Turn Your Fears Into Fuel
federica Maryenne 
Discover how to "Turn Fears of Public Speaking Into FUEL”, designed for yoga teachers and public speakers. Offers actionable steps to build confidence
Blog Entry: Turn Fears of Public Speaking Into FUEL
Ciao Dharmies! Welcome to the "Turn Fears of Public Speaking Into FUEL" live class series, now transformed into your go-to guide whenever you need a boost in confidence and clarity.
For those who are new here, I’m Fe, a passionate Yoga Teacherpreneur on a mission to empower you with the strength, confidence, and competence to transform your teaching into an inspiring force and your knowledge into a thriving business.
Over the past week, we dove deep into the most common fears that hold back aspiring yoga teachers and public speakers. Here’s a breakdown of what we covered.
Most common problems that prevent you from becoming a public speaker and yoga teacher:
Day 1: Lack of Confidence
Day 2: Imposter Syndrome
Most common problems during preparation:
Day 3: Being Overwhelm
Day 4: Balancing Information and Engagement
Most common problems just before your speech:
Day 5: Stage Fright
Day 6: Fear of Failure
And then in our masterclass, we tackled problems during your speech:
Day 7: Feeling Nervous and Fear of Judgement
This guide is designed for yoga teachers and public speakers alike—whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your skills. Remember, you're never alone in your struggles. We all share the same fears and emotions, but by coming together, we can support each other in overcoming them.
By taking action, showing yourself patience, and practicing self-compassion, you build confidence step by step. Trust yourself, lean into the discomfort, and watch your fears dissolve as you grow into the teacher you were meant to be.
All we have to do is:
Identify the Root of Your Challenges: Before you can move forward, it's important to understand what’s holding you back.
Identify the Consequences of the Problem: Once you have identified the cause, take a moment to sit with it and explore the consequences of both taking action and staying stagnant—because both paths lead to different outcomes.
Solutions to Overcome the Problem: Learn how to turn that fear into a practical solution or growth opportunity and discover how to build confidence and combat self-sabotage.
Remember, growth happens when we take consistent action. Stay patient, stay compassionate, and keep moving forward. Your future self will thank you for the steps you take today!
Today you are taking the first step to becoming the best version of yourself, and I am incredibly proud of you.
If you need an accountable partner, I want to be there for you!
Live 1: Lack of Confidence
If you’ve ever felt a surge of nerves or doubt before stepping in front of a class, know that you’re not alone.
Today, I’ll guide you on building unshakeable confidence so you can shine, whether in the yoga studio or any public speaking scenario.
1. Identify the Root Cause of the Problem
Let’s talk about the common challenge that many of us face: lack of confidence.
This often stems from factors like perfectionism, unrealistic expectations, and not enough preparation or practice.
Perfectionism
Striving for perfection can paralyze us, making the prospect of speaking in front of others even more daunting.
But here’s the good news: you can navigate and conquer these fears. Instead of letting nervousness hold you back, embrace it as an opportunity to channel your energy into creating a transformative experience for your students.
Nervousness isn’t always a bad thing. It’s a sign of your deep investment in your craft. It shows that you care, that you want to do well, and that you’re mindful of your intentions
Rather than letting nerves overwhelm you, use them as fuel to infuse your teaching with passion, enthusiasm, and authenticity. Trust in your abilities and the unique perspective you bring. Your passion will shine through, creating an inspiring experience for everyone involved.
Remember, public speaking is a skill that develops with time and practice. The more you expose yourself to speaking opportunities, the more confident you’ll become.
Unrealistic Expectations
Expectations are like guiding stars, helping us navigate our goals. But it’s crucial to realize they’re not always healthy, realistic, or attainable.
Setting the bar too high can lead to disappointment, stress, and conflicts, especially when reality doesn’t match our expectations.
Expecting immediate success or perfection can lead to frustration. It’s important to set realistic goals and remain adaptable as circumstances change.
By managing expectations, we can cultivate resilience. It’s about balancing ambition with flexibility, allowing us to grow and thrive without unnecessary pressure.
Lack of Preparation
Lack of preparation often stems from not knowing how to prepare for holding a space or delivering a speech.
So having a good structure on how to prepare for a speech could be the answer to your problems.
Spend time writing, outlining, highlighting keywords, practicing, and recording yourself. This process builds both your confidence and competence.
Lack of Practice
Often, we believe we’ve practiced enough, but when the moment arrives to step on stage, we find ourselves overwhelmed by the many factors to consider—our words, body language, tone, and audience engagement.
This sense of being unprepared is usually a sign that our practice wasn’t as thorough as we thought. Lack of practice stems from a combination of inadequate preparation and a lack of structured. Effective practice isn’t just about going through the motions; it’s about methodically preparing for every aspect of your performance, from the content you deliver to the way you present yourself.
Without this structured approach, even the most confident speakers can feel unprepraed when it’s time to take the stage.
2. Consequences of the Problem
Perfectionism Can Lead to Overall Dissatisfaction
This can leave you feeling frustrated and dissatisfied with your performance.
Unrealistic Expectations Can Lead to Lower Self-Esteem
When things don’t go as you expected them to, it can take away your self-worth.
Lack of Preparation Can Lead to Increased Stress
The anticipation of speaking can become a source of anxiety and discomfort.
Lack of Practice Can Lead to Difficulty in Establishing Credibility
A lack of confidence can also make it harder to establish credibility with your audience, which is crucial for a successful teaching or speaking experience.
3. Solutions to Overcome Lack Of Condidence
Accept and Get Ready for Imperfections
Remember, no one expects you to be perfect.
Accepting imperfections is key to authentic teaching and personal growth. Perfection isn't the goal; it's okay to make mistakes or feel nervous. Audiences are usually more forgiving than we are to ourselves, and they support us.
Striving for perfection can lead to fear of failure and imposter syndrome, causing feelings of inadequacy and burnout. Recognising and addressing our flaws, just as we do with areas of tension in yoga, helps us grow and connect more deeply with our students.
