The Vertical Workshop’s Blog

Confidence:

In Power Pilates, we talk about working with the 5 C’s:  Caution, Compassion, Clarity, Creativity, Confidence.

Let’s talk about Confidence.

Sometimes we feel on top of the world!  Sometimes we feel like there so much more to learn!  Why does it waver back and forth?  How do we find the balance?  (And isn’t it always about trying to achieve balance!)

A wonderful teacher called me the other day.  She told me that she’s having trouble maintaining her clientele.  What is she doing wrong, she wants to know. 

My heart goes out to her because it’s about confidence.  It’s about believing in what you know and what you do so strongly that when you are in front of your clients, you can give them all that you’ve got without fear, without hesitation, but with your full heart and knowledge that what you’ve got is something that they want!

But you have to believe that – first.

Sure, there are times when we all, me included, feel low on the confidence scale.  There are times when we are nervous and unsure.  So, take those times as signs to learn more.  Call a senior teacher and/or a doctor to ask questions about an issue you need more education on.  Hop on the apparatus and practice (you knew that was coming!).  Take a session with another teacher.  Take a continuing education.  Take a break…just go get a tea or browse around the shops or sit back and read or something else that let’s you chill out.

You’re doing great! 

Our confidence in ourselves directly affects the confidence our clients have in us.  In fact, they are only as confident in you as you are in yourself.  So, look in to all pertinent parts:

1 – What do I need to do to improve? – Am I missing something that is vital?

2 – What am I getting from my studio? – Do I get positive or negative feedback and is there open communication?  If you don’t feel a good connection with the manager/owner of your studio, face it head-on with kindness and set up a meeting to discuss…to connect.

3 – What are the clients like and what seem to be their issues that are getting in the way?  We can’t change our clients, but we can open ourselves up to seeing them as human beings when they are seeming to challenge us.  We can try to see where our issues and our clients’ issues are colliding and not benefiting anyone.  It is the teacher’s responsibility to find solutions (just like a parent to a child).

And have fun!  Yes…have fun!  Pilates is not brain surgery.  It’s important.  Very important.  But it’s just Pilates.  It’s a beautiful workout.  It’s a strong workout.  It’s wonderful!  It’s not a punishment.  It’s fun!  Enjoy!

***If you have anything you’d like me to write about (i.e. specific injuries/conditions, workplace issues, apparatus questions, client issues), let me know!***