Inch wide and mile deep

If you're an Australian based OT I am sure you've read a few emails like this - there’s been a lot of noise lately with the NDIS - changes, uncertainty, increased admin and it's impacting us all.

But for me, the bigger issue hasn’t just been the system. It’s the feeling of being undervalued as an OT. Of seeing the important parts of our role reduced to paperwork and line items. And falling into the trap of thinking that if I just do more, and more, write more reports, stretch our hours further - have more outcomes - it’ll all feel better.

That strategy - has not worked.

I know what cognitive overload is. I see it in my clients all the time. But even with that knowledge, I kept pushing myself - prioritising clinical work because it felt easier than the bigger development tasks, avoiding the discomfort of change because my head was already full.

The balance slipped. I was doing “the work,” but not the work that helps me grow, lead, or sustain myself long-term.

Eventually, I asked for help. I needed someone external to look at what I was doing, ask the right questions, and help me reset.

And something shifted.

I was reminded of the thoroughness in how I work. The structure. The evidence base. The care that goes into what I do, even when it feels unseen.
Taking a step back from the politics and pressure gave me a clearer view of my why and it’s this:

We need more education, not just more output.
We need to help others understand what good OT looks like, and why it matters.

That’s where I’m choosing to put my energy now. I know there are others like me, who either need that external eye, or what the more.

You'll start to hear from me again, because talking about functional cognition is what fills up my cup.

And if you're in a similiar position maybe the answer isn’t more doing. Maybe it’s coming back to the core of why you started.

Or maybe it's time for a 1:1 with me!

– Imogen