In the teaching journey, mistakes should be seen as opportunities to connect authentically with students. When you allow yourself to be vulnerable, your focus shifts to creating a genuine connection.
Remember, the yoga community values bravery and authenticity over flawlessness. Teaching is not a test, and failure is part of the journey. Each step forward, even if imperfect, brings you closer to becoming a more effective, empathetic, and authentic teacher.
Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities. As much as you rehearse your script, prepare yourself to embrace and learn from any imperfections.
Celebrate Your Small Achievements
It's important to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and not rely solely on external validation. Just as you commit to daily yoga practice, make self-celebration a regular part of your routine. Acknowledge your progress, honor your efforts, and take pride in your unique journey.
External praise is wonderful, but your self-worth should come from within. Fuel your passion from your inner fire, becoming empowered and independent of others' opinions. Each day, reflect on your accomplishments, cherish your efforts, and recognize the unique qualities that make you a valuable yoga teacher.
Consider keeping a journal to document your successes, big or small. This tangible record of your growth can serve as a source of inspiration when doubt creeps in. Regularly revisiting your achievements will reinforce your confidence and help you overcome challenges like imposter syndrome.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Confidence comes from repetition. The more you practice, the more naturally confident you’ll become.
Just as you practiced essential skills growing up, practicing public speaking is crucial for teaching yoga effectively. While preparing your sequence, theme, and flow is important, it’s equally vital to practice delivering your class out loud, focusing on your delivery, volume, body language, and facial expressions.
Consistent practice builds confidence and allows you to master every detail of your teaching. Practicing your speech makes you authoritative, ready to connect with your audience.
Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself, or present to a trusted friend to gain feedback. This consistent effort will make you a more effective, inspired, and confident yoga teacher.
Know Your Audience & Why
Understanding who you’re speaking to and why you’re there can ground you and make your message more impactful.
Remember, confidence isn’t about never feeling nervous. It’s about knowing you can handle whatever comes your way. Keep practicing, stay positive, and soon you’ll find that your confidence will grow.
I’d love to hear from you: What challenges have you faced with confidence in public speaking? Share your experiences in the comments!
Live 2: Imposter Syndrome
Today, we’re tackling a common but rarely discussed issue: imposter syndrome. We’ll explore how to overcome the constant fear of being exposed as a fraud and embrace your true abilities.
1. Identify the Root Cause of the Problem
Imposter syndrome can make even the most accomplished individuals feel like they’re not good enough.
This syndrome often stems from a combination of fear of failure, lack of confidence, self-sabotage, and comparing oneself to others.
Fear of Failure
Fear of failure often arises from concerns about making mistakes, stumbling over words, or facing judgment from others.
This fear can lead to avoidance of challenging situations, such as teaching new classes or speaking to an audience, out of fear of doing something wrong.
This fear isn't just about immediate mistakes; it's also about the potential long-term consequences, like damaging your reputation, losing clients, or facing financial setbacks.
The pressure to maintain an image of professionalism and expertise can make this fear even more weighty.
This can create a cycle of avoidance, where opportunities for growth and development are continuously sidestepped.
Emotionally, the fear of failure can be overwhelming, triggering feelings of vulnerability, anxiety, and self-doubt. When we doubt ourselves, it creates confusion for our students, as our lack of confidence in the material can lead to a new fear of forgetting.
Lack of Confidence
A lack of confidence can make us hesitate to take on new challenges or roles. We may doubt our abilities and miss out on growth opportunities.
It’s important to recognize that confidence is built through experience and practice, not just innate ability.
Self-Sabotage
When we don’t believe in ourselves, we may unconsciously undermine our success.
This can manifest as procrastination, perfectionism, or even avoiding opportunities that could lead to growth.
Comparing Oneself to Others
Comparing yourself to others, particularly those who seem more successful or accomplished, can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. In yoga teaching, where authenticity is key, it's important to avoid this trap. Each teacher has a unique style and journey; comparing yourself to others can undermine your confidence and enthusiasm.
Instead of focusing on others, direct your attention inward to your growth and achievements, no matter how small. Progress should be measured by your individual journey, not by comparisons. Learn to celebrate your successes, feedback from your students and experiences in general.
Continue learning and stay motivated in your teaching journey. Seek opportunities for further education and be open to new approaches. Lifelong learning enhances your confidence and benefits both you and your students.
2. Consequences of the Problem
Fear of Failure can Lead to Constant Self-Doubt
Imposter syndrome keeps you in a loop of self-doubt, making it hard to recognize and celebrate your achievements."
Lack of Confidence can Lead to Missed Opportunities
Fear and lack of confidence can lead to hesitation, causing you to miss out on opportunities for advancement."
Self-Sabotage can Lead to Poor Self-Esteem
Self-sabotage, negative self-talk or negative comparisons can erode your self-esteem and overall sense of worth.
Comparing Oneself to Others can lead to Dissatisfaction
Constantly comparing yourself to others can lead to overall frustartion with your career and achievements, leaving you feeling unfulfilled."
3. Solutions to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity
View failures not as setbacks, but as essential steps in your growth. In yoga teaching, this means embracing challenges, feedback, and mistakes as opportunities to refine your skills and improve.
Embrace Your True Abilities
Focus on authenticity over perfection. Trust in your unique skills, experiences, and intuition to guide your teaching. Celebrate your achievements, embrace your unique path and trust in your authenticity.
Combat Self-Sabotage Through Journaling
Use journaling to process emotions, gain clarity, and celebrate successes. It helps combat imposter syndrome by reinforcing positive self-talk and building confidence.
Practice Self-Compassion, Self-Love, and Acceptance
Treat yourself with the same kindness and patience you would offer a struggling student. Acknowledge that self-doubt and vulnerability are part of the growth process, and approach your teaching journey with grace and understanding. Affirm your worth daily to release self-judgement and embrace your path with confidence.
