Keep Moving and Improving: 65 Top Rated Inspirational Writings from the Reflections of David Tepera Related to Sports, Fitness and Diet. David Tepera
148
Keep Moving and Improving: 65 Top Rated Inspirational Writings from the Reflections of David Tepera Related to Sports, Fitness and Diet. David Tepera
148eBook
Available on Compatible NOOK devices, the free NOOK App and in My Digital Library.
Related collections and offers
Overview
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781504375931 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Balboa Press |
| Publication date: | 03/06/2017 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 148 |
| File size: | 1 MB |
About the Author
Read an Excerpt
CHAPTER 1
Accomplish Goals by Using Power of Attraction
I once had the opportunity to judge the long-jump event for track and field day at an elementary school. There was a very athletic fifth grade girl named Jackie, who was expected to break the school record.
After her first attempt, Jackie landed about four inches shy of the record. She asked me to show her where the school record was located and to mark it. Jackie starred at the marked record for a few seconds then prepared for her next jump. She eventually smashed the school record by nearly seven inches.
It took me a few years to understand how Jackie accomplished that feat. We all have mental goals for different parts of our lives. But, unless we can truly see them and feel them, our goals typically won't be accomplished.
What are your goals in life? Be that of ideal-weight, running a marathon, dream job, life partners, or maybe an expensive house or car. Everyone has a different list.
Write down your goals, find pictures of them, and place them on your bathroom mirror, refrigerator, dashboard of your car, and on your office desk.
You need these as constant reminders of what you want to accomplish. Do not look at them as a want or wish list, but produce the feeling as if you have already accomplished them. Walk through your daily lives as if you own those possessions, have that dream job, or ideal body weight.
When you can feel the presence of each goal, you will attract them into your lives. Don't worry about how and when it will happen, just know it manifests through your intense power.
There's a young lady named Cortney, who wanted to lose weight. I had her cut out pictures of herself when she was much thinner and place them around her house as a constant visual reminder of what she really looks like. Over the past several months, Cortney has lost over 20 pounds.
Use your "power of attraction" and place your goals all around you. I bet you'll fly through the air and smash records like a fifth grade girl named Jackie.
CHAPTER 2
All Athletes' Seasons End, But There is So Much More
Back in 2008, I coached my son's 9 year old Little League baseball team. There was one particular kid, whom I will call Mike, born with several birth defects.
Mike's parents were very distraught and depressed because, due to Mike's disabilities, this was to be his last season to play competitive baseball.
You see, Mike was not an ordinary boy. He had a passion and knowledge of the game like no other 9 year old I'd ever encountered. You could ask Mike about any professional baseball player, and he could tell their history and statistics. To say it was impressive is an understatement.
At the end of the season, I met with Mike's parents to give them my thoughts. I told them Mike has a gift. All players' seasons will eventually end, but Mike's love for the game of baseball will be forever.
I have a vision of Mike being a sports radio commentator, a television sports newscaster, working as a scout for a professional baseball team or maybe writing a sports column.
Mike's parents stared at me with this blank look on their face, then the tears started flowing. They let me know, what I had just said, never occurred to them. They couldn't stop thanking me enough, and it was the best group hug I'd ever received.
What about you? What do you have a passion and desire for — be it personal, business, fitness or spiritual? If you truly want something, and give full effort, then there is a niche and a place for you.
Mike and his family moved away, but I'm able to keep up with them through Facebook. Just so you know, Mike is in now in high school and is doing well.
CHAPTER 3
Are You Ready?
Sometimes in life, there are unexpected situations that occur where we need to be ready. There are many examples of this, so I'll name a few.
How about in sports? How many times have we seen a starting player get hurt or pulled from a game and the second string player needs to step in?
If you are a Houston Texans football fan, over the past few years, we've seen this happen many times with quarterbacks. From 2002 to the 2016 season, Houston Texans used 14 different quarterbacks. This is more than any other team in the league. Plus, I think most people are hoping for a new quarterback this coming year.
