The Power of Doing Things by Yourself

Over the years of teaching yoga, I’ve noticed a pattern that might surprise some people: the students who stick with a practice, who truly make it a habit are usually the ones who show up for themselves. Not for a friend; not because someone else invited them, but because they decided it was important for them.

I don’t offer “bring a friend for free” or “half-price for your buddy” deals. And let me be clear, this isn’t because I don’t like friends or because community isn’t valuable. Over time, friendships naturally develop in classes, workshops, and retreats however forming a habit is a deeply personal process. In fact, starting something new with a friend can often make it harder.

That said, I absolutely love it when you recommend me to a friend, but do that from your truly lived experience. When someone sees the positive changes in your life, your recommendation carries real weight. That authenticity is far more valuable than any discount or offer.

Think about it: when we rely on someone else for motivation, we can make excuses to skip, or we might feel pressure to keep up with them, which can take the joy out of the experience. On the other hand, when we show up for ourselves, every session, class, or practice becomes a personal commitment. You start to learn what you enjoy, what you need, and how to honour your own body, mind, and time.

Doing things by yourself cultivates a unique set of benefits that are easy to overlook:

1. Self-Reliance - Showing up on your own teaches you to trust your own motivation. You begin to see that you don’t need anyone else to take care of your wellbeing, you can do it yourself. This builds confidence that carries over into every area of life.

2. Mindfulness and Presence - When you practice on your own, your focus is entirely on you. You notice how your body feels, how your mind wanders, and what your heart needs. There’s no comparing, no competing or even worrying about your friend, just pure attention on your experience.

3. Consistency and Habit Formation - Research shows that habits are more likely to stick when they are internally motivated. When you make a commitment to yourself, even small ones, it becomes easier to keep showing up. Over time, this self-discipline strengthens not just your practice, but your sense of self.

4. Freedom and Autonomy - Doing things by yourself allows you to go at your own pace. You can explore what resonates, try new things and adjust without needing permission or worrying about someone else’s preferences. There’s a quiet freedom in making choices that are entirely yours.

5. Resilience - Life will always throw distractions, obligations, and excuses your way. Learning to show up for yourself builds resilience. You learn that even when life gets messy, your commitment to your wellbeing doesn’t have to waver.

Now, this isn’t to say that friendships and community aren’t valuable, they absolutely are! Over time, as you show up for yourself, you naturally attract like-minded people. You’ll form connections, support networks, and friendships - these are bonuses, not the foundation. The habit itself, the routine of prioritising yourself, is what sustains you in the long term.

January is a time when lots of people try new hobbies, but the real question is, will you stick with it? If you want to make meaningful changes in the coming year, it starts with showing up for yourself. Classes are filling up fast for January, so make sure you’ve booked your space if you intend to commit to your own wellbeing.

There’s a quiet, empowering joy in being your own companion. You learn that you are enough, that your commitment matters, and that your wellbeing is worth the effort. And over time, as you continue to show up for yourself, you’ll notice something wonderful: friendships and community form naturally, but your habit, the one that truly matters - sticks.

So, be brave. Be patient. Be consistent. Show up for yourself, and watch the ripple effects of that simple act change your life.

Naomi Hurst