Remember, you’re not alone in feeling like an imposter. It’s a common experience, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. Embrace your strengths, take action, and soon you’ll find that your confidence will grow, and imposter syndrome will have less of a hold on you.
I’d love to hear from you: How has imposter syndrome affected you, and what strategies have you used to overcome it? Share your experiences in the comments.
Live 3: Managing Overwhelm During Preparation
Today, we’re tackling a common problem: Managing Overwhelm During Preparation. We’ll explore how to streamline your process and prepare with ease and clarity!
1. Identify the Root Cause of the Problem
What are the causes or the reasons you might feel overwhelmed during preparation?
Crafting an effective yoga sequence, delivering your dharma talk, and selecting the right theme while addressing each student's needs can be challenging. These responsibilities often lead to feelings of overwhelm and self-doubt, making it hard to stay focused.
Ultimately, it’s about having the courage to face uncertainty, building resilience to overcome challenges, and cultivating the confidence to believe in yourself.
Managing overwhelm during preparation often stems from a combination of a lack of clear goals, a lack of prioritisation, a lack of support system, and overcommitting.
What does it mean? Let’s go step by step.
Lack of Clear Goal
When goals are not well-defined, it leads to uncertainty about what needs to be accomplished. This confusion can cause wasted time and effort as there's no clear direction to follow.
Without a clear goal, it’s challenging to measure progress or success. You might find yourself working on tasks that don’t directly contribute to achieving what you want, leading to a lack of motivation.
A vague goal can result in inconsistent effort, where some days you might work hard, while on others, you might struggle to find the motivation to even start.
A vague goal also can lead to missed deadlines, poor-quality work, and an overall lack of productivity.
What I have discovered is that without discipline, setting and maintaining goals becomes difficult.
Lack of Prioritisation
Discipline helps in prioritizing tasks effectively. Without it, you may find yourself working on less important tasks while neglecting more critical ones, leading to inefficient use of time.
When there’s no clear structure, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the volume of tasks. This stress can lead to burnout and decrease overall productivity and quality of work.
This lack of organization can make it difficult to track progress or identify what needs to be done next.
Lack of Support System
Inexperience often leads to self-doubt and a lack of confidence in your ability to complete tasks effectively. This can slow down progress as you may second-guess decisions or avoid taking action.
Without prior experience, you are more likely to make mistakes that could have been avoided. While mistakes are part of the learning process, they can also lead to frustration and setbacks.
Recognising that you are inexperienced can lead to finding guidance in others, which is a great way to admit that we are not able to do everything ourselves. It takes great courage and a good dose of vulnerability.
Overcommitting
Overcommitting is a common pitfall many of us face in both personal and professional life. It involves taking on more responsibilities, tasks, or projects than we can realistically manage, often leading to heightened stress because we have to meet all the demands we've taken on.
With too many obligations, the quality of our work can suffer. We may find ourselves rushing through tasks, cutting corners, or not giving enough attention to detail.
Overcommitting makes it challenging to prioritize tasks effectively. Everything seems urgent, which can lead to decision paralysis or the inability to determine what truly needs our attention.
It happens very often to me that I overcommit to something, and as a result of that, I neglect my well-being because, at the end of the day, overcommitting often means sacrificing time for self-care, hobbies, and relaxation. This neglect can take a toll on my quality of life.
Certainly, I try to balance my periods when I overcommit and when I have to take a break.
2. Consequences of the Problem
What are the negative effects of not addressing the problem?
Lack of Clear Goals Results in a Lack of Direction and Focus
When that happens, it is difficult to prioritise tasks effectively, and that leads to the next point.
Lack of Prioritisation can Lead to Being Sidetracked
Without knowing what’s most important it’s easy to get sidetracked or spend time on less critical activities.
Lack of a Support System can Lead to Feeling Isolated
Lack of a support system can lead to feeling isolated and lonely in our struggles. Feeling like we are going through this alone.
Overcommitting can Lead to Burnout and Fatigue
Continuously overcommitting can lead to physical and mental exhaustion. The constant pressure to perform can drain our energy and enthusiasm.
When we feel this way normally, we are unable to continue doing what we love doing.
But also, when we take on too much, it can impact our relationships with others. I notice that I become irritable, distant, or unavailable, causing tension with the people who love me the most.
3. Solutions to Overcome Being Overwhelm
What are some actionable steps to overcome the problem of feeling overwhelmed?
Define Clear Goals
Setting clear, achievable goals is crucial for maintaining focus and direction. Start by defining small, actionable goals. Celebrate each success, using it as a stepping stone to build confidence. Clear objectives help you avoid distractions and stay committed. Without clear goals, your energy gets scattered, leading to unfinished projects and unfulfilled dreams.
Prioritise Tasks
To manage your time effectively, prioritize by setting three key tasks each day. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps to avoid overwhelm and build momentum. For example, if you’re creating a YouTube video, start with scripting, then design visuals, edit, and finally, upload and promote. Tackling one step at a time ensures higher-quality work and boosts confidence, making each task feel more achievable.
Seek Support and Mentorship
Building a support network or looking for mentorship helps you set realistic goals and provides guidance, whether you're working on improving your teaching skills or mastering public speaking. A strong support system keeps you accountable and encourages you to grow in your role as a yoga teacher and public speaker.
Learn to Say No
Overcommitting can lead to burnout and stress. Protect your time by learning to say no to tasks that don’t align with your goals. Focus on what truly matters, and be honest about what you can realistically achieve. Delegating less critical tasks and setting realistic expectations will help you manage your workload effectively. Remember to take breaks and practice self-care to maintain your energy and prevent burnout.
Remember, to embrace simplicity. In a world full of information overload, simplicity is powerful. Focus on one key point in your messaging to ensure it stands out and resonates with your audience. A clear, concise message reduces cognitive load, making it easier for others to grasp. Simplicity leads to clarity, which inspires action.
I’d love to hear from you: How do you manage moments of being overwhelmed? Share your experiences in the comments.
