At first, it feels like a strength. You’re the one they count on. The one who finds the solutions, takes on the extra projects, smooths over problems.
Then, the weight of it starts to creep in:
~ You’re overwhelmed but don’t know how to say no without feeling like you’re letting people down.
~ You do more than what’s in your job description, yet feel invisible when it really counts.
~ You’re so busy fixing things for everyone else that your own progression has stalled.
~ The more capable you are, the more people expect of you. And the cycle continues.
It’s exhausting. It’s frustrating. And worst of all, it can feel like there’s no way out.
Because if you stop being the person everyone relies on… what happens next?
How to Stop Carrying the Weight of Everyone Else’s Expectations
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The way forward though, isn’t to work harder or take on more. It’s to shift how you operate within your role.
1. Re-Evaluate the Value You Bring
Your value isn’t in saying yes to everything. It’s in your ability to think, lead, and drive impact. If you’re too swamped with firefighting, you don’t have time to actually do what you do best.
Ask yourself: What work actually makes the difference? What am I taking on that someone else could (and should) handle?
2. Test the Boundaries (and See What Happens)
What would happen if you pushed back on a request? If you didn’t immediately step in to fix something? If you delegated instead of absorbing the task yourself?
Chances are, the world wouldn’t fall apart. And people would still respect you.
But you would have more space to focus on what really matters.
3. Start Leading Like the Next-Level Version of Yourself
If you already had the confidence, authority, and balance you’re working towards, how would you behave?
Would you take on everything that lands on your desk? Would you let small requests eat into your time? Would you keep over delivering in ways that no one even notices?
Or would you step back, set stronger boundaries, and trust that you get to decide how you lead?
It’s Time to Make a Change
If you’re tired of always being the one holding everything together, maybe it’s time to let go of that role.
Not to stop caring. Not to stop showing up.
But to start leading in a way that works for you, not just for everyone else.
And if that feels hard? That’s exactly where I can help. Book a free introduction call: https://calendly.com/karen-karenhaguecoaching/intro
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