What happens if a job promotion becomes available with your company? Have you been doing your homework, acting and treating other coworkers as a professional? Are you the person they want to hand-over the new responsibility? If you're ready, then how much more income could this produce?
This might be meaningless to most people, but I teach my kids to keep our house "company ready". There is nothing more embarrassing than to have an unexpected guest, and your house is a complete mess. My house is always ready for the unexpected, except my daughter's bedroom. I'm not sure, but I think that's a female thing. You ladies have a lot of stuff.
A scary, but understandable statistic is that most Americans don't have at least $1,000 in savings. All experts agree that we should have enough savings to cover 6 months' worth of bills.
Do you have an emergency funds account? I know we are all scared to lose a job, unexpected vehicle expenses, or a serious medical issue.
Today is the time to re-evaluate your life. What steps do you need to make in order to be ready?
Let others point the finger for their downfalls. You're better than that. Take ownership for your faults, learn from mistakes, and keep grinding forward.
Practice your craft like you're the starting player. Develop the character needed at work to prove you're worthy of promotions. Be the role model for your kids in order for them to learn leadership skills.
You have complete control of your life, so be ready. It's coming.
CHAPTER 4
Be Aware of "The Zone" - Take Life to a New Level
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.
CHAPTER 5
Bonding with Teenagers
Since my son's basketball season ended, I've been weight training him at our local gym. On one particular day, an older gentlemen named Tom approached me and shared an interesting story.
Tom told me, when his son was a teenager in high school, he started hanging with the wrong crowd and became uninterested in school. Tom and his son's relationship had deteriorated and this created disruption at home.
Since Tom often frequented the gym, he decided to invite his son to join him. Tom showed and explained to him all the different types of weight lifting movements with corresponding muscles groups.
After a few training sessions, Tom's son switched his addictions to the gym. Next, his school academics became more important to which he went on to graduate college with an engineering degree.
But, more important than any of this, Tom told me, he and his son's relationship bonded through the use of a gym. It gave them something in common.
Tom's story prompted me to observe my surroundings in the gym as I trained my son. I noticed other fathers and mothers training with their sons and daughters.
What's your relationship with your teenagers? We all know teenage years are critical because our kids are trying to find acceptance within their peers, and parent relationships seem to become less important.
Maybe, you should try weight and cardio training together. If you're not familiar with a gym, invest in a personal trainer to help you both.
You see, in a gym setting, you and your teenager are friends, its' not really a parenting environment.
As it was for Tom and his son, the gym will give you both common ground and goals. Your teenager will regain respect as they observe your determination.
I'm experiencing the same positive effects with my son. The gym has become "our time". We've become training partners, plus we get to hang out together for at least an hour on most days. It's a really cool feeling when your teenager gives you a big hug, in front of strangers, at the end of training sessions.
CHAPTER 6
Can You Make Sport Center's Top 10 Plays?
Every day, ESPN's SportsCenter shows the top 10 plays for all sports from the previous day. My son Dylan and I enjoy watching since some of the plays reflect spectacular feats of athleticism.
Before my kids start one of their own games, we talk about performing well enough to make SportsCenter's Top 10.
This made me think and evaluate other parts of my life. Do I make top 10 plays as a parent, business man, writer or even with my health?
What about you? We teach our kids to perform at their best, but are you setting the example. Just know, your kids are watching your every move and making their own judgements.
Which parent are you? The one who comes home, complains about work, expects dinner to be ready, plops on the couch and yells at kids because you can't hear the TV.
When's the last time you got up a little earlier and made your special breakfast for everyone? How about that house project that's been lingering around for months? Maybe it's time to come home to your kids and play catch, kick a soccer ball or shoot some hoops.
Make a date night with your spouse, and do something you both enjoyed when dating. This will help you remember why you fell in love.
Maybe it's time to step up your game at work and ask to take on extra projects. Show your bosses that you're the "go to" employee.
Now, it's time to embrace your life and make SportsCenter Top 10 plays in every aspect of it. Be the person you want your kids to become. Love your spouse and thank them for all they've done for you and family.