Live 4: Balancing Information and Engagement
Have you ever found yourself losing your audience’s attention during a presentation or yoga class, even though you’ve packed it with valuable information?"
Today, we’re going to explore how to keep your audience fully engaged by transforming your delivery from a data-driven to a dynamic speech.
1. Identify the Root of the Problem
A common issue many teachers and speakers face is not connecting with their audience. This often arises from focusing too much on content while neglecting the art of storytelling, audience interaction, and delivery.
Lack of Storytelling
Without storytelling, your presentation may lack a personal touch and emotional resonance, making it harder for your audience to relate to your message.
Focus on Content Over Relevance
When you focus too much on content without considering its relevance to your audience, you risk overwhelming them with information that doesn’t actually matter to them.
Lack of Audience Interaction
When you fail to engage with your audience, they can feel disconnected and disinterested, becoming passive spectators rather than active participants.
Not Practicing Delivery
A stiff or monotonous delivery can quickly lose your audience’s attention, making even the most valuable content seem boring.
2. Consequences of the Problem
What are the negative effects of not addressing the problem?
Lack of Storytelling can Lead to Boredom and Disinterest
Without engaging in storytelling or interaction, your audience may quickly lose interest, leading to boredom and disengagement.
Focus on Content Over Relevance Can Lead to Irrelevant Information
Focusing on data without contextualizing it for your audience can result in them feeling that the information is irrelevant to their needs, desires, and problems.
Lack of Audience Interaction can Lead to Disengaging Presentation
A lack of interaction can make your presentation feel like a one-way lecture rather than a dynamic, engaging conversation.
Not Practicing Delivery can Lead to Stiff or Monotonous Delivery
Without practicing your delivery, you risk sounding stiff or monotonous, making it difficult for your audience to stay engaged and interested in what you're saying.
3. Solutions to Balancing Information and Engagement
What are some actionable steps to overcome the problem?
Incorporate a Personal Touch
In other words, you want to humanise your character/s. You want to talk about their interests, passions, unique talents, strengths, and weaknesses. You want to create emotional connections and make your content more relatable. You want your audience to say or be moved by what you are there to say.
You can use stories from your personal experience, or stories from friends or clients.
Tell a story about your business. Tell a story about your service or product. Feature team members. Tell about your client's results, stories, goals, needs, desires, and problems, which leads to authority building as well. Tell people who you are, what you do, why you do it and how you do it. That’s when you create a personal touch.
Discover Your Audience’s Needs
Before you present, take the time to understand your audience’s desires, needs, and problems. When you do so, you provide information that is relevant and valuable to them and always contextualizes data to show its importance.
Engage with Your Audience
Incorporate interactive elements like asking questions, and then pause so people have the time to formulate their answers.
Try to make eye contact and if you are doing your speech on camera, look directly at the camera.
But also invite people to participate in the chat box, join the live session, and so on.
Try to turn your audience from passive listeners into active travellers.
Practice Dynamic Delivery
Work on your delivery to ensure it’s dynamic. This includes varying your tone, pacing, and body language to keep your audience engaged from start to finish.
But also practice being charismatic. Yes, it is a skill you can learn exactly as you learn to cook, walk, write, and so on.
Remember, you need to find the right balance between what you say ( the value of your content) and how you say it ( the way you deliver it). Try to implement your script storytelling, relevance, interaction, and dynamic delivery to turn your presentation into an engaging and memorable experience.
I’d love to hear your thoughts: How do you balance information and engagement in your presentations or classes? Share your tips and experiences in the comments.
Live 5: Stage Fright
Today, we’re tackling a common problem Just Before Your Speech: Stage Fright. We’ll explore how to overcome performance pressure while regulating the nervous system!
1. Identify the Root Cause of the Problem
What are the causes or the reasons you might feel when you experience stage fright?
Performance Pressure
The demand for perfection or high expectations can trigger stress and anxiety.
Previous Negative Experiences
Past failures or traumatic events can contribute to lingering fears.
Fear of Rejection
The worry of not being accepted, valued, or appreciated can be overwhelming.
Lack of Nervous System Regulation
Not knowing how to manage or calm the nervous system can manifest in anxiety.
2. Consequences of the Problem
What are the negative effects of not addressing the problem?
Performance Pressure can Lead to Increased Stress and Anxiety
Ongoing fear can lead to heightened stress levels.
Previous Negative Experiences can Lead to Repeated Negative Experiences
If you have lasting emotional scars, this is normally what you manifest.
Fear of Rejection can Lead to Mental Paralysis
Feelings of being lost, stuck, and very vulnerable.
Lack of Nervous System Regulation can Lead to Physical Symptoms
Anxiety manifests physically through symptoms like sweating, shaky hands, a racing heart, and a trembling voice.
3. Solutions to Overcome Stage Fright
sWhat are some actionable steps to overcome the problem of stage fright?
If You Feel Performance Pressure Use Humour
Humour can ease tension, reduce stress, and create a more enjoyable experience for both you and your students.
If you make a mistake, humour can help deflate the situation and demonstrate that it's okay to be imperfect.
A well-timed joke or light-hearted comment can help build trust and create a relaxed environment.
Too much humour can detract from your message, so use it thoughtfully.
If You Had Previous Negative Experiences, Reframe Past Failures as Lessons, not as Your Narrative
View past failures not as setbacks but as valuable lessons that contribute to growth and resilience.
It is as simple as telling yourself who you want to become instead of lingering into the past story, the past trauma, or the past self that is not gone. Remember, you are the creator of your life and you and you only can create a new story.
If You Fear Rejection. Shift the Focus from Self-Concern to the Message
Concentrate on the value of your content and its benefit to the audience rather than your performance.
Emphasise the importance of your message over how you appear, transforming from a speaker into a messenger.
Return to the purpose of your speech or class to maintain calmness.
Affirm that your work and presence have significant value, which helps counter self-doubt. Keep a visible note reminding you of the importance of your contributions.
