Surrender, Trust, and Growing Your OT Online Business

Building a thriving online business as an occupational therapist (OT) is an exciting journey, yet it often comes with challenges. Many OTs venture into the online space to create freedom-based businesses, offering their unique expertise in ways that not only serve others but align with their passions and purpose. However, the path can sometimes feel overwhelming. Today, we’ll explore how trust and surrender can transform your journey as you grow your OT business.

Why Trust and Surrender Matter in Business Growth

When striving for change, it’s natural to feel both excitement and resistance. Resistance often arises when your current reality doesn’t align with your aspirations. It manifests as self-doubt, frustration, or even burnout, leaving you feeling stuck. As OTs, we’re skilled at helping others move forward, but navigating our own growth can feel like an uphill battle.

Rather than pushing against resistance, consider surrendering. Surrendering isn’t giving up; it’s about letting go of the need to control every outcome. It’s making peace with your current reality while staying open to possibilities. This mindset shift can unlock incredible opportunities for growth in your business.

How Resistance Shows Up and What to Do About It

Resistance often feels like:

• Tension in your body: Tightness in your chest or a sense of heaviness.
• Critical thoughts: Constant self-doubt, telling yourself you should be further along.

This resistance slows progress, creating friction. Yet, it’s often a signal that there’s something to learn or an area to grow. Instead of resisting, pause and take stock. As Wayne Dyer wisely said, “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”

Start by grounding yourself in the present moment. Observe your current reality without judgment. Ask yourself:

• Are my thoughts loving or critical?
• Am I focusing on gratitude for small wins?

These simple steps can help you align with the moment, creating space for clarity and forward momentum.

Trust as a Business Strategy

Trust isn’t passive—it’s an active choice. In building an online OT business, trust means believing that every step, even the difficult ones, is moving you closer to your goals. Trust allows you to focus on small, consistent actions rather than being paralysed by the bigger picture.

Here are some ways to practise trust:

1. Embrace the journey: Understand that success isn’t linear. Each challenge helps you develop the skills and resilience needed for the next stage.
2. Celebrate small wins: Gratitude for daily progress fosters confidence and keeps your motivation high.
3. Reconnect with your “why”: What is your deeper purpose? Why are you building this business? Aligning with your mission helps you stay focused and inspired.

Surrender: Going with the Flow

Imagine swimming upstream in a river. It’s exhausting, even for the strongest swimmer. Now, imagine turning around and letting the current carry you. That’s the essence of surrender—allowing yourself to move with the flow rather than fighting against it.

In business, surrender might look like:

• Accepting that growth takes time.
• Recognising that delays or detours often lead to valuable lessons.
• Letting go of rigid expectations and staying open to unexpected opportunities.

When you release the need to control every detail, you make space for creativity and innovation. Trusting the process doesn’t mean abandoning effort; it means focusing your energy on what you can control while allowing the rest to unfold.

The Role of Mindset in OT Business Success

As OTs, we understand the power of mindset in helping clients achieve their goals. That same principle applies to building your business. If you’re constantly worrying or doubting your abilities, it’s like trying to build on shaky ground. But when you cultivate trust, gratitude, and a growth mindset, you create a solid foundation for success.

Brené Brown reminds us, “You can’t get to courage without walking through vulnerability first.” Growth often requires stepping outside your comfort zone, but every step forward strengthens your confidence and capabilities.

Building Your Online OT Business with Purpose

Creating an online OT business isn’t just about hitting income goals (though those are exciting milestones!). It’s about aligning with your purpose and sharing your unique skills with the world. When you stay true to your mission, clients will feel your energy and be drawn to your services.

As Simon Sinek says, “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” When you’re connected to your “why,” your offers become more authentic and compelling. Whether you’re helping clients achieve independence or supporting fellow OTs in their growth, your purpose fuels your business.

Ready to Transform Your OT Business?

If you’re an OT dreaming of a freedom-based online business, know that anything is possible. With the right mindset, strategy, and support, you can design, launch, and scale a business that inspires you and serves others.

Remember: trust, surrender, and consistent action are your greatest tools. Embrace the journey, celebrate every step, and know that your dreams are within reach.

Looking for personalised guidance? I specialise in helping OTs create thriving online businesses. Contact me Here, and let’s design your version of freedom together.