Banishing Imposter Syndrome for Yoga Teachers
Are you a newly qualified yoga teacher, nervously planning your first class? Or perhaps you have years of experience and are contemplating hosting your first international retreat? Maybe you’re somewhere in between, considering expanding your offerings but feeling the weight of imposter syndrome? No matter where you are in your journey, this post is for you.
Let’s explore imposter syndrome—how it impacts us as yoga teachers and, most importantly, how to navigate through it.
Watch the video above or if you prefer to read and just want the highlights continue reading.
The Yoga Is Enough
The first and most essential thing to remember: the yoga is enough. Have you ever attended a class that wasn’t exactly your style but still left you feeling better afterward? That’s the power of yoga. The practice itself is transformative. It doesn’t need anything else.
In a world of "yoga and..." (yoga and coffee, yoga and wine, yoga with goats), it’s easy to feel pressured to offer something extra. But the truth is, yoga—or meditation if that’s your focus—is enough. Your students come for the practice, the connection, and the benefits yoga brings.
If you want to get support allowing your light shine and your personality come through as a yoga teacher, join our next 300hr Embodied Yoga Teacher Training.
You Are Enough
This brings us to the next point: you are enough. Yes, you. The one who might feel overshadowed by others with more experience, different training, or impressive physical feats. Stop comparing yourself. You are unique, and so is your teaching.
Your life experiences, personality, strengths, and even weaknesses make your classes unique. When you show up authentically, you bring something no one else can—you. Embrace that, and trust that your teaching will resonate with those meant for you.
Embracing Fear
Fear often accompanies growth. It’s that nagging voice that says you’re not ready or good enough. Instead of ignoring it, acknowledge it. Ignoring it and trying to push it away isn’t helpful. Ask your fear what it’s trying to tell you, and do I accept it? Then, think about the opposite. It might be different for you but what comes up for me is joy. Why do you want to teach? What joy or transformation do you hope to share with your students? What is the experience that you are called to share?
How do you know you are called to share it? Because you had the thought! If you are starting to set up your first class then you are probably not thinking about running an international retreat! Think about the outcome and picture yourself as that person.
Remember, fear is a sign you’re stepping out of your comfort zone. It’s the edge of growth. When you push through, you expand not only your teaching but also your life.
The Power of Doing
Does this sound like you? “If I just do another training course, then I’ll be ready” “If I just…” One of the best ways to overcome imposter syndrome is to take action. Thinking you need more training or qualifications before you’re "ready" is a common trap. While ongoing learning is valuable, the real growth comes from practice.
Want to teach chair yoga? Try it out in one of your regular classes. Nervous about hosting a retreat? Do it! And you will learn so much along the way. Each step builds confidence and helps you identify what works and what doesn’t. Learning happens in the doing.
If you would like to become qualified in more types of yoga such as Chair, Restorative or Yoga Nidra we have upcoming teacher training in these. BUTTTT these are only if you want to expand your offerings into these areas which need qualification! (Don’t wait for these before you teach your first hatha class for example!)
Don’t hide the yoga in things we don’t know about
Another pitfall to avoid is hiding behind things you’re not qualified to teach. Take out the cacao ceremony, aromatherapy, sound baths and offer what you know! Your offering doesn’t need these extra things to be worthy. If you’ve had additional training or experience in areas like cacao ceremonies, aromatherapy or sound baths, great! But don’t feel pressured to include extras just to make your offerings seem more appealing. You and the yoga are enough.
Breaking Through Imposter Syndrome
We ALL suffer from imposter syndrome. It is a good sign because imposter syndrome often surfaces at the boundary of your comfort zone. You have two choices: retreat into familiarity or push through and expand your world. Every time you choose growth, you gain new skills, insights, and opportunities to share your unique gifts.
Key Takeaways
Feel the fear and do it anyway. Respect your fear, but don’t let it hold you back.
Recognize that you are enough. Your authenticity and unique perspective are your greatest assets.
Trust that yoga is enough. The practice itself is transformative and doesn’t need embellishments.
Take action. Learning happens in the doing, not just the preparing.
You have been called to share yoga for a reason. Trust that call, and take the leap. Whether it’s your first class or a new venture, you are ready. Let’s celebrate your journey together—share your successes, your fears, and your breakthroughs. You’ve got this!