Most new business owners think the first thing that they should do is start writing a business plan. While a business plan is imperative to the growth and success of your business, there is something even more important that you need to consider – creating a life plan. Continue Reading →
You are dreaming of the day when you can walk into a tranquil space, welcome new students (who are coming in droves) and share your passion for yoga. You have taken teacher trainings, workshops, and numerous classes to build your knowledge and understanding of this ancient practice. Owning a yoga studio has been your dream and maybe even now is a real possibility. Continue Reading →
As a spiritual entrepreneur, you probably started your business with a unique vision. A dream of what your business could be. A studio that creates a community of yogis. A teacher training that graduates new teachers around the world. A non-profit that brings the benefits of yoga to underprivileged children.
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When you decide to take a vacation, do you just hop in the car and drive aimlessly? Probably not. Most likely, you spent a few hours making plans. You decided where you were going and what you were going to do when you got there. You began to make a list of what you needed to pack. You gathered your map and your directions to get from point A to point B.
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When you are teaching a yoga class, do you have a goal in mind? Did you plan out a sequence? If you are working towards a more difficult posture, you have to carefully guide your student to arrive to that posture.
So it surprises me that many yogis begin on the journey of a yoga business (teaching or owning a studio) without a goal in mind. They spend more time planning classes than planning for their business.
Without a clearly defined purpose, the business is more likely to be unfocused and lack direction. When opportunities or roadblocks arise, how do you decide what to do or what not to do if you don’t even know where you are going?
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Personal observation – people are not living in line with their values. Do these situations sound familiar:
1. Work/life balance – People say that they want to have a better work life balance, but what do they do? Instead of spending quality time with their family, they are checking emails. Instead of having a date night, they sit in front of the tv.
2. Health – We are the only developed nation that is going backwards with our health. How many people say that they want to lose weight, they want to get in shape or even just get off all the medications? MILLIONS. But what do they do? Make excuses.
3. Wealth – Ummm, all I have to say is look at the economy. People want to become wealthy, but they are not going about it the right way. Greed never brings abundance.
Why am I talking about these values and what do they have to do with yoga?
Yogipreneurs – as the Blues Brothers said, you are on a mission from God. Yoga offers an outlet for people to live a great life (as opposed to mediocre – see other notes). An inspiring yoga teacher helps their students realize what is important and commit to their own transformation. And it is only their transformation, their own journey to enlightenment, that will allow them to find stillness and peace in their life, on and off the mat.
One of my favorite companies ever is lululemon athletica. I am so blessed to have been able to work with them – even for only a short period of time. This explaination of their vision (from their blog) is food for thought – do you embrace mediocrity or greatness?
MEDIOCRITY
* Living a “FINE” life
* Just going with the motions of life – not “living” life
* Status Quo
* Following a predetermined path
* Following a “leader”
* Stagnant
* A vocabulary full of “I wish and I hope”, excuses and blame
* Worrying about what others think
* Not taking control of ones life
* Continually trying to look good
* Not loving every moment life
* Unhealthy Mind = Unhealthy Body
GREATNESS
* Leading a “great” life on a daily basis
* Creating your own path in this world
* Being a “leader”
* Unique individual
* Do not live your life concerned about how you look or what others think
* Live a life full of endless possibilities
* Open to failing and making mistakes
* Learning and new experiences
* Knowledge
* Continually moving forward
* Confident, strong and courageous
* Personal Responsibility – full ownership of one’s life
* Making a difference – being a contribution
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