In this episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, Sergeant Clint Walton looks back on the challenges of police academy training (Amazon Affiliate) and the self-doubt that makes so many recruits want to quit. Whether it’s the mental pressure, the physical demands, or the overwhelming feeling of not measuring up, many cadets struggle with thoughts like: 🚔 “Am I cut out for this?” 🚔 “I’m not as good as the others.” 🚔 “Maybe I should just quit before I fail.” Now, from a leadership position, Clint shares his insights on how to push through these tough moments, build resilience, and develop the mindset needed to complete the academy and thrive in law enforcement. This episode is for both recruits struggling with self-doubt and leaders looking to better support those under their guidance. 1. Why Self-Doubt in the Academy is So Common The academy is designed to push you to your limits. It’s supposed to be tough—but that doesn’t mean you’re not capable. Recruits compare themselves to others, focusing on weaknesses instead of progress. The fear of failure leads some to quit even when they have what it takes to succeed. Many recruits lack confidence in their abilities simply because they’ve never been tested at this level before. 2. Five Common Challenges That Cause Self-Doubt in the Academy (And How to Overcome Them) 1. Feeling Like You’re Not Keeping Up with Others Example: You struggle with PT while others excel, making you feel weak. Remedy: Focus on your personal progress, not others’ strengths. Everyone starts with different skill sets—your job is to improve daily, not be the best on Day 1. 2. Harsh Criticism from Instructors Example: You keep getting called out, and it feels personal. Remedy: Understand that criticism is part of the process. Instructors push you hard to prepare you for the job. Don’t take it personally—use it as fuel to improve. 3. Mental and Emotional Exhaustion Example: The stress of exams, defensive tactics, and long days makes you feel overwhelmed. Remedy: Break it down into one day at a time. Instead of focusing on how much is left, concentrate on just getting through today. Small wins build momentum. 4. Fear of Failure and Making Mistakes Example: You freeze up on a drill because you’re scared to mess up in front of others. Remedy: Mistakes are how you learn. Every officer in leadership has been there. Failing in the academy is part of the learning process—not a reason to quit. 5. Lack of Support or Feeling Alone in the Struggle Example: You think you’re the only one struggling while others seem confident. Remedy: Talk to your peers. You’ll find that almost everyone has doubts. Support each other, lean on your classmates, and build each other up. 3. Advice from a Sergeant: How to Push Through the Toughest Moments Understand that leaders have all been through this—self-doubt is part of the journey. Focus on why you started—you’re there for a reason, and you deserve to be. Learn how to mentally reset—if today was rough, tomorrow is a fresh start. Accept that discomfort is part of growth—this experience is preparing you for the real world. 4. For Leadership: How to Support Recruits Struggling with Self-Doubt Recognize the signs—pull recruits aside and encourage them when needed. Give feedback that builds confidence—push hard, but also acknowledge progress. Remind them why they’re there—sometimes, recruits just need a reminder that they belong. Lead by example—show them that every officer once felt the same doubts but pushed through. Encourage peer support—a strong team mentality can carry recruits through the hardest days. 5. Why This Matters: The academy is meant to challenge you, but it’s not designed to break you. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone—and if you push through, you’ll be a better officer because of it. Listen now to hear firsthand leadership advice on how to push through self-doubt and finish strong. 🎙️💪🚔

 

 

Secure your firearm with my buy one get one free affiliate code from STOPBOX http://stopboxusa.com/LEOWARRIORS

All viewpoints discussed in this episode are for entertainment purposes only and are simply our opinions based off of our own experience, background and education.

Want to be a guest on Tactical Living? Send Ashlie Walton a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1594754484675x841981803913560400

#policepodcast #policeofficer #leowarriors #thinbluelineusa #firstresponder #lawenforcementpodcast #LawEnforcement #LEOWarriors #policeacademy #rookiecop

 

⩥ PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL ⩤

https://geni.us/wAtlvPu

 

 

CLICK HERE for Amazon's Today's Deals on TACTICAL GEAR: https://geni.us/KmvaOVM (Affiliate Link)

(Ad) Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something by clicking on one of our links, we'll receive a small commission.

 

CLICK HERE to join our free Police, Fire, Military and Families Facebook Group: https://geni.us/YM5tsB

 

Check out our website and learn more about how you can work with LEO Warriors by going to: https://www.leowarriors.com/

 

Like what you hear? We are honored. Drop a review and subscribe to our show. 

 

The Tactical Living Podcast is owned by LEO Warriors, LLC. None of the content presented may be copied, repurposed or used without the owner’s prior consent.

 

For PR, speaking requests and other networking opportunities, contact LEO Warriors:

EMAIL: [email protected].

ADDRESS: P.O. Box 400115 Hesperia, Ca. 92340

ASHLIE’S FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/police.fire.lawenforcement

 

➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤

This episode is NOT sponsored.