How Yoga Helped Me Rethink Success and Rebuild My Confidence
“Though I started yoga as a way to exercise, it's not the workout that keeps me coming back, but the reminder that the joy is in the practice and the journey, not the result.
Words: Jasmine Harris
“Yoga became a regular part of my routine at the same time I was considering what my life would be like post-university. Flows were snuck in between constant reminders that life is nothing like the structures of school. I downward dogged in my little dorm, caring more about when my heels would finally touch the mat than any wellness advice the instructor was trying to share.
During that time my motivation, self-esteem, and confidence all waivered in the face of obstacles, and left turns, and rejections as I tried to find my footing post-graduation. I felt miles away from any milestones I thought indicated success.
“If our ruler for success is accomplishment based, we’re always going to be measuring ourselves against those standards and never give ourselves the space for anything else”
Through the years after school, I continued a regular yoga practice, but even that had its moments of frustration. I approached yoga like I did everything else – as a task to excel at and complete. Every time I was on the mat, I was pushing for the success milestones of expert poses and bucket loads of strength and flexibility. Sure, I improved with consistent practice, but I still felt miles behind where I should be.
Then the instructors’ lessons finally broke through a little, and I realised they always said in one form or another that yoga is a practice. There’s no test, or Olympics, or job interview at the end, so the idea of success as accomplishments was never going to be fulfilled by yoga. It’s conscious, continued practice. You don’t step on the mat to accomplish something, but to see what yoga can do for you that day
So, I worked my way through a yoga class and focused on what I was doing in that very moment. I at least attempted to be that present. It became never-ending trial and error to be present in spite of a racing mind. On good days I could let go of thinking about the future and find the space to simply enjoy practicing.
It’s in that present state where I could rethink how I defined success.
Instead of chasing after milestones, maybe I could find a feeling of success in the doing of it all. As I step off the mat I wonder if I could enjoy the journey of working towards something no matter how small or grand it may be.
“I understand yoga isn’t for everyone, and it isn’t the magical fix-all that some claim it to be, but everyone deserves a reminder that you are more than your accomplishments. ”
How we view success is always going to shape how we view ourselves. If our ruler for success is accomplishment based, we’re always going to be measuring ourselves against those standards and never give ourselves the space for anything else.
There are mindsets on success that don’t involve the pressure to complete certain societal or career-focused milestones. They focus on things like values, quality time, and the simple joy of living. The book ‘In the Company of Women’ includes a range of definitions from different women relating to success which focus on quality of life rather than a way to put ourselves down:
“Success to me is being psychologically healthy, happy and secure with who you are as a person regardless of income, position, or title.” Shizu Saldamando
“[Success is] To do something one is fulfilled and energized by. Whatever that means to you, in whatever form.” Michele Quan
“Success isn’t about how much money you make, it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.” Michelle Obama
“[Success means] How often I can say, “yes!” enthusiastically.” Danielle Henderson.
What does success mean to you?
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Thank you so much to the wonderful Jasmine Harris for contributing this brilliant piece. You can find her on Instagram at @fishoutofcloset or Twitter at @jasmineisafish.