A big part of managing and creating success in a yoga business, any business in fact or indeed any new venture requires something we really don’t like. That is, the mastering of the dips.
What are the dips?
Whenever you start doing or learning something new it goes through a series of phases or a process.
First phase is that of the start, the newness and some call it “the shiny”. Everything is exiting and wonderful.
We get that adrenalin high of the new, the start, the shiny. A bit like shopping and buying new clothes! We are full of enthusiasm and energy for our new venture.
The next phase is the plateau or the dip. Reality has kicked in and the high has worn off.
Now we realize that whatever it is we are doing we have to actually work! Yes, we do actually have to do the hard grind, and get our butts working.
It feels uncomfortable, uncoordinated (just think of learning a new asana) and a bit unpleasant to be honest. Because we just don’t know exactly what it is when we start doing something new.
We also realize that whatever it is we are doing or learning is going to inevitably take work, commitment and time to achieve.
However this is not what modern society wants. We all want quick fix, fast and done yesterday. However, in reality, when it comes to anything worthwhile, it takes time, energy and commitment and work.
What is the use of knowing about the dips for your yoga business? It means that when you know about the dip, you can start to learn how to manage your dips.
Just knowing about this process in itself and being aware of it can bring us many rewards. If we are aware of the cycle and the process we can then recognize where we are in it.
Then once the newness of starting a yoga business or a new business endeavor wears off, we will know what to expect. We will be prepared for the “after high” reality once the shine has worn off and the reality of the hard work ahead of us has set in. We will know that the next phase is putting in the time, work and energy to realize our goals and vision.
Being prepared in knowing about the dips means you will be less likely to quit when the going gets tough. You will have awareness of the cycle and process to know that quitting is not necessarily the way forward.
Also you will be aware of the upside after the dip. Because the good news is, after some time in the dip, comes a spurt of growth, a realization, an insight, some from of a return on your investment on time, energy and commitment. And you will feel a renewal, more energy, proud of yourself for learning or achieving something in your overall process.
So in order to reach your yoga business objectives, understand your process and especially the dips to support you on your journey. Make a commitment to ride out the dips when they get tough to ensure you don’t quit and instead realize your vision of a successful yoga business.