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How do I learn to trust myself?
I want to be an Occupational therapist for kids specifically . I feel in my heart that this is what I am meant to do, but how do I know I am making the right decision? I've taken prereqs required for grad programs and I didn't do the best in them. I am also first gen and I have had little to no guidance or mentorship my entire school career, and I've made my fair share of mistakes. How do I learn to trust myself? I want a career that I genuinely love and I feel that I've landed on it, but I'm not sure I'm good enough. How do I get over this stump and do what I feel that I am meant to do without getting in my own way? Imposter syndrome am I right. #Spring25
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17 answers
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Taylor’s Answer
As an occupational therapist with 2+ years of experience I continue to feel the exact same way! I have met OT's that continue to feel that way even with 20+ years of experience. It is natural to feel that way. Continue to build your experience and the confidence will come in time. Nobody has all the answers right away not even the most experienced. I too did not do amazing with prereqs and still managed to get excepted into each school I applied. Lean into what makes you unique and make connects with the program admissions and go in person if possible. You got this!
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Anna’s Answer
Hi Mamouna! To start, what you are feeling is totally valid-- it is so easy to go down the rabbit hole of questioning yourself. A couple of things to keep in mind:
1. Every single person on this planet has their fair share of mistakes. In fact, mistakes can often be one of the biggest learning opportunities in the long run.
2. If not now, when? You have the ability to take control of your life and live it in a way that makes you happy. Don't let that voice in your head tell you otherwise (we all get it sometimes!) Yes, there will be hurdles along the way, but it's how you tackle them that matters and helps you grow. Making the decision to come on here and ask for guidance is such an amazing first step! Be proud of yourself for that.
3. Treat yourself kindly! Be your own biggest fan. Like us all, you are living life for the first time-- give yourself some grace. Everyday is an opportunity to learn more and grow.
You got this!
1. Every single person on this planet has their fair share of mistakes. In fact, mistakes can often be one of the biggest learning opportunities in the long run.
2. If not now, when? You have the ability to take control of your life and live it in a way that makes you happy. Don't let that voice in your head tell you otherwise (we all get it sometimes!) Yes, there will be hurdles along the way, but it's how you tackle them that matters and helps you grow. Making the decision to come on here and ask for guidance is such an amazing first step! Be proud of yourself for that.
3. Treat yourself kindly! Be your own biggest fan. Like us all, you are living life for the first time-- give yourself some grace. Everyday is an opportunity to learn more and grow.
You got this!
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Elizabeth’s Answer
Hi Mamouna! It's okay to feel like this sometimes. Remember, everyone moves at their own speed, and that's perfectly fine. Instead of comparing yourself to others, think about how far you've come and how much you've grown. You're doing an amazing job, and there's no rush. Try reaching out to classmates or mentors for extra support and advice in your field. Keep going!
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Alicia’s Answer
Hi Mamouna! Imposter syndrome is absolutely real and everybody experiences it. I wonder if starting in the field and gaining practical, hands on experience before going into grad school would help you to be successful navigating the more academic coursework. Working in the field as a tech, or getting a certification first, may also help boost your confidence and combat the imposter syndrome you’re currently feeling. You’ve got this!
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Logan’s Answer
Hi there, as someone who struggles with Impostor Syndrome myself, I totally empathize with how you feel. I hope you know that there are far more people that feel exactly the same way than you probably realize. This is a totally normal thing, and unfortunately is pretty prevalent even amongst executives. Some encouragement that I hope you will appreciate is that it is important to accept our own humanity including the errors every single person will make. Nobody is a robot! It is how we respond to those mistakes that truly defines us.
Moreover, I believe that you will gain confidence over time as you gain more experience. Definitely find someone you trust to act as your mentor/coach and someone you can confide it. Having a support system is extremely important! This will help you have an outlet to turn to and discuss things with and help to ground you in reality (versus the stories you might be telling yourself).
Best wishes,
Moreover, I believe that you will gain confidence over time as you gain more experience. Definitely find someone you trust to act as your mentor/coach and someone you can confide it. Having a support system is extremely important! This will help you have an outlet to turn to and discuss things with and help to ground you in reality (versus the stories you might be telling yourself).
