Are you embarking on your journey as a yoga teacher this year?

Perhaps you’re a recent graduate of a yoga teacher training program or you’re thinking about starting one in 2024.

Wherever you are in your journey of guiding others on the mat, it can be a nerve-wracking experience to lead classes. To help you navigate the exciting but sometimes terrifying terrain, here are seven simple ways to build your confidence.

Define success for yourself.

Success isn't a one-size-fits-all deal. It's personal. Track your success based on something other than class size. Is it the number of students you connect with, the joy in your own practice, or the peaceful energy in your class? Define it for yourself. Your journey, your rules.

2. Don’t be afraid to teach the same basics class over and over again.

Your first foundational class doesn't need to be anything crazy or fancy. Your peak pose should be something comfortable to you. Keep it simple, keep it real. Have one foundational class you're comfortable with and teach it on repeat ‘til you know it like the back of your hand! Let the authenticity of your teaching shine through, no fancy frills required.

3. Create some calming pre-teaching routines to calm your nerves.

Pre-class jitters are part of the journey. Embrace them, but also tame them. Breathe deeply before stepping into the studio. Have a plan. Be ready to let go of the plan. Recite cues in your car the day of your class – it's like a mini-meditation and a great memory boost.

4. Ask for feedback on your terms, in a way that feels safe to you.

Feedback is a compass for growth, but it's on your terms. If it's a rough day, it's okay to decline feedback. Choose when you're ready to receive it, ensuring it aligns with your mental space and journey.

5. Imposter syndrome happens to the best of us. Learn not to dwell on yours.

All you can do is be yourself. Embrace your uniqueness – it's your superpower.

6. Accept that mistakes will happen in class.

Learn how to breathe through them and not take yourself too seriously! One fun trick I always used in my early days of teaching: get them in Child’s Pose! If you need a little break, a chance to catch your breath and remember what’s next in the sequence, have your class in Child’s Pose for a moment of rest. It’s nice, too, because no one is staring at you!

7. Make time for your practice, and be okay with it looking different now than it did before you started teaching.

In the whirlwind of teaching, don't forget your own practice. It's your anchor. Keep up with your yoga rituals; they fuel your teaching with authenticity and passion. If you’re short on time, try getting up 5-10 minutes earlier and doing a quick practice first thing in the morning.

8. Simplify. Breathe. Teach.

Simplicity is your ally. Overcomplicating things only adds unnecessary stress. Simplify your plans, breathe through challenges, and teach from the heart. Your simplicity is your strength.

9. Be kind to yourself.

Again and again, extend some kindness and compassion to yourself. Do your best to detach your self-worth from your teaching. You are more than just a yoga teacher; you’re a human on a lifelong journey of growth!

10. Celebrate the small wins.

Embrace the journey, celebrate the small wins, and keep doing your thing. Keep coming back to #1: take the time to define success on your own terms. The more you focus, the more you succeed. You’ve got this!