mirror?

A better life is waiting right outside your front door.

That’s it. No more excuses. I’m getting off this “excuse” couch to change not only my life, but also my family.

You had no control of your childhood, neighborhood or schools attended, but you have control of your adult life. You’ve put a plan in place and set goals to reach success beyond dreams. Each day you take a step closer to better finances, healthier lifestyle, quality relationships, along with being a better role model for your children.

In the future years, when your relatives look back over the family tree, it will be your name that created the foundation for everyone’s success. It was you that fed and watered the roots which produced much fruit.

Today is the beginning of which your family will say, “Historically, we always find a way to conquer adversity and come out winners. It’s who we are.”

Inspiration

Throw a Hail Mary pass

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, January 24, 2017 

If you’ve been following professional football, then you’re aware of the Hail Mary pass becoming popular again.

I wonder how many of you right now are shouting Aaron Rodgers’ name. The quarterback of the Green Bay Packers has made this sandlot football play into one of the most spectacular events in the game.

To date, Rodgers has thrown two Hail Mary passes last year for touchdowns, and another one this year.

You see, typically, a Hail Mary pass is used when there is only enough time for one more play, so you give an “all or nothing” effort, hoping for the best. But the cool part is — you have nothing to lose by going for it. That’s why it’s called Hail Mary, because it’s truly a prayer effort.

This makes you wonder why other teams won’t try this pass more often, at least near halftime. Most teams will just take a knee to end the play, then run back to the dressing room to regroup for the second half of the game.

Why not just go for it and throw the Hail Mary pass? You could possible score and, in the end, win from it.

How many of you want to change careers? Do you feel stuck in the everyday grind with no purpose or promotions in sight? Have you lost your ambition because you’ve been deflated with current status?

Well guess what? Today, you’ll take on the Aaron Rodgers mentality and throw a Hail Mary pass. You’ve got absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain. So, what does that mean? If you really want to change your life, then you must go for it.

If you want a better career, seek the CEO and set up a meeting. Most people get caught up thinking they aren’t qualified enough to meet or talk with the top brass of companies. I’m here to let you know, if you’re persistent and professional, you can have the career you most desire.

Why not you? Educate yourself. Don’t just answer questions, ask them. I’ve taught plenty of people how to conduct themselves during the interview process. If interested and needing advice, email me.

You have complete control of your destiny. No, it usually doesn’t happen overnight, but preparing yourself and going for it will eventually change your life.

Opportunity only comes to those who seek it. You must put yourself in position for a touchdown. Be the quarterback with an “all or nothing” attitude and throw the game-winning Hail Mary pass.

Fitness, Inspiration

Local father-son duo win fitness competition

Hi Fives: Posted: Saturday, December 17, 2016 

Father-son duo

Father-son duo David and Dylan Tepera took home top prizes in each of their divisions in a recent NSpire Sports League event.

Congratulations to David and Dylan Tepera for taking first places in each of their divisions in a recent NSpire Sports League event. NSL is a world-wide competition that promotes healthy bodies.

David won two events in the men’s masters beach and athletic physique body categories, and Dylan won the teen beach body category.

What made this competition special for the pair is the fact David and Dylan were not just the only father and son duo, but at the age of 55 and 18, they were the oldest and the youngest competitors.

David and Dylan will be representing Galveston County come March 18, along with others, at Fit Life Fitness in League City.

Inspiration

Life gives you unlimited fouls

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, December 6, 2016 

When my son Dylan was playing basketball, I would gauge his performance on two statistical factors. The first factor: how many fouls did he commit?

In the game of basketball, you are allowed five fouls before being ejected from the game.

In the early years, Dylan would have anywhere from zero to one foul. I would explain to him that it’s obvious he wasn’t aggressive enough and needed to defend the basket better.

Besides incidental fouls, sometimes a player has to commit a foul to stop a critical point from being scored.

Dylan stepped up his defensive skills, committed at least two-to-three fouls per game, and helped keep the opponent’s score lower. And yes, he did foul out once in his career, but his shot-blocking was impressive.

The second factor I gauged Dylan on was how many times he went to the free-throw line. You see, getting free throws means you’re being aggressive offensively by driving to the basket to score.

If Dylan wasn’t getting to the free-throw line, then he wasn’t trying to score hard enough. He needed to help his teammates, take on the opponents and get to the basket.

Well, aren’t these two factors just like in life? As humans, you’ll commit multiple fouls. We all have made bad decisions, committed sins and hurt others. Some of these are embarrassing, but don’t beat yourself up over it. It’s a part of life that helps us grow and mature as adults.

Not all our fouls are committed on purpose. How about financial purchases, bad relationships or workplace choices?

The beauty of all this is life will give you unlimited fouls. Just do your best to not repeat the same foul.

Also, recognize life will foul you back. This will be your turn to shoot at the free-throw line. It’s a moment to regroup, reflect on the situation, shoot the ball and move forward again.

When we reflect over our lives, do we think about how easy it was to score? Of course not, we’ve all had to fight through adversity to conquer life.

Just know, if you’re dealing with life’s challenges at this moment, then grip the ball, lean your body forward and fight your way to the basket and make the game-winning point.

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

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.