Best wishes,
Kaitlyn Corey
Occupational Therapy Assistant/Occupational Therapy Student
60
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Kaitlyn’s Answer
What you are feeling is very normal. Being first gen and figuring things out on your own can make the process even harder. Wanting to be an OT for kids shows how much you care, and that is something grades alone cannot measure. Imposter syndrome happens when you go after something you really want. The fact that your heart is in pediatrics is already a good sign you are on the right path. No one feels “good enough” at the start. You grow into it by learning, showing up, and trying again. To build trust in yourself, take things step by step. Try reaching out to mentors or current OT students. Ask questions and let yourself learn from their experience. Mistakes do not disqualify you. They give you perspective and will make you a stronger OT. You do not have to know everything right now. What matters is that you are moving toward a career you love. That is something many people never find, and you should be proud of yourself for knowing what you want.
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Helen’s Answer
It's human to self judge. And usually we are our worst critics. We all do it, so don't ever think you are alone. Everyone gets imposter syndrome, thinks the next person is doing a better job, but they are thinking the same thing!
The key is to recognise what you are doing. Even give it a name like Judgy McJudge, and recognise when you are doubting yourself because of this judgemental person sitting on your shoulder, and you can tell them to go away. Recognising that you are self sabotaging yourself is half the battle. Imagine stuffing your doubts in balloon and letting them drift away. Now you can focus on being positive and doing what you want to do!
A human is wired to survive, so the brain always looks for ways to run away from a problem or decision, one of which is to make you doubt yourself, so you dither and don't make a choice. We don't need the brain to be in survival mode every second of every day. This means we have to train it to be more positive, more creative, and look at the opportunity instead of the possibility of failure. Because nine times out of ten, you will succeed. And if you should fail, then you can learn from it. Think of setbacks as opportunites to learn. Think creatively.
You've got this. Tell that judge where to go and enjoy your choices!
The key is to recognise what you are doing. Even give it a name like Judgy McJudge, and recognise when you are doubting yourself because of this judgemental person sitting on your shoulder, and you can tell them to go away. Recognising that you are self sabotaging yourself is half the battle. Imagine stuffing your doubts in balloon and letting them drift away. Now you can focus on being positive and doing what you want to do!
A human is wired to survive, so the brain always looks for ways to run away from a problem or decision, one of which is to make you doubt yourself, so you dither and don't make a choice. We don't need the brain to be in survival mode every second of every day. This means we have to train it to be more positive, more creative, and look at the opportunity instead of the possibility of failure. Because nine times out of ten, you will succeed. And if you should fail, then you can learn from it. Think of setbacks as opportunites to learn. Think creatively.
You've got this. Tell that judge where to go and enjoy your choices!
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Daniel’s Answer
Your passion for helping kids through occupational therapy is incredibly powerful, and that deep feeling of purpose is something many people search for their entire lives. The fact that you already know what you want to do is a huge step forward. Now, it's about learning to trust yourself and push past the doubts because you absolutely are good enough.
Here are some ways to tackle imposter syndrome and build confidence in your journey:
- Redefine "mistakes" as learning experiences. You’ve faced challenges and had limited guidance, but those experiences have shaped you into someone resilient and driven. Every stumble has given you lessons that will make you a more empathetic therapist in the future.
- Focus on your strengths. Grades don't define your potential. Your passion, dedication, and ability to connect with kids are what will make you a great therapist. Keep working on the skills that matter most in the field.
- Find mentorship. Since you've had little guidance, seek out professionals in OT (occupational therapy) through LinkedIn, networking events, or even professors. Many people are happy to share advice when they see someone genuinely interested in the field.
- Gain hands-on experience. Shadowing an OT, volunteering, or working in related roles (like with kids who have developmental challenges) will help you see firsthand what the job entails. Experience often boosts confidence more than anything.
- Challenge your negative self-talk. When the voice in your head says, "I'm not good enough," counter it with evidence. Remember moments where you helped someone, persevered through obstacles, or learned something valuable. You’ve already come so far.
Making the "right" decision isn’t about having zero doubts. It's about moving forward despite them. You know this path aligns with your passion, and passion backed by perseverance always leads to success. The only thing standing in your way is your own fear, and trust me - you're stronger than that.
Keep going. The world needs people like you in this field. Hope this helps!
Here are some ways to tackle imposter syndrome and build confidence in your journey:
- Redefine "mistakes" as learning experiences. You’ve faced challenges and had limited guidance, but those experiences have shaped you into someone resilient and driven. Every stumble has given you lessons that will make you a more empathetic therapist in the future.
- Focus on your strengths. Grades don't define your potential. Your passion, dedication, and ability to connect with kids are what will make you a great therapist. Keep working on the skills that matter most in the field.