Handle Nervousness
Practice Relaxation Techniques: Implement techniques like breathing exercises to regulate your nervous system. Oxygenate your brain through deep breathing to soothe anxiety.
Physical Exercises: Engage in light physical activity like walking in nature, jumping jacks or handstands before class to burn off excess adrenaline.
Calming Meditation: do a calming meditation yourself or start the class or speech by leading a brief meditation to anchor yourself and your students, creating a peaceful environment.
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Tapping: Use this technique to tap on specific acupressure points to reduce stress and anxiety while repeating positive affirmations like “ I am capable, I am strong, I am determined, I ma enough.”
Think of Yourself in Shavasana and Embrace Surrendering: Identity with the sense of letting go that comes with Shavasana, helping you stay calm and centered.
Remember to maintain awareness of the present moment, which can help reduce anxiety and increase focus.
I’d love to hear from you: How do you manage moments of stage fright? Share your experiences in the comment.
Live 6: Fear of Failure
Is the fear of embarrassment keeping you silent? Are high standards or the pressure to succeed holding you back?
Today we will uncover 4 causes of fear of failure, its impact, and strategies for overcoming it.
1. Identify the Root Cause of the Problem
Let’s try to understand together the key causes of fear of failure. What are the causes or the reasons you might experience?
Fear of Embarrassment
We worry about potential mistakes, failures, and rejections, all of which can feel magnified when we step outside of our comfort zone.
Pressure to Succeed
This pressure can lead to inaction or hesitation to take risks.
Fear of the Unknown
Uncertainty about what may happen often keeps many from speaking up. This fear manifests as hesitation, not just in voicing our thoughts but in taking bold action toward anything unfamiliar or uncertain.
Our minds often focus on the negative outcomes, creating a mental barrier and preventing us from seeing different possibilities.
High Standards
Unrealistic expectations often lead to anxiety and self-sabotage.
What resonates with you the most? When have these feelings stopped you from taking action?
2. Consequences of the Problem
What are the negative effects of not addressing the problem?
Fear of Embarrassment can Lead to Avoiding Opportunities
When we avoid opportunities, we are missing out on chances to grow and expand as yoga teachers and public speakers. We become more silent, more introverted, and more fearful. This can lead to missed opportunities, stunted growth, and a sense of paralysis.
Pressure to Succeed can Lead to Anxiety and Overwhelm
Procrastination and indecision often follow.
Fear of the Unknown can Lead to Paralysis in Action
When we're overwhelmed by uncertainty, it often causes us to freeze, unable to make decisions or move forward. This paralysis can seep into different areas of our lives.
Over time, as fear takes hold, it leads to disengagement—where we no longer feel the passion or enthusiasm for our work, relationships, or even the hobbies we once loved.
High Standards can Lead to Stopping Trying
The fear of potential failure or rejection becomes so strong that it stops us from trying altogether. As a result, self-sabotage emerges: we procrastinate, avoid challenges, or make excuses, ultimately limiting our growth and success.
This downward spiral not only stifles our potential but also drains our sense of purpose and fulfilment.
Breaking free from this cycle requires facing the unknown with courage, reframing failure as a learning opportunity, and reigniting the spark that fuels our passion and action.
3. Solutions for Overcoming Fear of Failure
What are some actionable steps to overcome the fear of failure?
Resilience Through Vulnerability
Being kind to yourself means accepting moments of vulnerability. It’s okay to feel uncertain. These moments show your strength, as you rise to the challenges that come your way.
Trust in your innate wisdom and recognise that you are enough. Your journey is unique, and sharing it authentically with your students fosters deep connections.
Share what has benefitted you in your journey as a yoga teacher. Your story, its impact, and the lessons learnt offer powerful insights for others.
Being open about your fears and imperfections creates a bridge for genuine student-teacher connections. Sharing your journey helps students see you as relatable and encourages their growth.
Ask yourself why vulnerability feels scary. Often, it's the fear of rejection. But remember, some people will resonate with your story, and others won’t—and that’s okay. Authenticity attracts those who are meant to hear your message.
Perfection is an illusion. Your students don’t expect flawless execution—they want authenticity, compassion, and genuine connection. Acknowledge your imperfections, and your students will connect with you on a deeper level.
You don’t need to conform to expectations to gain respect. Reflect on your style, find authentic confidence, and speak from your truth. That authenticity is far more impactful than projecting a false sense of confidence.
Embrace Satya—truthfulness with kindness and self-respect. By speaking your truth, you empower yourself and invite others to do the same.
Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s the foundation of authentic connection and personal growth. Embrace it in your yoga teaching to foster a genuine, compassionate space where both you and your students can thrive.
Balanced Mindset: Redefine Success Today
Success is often viewed as achieving specific goals, reaching milestones, or ticking off items on a to-do list. But what if we could redefine success to be more than just these external achievements? True success is simpler—and more profound. It’s about showing up every day, even on the days when you don't feel motivated, inspired, or at your best.
To redefine success, start by including learning and growth as essential components. Every challenge, setback, or failure is an opportunity to grow. When you approach life with a growth mindset, you're no longer tied to the outcome; instead, you focus on the process, the everyday practice, processes, and everything you are learning along the way.
Success becomes the courage to try, the willingness to improve, and the determination to keep going despite obstacles.
Failure is not the opposite of success—it's a part of the journey. By embracing failure as a stepping stone, you refine your mindset and strengthen your resilience. Let go of the expectation to succeed every day and shift your focus to the learning curve. Growth often happens in moments of discomfort, uncertainty, and even failure.
When you redefine success this way, you give yourself the freedom to fail, learn, and evolve, knowing that every step forward—even a small one—matters.
Do Something Fearful Every Day—it's the Fastest Way to Build Resilience
The most powerful way to overcome it is to lean into your fears rather than avoid them. By consciously doing something that scares you every day, no matter how small, you condition your mind and body to handle discomfort.
