I have worked with Yogis and their businesses for almost 10 years. During this time, I have witnessed many excel and others fall behind. With my time and observations gathered, here are the top 3 qualities I have found in high-performing yoga business owners.

#1 – Self Study (better known as Svadhyaya)

The top teachers in the world practice self study all the time. They continuously educate themselves by taking new courses, whether they are in-person or online, reading books, and more as a way to absorb and share new knowledge. Consider yourself as much of a student as a teacher as there is always something new to learn. It is really important that you yourself continue to educate yourself as a yoga teacher. 

#2 – Grit

Grit can be embodied in many ways: Grit is to stay optimistic. Grit is to remain disciplined. Grit is working hard and leading with love. Yes, we all fluctuate through highs, lows, successes, and failures. I have found that through it all, there is a consistent tone of grit in these high-performing yoga teachers. They are the ones willing to work those 12 hour days, multiple days in a row. Consequently, they are also the ones to then take days off knowing that time of rest and recharge will then push them further. They know how to play their edge. 

So there will be sweat and there will be tears but it ultimately is a matter of pushing through it and finding that grit to commit. When you need to soften you can soften, as strength can be found in softness. In every aspect through every wave, stay disciplined – practice tapas. Ask yourself, “What is the ultimate goal of today that I will stop at nothing to ensure it gets done?” That is grit.

#3 – Positive Reinforcement

The top performing yoga business owners keep their team motivated through consistent positive reinforcement. The power of words is so profound. When you genuinely say “thank you” and “good job” to your team, they will perform better. How is that so? Because of your encouragement, they will be both inspired to work for you and to go above and beyond their minimum requests. This can be applied to someone you manage, a co-worker, or even an external contractor separate from your team for a particular event or purpose. Shower them with positive reinforcement!

Moments for feedback will happen. A team member will make a mistake or may not perform to the highest of their ability. This is an opportunity to balance direct methods of communicating criticism, feedback, and improvements without hurting their morale. A lot of times, an employee’s morale can be hurt when there is an overwhelming amount of “you didn’t do this right.” It is important to note that the littlest things can make the biggest impact. Notice what can happen when you shower them with positive reinforcement. 

Let’s go back to the idea of a team member perhaps not fulfilling their potential. Maybe they sent out an email that was good, but maybe it was a bit too simple and could have the capacity to be more expansive. In a sense, the task had been completed, so it does not hurt to say “good job” as it will encourage them to continue to be efficient. With that in mind, when you do offer critiques or points of feedback where they did make a mistake, it won’t be taken with any emotional charge. Rather, it will be taken with respect because they know that they are loved and cared for. 

Have you seen Yoga Business Owners display some of these characteristics?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Sending Love!

Priscilla Luckhurst