Step on the Mat: How Yoga Mirrors the Journey of Women Entrepreneurs

I unroll my mat as I enter the studio, ready for another class. Moments later, the teacher flips the switch, and fluorescent lights flood the room. We all rise, stepping onto our mats, knowing it doesn’t matter how well we did yesterday or the day before. What matters is showing up today, meeting ourselves where we are, and putting in the work.

The entrepreneurial journey is no different. Each day brings fresh challenges and renewed determination, and much like yoga, it requires repetitive tasks, relentless effort, and a willingness to stretch beyond our limits.

The Lessons of Bikram Yoga and Entrepreneurship

Bikram yoga is an intense, steamy, sweaty practice with the same 26 poses every session. After years of showing up, I’ve developed a love-hate relationship with it. Some poses challenge me to my core—like the torturous half-moon pose. Others, like eagle pose, remind me of my growing strength as sweat drips from my nose onto my knee.

Entrepreneurship often feels the same. We sweat through obstacles, curse the challenges, and yet, we find moments of triumph. What felt impossible a month ago—whether it’s landing a client, launching a product, or mastering a new skill—suddenly becomes second nature.

Starting Without Experience or Confidence

Like many entrepreneurs, I didn’t feel equipped when I started.

• I wasn’t athletic.
• I avoided physical activity and even forged sick notes to escape PE.
• Yet here I am, addicted to hot yoga.

Entrepreneurship is often the same for women business owners. We start with no experience, feeling inadequate and out of place. Yet once we find our passion, we commit fully—showing up day after day, growing stronger with each step.

Moments of Clarity and Emotional Breakthroughs

One day, during tree pose, I locked eyes with myself in the mirror. For the first time, I truly saw myself. After six months of daily practice, I felt stronger and more dedicated. Was this what it felt like to be an athlete?

That day, as we moved into the floor series, a powerful wave of emotion swept over me. My thoughts turned to my dad, a lifelong athlete who played soccer into his sixties until Huntington’s disease took away his strength.

I suddenly understood the depth of his loss—the devastation of losing the ability to do what had always defined him. As I twisted into cobra and bow pose, tears streamed down my face.

By the time we reached the final breathing exercise, I could no longer hold it together. A deep, primal cry emerged, shaking me to my core. I let go of years of buried emotions, surrendering to the release.

The teacher kneeled by my side as the last waves subsided. She simply said, “This moment is a gift.”

Breakthroughs in Business and Life

Moments like these happen in entrepreneurship too.

• The moment you land your first big client.
• The moment you recover from a failure and realize how much you’ve grown.
• The moment you connect deeply with your why, understanding the purpose behind all the effort.

These breakthroughs often require vulnerability, perseverance, and a willingness to face your fears.

The Power of Showing Up Daily

Success isn’t built on perfection; it’s built on persistence. Whether in yoga or business, the key is to keep showing up, no matter how you feel that day.

Here’s what that looks like for women entrepreneurs:

1. Start where you are: Don’t compare yourself to others or even to your past self. Focus on what you can do today.
2. Embrace the process: Like practicing the same 26 poses in Bikram yoga, success comes from consistent, focused effort.
3. Acknowledge small victories: Celebrate progress, no matter how small, as it’s a sign you’re moving in the right direction.
4. Honor your emotions: Vulnerability and emotional breakthroughs are gifts that help you grow.

Uncovering Your Inner Athlete and Entrepreneur

As women entrepreneurs, we often surprise ourselves with our strength and resilience. Each step on the mat—whether it’s your yoga mat or the metaphorical mat of your business—is a step toward discovering the athlete and successful businesswoman within.

You may not need to break down to break through, but you must keep showing up. Each day is an opportunity to shine your light, face new challenges, and uncover clarity in your journey.

Your Next Step: Just Step on the Mat

The journey isn’t always easy, but the rewards are profound.

👉🏼 Ready to take your business to the next level? Click here to learn more about The Momentum Squad, a community of women entrepreneurs committed to growth, breakthroughs, and success.

Remember: You’ve got this. All you need to do is step on the mat.