Whether it's speaking up in a meeting, trying a challenging yoga pose, or sharing a vulnerable thought with others, each time you face fear, you expand your comfort zone.
This practice teaches you that failure is not something to be avoided at all costs, but rather a natural part of growth.
The more you challenge yourself to embrace fearful situations, the more resilient you become.
Over time, your fear of failure diminishes because you begin to associate fear with opportunity instead of threat. You'll start to realize that failure is simply feedback, a stepping stone on the path to mastery. And with every step, you'll grow stronger, more confident, and more capable of handling whatever comes your way.
Set Realistic and Attainable Goals
One of the most powerful ways to ease the fear of failure is by setting realistic and attainable goals.
When your goals are clear, manageable, and aligned with your current abilities, you reduce the pressure that often comes with fear. Achievable goals lead to steady progress, which helps build confidence and resilience over time.
To make daunting challenges feel less overwhelming, break them down into smaller, actionable steps. Each step you take, no matter how small, is a movement toward your larger goal.
For example, if you're working on mastering a difficult yoga pose or overcoming public speaking nerves, ask yourself, "What small step can I take today to move closer to my goal?" It could be as simple as practicing for 5 minutes or writing a script for your next class.
Equally important is recognising and celebrating your wins, no matter how small they may seem. These small victories are crucial in building momentum and confidence. When you pause to acknowledge what you've accomplished, you reinforce a positive mindset and remind yourself that progress is happening. Success doesn't always come in leaps, but in the steady accumulation of small wins.
Alongside setting goals, cultivate self-love and acceptance. Often, fear stems from being overly critical of ourselves or feeling inadequate. When you practice accepting where you are in your journey, you reduce the power that fear has over you. Trusting yourself, your abilities, and your path fosters a sense of calm. As self-trust grows, fear loses its grip because you know that, no matter what happens, you are capable of handling it. Self-love is the foundation for resilience.
Remember, fear of failure is natural, but by embracing vulnerability, setting realistic goals, and trusting your unique skills, you will be able to build a resilience muscle to move forward with confidence.
I’d love to hear from you: Share your biggest takeaway or a small action you'll take today to combat the fear of failure.
Masterclass Live 7: Feeling Nervous and Fear of Judgement
Do you know what I’ve realised during this week’s live classes? We should never feel isolated in our struggles. When it comes to facing fears and uncertainties, we’re not alone—we’re all experiencing similar feelings and emotions. We need to come together more often to support and uplift one another.
Do you ever feel like you’ll be judged if you seem nervous or unsure when teaching? Trust me, even the most experienced yoga teachers have been there.
1. Identify the Root Cause of the Problem
Let’s try to understand together the key causes of fear of being nervous. What are the causes or the reasons you might fear that?
Fear of Appearing Nervous
It’s normal to worry about showing fear in front of your students. Often, we're afraid of looking vulnerable or uncertain, and in today's society, it can feel challenging to reveal that side of ourselves.
Overthinking Every Word
Anxiety intensifies when you overanalyse every detail of what you say. There’s a difference between being attentive to details and obsessing over every word.
Not Trusting the Flow
Ever wonder why nervousness arises when your mind is overloaded, and you're not tuned into your gut instinct? Trusting your gut means trusting the flow of life.
The Material Feels Too Complex
Sometimes, we simply aren’t familiar enough with the topic. My best advice when stepping on stage or teaching is to first master the material in your own life before sharing it with others.
2. Consequences of the Problem
What are the negative effects of not addressing the problem?
Fear of Appearing Nervous Can Create Mental Blocks
The pressure to be flawless can cause you to freeze or forget your lines, disrupting your flow and delivery.
Overthinking Each Word Results in Stumbling
What we focus on what we don’t want we get. The fear of mistakes triggers constant self-doubt, causing you to lose focus and stumble over your words, going off course from your message.
Not Trusting the Flow Leads to Overcontrol
The mind, at times, becomes our biggest obstacle. When you rely too much on your mind instead of trusting your instincts, it can weaken your confidence and harm the natural flow of events.
Complex Material Heightens Self-Doubt and Disengages Your Audience
Overly complicated content fuels self-doubt, making it harder for you to engage with your audience, which leads to their disinterest and disengagement.
3. Solutions to Overcome Feeling Nervous
What are some actionable steps to overcome feeling nervous?
If You Fear Looking Nervous, Practice Charisma
The only way to truly overcome the fear of looking nervous is to practice being charismatic.
Charisma is not a natural gift but a skill that can be developed through self-awareness. It begins from the moment you step into the room.
Body language plays a huge role in being charismatic.
How you introduce and present yourself sets the tone for your entire interaction—the way you dress, your body language and your facial expressions.
It’s about maintaining a confident, open, and relaxed posture. You want to wear a warm smile. You want to stand tall with your shoulders back and walk confidently.
All of these small but significant details convey confidence, even if you feel nervous.
Practicing these nonverbal cues will help improve how others perceive you.
Charisma is also about your tone, energy, positivity, and enthusiasm.
People are naturally drawn to those who seem passionate and genuinely excited about their subject.
Enthusiasm is contagious, so practising speaking with that positive energy is a great way to create an inviting and engaging atmosphere, helping you connect with others more easily.
A powerful way to boost your charisma is by practicing speaking while recording yourself.
Set clear goals for each session—whether it's refining your posture, smiling more, or projecting warmth and positivity. This practice can become almost like a mindful meditation, where each time you speak, record, or rehearse, you focus on a different aspect you'd like to enhance. One day, it might be your posture, the next, your facial expressions, and another, your voice projection. Reviewing these recordings will highlight areas for improvement, and over time, these positive habits will become second nature.
Charismatic people are often great storytellers. Weave stories into your presentations that are relevant to your topic. Stories help create emotional connections with your audience, making your message more memorable and relatable.
Additionally, learning meaningful quotes from different fields and inspirations can enrich your speech. When used at the right moment, quotes can offer new perspectives and leave a lasting impression.
