Yoga Teacher Training Forum

One point I want to make is that it is considered to be less than yogic to have goals. Like don't ask for money and don't get off the ground when you fall. That kind of talk is complete garbage because to be without goals is to be lazy. Yoga was not created, built on and improved by slackers. The goals that an individual yoga instructor has for themselves and their career are quite personal, but there are a number of things that most teachers strive for with their studio, classes, or students. Having goals at the start of your career is important, but it is also vital that these goals be allowed to grow and evolve as the instructor becomes more experienced. Whatever the goals are, they should be clearly defined as to what the teacher expects from this career. New goals will always appear as old ones are accomplished.

A yoga instructor's most important goal should always be to provide the most meaningful lessons to their students, as they are capable of doing. There is nothing that should have your attention as an instructor more than your students do, and helping them learn and broaden their skills is important. A teacher should have specific goals for each class that they teach, including poses and sequences that are most important.

Helping your students create their own goals for themselves is a large part of being a successful teacher, so an understanding why students take yoga lessons and what they wish to gain from the classes is something that all teachers should have. For some students, these goals may be small and simple, such as practicing yoga alone once a week. Helping your students create and follow these goals helps you grow as a teacher.

Goals specific to your studio are important to have as well. There are many components to running a successful yoga studio, and having a running list of goals that can be crossed out as they are accomplished helps build a studio into the great vision that the teacher has for it. Some goals that enhance even the greatest yoga studios include expanding hours, offering a wide variety of classes, and reaching a certain number of regular students. An instructor should always aim to attract new clients to their studio.

Personal goals should not be forgotten in the pursuit of a wonderful studio and dedicated students. It is impossible for an instructor to effectively teach students if they are not centered and focused in their own lives. Having goals set for your own purposes, even simple ones such as practicing yoga for an extra 5 minutes a day, are a good way of creating routine and comfort in your life. It will also demonstrate to your students the importance of setting their own goals, and they will follow your lead.