The feeling of not quite fitting in, of searching for a space where one truly belongs, is a universal human experience. For many, this sense of displacement can be particularly acute during formative years, impacting self-worth and the pursuit of passions. Actor Mitch Robles, nominated for Best New Actor at the 2026 Goya Awards for his role in Romería, recently shared his own experience with this feeling, confessing he often felt there wasn’t a place for him within the industry. His story resonates with a broader experience of navigating self-doubt and the search for acceptance, particularly among creative individuals.
Robles, 22, described to Spanish media a persistent sense of being an outsider, stating, “I’ve always lived with the feeling that there wasn’t room for me,” as he expressed his gratitude for the recognition from the Spanish film industry. This sentiment isn’t unique; many individuals grapple with what’s often called “impostor syndrome,” a psychological pattern where one doubts their accomplishments and fears being exposed as a fraud, even in the face of evident success. The experience of feeling out of place can be particularly challenging for those pursuing careers in the arts, where subjective judgment and competition are inherent.
But what happens when someone accustomed to feeling like an outsider suddenly finds themselves receiving applause and accolades? Psychologist and coach Rocío Estébanez, founder of the podcast Bravísima, explains that the sensation of not belonging is often rooted in identity formation and self-perception within one’s environment. “From a psychological point of view, human beings need to feel they belong to a group, to a community, in order to feel accepted and recognized,” Estébanez said. “When that feeling doesn’t consolidate, whether because you feel different, misunderstood, or outside the norms of a group or society, a persistent feeling of discomfort and misalignment can appear.”
Robles’s dual path – a career in music alongside his burgeoning acting career – may amplify this sense of existing “between worlds.” Estébanez notes that personal history plays a crucial role. “Past experiences influence this,” she explains. “People who grew up feeling they had to adapt too much, whose emotions weren’t well received, or who didn’t fit family or social expectations, can develop the internal idea that their way of being doesn’t have a place. Over time, this impacts self-esteem, as the person not only feels they don’t fit but begins to question if something is wrong with them.”
Even as the industry celebrates his work, a part of Robles may still be processing this shift. Estébanez points out that this feeling doesn’t always manifest as visible isolation. “At an emotional level, this sensation can manifest as psychological loneliness, even when the person is surrounded by others. It doesn’t necessarily imply total isolation, but the perception that no one fully understands who you really are. They may lead a normal life, but internally feel that nothing quite fits.” For someone like Robles, accustomed to performing on stage or in front of a camera, this internal conflict might present as subtle self-doubt, a tendency toward self-criticism, or a need to observe before fully trusting.
The Creative Sensitivity Factor
Estébanez adds a nuance particularly relevant to creative individuals: “In some cases, these experiences can also be related to high sensitivity or a very creative identity, because those who perceive the world intensely or differently often need more specific environments to be understood.” Robles’s background in music, starting with an early introduction to Elvis Presley by his father and later exploring punk and glam rock, underscores this creative sensibility. He currently fronts the band Glam Rock, continuing to perform and write music alongside his acting commitments, stating his ambition is “to fill a stadium with 20,000 people like The Clash,” according to Vanity Fair Spain.
Strategies for Finding Your Place
If you’ve ever felt like Robles, or recognize this feeling in someone you know, You’ll see strategies for managing these emotions. Estébanez suggests revisiting one’s personal narrative – understanding that feeling out of place is common, especially during adolescence when identity is being formed. “Many people internalize the idea that they ‘don’t fit’ when, in reality, they’ve been in environments that don’t reflect who they are. Therapy can explore where that belief comes from and whether it’s still valid.”
Strengthening one’s sense of self is also essential. “When a person has more clarity about their values, their way of relating to others, and their sensitivity, they stop constantly measuring their worth based on adapting to others,” Estébanez explains. Finally, seeking out environments that are more aligned with one’s authentic self can be transformative. “Sometimes the problem isn’t the person, but the place where they’re trying to fit. When someone finds spaces – social, professional, or creative – that recognize their way of being, that feeling of being out of place often diminishes naturally.”
Perhaps that’s what Robles is experiencing now: discovering that there is a place for him. Not because he’s changed who he is, but because the environment is beginning to recognize him in a new arena. As Estébanez concludes, “The goal isn’t to learn to fit in at all costs, but to find or build places where one can exist authentically.”
Robles’s nomination at the Goya Awards, and the critical acclaim surrounding Romería, signals a potential turning point in his career. The 40th edition of the Goya Awards is expected to be a significant event for Spanish cinema, and Robles’s performance has garnered attention for its emotional depth and authenticity, as reported by Okdiario. The awards ceremony, scheduled for March 8, 2026, will be a key moment for Robles and the film, potentially opening doors to further opportunities and solidifying his place within the industry.
What comes next for Robles remains to be seen, but his story offers a powerful reminder that finding belonging is often a journey of self-discovery and finding environments that celebrate individuality.
What are your experiences with feeling like you don’t fit in? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
){kind=link}