How to Boost Your Confidence as a Newly-Qualified Seasonal Yoga Teacher - Part 1

As we come to the end of our 2025 Seasonal Yoga Teacher Training in the glorious Costwolds, it’s time to reflect on the progress each student has made, and acknowledge that this is just the start of their teaching journey.

Becoming a newly qualified yoga teacher is exciting, empowering, and… yes, a little nerve-wracking. You’ve spent a year learning philosophy, alignment, seasonal wisdom, and how to hold space, yet stepping into your first classes can still feel intimidating. If you’re teaching seasonally, you’ve taken on an even more privileged role: guiding people not just through asana, but through the rhythms of nature.

If you’re feeling the wobble of self-doubt, you are absolutely not alone. I have a few suggestions to boost your confidence, find your voice, and stay true to your purpose as a seasonal yoga teacher. I have so much to share - so this will be 2 posts; you can read Part 2 here.

Yoga communities are often full of gifted, experienced teachers and while that can be inspiring, it can also make you compare yourself or doubt your worth. Remember, another teacher’s brilliance does not diminish your own. Every teacher has their own tone, energy, and presence. Some are more spiritual, some anatomical, some fiery, some soft, some very structured and some are floaty.  Your way of teaching will resonate with people who need exactly what you have to offer. You are not here to replicate anyone else. You are here to guide your students with your own blend of wisdom, personality, and seasonal insight.

No teacher, no matter how experienced, charismatic, or popular is everyone’s favourite. And that’s not a problem; it’s permission to not please everyone. You just need to find and teach your people. As you grow, the right students will naturally gravitate towards your style, your energy, and the way you weave seasonal themes into your classes. You will find your tribe are those who appreciate your authenticity, your voice, and your approach to living and practising seasonally. Let go of the idea of universal approval. Embrace the idea of authentic connection.

It’s tempting, especially early on, to try to present yourself as the “ideal yoga teacher”: serene, flawless, glowing with wisdom 24/7. But that perfection is more intimidating than inspiring. Your students don’t need you to be perfect, they need you to be real. People relate to honesty, not polished personas. 

And on social media? Let go of the urge to imitate other teachers’ feeds. Post what feels true to you. Authenticity attracts the right community.

It’s easy to forget that your qualification isn’t the finish line, it’s the beginning. You are growing, just like your students. You are learning, just like your students. You are evolving through the seasons, just like your students. Your role is not to be the expert who knows everything, but to be the guide who holds space, shares the path, and walks alongside others.

Teach from where you are. Teach from what you know. Teach from what you’re discovering in your own seasonal practice and your confidence will grow with every class you teach. Be patient with yourself. Be kind to yourself. Trust that the right people will be drawn to your unique energy. 

Read Part 2 - How to Boost Your Confidence as a Newly-Qualified Seasonal Yoga Teacher here

If you’re in the Cotswolds, Gloucester or Warwickshire and you’d like to complete your own yoga teacher training - I run an annual Seasonal Yoga programme. We start in January/February, all the information on the course is here.