I promise, you'll start loving every minute of every day because you stopped wasting time and have a purpose in life.
CHAPTER 7
Change Your Destructive Family Patterns
Have you ever noticed obese parents typically have obese children? How about athletic parents raising children athletes?
Of course this is one extreme to the other, plus this only pertains to percentages. There will always be outliers in every category.
You can use the same statistics for parents who have destructive habits. Why do their children take on the same behaviors? How come this pattern keeps being passed along the bloodline?
Maybe you were raised in a questionable environment. The good news is that you are the one who is willing to stop it. You are the family member who chooses to start a new tradition of a healthy environment for your children, who, in turn, will pay it forward.
I was fortunate to be raised by a father who was a high school coach. My sister Karen and I were exposed our whole lives to a variety of sports, especially football.
Recently, I was apologizing to my 15 year old daughter Daylyn for not exposing her to more girlie types of activities. She happens to be raised by a single dad who only knows sports.
Daylyn is so funny. She told me she hates high-heel shoes, and would rather be wearing sneakers and putting her hair in ponytails, anyway.
You see, I don't have any artistic ability either. I just had to come to the conclusion that I can't sing, draw, paint, play any musical instruments or cut-the-rug on a good day. My poor kids have the same DNA.
Believe me, I personally tried to do all the above, but to no prevail. So, I can only pass the family pattern of a healthy environment of exercise and diet.
What about all of you parents? Just know your kids are a product of their environment. Their success in life depends on your teachings. This doesn't mean what you say, it means what you do.
I know a family whose children were raised in an active, healthy lifestyle. One child grew up and raised their children the same way. The other child grew up and decided to become lazy and undisciplined, and now their children suffer from adolescent diabetes.
Be the hero in your family and start a new branch on the family tree of strength and success. You just need to leap out of the destruction basement and hit the ground running.
You've got this!
CHAPTER 8
Climb Your Own Mountain to Reach Victory
We are all placed on this earth with a destiny completely in our own hands.
It doesn't matter what type of financial environment or neighborhood you grew up in. Your adult status quo is from personal choices, which includes health, employment and relationships.
I've had many conversations with people encouraging them to climb their own mountains. You must create the drive and desire to better your life through hard work and determination. Keeping this consistency will build a strong foundation as you climb the mountain of life.
We all know lazy people who make excuses of why they're out of shape or unemployed. These people would rather hang out at the bottom of other people's mountains hoping a pebble or boulder of opportunity will fall in their lap.
Climbing your own mountain builds confidence and is most rewarding because of the sweat, tears and hours of hard work. The ultimate triumph is all yours.
Typically, we're all great at starting a better diet, exercise program, job search or personal goals. But, staying with it is the most difficult.
Inevitably, you'll encounter a roadblock, get knocked down or tumble backward.
You'll have to make a decision to either take another path or pad-up, put your helmet on and bust through head first.
Look, we've all made bad decisions in life and probably more to follow. I'm not one to cast stones because my mountain has had some mudslides. I've learned to use mistakes as part of the learning process and keep pressing forward.
Sometimes other people want to trip you up because your success trumps their excuses. Kick them off your mountain and keep climbing. Each step will bring more successful and wiser people in your life.
As of today, it doesn't matter your age or current status. It's time to throw away excuses, make a commitment to yourself, start climbing your own mountain and have a fulfilling, incredible life.
CHAPTER 9
Compete in the Workplace as a Business Athlete
Did you ever compete in sports as a kid, high school, or college? Do you compete in anything today? Well, if you have a job, then you should consider yourself a Business Athlete.
You see, no matter what your occupation, you are competing with someone else in your company for a better pay raise or promotion.
Maybe you own a business and there are other companies in which you are all competing for the same clients.
Whatever your situation, you're competing to be more productive and efficient to create better sales. And, that will affect your bank account and way of life.
You may need to burn the midnight oil to do some extra studying, possibly get to work earlier and stay later, or tackle the extra projects to get ahead.