At the heart of charisma is authenticity. Charisma comes from amplifying the best parts of you and letting your personality shine through. When you're genuinely yourself, people will be naturally drawn to you.
If you Feel Performance Pressure Practice The Art of Improvisation
Overthinking each word during a yoga class or public speech often leads to stumbling over words or sounding unnatural and rigid. To overcome this, the key is to practice improvisation But how exactly do you do that?
In "Elevate Your Yoga Teaching with Public Speaking", there's an entire module dedicated to this concept. It's called The Art of Improvisation, which is essential for overcoming speech hiccups and enhancing both teaching and public speaking skills.
This module focuses on strategies and exercises that foster creativity, spontaneity, and adaptability, even when things don’t go exactly as planned.
Here’s a simple yet powerful tip to help you overcome those moments of uncertainty when you "lose your thread" or stumble over words.
Use the 5 'W' and 'How' Questions:
Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How are strategic questions to structure your script, find your thread, and keep the momentum going. For example:
Who is your message for?
What does your message do for those people?
When will the message be practised?
Where should the focus be?
Why is the message beneficial?
How can you make the message accessible to different people?
These prompts help guide your speech, making it easier to flow from one idea to the next.
One other effective technique for overcoming speech hiccups is to know your material inside out. When you're confident in your subject matter, it's much easier to recover if you lose your train of thought.
Think of your content as if you're preparing for an interview. You should be able to confidently and easily speak about your topic from different perspectives.
If You're Not Trusting the Flow of Life, Fake It Until You Make It
Confidence is a skill that can be cultivated, even if it doesn’t feel natural at first. Like any other skill, it grows with time, patience, and consistent effort. Just as you practice an asana to build strength and flexibility, you can practice confidence to navigate moments of self-doubt.
Through regular self-affirmation and visualization, you can steadily nurture your inner sense of confidence. Before stepping onto a stage or into a challenging situation, take a moment to ground yourself. Visualize entering the space with confidence, speaking with clarity and authority—even if nervousness is bubbling beneath the surface.
By envisioning yourself as confident, you begin to internalize that feeling. Over time, this internal belief will radiate outward, transforming how you present yourself to others.
Remember, confidence is largely a matter of perception—both how you perceive yourself and how others perceive you. By fostering inner confidence, you project it outwardly, reshaping how you move through the world.
Confidence is built one step at a time. Trust yourself, take action, and watch your fears dissolve as you grow into the teacher you desire to be.
If Your Material is too Complex Embrace The Power of Simplicity: Less is More
When you try to communicate too many ideas at once, you risk diluting your message.
In today's information-saturated world, simplicity is a superpower. Audiences can only process so much at once. By keeping your message simple, you reduce cognitive load, making it easier for them to grasp and retain your key idea.
Before you communicate, identify the single most important idea you want to convey. By focusing on one key point, you ensure your message stands out and resonates.
When your audience knows exactly what you're asking or suggesting, they're more likely to follow through. A clear, concise message is more likely to inspire action.
Reinforce your core message by repeating it throughout your communication in different ways. This helps ensure it sticks with your audience.
Fear of Judgements
Now the next topic of today is the fear of judgement, something that holds many of us back from sharing our authentic voice.
It’s easy to get caught up in the fear of what others think. This often stems from not being able to validate oneself and continually seeking external validations, not having the right mindset, not being at peace with oneself, and not knowing how to deal with others' opinions.
1. Identify the Root Cause of the Problem
Not Being Able to Validate Yourself & Seeking External Validation
Many people struggle with validating their worth and abilities. Instead of relying on internal confidence and self-belief, they constantly look for approval from others.
When validation comes from external sources, first of all, you get addicted, second, you won’t be able to give it to yourself; and third, you will feel unworthy if it’s not given.
Imagine teaching a class, and you keep glancing at the audience for signs of approval, nodding heads, or smiles. Isn't it draining to always look outward for approval instead of telling yourself you’re good enough and your content is valuable?
Not the Right Mindset: Feeling Inadequate and Unworthy
The wrong mindset can root itself in feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness. This is a common experience for people who believe that they aren’t ‘good enough’ or ‘qualified enough’ to share their ideas. These negative self-beliefs often stem from comparing oneself to others who seem more experienced or successful.
Not at Peace with Yourself: Not Accepting Where You Are and Why You Are There
Fear of judgement can stem from a lack of inner peace, often due to resisting or rejecting your current situation.
You might be critical of yourself for not being ‘further along’ in your journey, whether professionally, emotionally, or physically.
This self-rejection creates a mental battle where you’re constantly measuring your worth based on where you think you should be rather than accepting where you are.
Lack of Dealing with People’s Opinions
A major cause of fear of judgement is an inability to deal with or process other people’s opinions effectively. It’s natural to want to be liked and accepted, but when you let others' opinions dictate your sense of worth, it is like handing your life in the hands of others.
This often leads to avoiding any situation where feedback (positive or negative) is possible.
2. Consequences of the Problem
What are the negative effects of not addressing the problem?
Not Being Able to Validate Yourself & Seeking External Validation can Lead to Empowering Others Instead of Empowering Yourself
This external dependency makes you overly sensitive to others' opinions and can lead to anxiety if you don’t receive positive feedback.
You may also adjust your behaviour or speech to match what you think others want to hear, rather than expressing your authentic self.
When you’re constantly worried about how others perceive you, you unintentionally give them power over your thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Instead of relying on your inner guidance and intuition, you allow the opinions and judgements of others to dictate your decisions. This happens because you prioritise pleasing others or fitting into their expectations rather than trusting your voice.
Over time, this leads to disempowerment. You start doubting your abilities and ideas, seeking validation from others to feel ‘good enough.’ You become more reactive to external cues, trying to meet everyone else’s standards instead of setting your own.
It’s like being a yoga teacher who hesitates to teach a class with your unique style or flow because you’re worried the students may not like it. As a result, you mimic another teacher’s approach, which might empower this other teacher's strength but not yours.
