8 Things I learned the Hard Way as a Yoga Professional
8 Things I learned the Hard Way as a Yoga Professional
When I look back on my beginnings as a Yoga Professional it seems clear that I didn’t know what to expect. I came into my teaching role bubbly with enthusiasm about what excited me; yoga! But I ended up with severe burn out because I spent so much time just trying to make a living teaching yoga.
The purist in me just wanted to teach yoga; that’s all, but pursuing only that as the be-all and end-all wasn’t all that easy. Fifteen plus classes a week began to make clear to me just how much that ‘simple’ idea required of me. In truth, it was costing a lot. Stress when it came to making ends meet and not understanding why my offerings weren’t filling up. An exhausting never-ending pushback against my personal limits without thorough proper contracts in place. No encouragement or challenging feedback through considered evaluations. No experience related or inflation linked payday raises. The expectation to be a professional paired with studio experiences in which I felt treated distinctly unlike a professional. These things seemed to all be part and parcel of the ‘just want to teach’ package. Was this what I wanted from a career?
When I stepped back I realized I’d fallen prey to the myth. The myth in which the struggling yoga teacher represents some spiritually enlightened archetype. Alas, in eschewing a priority on fair treatment, reasonable working conditions, and an iota of financial security I wasn’t gaining enlightenment I was just going broke and approaching burn-out at warp speed.
It was time to take a deep breath. Inhale fully; then exhale that totally un-evolved approach out. Taking stock, I realized that I had better begin to take the business side of things seriously or else I would end up all ash and no spark; being forever reactionary instead of taking action proactively.
Once I came to terms with this natural best next step for me I began to learn business basics from the ground up. I had to unlearn and relearn and discover how to bring my authentic self to the table every time; being firm in resolve and certain of my boundaries. Ticks slowly got made on my giant to-do list and each time I took back my power and made choices in line with the future I wanted to create for myself I felt lighter. Did I freak out? Heck ya. Did everything unfold perfectly according to plan? Umm, no way! But did it feel good? Absolutely wonderful!
8 Things I learned the hard way.
1. Marketing doesn’t have to feel sleazy or lame.
One can uncover their own authentic voice and tell their story in the way that suits them. Telling your story authentically will automatically create opportunities for connection.
2. You can’t help people if you can’t connect with them and express the value of what you have to offer.
Owning and running a small business forces you to get up close and personal with the value of what you are offering others. Defining this and putting it into words is half the battle won.
3. Smarter not harder is a thing!
Systems pay off. They take time to put in place and fine tune but once they are in place they save mental and emotional energy and time.
4. Put money and time into what will pay off in the long term (burnout prevention tip).
Competition clambers fiercely for our attention, energy, and finances. Corral your budget and steer your resources into investments that will grow dividends over time.
5. How important it is to have consistency.
Consistency reflects stable boundaries and stable boundaries hold firm when pushed. Pushers of boundaries abound; since you can’t change them its best to focus on what you can do which is be consistent for the sake of yourself and your sanity.
6. Critical importance of silencing self doubt.
Self-doubt is often sung by silent fear. Fear is a liar and standing up to slanderous self-doubt is absolutely key to taking action. Self doubt can keep you frozen in place, questioning your capabilities, and unsure of whether or not you are making the ‘right’ decision for so long that you never make any decision. Believing that you can, is the backbone of bringing it to life!
7. People are more comfortable when things are clear.
Even though your clients may be ultra experienced (or not at all experienced) on the mat people are more comfortable when things are clear. This means it’s a necessity to have your policies, liability paperwork, contracts etc well prepared. Don’t leave protecting yourself, others, and your financial future be left to fate.
8. The worth of knowing your own value in all aspects of life especially business.
What you offer is unique. No, that’s not cliché it’s bonafide fact. Find your angle, name your nuance, claim your brand of crazy, and bring glorious you to your business!
Don’t Forget!
Yoga is a service profession and regardless of how big your heart is; it is impossible to pour out with an empty glass. Self-care, support systems, and pacing yourself are all important. If you want a helping hand with business basics, a safe sounding board to bounce ideas off of, or assistance with creating a business strategy; a Mentorship could hold value for you.
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