- Be Brave. Be Bold. Be Confident.
- It’s ok to be scared at first.
- Speak loudly and clearly, even while your whole body is shaking, sweat is pouring down your nervous cheeks, and your heart is racing.
- Fake it until you become it.
- Have fun. If you’re not having a good time I can guarantee your students aren’t either.
- Find your own yoga voice. This can be challenging. Experiment until you find it.
- Do not sell yourself short. You are wonderful.
- You posses everything you need to teach. Dig deep.
- Put your own twist on your classes. Find something unique to offer your students.
- Stand out.
- Do not underestimate the power of social media, street promotion, and word of mouth. Every person is a potential client.
- Do not stop learning the moment you become certified. The journey has just begun. Take workshops, volunteer your services, and continue your education; always.
- Be prepared to work for free.
- Connect with new instructors as well as the experienced ones. Everyone has something to offer.
- Collaborate with your yoga brothers and sisters from training. They will support you, motivate you, and guide you.
- Be Fearless.
- Dream BIG.
- Take classes at the studio(s) in which you aspire to teach at. Meet the instructors, managers, and owners. Make friends and tell them your goals.
- Don’t be afraid to play good music. Your playlist is the soundtrack to your student’s experience. Make it memorable.
- Don’t pace or fidget while teaching. I know it’s hard. Stand with confidence and poise. (See #4)
- Ask the universe for what you need/want. Live with radiant positivity and good vibes and watch as the opportunities flood into your life.
- Create your sequences, themes, and playlists to benefit your students, not yourself. It’s not about you.
- Take notes. Write yourself notes after you teach, during your practice, and when you have spontaneous brilliant ideas.
- Stress never helped anyone.
- Stay in contact with your teachers. They will be a guiding light for the rest of your life.
- Yoga every damn day.
- Don’t be afraid to assist your students. Give them some love.
- Market yourself like it’s your job. Because it is.
- Do not expect your classes to be full at the beginning. It takes time to build a following.
- Live the practice you are teaching.
- Meditate every day.
- Laugh at your own mistakes… and then learn from them.
- Challenge yourself. Always.
- Open yourself up and allow yourself to feel vulnerable.
- Create space for all the experiences you’re about to have. It’s a wild ride.
- Reach out to your friends and family for support. You will need it.
- Chaos can sometimes be a good thing. Make moves.
- Inspiration is often underestimated. Do what you need to do to get inspired. Allow yourself to overflow with ideas and aspirations.
- Follow your heart. It will lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.
- There is no such thing as ‘trying’. Just do.
- If a studio does not hire you, it doesn’t mean they won’t later in the future. Go out, get some experience, and then try again, and again, and again until they realize that they need you as much as you need them.
- Find mentors.
- Verbiage, timing, and grace are all things that comes with time, patience, and practice.
- Work harder than you ever have before.
- Practice teaching out loud. It’s ok to talk to yourself.
- Read. Follow yoga blogs, read the classics, and stay up-to-date with what’s happening in the yoga world around you.
- Know that you are only as powerful as you think you are.
- Love what you do.
- There is no time better than now.
- You got this.
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Zuzu is an independent artist, photographer, yoga instructor, and adventure enthusiast in Austin, TX. Her days are filled with coffee, paint, and daydreams. She believes mistakes are simply a beautiful opportunity for growth and that our own life experiences serves as our most valuable teachers. Zuzu recently graduated from Wanderlust’s first Teacher Training Program and is on a mission to continually expand her consciousness while following her journey down the yogic path. She is currently experimenting with the concept of a floating yoga studio and mixed medium practice.