4 Ways Yoga Teachers Can Overcome Imposter Syndrome

As yoga teachers,‍ we sometimes doubt⁤ our ability to adequately share the practise. We worry that we’re not strong enough, flexible enough, spiritual enough, articulate enough, wise enough, popular‍ enough, creative enough, or [fill in the blank] enough to share what we know. Yet for some of us, these doubts are meaningful enough to constitute imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome‍ is the belief that we aren’t capable or worthy of the role. Its a persistent and overwhelming ⁣fear typically accompanied by a ⁣lingering and⁢ debilitating suspicion that we hold the title illegitimately and lack the requisite qualifications.

I’ve known teachers who spend hours⁢ agonizing over each⁤ detail of class. I’ve witnessed students ⁣with⁢ years of experience and training not consider themselves “good enough” to lead class. I’ve heard teachers talk about feeling so overwhelmed by anxiety before⁣ and during class that they’re barely present to their own experience,let alone ⁢that of⁣ their students.

Imposter syndrome can make someone so obsessed with pleasing or being perfect, yet so unsure of their capacity to do so, ⁢that they become stuck in procrastination or self-recrimination or both.Obviously that’s not a desirable or sustainable state in which to exist, let alone teach from. And there is a need ⁤to explore and understand why ⁤we’re experiencing these thoughts that fall beyond the scope of an⁣ article.

But before any of us⁣ decide to give up on teaching or reconcile ourselves to leading class⁣ with heart palpitations and cold sweats, consider whether there are aspects of⁤ imposter syndrome⁤ that could be reframed as a super power.

How to Reframe Imposter Syndrome

If there’s a secret upside to imposter syndrome, it’s⁢ the realization ‍that your capacity to teach yoga does not depend on your confidence in yourself or your abilities. Yoga doesn’t care if you’re strong enough, flexible⁣ enough, spiritual⁤ enough, articulate enough, wise enough, or⁤ popular enough. It only cares that you ‍continue to show up ⁣for others‍ with knowledge, appropriate training, and an open heart and mind.

If you can reframe your fears, there might be specific ways that understanding feelings of⁤ self doubt could ‍possibly prompt you to become a more ⁢respectful, more prepared, ⁣more authentic, and more compassionate teacher.

Here’s how you can potentially rethink the uncomfortable feeling of not being enough that goes with imposter syndrome.

1. It can remind you ⁣of how much you value the ‍practice

Imposter syndrome essentially boils down ⁤to the question, “What makes me think I’m good enough to share this incredible thing with others?”

Rather of ‍getting stuck⁣ on the first part (“Am I good enough?”), what if you shift your focus to the⁤ second part (“I get to ⁢share this incredible thing!”).

When you keep your attention on the practice itself, you can remind yourself what⁢ inspired⁤ you to want to ⁤teach in ⁢the first place. This practice likely changed your life by shifting the way you think, feel, and move through your day. of course you want to share that with⁤ others so they can benefit!

The very fact ⁤that you doubt your ability‍ to do so is likely evidence of the ⁤profound effect your practice has had on you and the respect ⁢you ‍hold for it. So let that respectfulness be your⁢ guide. Focus on the tools and techniques you have found to be the most ⁤helpful, and consider sharing the what,⁢ why, and how with your students. Simply put, place the practice, not yourself, at the center of your thoughts.

2. It ⁢can encourage ⁢you to learn more

Yes, you need to read, study, practice, and prepare for class. Yet despite your hours⁣ of study and⁣ practice, imposter ⁤syndrome whispers that you are inadequate-that your knowledge, skills, and experien