- Find mentorship. Since you've had little guidance, seek out professionals in OT (occupational therapy) through LinkedIn, networking events, or even professors. Many people are happy to share advice when they see someone genuinely interested in the field.
- Gain hands-on experience. Shadowing an OT, volunteering, or working in related roles (like with kids who have developmental challenges) will help you see firsthand what the job entails. Experience often boosts confidence more than anything.
- Challenge your negative self-talk. When the voice in your head says, "I'm not good enough," counter it with evidence. Remember moments where you helped someone, persevered through obstacles, or learned something valuable. You’ve already come so far.
Making the "right" decision isn’t about having zero doubts. It's about moving forward despite them. You know this path aligns with your passion, and passion backed by perseverance always leads to success. The only thing standing in your way is your own fear, and trust me - you're stronger than that.
Keep going. The world needs people like you in this field. Hope this helps!
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Michael’s Answer
Everyone has doubted their abilities at some point, so you're not alone. It's not just about being good or smart; it's about putting in the effort and trying our best!
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Kristin’s Answer
I am so happy to hear you say, "I have made my fair share of mistakes." That is awesome, and I hope you and I both make a bunch more. Acknowledging our mistakes is how we grow and constantly improve. It doesn't matter that you're not perfect right now. As long as you have integrity, own up to your shortcomings and continue to improve you have made a perfect choice. I much rather take my kids to a therapist with integrity and curiosity than to someone who thinks they have known and seen all. Best of luck! Occupational Therapists are a blessing.
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Michelle (Shelly)’s Answer
Dealing with imposter syndrome can be hard, but you're on the right track by trusting your gut. Here are a couple of things that helped me: First, I worked on being kinder to myself by listening to uplifting podcasts and putting positive notes around my workspace. Second, I made sure I was in a place where it was okay to learn from mistakes without fear. In a previous job, I wasn't in the best environment, and it made it harder for me to deal with mistakes and my self-talk. Just do your best, and remember, you can only control what's within your reach. :)
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Shatara’s Answer
Imposter syndrome is very real and can rob you of your joy. Easier said than done, but don't allow the negative self-talk to intimidate you out of something you feel is right for you. You are human and will continue to make mistakes so don't be so hard on yourself. When you speak of being an Occupational Therapist, there's a strong sense of conviction that comes through when reading it. Some people go their entire life unsure of what to do; you were born with a dream so don't stop chasing it. When it comes to the coursework, try to relate to it as if you're already an OT; create example cases if you have to (this could help you get out of your head a little).
Wishing you the bes of luck!
Wishing you the bes of luck!
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Shalini’s Answer
What you're feeling right now is something many people experience. They often wonder if they deserve what they want. But if working as a therapist for kids makes you happy, go for it! This job requires skills, but more importantly, it needs a kind heart and a passion for helping kids. Don't stress about the scores. Focus on learning every day, and you'll see yourself getting better and better. In the end, loving what you do is key to finding satisfaction and peace in your life.
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Danny’s Answer
Hi, Mamouna
If you have Imposter syndrome... That means you are on the right track.
I suffer from this also and try to always look out to the horizon looking up and out rather than looking on the ground and reflecting on past failures.
I wish you the best in life... enjoy your journey... You are on the right track!
If you have Imposter syndrome... That means you are on the right track.
I suffer from this also and try to always look out to the horizon looking up and out rather than looking on the ground and reflecting on past failures.
I wish you the best in life... enjoy your journey... You are on the right track!
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Kate’s Answer
It's normal to have some self-doubt, and sometimes it seems like nothing is going right, and you can't do anything properly. But guess what, this happens to everyone and it is very human to make mistakes. Afterall, if you don't make any mistakes, how do you know that you are on the right path or not? It is through mistakes that people learn, and the best companies who allow space for employees to make mistakes end up doing better than those who come down hard on every single small mistake that employees make.
Look at it this way, every mistake you've made gives you the experience needed to not make it again. It is these experiences that set you apart from others, and gives you the value you can bring to your next patient.
The key here, is to ensure that you don't believe in the falacy that you are flawed and a failure. You are the only cheerleader for yourself. if you say that you can, you can. If you say you cannot, you cannot. The voice in your mind is louder than anyone else, think positive!
Look at it this way, every mistake you've made gives you the experience needed to not make it again. It is these experiences that set you apart from others, and gives you the value you can bring to your next patient.
The key here, is to ensure that you don't believe in the falacy that you are flawed and a failure. You are the only cheerleader for yourself. if you say that you can, you can. If you say you cannot, you cannot. The voice in your mind is louder than anyone else, think positive!
