You Will Make Mistakes—And That’s Okay!

Hey new grads! Welcome back to “The New Grad Papers,” where we tackle real-world challenges to help you thrive in your physical therapy career. Today’s topic? Mistakes. Spoiler alert: you’re going to make them—and that’s perfectly okay!

Redefining "Mistakes"

Before we dive in, let’s start with a mindset shift. What if we stopped calling them “mistakes” and started calling them "learning experiences"? This subtle change can help you grow as a therapist and as a person. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, focus on what you can take away from the situation. This reframe alone will set you up for long-term success in outpatient orthopedics.

Why Mistakes Are Inevitable

You’ve just graduated, passed the board exam, and are ready to conquer the world. You’re full of knowledge, enthusiasm, and confidence. That’s amazing! But here’s the truth: no matter how prepared you feel, you’ll make mistakes. Everyone does—from new grads to seasoned professionals, even the CEO of your company.

The key is to anticipate these moments and approach them with grace and resilience. Making mistakes isn’t a sign of incompetence; it’s a natural part of learning and growing in your career.

My Experience With Mistakes

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve driven home from work thinking, “Well, today wasn’t my best day.” Maybe I forgot to finish a note, didn’t get the patient outcome I’d hoped for, or witnessed a patient fall despite being under close supervision. These moments can feel overwhelming, but they’re also opportunities to reflect and improve.

I’ve mentored countless students and new grads through similar situations. The ones who succeed in the long run are those who give themselves permission to make mistakes and use them as stepping stones to better outcomes.

How to Handle Mistakes

When (not if) mistakes happen, here’s what to do:

1. Pause and Reflect: Take a moment to acknowledge what happened. Avoid spiraling into self-criticism.

2. Give Yourself Grace: Remember, everyone makes mistakes. Even the most experienced professionals have off days.

3. Learn From It: Reflect on what went wrong and why. What can you do differently next time?

4. Move On: Don’t let one mistake snowball into a bad day or week. Each patient is a fresh start.

The Ripple Effect of Grace

When you embrace your mistakes and show yourself compassion, it benefits not just you but also your patients. Imagine the trust and respect you’ll build when a patient sees you owning a misstep and working to improve. This humility and dedication can turn a potential negative into a powerful positive.

A Quick Recap

• Mistakes are inevitable. Everyone makes them, from new grads to CEOs.

• Reframe them as learning experiences. This mindset will empower you to grow.

• Give yourself grace. Self-compassion is key to bouncing back stronger.

• Learn and move forward. Each day is a new opportunity to improve.

So, as you navigate the early stages of your PT career, remember: mistakes aren’t the end of the world—they’re the beginning of growth. You’ve got this!