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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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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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Kim’s Answer

You may not be good at taking exams or writing essays but in the real world, which is different, you may excel. Trust and confidence comes from doing and taking action. Words matter, if you tell yourself you are not good enough, you will internalize it and not be good enough. Believe it until you achieve it. Break your overall goal into smaller acievable steps. Hard work pays off.
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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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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!
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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!
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