The Problem with Being “The One They Can Count On”

People start treating your accountability like a service. They don’t check in—they just check what you’ve done. They don’t offer—they just expect. And the moment you ask for something back? They act like you’re ungrateful. Like strength means never needing support. Let me be clear: I’m not burnt out because I’m weak. I’m burnt out because I was taught to carry what should’ve been shared. ⸻ Creatives Feel This in a Different Way We’re not just solving problems—we’re making things out of nothing. We’re designing, performing, building, writing, dreaming and carrying personal pain, relationships, family pressure, and survival mode on top of it all. And yet somehow, we’re expected to: • Show up professionally. • Create consistently. • Serve emotionally. • And still look fine while doing it. ⸻ I’m Not a Superhero. I’m Just Accountable. I care. I try. I finish things even when no one’s watching. That’s not ego. That’s my foundation. But the cost of always being the one who gets it done is being the one who’s rarely checked on. So now I’m asking myself new questions: • What does consistency look like when you’re protecting your peace? • What does leadership feel like when you refuse to self-abandon? • What kind of legacy are you building if the work consumes you before it frees you? ⸻ The New Standard I still show up. But now, I protect my energy. I still lead. But now, I question where I’m leading myself. I still care deeply. But I will no longer carry what others casually hand me out of habit. I’m not your superhero. I’m my own structure now. And that’s more than enough.