The business of yoga and our mindset.

     For most people, yoga is simply an alternative way of exercise.  But do you realize that there are said to be close to 20 million people practicing some form of yoga?  And of course with this type of demand, new yoga studios continue to appear all over America.  When you think about it, we're pretty previledged in our country.  What a treat to have options and choices.  Be it attending a studio based on location, the actual practice being result driven or simply because we like the people there.
     On the other hand or behind the scenes sort of speak, yoga studio owners are constently having to be creative with their marketing, their sequencing of the actual yoga practice (One hour long vs. One hour and half), all the way to membership rates.  Many of us step into this business with a lot of passion because of what we've been able to achieve with our health through a consistent yoga practice.  And the hope is that we never lose that part of ourselves nomatter how challenging it becomes to keep the business alive in this competative market.
     Entrepreneurship is one of the tuffest jobs in America and yet one of the most needed.  This is what we're built upon; creativity, knowledge, passion, hard work, dedication, commitment, accountability and risk.  Or should I say, willingness to hear one or many say "no thank you" many times over. 
     I remember as a young boy my family talking about my grandfather on my father's side.  I remember them speaking highly of him.  I also remember on many occassions hearing people in the neighborhood speak equally high of him.  It wasn't until my college years that I met my father for the first time and he then informed me that there was a library built and named after my grandfather.  How cool I thought.  A man of integrity, drive and ethics.  I have to say I was and still am very proud about my grandfather.
     My grandfather although I never met him has always been a true role model for me and I'll always be grateful for that.  Today, after many years of running my own business I can honestly say that it's not easy.  But I wouldn't change it for the world.  In many respects owning my own business has helped me build character and realize my passion and interest for helping others.  And quite frankly my thought has always been that if I didn't do what I do, it would be a disservice to all those who have ever taken my classes. 
     In closing, I'd like to finish by saying that entrepreneurship is much like exercise.  You need to show up every day and give it your all.  You need to be willing to break through the discomforts and sometimes even the pain and just drive forward.  You need to know why you're doing it and why it's important that you do it.  You need to be clear and you need to be willing.  Yes our economy is tuff and yes for many of us our health is suffering, but quiting should not be an option.  It should be our drive! 

To your health & success,

Marco Gamez