MINDSET SHIFTS TO BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE WHEN YOU TEACH

Have you ever stood in front of your students, ready to guide them through a class you have spent hours creating and poured your heart and soul into, only to feel that sneaky self-doubt creeping in?

This is a challenge that is all too common and can really hold you back, keep you playing small and stunt your personal and professional growth. As someone who has spent over a decade immersed in the yoga world, both as a practitioner, teacher trainer, coach and mentor and having been through crippling confidence issues with my teaching myself, I fully understand how these mindset hurdles can present within your teaching journey – potentially shutting down the light and brilliance you're meant to share.

In my role as a yoga teacher, mentor, and coach over the years, I've observed these challenges manifest in various ways in myself and with the teachers I have worked with. And this not only affects fledgling teachers but experienced teachers too!

Let's take a closer look at how these mindset blocks might be coming up for you in your teaching journey:

• THE INNER CRITIC

  That constant questioning of your abilities, causing hesitation and uncertainty in your teaching approach. When I first started teaching, I often found myself doubting whether my cues were clear enough or if I was engaging my students effectively. This resulted in me not showing up fully. Being always in my head. It took a shift in my perspective to realise that this inner critic is actually a part of our growth process. Instead of letting it paralyse us, we can start using its feedback constructively.

• COMPARISON TRAP

  Measuring your journey against others, can lead to feelings of not feeling good enough and can stop you from showing up as yourself and developing your unique teaching style. This is so easy to do in the world of social media and a booming yoga industry. 
  
  Here's the thing: Comparison is the thief of joy. This can lead to you potentially copying other teachers, trying to be someone you're not, masking. This will feel inauthentic and it’s not sustainable. Ultimately your students will come for you, not for a copy of someone else so doing the inner work to find out who you are in this new role, discovering what you’re inspired to share and what your special sauce is will help you to believe in your own magic. Doing the deeper foundational work will give you an opportunity to discover uniqueness and will lead you to teaching from an authentic place that in turn will allow you to connect more deeply with your students. 

• PERFECTIONISM PRESSURE

  Striving for flawlessness in every class will lead to anxiety and a fear of not meeting your own expectations. I've been there – meticulously planning each class to perfection, only to find myself stressed and anxious when things didn't go as planned.
  
  One of the most common things I see new teachers get stuck with is spending hours on their sequence and never feeling it’s good enough, so ending up changing it every other day, causing more overwhelm, unnecessary extra work, more self doubt.
  
  Speaking from a recovered perfectionist, when I decided to let go of the need for everything to be perfect, this was a game changer. Just know that your students will never know that your sequence isn’t perfect or that your playlist isn’t just right, that you miss out a sanskrit word. You are the only person that will think this. As long as you show up and teach from the heart, be yourself, show up to serve, your students will be coming back for more.

• IMPOSTER SYNDROME & FEELING INADEQUATE

  Feeling like an imposter despite your qualifications, makes it challenging to project authentic confidence. It's funny how even with years of teaching under my belt, there were moments when I felt like I wasn't "enough." It took some deep introspection and reminding myself of the transformative experiences I had facilitated for my students to break free from that mindset. Remember, your journey and growth as a teacher are as valuable as any certification.

• FEAR OF FEEDBACK

  Avoiding constructive feedback due to the fear of confirming your self-doubt. One of the most significant shifts in my teaching came when I embraced feedback with an open heart. Having gone through a year long apprenticeship where I was shadowing a senior teacher, I got feedback every time I taught. This was not always the most fluffy or kind feedback either. I used to fear it, thinking it would highlight my weaknesses. This was only to my detriment. As soon as I changed my perspective on it, my ears (and heart) were open, I was able to integrate it all and my growth sky rocketed forward. Constructive feedback is a gift that propels you forward. This shaped my teaching in such an amazing and positive way. Embrace it as an opportunity to learn, improve, and gain new perspectives.

• TEACHING CHALLENGES OVERWHELM

  Allowing challenges, such as handling difficult students or managing class flow, to amplify self-doubt. I've faced my fair share of challenges – from students that have walked out of my class or called me out in the middle of class to technical mishaps. It was in these moments that my confidence was truly tested. Over time, I’ve learnt to view challenges as growth opportunities. Each obstacle that is presented has been an opportunity for exploration, using my yoga tool box to support and ground me, strengthening my resilience and capability.

Mindset Shifts Tailored To Amplify Your Teaching Confidence

Drawing from my extensive experience, I am here to guide you today through some mindset shifts that have the power to potentially not only change the game when it comes to your teaching but change your life too. Together, let’s explore a series of mindset shifts tailored to amplify your teaching confidence. These shifts will not only empower you but will also help you connect with your authentic teaching voice – one that resonates deeply with your students and fosters genuine growth.

1. Embrace Imperfection

Listen up, my lovely…there is no such thing as perfection and that's the beauty of it all. Every teaching experience, every class you lead, is a chance to learn and grow. So instead of beating yourself up over every tiny mistake, view these moments as stepping stones towards becoming an even better teacher. Remember, it's the imperfections that make us human and relatable. This is not always comfortable, in fact more times than not it's very uncomfortable when things don’t go to plan but it's leaning into these moments. Riding the wave to see what's on the other side. By leaning into discomfort we grow and learn and we are able to see the beauty in these imperfect moments.

2. Flip the Imposter Script

That pesky mean voice? Yeah, they’ve got nothing on you. Instead of entertaining the doubts and fears that come up, flip the script. Remind yourself of your unique strengths, the passion you have for yoga, and the impact you're making on your students' lives. You've put in the time and effort to become a certified yoga teacher, and that's something to be proud of.

3. Action Over Perfection

You've probably heard this a million times, but it's worth repeating: taking imperfect action is the key to growth. Waiting for everything to be "just right" before you step into your teaching shoes is a sure-fire way to stay stuck in the imposter syndrome loop. Start teaching, start sharing, start connecting – because every small step you take is a leap towards greater confidence.

4. Embrace Lifelong Learning

Confidence isn't built in a vacuum. The more you learn, the more you'll know, and the more secure you'll feel in your role as a yoga teacher. Seek out workshops, training programs, and mentorship opportunities that align with your teaching goals. And don’t forget about the inner work and exploration. This in itself is a lifelong journey that has depths that are beyond your wildest dreams and the deeper you get the more your confidence and self trust will expand. As teachers we never stop learning and evolving, that is our responsibility and it is an honour and a privilege.

5. The Power of Support

We're all in this together, and there's strength in seeking support. Whether it's through networking, collaborating with other teachers, or even reaching out to mentors and coaches, having a support system can significantly boost your confidence. It's not a sign of weakness to ask for help – it's a sign of your commitment to growth.

6. Celebrate Your Wins

No matter how small they may seem, celebrate your wins. Did you guide a beautifully engaging class? Did a student share positive feedback? Did you conquer a teaching challenge that once seemed so big and now you’ve done it!? These wins are the bricks that build your confidence foundation, so acknowledge and celebrate them!

So light giver, space holder, yoga leader, are you ready to shake off that imposter syndrome and step into your teaching greatness? Trust me, I've been there, and I know it takes work. But the journey is worth every moment of growth and discovery.

If you're craving quicker results in your yoga teaching journey, remember that seeking guidance from those who've walked the path before you is a game-changer. Just like I wish I'd reached out for support sooner, don't hesitate to tap into the expertise of successful teachers, mentors, and coaches. Let them help you accelerate your progress and steer clear of unnecessary hurdles.

If you are ready to up level your confidence and would like some help with the inner work, head over and grab my free Yoga Teacher Confidence Masterclass and Workbook. CLICK HERE