If you really have a competitive spirit and want to move up, make more money, and have security, then be a better Business Athlete than anyone else in your division or company.
Find that competitive spirit you once had in your youth. That's the importance of playing sports at a young age. It prepares you for the competition of life. You know what it's like to practice, push yourself, and fall down to get back up.
We've all struck out at bat, gotten thrown out at first base or hit with a pitch, but you also know how it feels to hit a homerun, score at home plate, throw someone out, and catch a fly ball.
Bottom line, you know the feeling of successes and failures in competitive sports. You can have that same feeling again as an adult in your workplace. Become a Business Athlete, leave everyone in your dust, and have the secure, profitable wonderful life you want.
(Continues…)
Excerpted from "Keep Moving and Improving"
by .
Copyright © 2017 David Tepera.
Excerpted by permission of Balboa Press.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Accomplish Goals by Using Power of Attraction, 1,
All Athletes' Seasons End, But There is So Much More, 3,
Are You Ready?, 4,
Be Aware of "The Zone" - Take Life to a New Level, 6,
Bonding with Teenagers, 8,
Can You Make Sport Center's Top 10 Plays?, 10,
Change Your Destructive Family Patterns, 12,
Climb Your Own Mountain to Reach Victory, 14,
Compete in the Workplace as a Business Athlete, 16,
Do You Have a March Madness Mentality?, 18,
Don't Look Defeated, Show Determination, 20,
Don't Quit When the Ball Rolls Between Your Legs, 22,
Don't Regret What You've Done, 24,
Encourage Kids to Dream Big, 26,
Failure is Your Friend, 28,
Find the Olympian Within You, 30,
Flip Your Thinking to Accomplish Goals, 32,
Focus on One Task at a Time, 34,
Get Off the Sidelines, 36,
Go for it And Enjoy All of Life's Experiences, 38,
Go From Good to Great in Your Life, 39,
Great Things Can Happen by Adding Politeness, 40,
If You Want It, Act Like It, 42,
If You Want to Change Your Life, Take the Shot, 44,
In Sports or Life, What Did You Do Next?, 46,
In What Chapter of Life Are You?, 48,
Just Like in Football, There's A 2-Minute Warning, 50,
Keep Filling the Glass, 52,
Keep Moving to Stay Balanced, 54,
Learn to Get Back Up and Never Quit, 56,
Lessons in Sports Help Children in Many Ways, 58,
Let's Hit a Walk-Off Home Run, 60,
Life Gives You Unlimited Fouls, 62,
Life in the Redzone, 64,
Look Up and Keep a Positive Attitude, 66,
Losing is Part Of Life's Journey, 68,
Love Yourself First and the World's Beauty Will Shine Before You, 69,
Make it a Great Day, 71,
Make Others Feel Good and You'll Feel Good Too, 73,
Mastering Free-Throws is Critical, 75,
No Hurdle Too High, 77,
Now's the Time to Separate Yourself, 79,
One Person Can Affect a Whole City, 81,
One Play Can Win a Game or Change Your Life, 83,
One Victory is All it Takes, 85,
Reach New Levels with a Good Wingman, 87,
Retirement Should be the Start of a New Life, 89,
Sometimes, All You Need is One More Step, 91,
Start Each Day With a Positive Outlook, 92,
Stay in Bounds, 93,
Stop Giving Excuses, 95,
Help Strengthen Relationships Through Fitness, 97,
Success Comes With a Short Memory, 99,
Swing for the Fences and Have a Great Life, 101,
Take Action and Change Your Life, 103,
Take the Wheel of Life, 105,
The Speed of the Game Equals the Speed of Life, 107,
Throw a Hail Mary Pass, 109,
Today is the Heaviest You'll Ever Be, 111,
Use "Fast-Break" to Score in Life, 113,
Use Exercise to Slay Demons, 115,
Weight Training, Cardio Helps Conquer Depression, 117,
What Are You Waiting For?, 119,
What Will You Do on 4th-And-1, 121,
What's Your Motivation?, 123,