In doing so, you empower the opinions of others rather than stepping into your authentic power as a a teacher, speaker, or professional.
Not the Right Mindset: Feeling Inadequate and Unworthy Can Lead to Holding Back From Sharing Ideas
This mindset causes hesitation in speaking up or teaching. You may hold back because you believe your ideas aren’t worthy of being shared, leading to missed opportunities. Feeling unworthy can also cause imposter syndrome, where you feel like a fraud even when you’re highly qualified.
Not at Peace with Yourself: Not Accepting Where You Are and Why You Are There Can Lead to Constant Self Doubt
When you don’t accept yourself, you’re in a constant state of self-criticism, which leaves you feeling unbalanced and insecure. It becomes harder to move forward because you’re stuck in a cycle of dissatisfaction. This inner turmoil makes it difficult to share your voice confidently with others.
Lack of Dealing with People’s Opinions Can Lead to Seeking Approval Over Delivering Value
This avoidance holds you back from growth. By giving too much power to others' thoughts or criticisms, you make yourself smaller to fit into a mould of what you believe will be accepted. Instead of being free to express your ideas or teach authentically, you conform to what you think people want.
When your primary focus is on gaining approval from others, whether it’s in public speaking or teaching, you shift away from providing true value. Instead of focusing on how you can best serve or help your audience, your thoughts revolve around whether they’ll like you and whether they’ll approve of what you’re saying.
If you spend most of your presentation trying to make the audience laugh or agree with you, you might miss out on delivering insightful content that could help the audience. By seeking approval, you sacrifice substance and impact, leaving the audience without the full value they could have received.
4. Solutions to Overcome Feeling Nervous
Shift Focus from Approval to Value
Instead of focusing on approval, shift your attention to the value you provide. The moment you focus on serving others, you free yourself from the pressure of being liked by everyone.
Remember, it’s impossible to be liked by everyone, and that’s okay.
What I’ve learnt is that the people who resonate with what you do—those who truly connect with your message, values, or offerings—will stick with you.
These loyal people become your community. They’ll advocate for you, share your work, and often become repeat customers, returning to buy from you again and again.
These are the people who appreciate your authenticity, and their loyalty is far more valuable than trying to win over everyone.
Instead of aiming to please the masses, focus on nurturing those who truly value what you bring to the table, as they are the ones who will help sustain and grow your business over time.
Focus on Your Unique Strengths
We all have something special to offer. By focusing on your unique strengths and embracing the personal story that makes you who you are, you’ll naturally connect with the right people—even if it doesn’t resonate with everyone.
Share your story, including the ups and downs, strengths and weaknesses, victories and setbacks. It’s this authentic, human experience that people relate to most.
They don’t just want to see the polished, perfect version of success; they resonate with the real journey, with its challenges and triumphs.
Keep in mind, that perfection is not a prerequisite for being a great yoga teacher or public speaker. Show up as your true self and your authenticity will naturally inspire others.
Your voice matters, and the world needs your unique message. People want to witness your journey, not just the polished result. That’s what will draw people in and keep them engaged.
Build Self-Esteem Through Affirmations
Affirmations are powerful tools for shifting mindsets and building self-esteem.
By regularly practising positive affirmations, you’ll strengthen your belief in yourself and your ability to make a meaningful impact.
Repeat positive affirmations like:
"I am worthy."
"I am enough, and my message matters."
By regularly practising these affirmations, you’ll strengthen your belief in yourself and your ability to make a meaningful impact.
Acknowledge Not Everyone Will Resonate
It’s essential to recognize that not everyone will connect with your message—and that’s perfectly okay! You aren’t meant to appeal to everyone, but you are meant to resonate with the right people. Rather than worrying about those who don’t understand or relate, focus your energy on reaching the individuals who do. These are the people who will appreciate, support, and value what you offer.
Remember, through action, patience, and self-compassion, you can uncover the root of your challenges. Once identified, take a moment to sit with it and explore the consequences of taking action and staying stagnant—because both paths lead to different outcomes.
This week, I invite you to approach your teaching—whether in yoga or in life—with a small shift in mindset. Perhaps it’s about embracing your inner imposter, confronting the fear of failure, accepting nervousness, or releasing the worry of being judged.
I’d love to hear from you: Take a moment to pause, reflect, and honour your journey:
What new skills or techniques have you learnt during this week?
What areas do you feel more confident in now than when you first started?
Feel free to share your answers in the comments or send them to me at femaryenne@gmail.com.
If you are feeling a bit dissatisfied with your yoga teaching performance or perhaps navigating the challenging path of starting as a yoga teacher, you are in the right place.
Public speaking is a powerful tool that breaks down barriers, dispels fears, and fosters an environment where voices are not just heard but celebrated. It goes beyond the stage, shaping careers, enhancing leadership, and empowering you to connect more deeply with your students.
At Elevate Your Yoga Teaching with Public Speaking, our mission is to empower yoga teachers to discover their authentic voice through the transformative power of public speaking, skilled communication, and authentic storytelling.
We envision a world where public speaking isn't just a skill but a catalyst for growth. We believe that every yoga teacher, regardless of background or experience, should feel confident and capable when stepping into the spotlight.
Giveaway of the Day: I am looking for three women who want to become competent and confident in public speaking. If that’s you, listen carefully:
Be one of the first 3 to comment on this blog entry, “Turn Your Fear of Public Speaking into FUEL.”
In this blog post, you’ll find a summary of this week’s classes, along with text and graphics I’ve created for various social media platforms. This recap will give you a quick overview of the key takeaways from each class, along with visual content tailored for Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms to help you stay engaged and share with your community.
Start turning your fears into fuel and step into the confident, competent yoga teacher and public speaker you’ve always desired to become!
Great news! I’m going to keep the Turn Your Fears Into Fuel live format once a week on my social media. If you're interested, don’t forget to subscribe!
Until the next live class, stay dharmatically different
Ciao for now, Fe