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Emily’s Answer
Hi Mamouna!
Long-time career coach here. I am so glad you asked this question! Here are a few practical tactics to start building trust and confidence in yourself as you pursue your career!
1) Believe it or not, there is no such thing as a "right" or "wrong" decision in your career! Most students today will have an average of 7-9 careers over the course of their lifetime! The best way to determine whether you are pursuing the best path for you right now is if you are interested in the material, feel intrinsically driven to grow within and learn about that field, and the circumstances (location, in-person v. virtual, pay, etc.) align with your life goals/needs. The rest is all part of the journey! Your gut feeling is a gift - LISTEN TO IT!
2) Mistakes are critical learning opportunities. No one succeeds without first failing over and over again. In my experience the most successful professionals are those who fail forward, meaning you use failure as an opportunity to analyze yourself and improve, rather than get down on themselves for not accomplishing their desired result the first try.
3) When exploring WHY those pre-req courses didn't go as well as you'd hoped, I encourage you to explore how you approached the learning. Did your study tactics feel effective? Did you give yourself the right amount of time, tools, and resources to accomplish your desired goal? How might you approach the courses differently next time? Do you still enjoy what you are learning, even though the coursework is challenging? What factors most got in the way of your mastery of the course material? It doesn't matter so much that you didn't get a great grade, what matters more is that you are prepared w the tools to get a better grade next time! I've coached MANY professionals who have failed 3-5 courses, and still went on to be successful doctors, lawyers, accountants, etc.
4) To further build trust in yourself, here are tangible tactics you can try to build DATA to affirm that this dream is right for you: find an internship in your field, reach out to 5 people in your field and request to conduct a brief informational interview with them about their work, explore related fields of interest (leave no stone un-turned!), attend workshops, conferences, or presentations on innovation in your field, define your core professional values and interests - then see if those align with the job you are pursuing, research different kinds of specialties within your field and refine your niche.
5) The best way to overcome imposter syndrome is to build data against your inner-narrative, and SPEAK ABOUT IT with others, just like you are right now. Talk it out with others to understand what parts of your experience are rooted in fear and negative self talk, versus lack of information. DO NOT GIVE UP!
Long-time career coach here. I am so glad you asked this question! Here are a few practical tactics to start building trust and confidence in yourself as you pursue your career!
1) Believe it or not, there is no such thing as a "right" or "wrong" decision in your career! Most students today will have an average of 7-9 careers over the course of their lifetime! The best way to determine whether you are pursuing the best path for you right now is if you are interested in the material, feel intrinsically driven to grow within and learn about that field, and the circumstances (location, in-person v. virtual, pay, etc.) align with your life goals/needs. The rest is all part of the journey! Your gut feeling is a gift - LISTEN TO IT!
2) Mistakes are critical learning opportunities. No one succeeds without first failing over and over again. In my experience the most successful professionals are those who fail forward, meaning you use failure as an opportunity to analyze yourself and improve, rather than get down on themselves for not accomplishing their desired result the first try.
3) When exploring WHY those pre-req courses didn't go as well as you'd hoped, I encourage you to explore how you approached the learning. Did your study tactics feel effective? Did you give yourself the right amount of time, tools, and resources to accomplish your desired goal? How might you approach the courses differently next time? Do you still enjoy what you are learning, even though the coursework is challenging? What factors most got in the way of your mastery of the course material? It doesn't matter so much that you didn't get a great grade, what matters more is that you are prepared w the tools to get a better grade next time! I've coached MANY professionals who have failed 3-5 courses, and still went on to be successful doctors, lawyers, accountants, etc.
4) To further build trust in yourself, here are tangible tactics you can try to build DATA to affirm that this dream is right for you: find an internship in your field, reach out to 5 people in your field and request to conduct a brief informational interview with them about their work, explore related fields of interest (leave no stone un-turned!), attend workshops, conferences, or presentations on innovation in your field, define your core professional values and interests - then see if those align with the job you are pursuing, research different kinds of specialties within your field and refine your niche.
5) The best way to overcome imposter syndrome is to build data against your inner-narrative, and SPEAK ABOUT IT with others, just like you are right now. Talk it out with others to understand what parts of your experience are rooted in fear and negative self talk, versus lack of information. DO NOT GIVE UP!
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Cecilia’s Answer
We've all had moments of self-doubt, and I still do sometimes. It's okay to feel this way—it's completely normal. Just keep trying your best and putting in your all. Always keep that in mind.