In the decade that I’ve led yoga teacher training programs, I’ve found that students who have the greatest potential often display a distinct psychological phenomenon: The Anticipation of Failure.

While most teacher training programs are doing the best they can to prepare their graduates, they’re still thrown into a world of “survival of the fittest” upon completion of their training. They find the yoga world (much like other arenas in life) to be filled with a maelstrom competition for jobs.

As a result their love of self is severely tested. This can manifest itself through obsession over how many likes or comments your social media posts achieve, or worrying too much about your image. In an effort to please everyone, some new teachers play it safe by stifling their authentic personality and voice to conform with other, more experienced teachers.

Back when I was a new teacher, none of the social media measurements had existed to pressure competition and comparison with other teachers. The second-guessing, worry and comparison of today only adds stress to the very people trying to share this healing art. Anticipating that your next Yelp review will be a dud, or that your performance will be a disappointment is so disheartening. New teachers don’t deserve this pressure.

Here are eight psychological and emotional pitfalls that stand in the way of genuine success in teaching yoga and how to overcome them:

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